Injured striker Hugo Ekitike has revealed how he is coping with life on the sidelines, while the truth about Darwin Nunez returning to Anfield has been revealed

Replacing Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s top transfer priority since former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola arrived at Anfield. The Reds have been linked to a string of wingers ahead of the new season – including Yohan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Rayan.

But attention has shifted to the striker department, where injuries and player departures have left the club alarmingly short of options.

Former Reds boss Arne Slot spent big last summer but struggled to get the best from his new recruits, with record-breaking signing Alexander Isak missing much of the season through injury. Iraola will be hoping for more luck than his predecessor, and, with some signings of his own, could quickly turn Liverpool back into title contenders this coming campaign.

Fresh developments involving one current and one former striker have now set tongues wagging on Merseyside. Here we look at two big stories involving the Reds.

Ekitike takes drastic injury action

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has taken the drastic step of pretending football no longer exists as he battles back from a horrific Achilles injury that wrecked his World Cup 2026 dreams. The 23-year-old Frenchman suffered the blow during Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain in April.

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Subsequent tests confirmed he had ruptured his Achilles tendon, forcing surgery that will rule him out for the remainder of the calendar year. The setback was particularly cruel for Ekitike, who had been hoping to force his way into France’s World Cup squad following an impressive goalscoring season for the Reds.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the forward has been left in “immense pain” in the months since the injury and, in an effort to protect his own mental health, has pretended that football “ceased to exist”. The approach appears to be paying off, with Liverpool said to be pleased with the progress he has made so far in his recovery.

Taking to social media after his injury blow was confirmed, a downbeat Ekitike wrote: “It’s hard, maybe even unfair. But I’m grateful this is happening to me here, among you. I’m not alone.”

Liverpool react to Nunez claims

With Liverpool sweating over the long-term absence of Ekitike, supporters were briefly handed what appeared to be a shock solution – the return of former fan favourite Darwin Nunez. Reports emerging from Uruguay claimed the Reds were preparing to re-sign the 27-year-old as a free agent, with an official announcement pencilled in for after his country’s World Cup campaign.

The rumour quickly gained traction on social media after respected Uruguayan journalist Martin Charquero told his followers on X that Nunez was on his way back to Anfield, prompting excitement among some Liverpool supporters. But the reaction has been very different behind the scenes, with club insiders telling the ECHO they were baffled by the suggestion.

Nunez’s representatives have also privately rebuffed the developments as inaccurate. The speculation was particularly surprising given that it is less than a year since the Uruguay international left Merseyside to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Nunez notched up 143 appearances and 40 goals in all competitions during a three-year spell at Anfield, having joined from Benfica in 2022 for an £85 million fee.

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Danny Eeles was told to expect a prison sentence as it was his second conviction of knife possession, which brings with it a mandatory minimum six-month prison sentence on its own, regardless of the other offences committed.

It follows the defendant’s guilty pleas to two counts of having an article with a blade or point in public, arising from an incident in Willington, County Durham, on May 18.

During the short plea hearing at Durham Crown Court, Eeles, who appeared via video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, also admitted other counts of affray and damaging property.

The property damaged was said to have been a Suzuki Vitara belonging to a woman.

Eleanor Bohill, for Eeles, asked if a Probation Service background report could be drawn up on the defendant prior to sentence as she said his last conviction goes back to 2021, when he received a suspended prison sentence.

Read next … more court reports from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

The court heard, however, he also served a lengthy prison sentence for a robbery, committed at a Stockton launderette, in late December 2016, when he was holding two knives.

Judge Nathan Adams agreed and remanded the 36-year-old defendant, of Aged Miners’ Homes, Willington, to remain in custody pending sentence.

Adjourning the case until July 16, Judge Adams told Eeles: “I make it clear the most likely outcome will be a prison sentence, but it will be a matter for the judge on that day.”

COVINGTON, La. (AP) — Tropical Storm Arthur was downgraded to a low pressure area along the upper Texas coast Wednesday night but forecasters expected its remnants to bring life-threatening flooding and days of heavy rains to parts of the southeastern United States, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Arthur was the first tropical storm of the season in the Atlantic basin and it’s expected to keep weakening as it moves inland over southeastern Texas and western Louisiana, then cross the southeast Thursday through Friday. Maximum sustained winds were around 35 mph (55 kph).

All coastal watches and warnings were discontinued Wednesday night, but flooding was likely through Friday over parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, the hurricane center said.

In Louisiana and Mississippi, some communities had set up locations for residents to collect sandbags and cleared debris from drainage systems.

“The main threat from Arthur is going to be a prolonged, multiday, heavy rainfall event that could produce dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding,” National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan said.

The storm spun off the Texas coast on the same day a World Cup match took place in Houston but did not disrupt the contest, which was played indoors. Heavy storms in the Houston area earlier in the week had canceled outdoor watch parties and fan events.

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno said police were preparing boats and setting up barricades in known flood areas. Collection points for residents to fill sandbags also sprung up around the state.

“We both decided we got so much rain yesterday at our house that it was probably a good idea just to pick up a few bags,” said Luke Barwick, who filled sandbags at a collection center in Covington, Louisiana.

After being inundated with heavy rain earlier this week, parts of central and south Mississippi braced for a second wave of potential flooding.

Officials in Picayune, Mississippi, located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of New Orleans, declared a state of emergency Tuesday after downpours brought nearly 7 inches of rain in six hours. On Wednesday, city officials gave out thousands of sandbags and put emergency responders on standby.

The World Cup is in full swing, but the summer transfer window is also stealing headlines, with Manchester United making big moves

Manchester United’s hierarchy will have one eye on their players at the World Cup and the other on the summer transfer window. 12 players will represent the Red Devils across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and a number of targets are also in action.

Michael Carrick will welcome back his non-World Cup stars soon as he looks to kick off a successful debut campaign as permanent manager. Former United star Wayne Rooney has been on broadcast coverage for the major tournament and has made plenty of opinions crystal clear while on TV.

This includes one specific thought on current United defender Luke Shaw, who hasn’t been selected for the England squad this time around. Meanwhile, another former Old Trafford star has agreed a permanent transfer to another club, having last played for United in January 2022.

Here, Mirror Football has all the latest headlines related to the Premier League side.

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Mason Greenwood ‘agrees transfer’

Mason Greenwood is reportedly set to sign for Roma on a permanent transfer. The former United attacker has been prolific for Marseille since joining the Serie A side, scoring 48 goals and assisting 17 times in 81 appearances.

However, the 24-year-old is now keen to move on after the French side failed to qualify for Europe last season. Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has claimed that Greenwood’s wages have already been agreed by Roma, who have identified the right-winger as a key transfer target this summer.

It is understood that the ex-United man will receive £3.9million annually from the Italian side plus bonuses, and this will increase the longer he stays. Carrick will receive a boost if this deal is to be confirmed, as the club agreed a 40% sell-on fee as part of his transfer in 2024.

Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision

Wayne Rooney is surprised that Luke Shaw hasn’t been called up to the England squad upon Tino Livramento’s withdrawal due to injury. The Newcastle defender was forced to step down from the World Cup team with a calf issue, and Trevoh Chalobah will replace him.

The Chelsea centre-half will appear at his first World Cup as a result of this news, and Rooney has branded this decision “strange.” Shaw started every Premier League game for United last season and helped the team qualify for the Champions League.

The veteran defender has 34 caps for England and has represented his country at four major tournaments already – two World Cups and two European Championships.

Thomas Tuchel’s decision to call up Chalobah was a surprise to Rooney, who expected Shaw to be the first name for the German to consider. Speaking on his BBC Sport podcast, the ex-England international said: “It’s a bit strange. I would have liked to have seen Luke Shaw.

“And then Djed Spence maybe being cover for Reece James, and Luke Shaw come in. I’m sure Thomas Tuchel has kept contact with players to stay available, and I’m sure he [Chalobah] was one of those who were available.”

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One man has been killed and several others shot in a targeted attack at Ecuador’s Guayaquil airport, with two teenagers aged 15 and 16 detained by security officials in connection with the incident

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A shocking attack has unfolded at an international airport, leaving travellers caught in the crossfire and at least one person dead.

Footage from inside Ecuador’s José Joaquín de Olmedo airport has begun circulating online, with disturbing scenes showing complete chaos as distraught relatives are seen tending to the injured and deceased.

Highly graphic video footage has emerged alongside an eyewitness account on social media, describing a “heavy shootout” inside the airport at Guayaquil with “several people shot”. According to local reports, one man lost his life in the attack on Wednesday (June 17) near the entrance to the international airport.

It is believed the assault was part of a targeted assassination attempt.

According to initial reports, the victim – thought to be the intended target – had just touched down at the Ecuadorian airport alongside his wife when he was attacked. The injured survivor has since been rushed to hospital for treatment.

Ecuadorian Home Secretary John Reimberg issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter) confirming that two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, had been detained by security officials in connection with the airport attack. It is understood the pair were found to be carrying two firearms at the time of their arrest.

A source within Ecuador’s Ministry of the Interior confirmed to respected local news agency PRIMICIAS that two arrests had been made following the attack, with the pair apprehended in the car park of the airport terminal. The attack comes just 24 hours after the South American country declared a state of emergency across 10 provinces in Ecuador, following a surge in gang-related violence and organised crime.

All flights to and from the airport have been temporarily halted, with Ecuador’s Home Secretary confirming that the area remains under lockdown.

The film, set for release on Friday (June 19) retells the story of Woolf’s 1919 novel of the same name.

Woolf classic brought to life in County Durham

Billed as a witty, un‑romantic comedy, the story focuses on astronomer Katharine Hilbery, who is determined to dodge love and marriage in 1910 London.

The film is directed by Tina Gharavi and features an all‑star cast including Haley Bennett as Katharine, alongside Timothy Spall, Lily Allen, Jennifer Saunders, Jack Whitehall, Sally Phillips and Elyas M’Barek.

Timothy Spall at Beamish Museum. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

Much of the early‑20th‑century bustle has been recreated not in the capital but on the streets of Beamish’s famous 1900s Town, whose tramlines, shops and Edwardian façades double for the metropolis in Woolf’s era.

The museum’s period vehicles, tramway and costumed staff all step in front of the camera, helping turn County Durham into Bloomsbury for a day.

Beamish Museum staff make cameos in the film. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

A starring role for Beamish – on screen and off

Beamish Museum welcomed stars Haley Bennett, Timothy Spall and Lily Allen, as well as a large film crew, when Night & Day shot key sequences on site in 2024.

Haley Bennett plays the lead in the ‘unromantic comedy’. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

Scenes were filmed along the tramway and through the 1900s Town, with Beamish’s own historic cars, buses and trams pressed into service and several members of staff and volunteers appearing as supporting artists.

Night and Day is an adaptation of a Virginia Woolf novel. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

Samantha Shotton, Chief Operating Officer at Beamish Museum, said the production had been a special moment for the attraction:

“We were thrilled to welcome the cast and crew of Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day to the museum back in 2024, and being able to give people the opportunity to view the film in our cinema, around the 1900s town where several of the scenes were filmed, is extremely exciting.

“We’ll be looking out for familiar faces as several members of our staff and volunteers had roles as supporting artists.

Big‑screen return to Beamish’s Grand Cinema

Haley Bennett walking through the town centre in Beamish Museum. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

To celebrate its role in the production, Beamish is hosting special screenings of Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day at its cinema in the 1950s town on Sunday, June 21 2026, at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 for adults and £10 for children, with entry to the museum permitted up to an hour before each showing so visitors can stroll the very streets they’ll soon be spotting on screen.

It’s not the first time Beamish Museum has been on the big screen. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

The Grand Cinema itself is a star attraction: originally from Ryhope in Sunderland, it has been painstakingly recreated at Beamish to capture the golden age of cinema, from its art‑deco styling to the glow of the auditorium as the lights go down.

Film‑goers are being invited to “see how many times you can spot Beamish in the film”, turning the screenings into a playful treasure hunt for local landmarks and familiar faces.

Beamish’s growing screen legacy

These latest appearances build on Beamish’s reputation as one of the UK’s go‑to locations for period drama.

The museum has previously featured in Channel 4’s historical saga A Woman of Substance, Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, as well as both the Downton Abbey movie and the ITV series’ 2015 finale.

Timothy Spall filming at Beamish Museum. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

Its 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s settings, spread across 350 acres of County Durham countryside, offer directors a ready‑made time machine, complete with tramways, a pit village, farm, and 1950s high street.

“Beamish Museum is the perfect location for a period drama and our visitors love following in the footsteps of film and television stars,” Ms Shotton said.

Turkish World Cup broadcaster Murat Ekrem Cimen was suspended after a string of errors involving Iran and New Zealand during the 2026 tournament coverage

Turkish broadcaster Murat Ekrem Cimen was taken off World Cup duty after mixing up the two sides during Iran’s group-stage clash against New Zealand. Cimen is one of Turkey’s most seasoned football journalists, boasting more than 30 years in the industry.

His blunder during the 2026 World Cup left viewers stunned, given his esteemed reputation. For roughly four minutes, Cimen confused the two teams and incorrectly identified the players on the pitch.

Iran were dressed in white and New Zealand in black — a stark contrast that was plain for all to see, both for the 70,108 supporters inside SoFi Stadium and those watching at home on FS1, Tele, and Peacock. Yet Cimen continued to muddle the teams throughout the match, reports the Mirror US.

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Footage of his errors spread rapidly across social media, with countless viewers questioning how such a blunder could occur on the world’s biggest footballing stage. Turkish state broadcaster TRT subsequently suspended Cimen from covering the remainder of the tournament.

“We apologize to our viewers and the public for this error,” wrote TRT. “It is unacceptable for TRT that someone with over 30 years of experience in sports broadcasting would make such a mistake.”

The broadcaster reportedly recognised Cimen’s extensive career and reputation within Turkish sports media before announcing that he would be taken off the team’s World Cup broadcast coverage for the remainder of the matches in the United States.

The suspension sparked debate amongst viewers about the pressures facing live commentators, while also criticising the network for its original pairing decision and overall broadcasting standards.

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One viewer on X posted, “I’ve been saying since the cup started, there’s a disgraceful choice of commentators.”

A second World Cup viewer commented, “TRT is giving a really poor performance in the World Cup, even inserting ads during water breaks.”

Another remarked, “We’re paying so much tax to TRT. We need funny things. You left us with a nice smile, TRT, thanks.”

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The backlash was so severe that it resulted in technical issues on Cimen’s Instagram page following a wave of hostile attention. His linked X account also vanished after the blunder.

Several of Cimen’s colleagues have subsequently defended his credibility and professional record over the years.

Turkish Beyaz TV commentator Ertem Sener posted, “My colleague made a mistake, yes, but the utterly outrageous personal insults directed at him are deeply upsetting to me.

“He has a family! Murat didn’t commit a shameful crime; he made a professional error, and he didn’t do it alone,” he continued. “This profession is far too honorable to be fodder for the hyenas on social media.”

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

WL Distillery in Durham, founded by Scott Wilson-Laing, has introduced Graduation Gin to celebrate academic success and the start of new journeys.

The small-batch spirit, featuring vibrant fruit notes and subtle warming spice, is intended as a premium keepsake for graduates, whether gifted, enjoyed at celebrations, or shared with loved ones.

Graduation Gin from WL Distillery (Image: WL Distillery)

Mr Wilson-Laing said: “Graduation is one of those rare moments in life that deserves to be truly celebrated.

“Through working with universities, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and supporting some incredible students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Graduation Gin is our way of recognising their hard work, raising a glass to their achievements and wishing them every success as they begin the next chapter of their journey.”

The launch holds personal significance for Mr Wilson-Laing, who has long supported universities in the region.

His involvement includes business mentoring, guest lectures, industry collaboration, and course involvement with students and graduates.

WL Distillery describes the gin as a tribute not only to academic achievement but also to the determination, resilience and entrepreneurial mindset that graduates carry forward.

The gin’s distinctive flavour combines carefully selected botanicals with bright fruit and subtle warming spice to create a versatile, celebratory spirit.

Its release marks another milestone for WL Distillery, which has built a reputation for innovative, small-batch spirits rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling.

With a growing product range and increasing recognition in the craft spirits market, the distillery continues to focus on creating spirits that capture meaningful occasions.

Graduation Gin is being promoted as an opportunity for hospitality venues, retailers, and event operators to enhance their offering.

It has the potential to feature on themed drinks menus and in celebration packages or as a special gift for graduates and their families.

Mr Wilson-Laing said: “At WL Distillery, we’ve always believed that great spirits help create lasting memories.

“Graduation Gin celebrates a milestone for those receiving their degrees, but it also marks another important chapter in our own journey as a business.

“It’s a product that perfectly reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, community and celebrating success.”

WL Distillery was established with the aim of creating gin that embodies the character of the North East, using locally sourced botanicals and time-honoured distilling techniques.

Since its founding, the brand has received numerous accolades, including gold at The Gin Masters, recognition in the London Spirits Top 100, and appearances in Vogue’s Hot List and GQ’s Cocktail Club.

Graduation Gin is now available from selected stockists and through the distillery’s website.

His opposite number Thomas Christiansen, meanwhile, was the picture of frustration after his side were cruelly denied a first point at the World Cup finals. Their debut in 2018 ended pointless, and the main goal for the 2026 edition is to at least get on the board, which will be a struggle in subsequent matches against Croatia and England.