Florian Wirtz would reportedly prefer to work with Xabi Alonso at Liverpool next season. A German source claims Wirtz has indicated his preference to teammates. It is claimed that Alonso’s staff are seriously exploring a potential move to Liverpool.
Jay Clarke is the clear favourite against Gabriel Ghetu in the Bucharest Open ATP 250 qualifying first round. Clarke is backed by his No. 179 ATP ranking and greater experience against Ghetu’s No. 715 position. No prior head-to-head exists.
Scott Brown has stood down as Ayr United manager “by mutual consent”. The Scottish Championship club announced the departure, which also includes assistant Steven Whittaker. The exit comes after a run of nine games without a victory.
Jurij Rodionov, ranked higher at No. 177, is set to face George Loffhagen in the Bucharest Open qualifying first round. Rodionov has momentum from recent indoor hard Challenger success. The match will be on outdoor clay, with traders eyeing adaptation to Bucharest’s slower clay conditions.
Nikoloz Basilashvili, ranked No. 134, is set to face No. 266 Daniel Michalski in the first-round qualifying match at the ATP 250 Bucharest Open on outdoor clay. Basilashvili has a ranking and experience advantage. Traders favour Basilashvili’s baseline power and ATP pedigree.
Florida’s attorney general, James Uthmeier, is challenging the NFL’s Rooney Rule, calling for its suspension or facing potential civil rights action. Uthmeier argues that the rule, which mandates teams to interview external minority candidates for specific positions, constitutes ‘blatant race and sex discrimination’. The NFL has acknowledged the letter and is reviewing its contents.
New Zealand defeated Chile in a friendly match, with Elijah Just scoring a goal that was awarded following a VAR review. Marko Stamenic won a free kick for New Zealand in the attacking half. Ben Old was shown a yellow card.
France defeated Colombia 3-1 in a friendly match. Jhon Córdoba had a shot saved by Brice Samba. Kylian Mbappé was caught offside during the game.
Rio Ferdinand has stated that Elliot Anderson ‘ticks Manchester United’s boxes’ as they search for a new midfielder. Anderson, currently at Nottingham Forest, has also earned six caps for England. It has been reported that Forest want to bank around £80million should they sell Anderson.
Jannik Sinner has closed the gap on Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings after the Miami Open. Alexander Zverev has overtaken Novak Djokovic in the rankings. Jiri Lehecka is set for a new career-high ranking.
