As Arsenal also discuss a move for wonderkid Jeremy Monga, amid interest in Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bradley Barcola, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Christos Tzolis, Tottenham want to sign Guimaraes’ team-mate Sandro Tonali for around £85m, and are said to have had a second bid rejected, but could first sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for around the same figure. Chelsea have booked a medical for Marco Palestra and hope to sign Maxence Lacroix for a combined £100m.

It looks as though we’ve let it slip through our fingers, again.

It feIt feels like a horror movie we’ve all seen far too many times before.

The same old script. The same sinking feeling. The same ending that we were all desperate not to relive.

With the World Cup expanded this year to 48 teams, this felt like a golden opportunity to finally reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time ever. Instead, it looks as though we’ve let it slip through our fingers, again.

We all celebrated long into the night after the 1-0 win over Haiti – but, in hindsight, that performance probably wasn’t enough.

Goal difference was always likely to be crucial if Scotland were going to progress on three points, and we needed a far more convincing display against the Caribbean outfit, whose only World Cup appearance before this summer came back in 1974.

The first half against Morocco wasn’t good enough either – and we failed to turn up again against Brazil, albeit in punishing conditions in the heat at the Hard Rock Stadium.

If this is the end of our World Cup adventure, it will be a particularly painful exit – knocked out on goal difference alone.

Once again, we’ll be left reflecting on the fine margins that went against us. Scott McTominay’s effort that struck the post in the opener. John McGinn’s penalty claim waved away in the following match.

Had just one of those moments fallen in our favour, who knows what might have been.

The harsh reality is that we simply didn’t perform well enough across the three matches – and our supporters deserved more.

The Tartan Army, as ever, have been magnificent throughout their time in the United States.

From the friendships forged in Boston to the parties shared with Colombians, Brazilians and locals in Miami – they have been the tournament’s best ambassadors.

Even after Wednesday’s agonising 3-0 defeat – a result that may well have ended Scotland’s campaign – supporters were still picking up bin bags and clearing rubbish from the fan zone before making their way home.

We now face an anxious wait to see whether other results can offer a lifeline – but if this is where the journey ends, the Tartan Army can hold their heads high. Their reputation as the best supporters in the world remains intact and firmly cemented for another four years, at least.

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He will appear in court on Friday

Police have charged a 14-year-old boy with murder after the body of a missing girl was found near a park in Blaenau Gwent. The discovery was made after a huge search operation was carried out to find missing 14-year-old girl Lilly Jones.

The body, believed to be Lilly, was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina shortly after 10pm on Monday. Police said that though no formal identification has taken place, Lilly’s family have been informed and are being supported.

On Tuesday a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now been charged and is in police custody. He will appear before Newport Magistrates Court on Friday, June 26.

Cordons remain in place across Blaina, including in Duffryn Park. Police say to expect an ongoing police presence as their investigation work continues.

A police spokesperson said: “Gwent Police has charged a 14-year-old boy with murder as part of our investigation in Blaenau Gwent.

“The teenager from the Blaenau Gwent area, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in police custody to appear before Newport Magistrates Court on Friday 26 June.

“The white British boy was arrested after the body of a female was found in the Duffryn Park area of Blaina on Monday 22 June, at about 10.10pm.

“While formal identification has yet to take place, the body is believed to be Lilly, a 14-year-old girl who was reported as missing.

“We are releasing Lilly’s name at this point, with her family’s knowledge, because it will form part of the court proceedings and be a matter of public record.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Thomas said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Lilly at this difficult time.

“We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this ongoing investigation.

“It is vital that people consider how their language, especially comments made online, could affect our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.

“Even though we’ve reached this significant development in our investigation, our enquiries continue and you will still see a significant police presence in the area.

“Examinations of scenes will be continuing over the coming days, including at Duffryn Park, where cordons remain in place.

“I would like to thank local residents for their continued support and those impacted by the cordons for their patience during this time.”

Brymawr Foundation School described 14-year-old Lilly Jones as someone who was known for “kindness, warmth, and bubbly personality”.

In a tribute to Lilly shared with WalesOnline the head teacher of Brynmawr Foundation School, where Lilly was a pupil, said her loss will be felt “profoundly” by all those who knew her. She was described as a “valued member of the school community”.

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An Old Trafford legend has given the green light for Marcus Rashford to leave for one of Manchester United’s fiercest rivals

A Manchester United icon has suggested Marcus Rashford could move to arch-rivals Liverpool – while acknowledging it would represent the “ultimate betrayal”. The 28-year-old is expected back at Old Trafford this summer after an impressive season-long loan at Barcelona, where he claimed a La Liga title while contributing 14 goals and 14 assists.

The winger had hoped to complete a permanent transfer, but the Catalan club chose to spend £70 million on his England colleague Anthony Gordon instead. This places Rashford in an uncomfortable situation as he prepares to return to Manchester after the World Cup.

The England forward lost his place during Ruben Amorim’s tenure at United, ultimately acknowledging he was “ready for a new challenge” elsewhere. Rashford was then included in Amorim’s notorious “bomb squad” – a group of five players the Portuguese manager was keen to offload – leading to temporary moves to Aston Villa and Barcelona.

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Recent speculation has linked Tottenham Hotspur with an approach for Rashford as Roberto de Zerbi pursues an ambitious overhaul in north London. However, United icon Teddy Sheringham, who famously netted the equaliser and provided the assist for the winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, reckons a surprising switch to Liverpool remains a possibility.

“Marcus Rashford to Liverpool would feel like the ultimate betrayal to Manchester United fans but what if Manchester United don’t want him?” Sheringham told ComeOn. “Then as a player you’ve got to do what’s best for you.”

Despite floating the prospect of a sensational move to Anfield, the former England striker stopped short of ruling out a future for Rashford at Old Trafford. Sheringham indicated there might still be a path back for the Manchester-born forward, who has two years remaining on his bumper £325,000 per week contract and will return to a vastly different Old Trafford under new manager Michael Carrick.

“Manchester United should be in control of the Marcus Rashford situation, not Marcus Rashford. He is still a Manchester United player,” Sheringham said. “That’s what happens when you sign these big, long contracts, and he was happy to sign it at the time to get more money.

“All of a sudden, he’s not happy and he wants to leave. Back in my days as a player, if you had a contract, you weren’t going anywhere, and it works both ways too. If there’s a contract that’s been signed, both parties should honour that contract.

“But United can try and manipulate the situation to get the best outcome for what they need. He’s a United player so why not utilise that situation to get that extra forward back in the squad that Michael Carrick needs? Can they ease the situation and make it work? He’s playing at a World Cup and scoring goals. He’s in your squad. Make the most of it.

“If Rashford came back firing on all cylinders for Manchester United, working hard for the team at Old Trafford, then everyone is going to be happy, aren’t they? These things can quickly be forgotten in football.”

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Melissa Coombs, 40, whose based at Manchester Airport, admitted driving to Morrisons where police officers took her keys – but she has avoided a driving ban

An easyJet air stewardess who faced a drink driving ban after she was arrested for drunkenly loitering next to her car has been allowed back on the roads after insisting she had no intention to drive.

Melissa Coombs, 40, tested more than twice the alcohol limit after police called to Morrison’s supermarket in Winsford, Cheshire, found her holding the keys to her Vauxhall Mokka whilst stood in the car park.

When quizzed Coombs, of East Avenue, Rudheath, Northwich, and who is based at Manchester Airport, admitted driving to the store but said she had been waiting a friend to pick her up.

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She claimed she had only started drinking when she arrived at the supermarket and added that she had been in a ”distressed state” after splitting from her partner whom she said was abusive to her.

At Chester Magistrates’ Court, mum-of-one Coombs faced a six month ban after she admitted being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle – but her driving licence was endorsed with 10 penalty points.

Prosecutors accepted her not guilty plea to the more serious charge of drink driving which would have resulted in a mandatory disqualification had she been convicted.

Earlier Nigel Jones, prosecuting, said: “On July 11 last year, police officers hastened to Morrisons car park in Winsford following reports that they had received and located the defendant who had a set of car keys to a Vauxhall Mokka.

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”The keys were taken from her and it was clear that the defendant had been in control of that vehicle at that time. She was subsequently arrested.”

‘She is a good person’

Tests showed Coombs had a reading of 171 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, the legal limit being 80mg. Her solicitor David Swingler said: “She is a good person, she lives a good life and has many many positives.

“On this day she met a friend and something was weighing heavily on her. She was coming to the end of an incredibly abusive relationship, a manipulative abusive relationship.

”There were elements of control and coercion and she left the property where she resided with her partner. She returned to collect belongings and she became distressed and was in such a state she left the property in tears.

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“She contacted her friend who she was going to see and arranged to go over but it was agreed she was in such a state she should not be on the road. She pulled over into the car park at Morrisons and arranged for her friend to pick her up and whilst there she drinks.

“Police attended and she is approached. She has to accept that there would have been a risk of driving if her friend had not turned up. She does not have to be in the car. Just being in possession of the keys means there could be a likelihood of driving. This whole experience is not something she intends to repeat again.

Mr Swingler added: “She is now back living with her mum who’s in her late 60s and has severe mobility issues. She is effectively a carer for her. She works as cabin crew for easyJet based at Manchester Airport so a driving licence is essential, as she needs to get there for 4am and there is no public transport. Without the ability to drive she has no job.”

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He asked: “Where does the greater good lie? Disqualifying her for six months for up to six months, where she loses her job, she goes on to benefits, her life becomes difficult and in a few months she is back on the road.

”Ten points puts her on a knife edge and for three years she will not be able to obtain one set of penalty points otherwise she is off the road for six months. I would suggest that the greater good lies in having the sword hanging over her for three years.”

Coombs was also fined £300 and ordered to pay £270 in costs and a surcharge.

JP Mrs Frances Miller told her: “As your solicitor has said you have to be extremely careful when driving. Having a bald tyre will attract three points and 12 points is the magic number. So you have to have to be very careful.”

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The new footage runs until 07:29 when he enters the shower room.

There is then a gap because there are no cameras in the shower room.

Officers then go into the shower room at 07:48 and the restraint begins.

The footage shown previously shows Marshall being dragged out of the shower room, face down, by multiple officers and restrained by up to 17 officers, some of whom used their feet.

Marshall’s aunt Sharon MacFadyen, who has been campaigning on her nephew’s case for years, says the new footage “doesn’t fit” with what officers said at the time about him being agitated, aggressive and covered in excrement.

“If he was kicking off or if he was fighting fair enough, but he’s doing what he’s told,” she told BBC News.

She believes that Marshall, who had pressed his emergency buzzer several times during the night, had annoyed officers and was being taken to the shower room to be taught a lesson.

“There’s no cameras or anything. Since you don’t know what went on in there we’ve only got their word for it,” she says.

Transport bosses are looking into the proposed scheme

Plans are being made for a major expansion of the Metrolink tram network in part of Greater Manchester.

The region’s transport bosses are looking at taking trams to Salford Crescent, with a potential link to Salford Quays and onward connections to Wigan and Bolton.

More than £1.5m will be spent on the proposals, looking at costs and designs for the expansion.

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The funding was confirmed at a meeting of the Bee Network committee today (June 25).

The money is being drawn from a government scheme called the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

A report explained the cash would be used for ‘consideration of a potential Metrolink extension from the regional centre to Salford Crescent, a potential link to Salford Quays, and potential onward links beyond Salford to locations in the boroughs of Wigan and Bolton (including consideration of tram-train technology).’

The report added: ‘The work will include modelling and appraisal activity, initial design work and the development of initial cost and carbon estimates.’

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Salford Crescent is an area undergoing major regeneration, with more people set to move to the area in future years.

Salford’s deputy mayor, Councillor Mike McCusker, said it ‘makes clear strategic sense’ to look at expanding the tram network in this area of the city.

The Crescent has a train station and the area is home to Salford University’s main campus.

There’s a £2.5bn masterplan underway in the neighbourhood, aimed at building 3,000 homes as well as new spaces for businesses and research.

New transport links to Salford Quays could bring major benefits too, with the area set for huge growth in future years.

There are plans to ‘double’ the size of MediaCity in future years, making new homes for thousands more residents.

Frustrated commuters in the Quays have long called for better transport options, saying trams are already packed at busy times.

Councillor Mike McCusker said: “The proposal to develop a business case for expanding Metrolink into Salford Crescent and towards Salford Quays is a very welcome and positive step, and one that reflects the scale of ambition and change we’re seeing across Salford.

“As our city grows, it’s essential that our public transport network grows with it. Salford Crescent is already a key gateway into the city, connecting communities to jobs, education and opportunity, and it sits at the heart of significant regeneration.

“Given that level of growth, it makes clear strategic sense to explore how the transport network can better serve these areas.

“Better public transport links help connect residents to jobs, reduce congestion, support cleaner air, and make our neighbourhoods more attractive places to live and invest.

“We look forward to working with GMCA and TfGM as this business case develops.”

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “Work is at an early stage to explore options for improving public transport connections in the north-west of Greater Manchester.

“Subject to funding being agreed by the Bee Network Committee, TfGM will develop a Strategic Outline Case which will look at potential rapid transit improvements in this corridor.

“This includes exploring possible Metrolink extensions to Salford Crescent, improved connections to Salford Quays and MediaCity, and longer-term options for onward links towards locations in the boroughs of Wigan and Bolton.

“No decisions have been made on routes, technology or delivery at this stage.

“The work will consider a range of options and assess their value for money, alongside how they could support growth, improve connectivity and integrate with the wider Bee Network.”

South Tyneside Council gathered feedback earlier this year on potential uses for South Shields Old Town Hall, with the majority of participants eager to see the Grade I-listed building preserved and brought back into use.

The structure, which is more than 250 years old, has served as a market hub, courthouse, wartime shelter, and exhibition space over its long history.

It still features many original elements, including its arches, timber turret, and the market bell.

Hundreds took part in the consultation, with four in five respondents emphasising the importance of preserving and reusing historic buildings.

More than 80 per cent supported transforming the Old Town Hall into a heritage and history attraction.

Suggestions also included a space for arts, crafts, classes and exhibitions; a good focus point for local history tours and walks, heritage events; and somewhere where people would want to come and maybe have a drink on the weekend.

Cllr Dave Royal, Lead Member for economic growth, investment and regeneration at South Tyneside Council, said: “It’s clear that there is a lot of civic pride attached to this much-loved landmark.

Cllr Dave Royal at South Shields Old Town Hall. (Image: South Tyneside Council/Tim Richardson)

“Local people would like it brought back into use in a way that respects its heritage, supports the market and helps breathe new life into this part of the town centre.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views, and this feedback will now be used to help shape a deliverable plan for the Old Town Hall.”

Businesses favoured ideas that would complement the surrounding marketplace, including pop-up or market space and a café.

Nine out of ten believed bringing the building back into use would improve the area, and almost half said it would create a stronger sense of pride.

Many shared personal memories of the building and ideas for sensitive restoration, alongside suggestions to improve accessibility and enhance the space around it to be more welcoming.

The council opened the consultation after securing funding from the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership fund.

One respondent described it as “one of those landmarks that’s tied up with the identity of South Shields – it’s part of the historic heart of the town centre.”

Another suggested it could be “a space for arts, crafts, classes and exhibitions,” while others saw it as an ideal starting point for “a good focus point for local history tours and walks, heritage events.”

The council will now use the consultation findings, alongside further technical and feasibility work, to help shape options for the future of the Old Town Hall.

Regulars in Farnworth are preparing to honour one of the pub’s most familiar faces after the death of Darren Ainsworth at just 55 years old.

He was a much-loved customer described as part of The Grapes Inn‘s “fixtures and fittings”.

Joanne Hardman, who runs the pub alongside business partner Sam Gavin, said: “Everyone’s absolutely devastated. The pub’s just not the same.

He was much loved by his community. (Image: Joanne Hardman)

“It feels empty without him.”

Darren had been a customer at the pub for at least a decade, remaining a familiar presence through different owners.

Ms Hardman said he visited every evening without fail and was involved in the pub’s cards, darts, and dominoes teams as well as quizzes and social events.

She said: “He was just one of the best customers ever.

“He was on all our teams, cards, darts, and dominoes; he did all our quizzes.

Friends, staff, and customers are now coming together for a fundraising event to help support the cost of his funeral following his death on June 19.

The event, called A Day for Darren, will take place at the pub and feature bingo, cards, pool, dominoes, a tombola, football cards, and a beer hamper, with proceeds going towards his funeral fund.

Darren Ainsworth (Image: Joanne Hardman)

The fundraiser has been organised after Darren’s death, which came just months after the death of his father, leaving his family facing another loss.

An optional £1 entry donation will be collected on the day, while money raised through games, raffles, and other activities will also contribute towards the funeral fund.

Ms Hardman said: “He was just kind. He was honest, very, very honest, and he was just a go-to man for everybody.

He went to the pub every day (Image: Joanne Hardman)

“Everybody loved him because he was just a gentleman.”

The 53-year-old was such a familiar part of life at The Grapes Inn that staff invited him to their Christmas celebration during a refurbishment closure last year.

Customers have already shared tributes online, with more than 100 comments left on a social media post announcing his death and the fundraising event.

Ms Hardman added: “He really was part of our fixtures and fittings.

“We would like to do everything possible to make sure he gets the best send-off.”