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Sunderland agree £25.6m fee for defender Methalie
Sunderland have agreed a £25.6m deal to sign Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie, subject to a medical. The move would bolster their defensive options before the new Premier League season and as the club prepares for European football for the first time in 53 years. The fee comprises £23.9m upfront plus up to £1.7m in add-ons.…
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Aston Villa target Zion Suzuki as Martínez exit nears
Aston Villa are moving to sign Japan and Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki as they prepare for the likely departure of Emiliano Martínez, with Juventus having revived interest in the Argentinian after Villa previously rejected a bid. Martínez, 33, is open to leaving after six years at Villa Park and is contracted until 2029, while Suzuki…
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Five college football teams ranked outside the preseason top-10 that went on to win it all
Five college football teams have won national championships despite beginning the season outside the AP preseason top 10, illustrating the limits of early rankings. The examples show that teams can rapidly exceed expectations through strong coaching, experienced players and successful in-season development. – Colorado: ranked No. 20 in the 1990 preseason poll; won the national…
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Mayor faces Covid-loan fraud claims as stolen Picasso resurfaces
Lawrence, Massachusetts, Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested on 14 August 2026 and charged in federal court with wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that he obtained more than $1.5 million in Covid-era Small Business Administration disaster loans for Tenares Tire Services, his tyre and automotive business, then diverted funds to purposes not permitted by…
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Fernandez booed by Chelsea fans as Alonso offers glimpse of blueprint
Enzo Fernandez was booed by some Chelsea supporters during a 3-1 pre-season win over Real Sociedad, reflecting continuing frustration over his reported desire to leave the club. Manager Xabi Alonso nevertheless showed support by allowing Fernandez to take the captain’s armband, while the match offered an early indication of Chelsea’s likely tactical approach for the…
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With its nuclear weapons, endless riches and vast population, the Mecca Union is attracting nervous glances. But this scary, muscled-up defence pact might be the best chance for peace in the Middle East…
A new trilateral defence pact known as the Mecca Union, signed this month by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, has emerged as a significant new power bloc amid instability following the joint US-Israeli war on Iran launched in February. The agreement is being framed as a response to Iranian retaliation against neighbouring states and its…
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Newcastle change shirts during first half of friendly
Newcastle United changed from their home shirt to their lilac third kit during the first half of a pre-season friendly against Bayer Leverkusen after an apparent colour clash. The switch was intended to make the sides easier to distinguish, particularly for spectators, highlighting an unexpected kit issue at St James’ Park. Newcastle began in their…
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Ruthless Clayton wins New Zealand title
Jonny Clayton won the New Zealand Darts Masters for the first time, beating fellow Welshman Gerwyn Price 8-4 in Auckland. The result gives Clayton his second World Series title and reverses the outcome of the pair’s 2022 New Zealand final, underlining his strong form against a high-quality field. Clayton reached the final by defeating top…
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Mary McAleese reveals what Queen Elizabeth really thought of GAA – and one Gaelic sport in particular – as she explains in great detail the MANY reasons why the late monarch ‘abhorred’ hardline unionist Ian Paisley
Former Irish president Mary McAleese has said Queen Elizabeth II “abhorred” hardline unionist Ian Paisley and had “no time for him whatsoever”, in remarks made on The Ireland Podcast. McAleese, who was president from 1997 to 2011 and hosted the Queen’s historic 2011 State visit to Ireland, said the comments arose while discussing the late…