The former striker, now a TalkSPORT presenter, has given the latest update on his health

TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has spoken candidly about the life-saving surgery he underwent, disclosing that he received a liver transplant. The 66-year-old has now returned to the breakfast programme briefly this week, where he disclosed that his heart stopped beating while he was on the operating table.

Brazil had been away from his regular role hosting the show on talkSPORT for several months due to continuing health concerns. The severity of the situation remained unclear until last month.

Speaking on the breakfast programme, the former Ipswich Town, Tottenham and Manchester United forward said: “The problem is that at night I can’t sleep. I don’t want to go too much into it, but I’ve still got a problem with fluids.

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“On the Wednesday morning I worked on talkSPORT, I’d been having ongoing trials, so many specialists, I decided I needed a transplant. I didn’t want to do it but my kids and Jill [wife] said you’ve got to do it, you have to do it, you are doing it.

“Amazingly on the Wednesday I was doing radio, I’d gone through loads of appointments, loads of serious questions and questions that you wouldn’t talk to anyone but your family about. Anyway, they decided, “we’ll have a go at this or else you’re in trouble.

“On the Wednesday, I finished at quarter to 10, I got a shout at 10, you’ve got to phone Addenbrooke’s Hospital, I did at 10, they said “they’ve got something for you, get here right now.

“I jumped in a cab, went down to Cambridge, and at 2.30 that afternoon I was on the slab. Bang, they opened me up and performed [surgery] for something like eight hours. They transplanted my liver. I had a tiny liver by all accounts and they transplanted it. My heart did stop for a bit, it came back on its own.

“I’ll be very frank, I’m very, very lucky. Doctor Gibbs was magnificent. He explained as they were wheeling me into the theatre the dangers and what could happen and that I might not come out of this. But he said, “you’re strong, you’ll be alright.” I swear I thought my days were numbered, honestly.

“But anyway, this guy has been a legend. I had more than four weeks [in total]. I had a week in intensive care then they moved me to the ward. The staff, there’s one nurse to 13 beds, that’s how bad it is, I was having tests, I was in a cupboard, there was nowhere to put me. The aisles were full of beds and machines. They stuck me near a printer and all that and said ‘deal with that for 20 minutes’.

“I’ve got the staff at Addenbrooke to thank. I had another four weeks in there, got myself out. I feel really good but I can’t sleep and I have a problem with fluid. The fluid keeps coming back. They’re not worried but saying, “look, it’s early days, it’s five-and-a-half weeks since we opened you up. We’ll get to the bottom of it.

“I’m taking loads of meds and appointments at Ipswich and Cambridge Hospitals. I’ve just got to be a good boy, rest up, and go and see these people. Hopefully I’ll get back to 100 per cent. From where I was before, the last five or six years, I never realised how bad I was. I feel totally different now. I’m incredibly lucky.”

He added: “I’m still here! Gradually, every day, improving.

“I’m looking forward to getting back. It’s going to be a few more weeks, hopefully two or three and then I’m getting back. There’s going to be loads of sport on, which is really getting me going.

“It’s been a funny few months, it really has, but there’s a lot of rubbish going on at the moment [elsewhere], there’s heartbreak and Kenny [Dalglish], Kevin Keegan, John Barnes (all confirmed that they have or have had cancer), every day you read something different.”

It’s our age I’m afraid. I cocked it and thank God, luckily, the guys at Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life.

“I’m on the mend I’m still not there, getting there guys. Gabby [Agbonlahor] is still talking tosh so I can still do this.

“Gabby (Agbonlahor), lovely to see you mate, and Ally [McCoist], I’m excited to get back to you with Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts.

“So much sport has been going on and it’s really kept me going to be honest. It’s been magic and there’s still loads to come with the World Cup, so bingo! I’m alive and kicking, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Taking to social media last month, Brazil said: “As you can see, I’m beginning to improve rapidly, which is great news. I was nearly gone, I don’t mind telling you. But listen, it’s a miracle now what’s happened with the NHS, I can’t thank the people at Cambridge enough, they’ve saved my life basically.

“But, I’m on the mend, you bet, I’m missing radio. I will be back.

He added: “It won’t be long now, a few weeks, Brazil is back, Thank you for all the messages, I really appreciate it and I’m a lucky boy.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Fans will be able to buy water in the stadium and Fifa has promised not to charge above their usual venue prices.

The U-turn follows warnings by scientists that Fifa’s heat safety measures for the tournament are “inadequate”, with temperatures at 14 of the 16 host venues set to exceed dangerous levels.

“Fifa works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint,” Fifa’s statement said.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the Fifa World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

The change in policy comes amid complaints that fans are being hit by “extortionate” ticket prices and inflated train fares.

Fans were also prevented from taking bottles into stadiums at the last World Cup in Qatar.

The Free Lions England fans’ group called the move a “strange, late change”.

In a statement posted on X, it added: “In all of our discussions, free water availability in stadiums was a key one and we were assured by Fifa that this would be the case and that fans will have the ability to bring their own water bottle.

“Naturally, the immediate thought from supporters is this is just the latest money-grab. For how hot the stadiums will be, many in open air, just let fans bring a bottle if they want to.

“We hope the water fountains in stadiums will still be free, hopefully you aren’t charged in the queue!”

New Vikings General Manager Nolan Teasley was asked at his introductory press conference Wednesday about his impressions of Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy and his plans for managing the critical QB position.

In a diplomatic answer typical of his general tone, Teasley said, “In terms of managing it, we’re going to rely on the coaching staff. I think the goal from the offseason was to build a deep and competitive quarterback room, and I think that was executed.”

Jeff Diamond Sizes Up Minnesota’s New Power Structure

Nothing more on whether he believes Murray or McCarthy can become a franchise QB capable of winning a Super Bowl in Minnesota while playing at the level expected of top 10 picks, which both of them were (with Murray the No. 1 overall pick in 2019).

Despite the general feeling expressed by national and local media that Murray will be the opening-day and season-long starter barring injury, Teasley wisely isn’t tipping his hand publicly about how he expects the QB competition to play out. And O’Connell will continue to say it’s an “open competition” until he names a starter midway through training camp.

As a 14-year Seattle front office veteran in the scouting/personnel departments and the Seahawks’ assistant GM in recent years, Teasley knows how injuries and possible subpar play can quickly change the dynamic of who is running the offense.

He saw Murray twice a year when the Seahawks played the Cardinals in the NFC West and is well aware of Murray’s positive NFL history as the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler (2020 and 2021), with an impressive 67.1% career completion rate and a solid 92.2 passer rating.

He also sees Murray’s 38-49-1 career record as the Arizona starter, which includes only one playoff game (a wild-card loss to the Rams in the 2021 season). And there’s Murray’s injury history: 12 games missed last season with a foot injury, and a torn ACL in 2022 that cost him the last six games that season and the first nine games in 2023. His smaller stature and willingness to run with his great quickness and speed are factors in his lack of durability, but he also did not have as good a supporting cast on offense with the Cardinals as he will with the Vikings (starting with O’Connell and Justin Jefferson). 

Teasley also scouted McCarthy before the 2024 draft and watched his performance in his 10 starts last season. While the national media regularly proclaims McCarthy as a lousy quarterback in 2025, the reality — which Teasley understands — is J.J. has only 10 career starts with a 6-4 record, and while his overall passer rating was a dismal 72.6 with a lackluster 57.6 % completion rate, he won his last four starts with his passer rating and completion percentage much improved at 100.4 and 64%.

But McCarthy also left the last two games with a hand injury and has a significant injury history for a young player, with a knee injury that knocked him out for his entire rookie season and a sprained ankle and a concussion costing him seven games last year.

Teasley saw the rise of Russell Wilson to a Super Bowl and Pro Bowl QB in Seattle and then his trade by GM John Schneider to Denver when Wilson’s skills began to decline, followed by Geno Smith taking over for several seasons and then getting traded to the Raiders as Sam Darnold supplanted him in a Super Bowl season.

So Teasley knows it’s often a fluid situation with the No. 1 QB role. Teasley made it clear that Kevin O’Connell will decide who starts at all positions, but Teasley will certainly take on equal weight with O’Connell as the drivers on if Murray is signed in 2027 to a lucrative deal or if McCarthy is ready to ascend to the top spot next year as he enters his fourth season or if the Vikings seek a new QB from a reputedly excellent 2027 QB draft class.       

In my years as a team exec with the Vikings and Titans, I was fortunate that there were only a handful of seasons when we didn’t have an obvious starting QB — from Fran Tarkenton and then Tommy Kramer at the Vikings early in my career to Steve McNair in my final years with the Titans (and both Tarkenton and McNair earning league MVPs at one time).

As the team works through OTAs and next week’s minicamp, we can expect Murray and McCarthy to continue sharing first-team reps, with Murray likely taking the first rep. 

As Teasley and O’Connell know well, it’s fine to think Murray is the likely September 13 starter against the Packers, but they aren’t presuming he’ll start all 17 regular-season games plus any possible playoffs. I believe — and I’ll bet Teasley and O’Connell agree — given both Murray and McCarthy’s injury histories, it’s more likely each of them will be counted on as the starter for a playoff-worthy team at various points in the upcoming season.

Around the NFL: Observations in a wild week of blockbuster trades

1. Myles Garrett to the Rams — yikes! The Rams have to be considered the Super Bowl favorite after trading for last season’s Defensive Player of the Year and sack leader (with an NFL-record 23 sacks). It was an expensive proposition for L.A. to send the Browns young Pro Bowl edge/DE Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-rounder, and a 2029 third-rounder for the 30-year-old Garrett.

I think it’s a win-win for both teams, depending on whether Garrett can continue to play at an elite level for three more years and how well Verse plays, along with the quality of players the Browns get out of the three draft picks (that will likely be at the end of the rounds, with the Rams expected to be a final four team each year).

2. A.J. Brown to the Patriots: It was obvious Brown had worn out his welcome after four 1,000-plus-yard receiving seasons in Philly. The Eagles will miss his production unless first-round rookie Makai Lemon develops quickly. But it was well done by Eagles GM Howie Roseman to get a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder when it was obvious Brown was going to be traded.

The defending AFC champion Patriots are acquiring a No. 1 receiver for QB Drake Maye in the soon-to-turn-29-year-old Brown, who reunites with Pats coach Mike Vrabel (Brown’s head coach in his early years in Tennessee). If Brown is focused and plays well, I give New England a slight edge in the deal.

Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond

Manchester United are reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to keep a player whose contract was set to expire this summer

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal that will see Tom Heaton remain at the club for another season. United will be busy preparing for the start of next season, which will see them build their squad for their return to the Champions League.

Heaton was signed by United in the summer of 2021, and while he has only made three appearances for the club he has been a key figure in the dressing room with his experience.

The goalkeeper’s contract at United was set to expire this summer, it seemed a genuine possibility that the 40-year-old would be leaving Old Trafford when the deal comes to an end.

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However, The Sun have reported that Heaton is expected to sign a new contract to remain at United, with the deal said to last for another 12 months.

Heaton signed a one-year extension to remain a United player last summer, too, and it seems that the shot-stopper could be doing the same again this time around.

One player who will be leaving United this summer is Casemiro, whose deal at Old Trafford is also set to come to an end, but is not expected to sign an extension.

The Brazilian has previously emphasised the importance that Heaton has in the squad, and why his presence is so valuable.

“He [Heaton] is very important. Very important for us,” Casemiro said on Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

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“He pushes the training, he pushes in the game, of course, he doesn’t play, but he pushes every time. For me, everyone needs this guy; he helps the room so much.”

United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window with plans already in place to add new players to their squad.

A deal has already been agreed to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with a £38.8million package that includes a £35million initial fee plus £3.8million in add-ons.

United are also continuing to be linked with signing another midfielder this summer, with West Ham star Mateus Fernandes a target.

It remains to be seen what other business United will look to conduct this summer, with Michael Carrick preparing for his first season as the club’s permanent manager.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

In his first season at Chelsea, Liam Delap scored just one Premier League goal – two in 41 appearances in all competitions – and ended the campaign on a 26-game goal drought.

A year ago, when the striker arrived at Stamford Bridge, he spoke about his ambition to make England’s World Cup squad this summer. Clearly, it’s not gone to plan.

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There are mitigating circumstances for the England Under-21 international, who had injuries and spent a lot of time on the bench, but his goal tally remains surprising given he scored 12 for an Ipswich Town side that was relegated the season before.

Chelsea won the race and triggered Delap’s £30m release clause, despite strong interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton last May.

So what next? Delap remains committed and wants at least another season to prove his doubters wrong.

The 23-year-old’s commitment is reflected in his decision to buy a house locally, while his coaches – Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and most recently Calum McFarlane – have all highlighted his work-rate behind the scenes.

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Delap’s biggest issue has been Joao Pedro, who also arrived last summer in a £55m move from Brighton and was arguably the standout forward among those signed by major English clubs, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle also strengthening in that area.

Unlike Delap, Pedro is currently part of a group of ‘untouchable’ players at Stamford Bridge, alongside Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo.

This does not mean Chelsea are actively looking to sell Delap but his relatively low transfer fee would make him easier to move on. The club’s failure to qualify for European competition also means fewer matches, making it harder to carry a large squad.

Nicolas Jackson is also due to finish his loan spell at Bayern Munich and, with his previously frosty relationship with former manager Maresca no longer an issue, could return to the Blues despite interest from Premier League and overseas clubs.

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Similarly, striker Emmanuel Emegha agreed to join Chelsea on a permanent basis from partner club Strasbourg last summer, with the expectation he will integrate into the squad in 2026.

It is likely to be a complex situation, with the input of new manager Xabi Alonso set to be key when he takes charge on 1 July.

Where has it gone wrong for Delap?

Those close to Delap accept he has not met expectations albeit under difficult circumstances.

Delap scored for Chelsea in the Club World Cup, which technically counted as a goal last season, and he later highlighted his intention to push for England’s World Cup squad over the course of his next season.

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Back then, it seemed a challenging but realistic target.

Coming into this season, Delap played well in his first start during a 5-1 win away at West Ham but then tore his hamstring while sprinting for a ball in his third league appearance against Fulham.

Delap was out for more than two months and the severity of the injury forced Chelsea to initially consider recalling Jackson from Bayern before opting to bring Marc Guiu back from Sunderland instead on deadline day.

Either side of goals against Barcelona and Fulham, Delap suffered a dislocated shoulder in a match against Bournemouth, just a month after returning from his hamstring injury.

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It is understood the injury limited his ability to play in his usual style, which in turn affected his form.

Maresca, his former youth coach at Manchester City, had been keen to use him in rotation with and also alongside Pedro, who can play in multiple positions.

However, the Italian’s decision to leave the club on New Year’s Day was disruptive in several ways, including to Delap’s form, as new manager Liam Rosenior made Pedro his first-choice number nine with some success.

Pedro went on to score 20 goals in all competitions while Delap made just three league starts in the final four months of the season and completed 90 minutes only three times.

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Delap will hope for a chance to prove his critics wrong, with many also pointing out his seven yellow cards far exceeded his goal tally.

Delap not the only one struggling

Liam Delap ended the Premier League season with one goal from an expected goals of 4.86 which means it is the second biggest underperformance in scoring goals in relation to the quality of chances received.

Winger Alejandro Garnacho also scored just once in the Premier League after joining from Manchester United for £40m.

Star forward Cole Palmer ended a 14-game goal drought for club and country on the final day of the season, while Pedro Neto contributed with assists but failed to score in his final 20 Premier League appearances of the campaign.

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Meanwhile, £48.5m signing Jamie Gittens, who joined from Borussia Dortmund, also scored only once in all competitions in an injury-hit season.

There is uncertainty surrounding the future of large swathes of the squad.

In addition, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have both publicly criticised the club, which will not play European football next season, and been linked with moves away from west London.

Fernandez is valued at £120m and is exploring his options to leave, while Atletico Madrid have shown interest in Cucurella, who has two years left on his deal, but Chelsea’s stance remains unclear.

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Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen wants to leave to become a starting goalkeeper. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo also face uncertain futures, with only two years remaining on their contracts, while Benoit Badiashile struggled to make matchday squads towards the end of the season and could depart.

There is a desire to add experience to what was again the youngest squad in the Premier League after a disappointing campaign in which Chelsea finished 10th and without a trophy.

There is also pressure to sell well to help Chelsea buy, with Uefa’s settlement agreement still in place and limiting acceptable losses.

The picture is uncertain for several individual players – and much will depend on newly-appointed manager Alonso and whether suitable offers arrive.