GTA 6 is driving the final nail into the coffin of physical games (Rockstar Games)
As fans complain that the physical edition of GTA 6 doesn’t contain a disc, is there any real chance they can fight back against the takeover of digital downloads?
Grand Theft Auto 6 is clearly a game that’s too big to fail. When it’s released on November 19 it’ll become the biggest entertainment launch in history. Whether or not it beats the staggering 230 million sales of its predecessor will take a decade or more to find out but the long wait for the game, and its frequent delays, has created so much pent up demand that no sales record is now safe. It also means that creator Rockstar Games can do whatever they want and people will buy the game regardless.
Whether GTA 6 has the capacity to disappoint as a video game is hard to say. The Rockstar formula is well established and while there are consistent issues – especially in terms of core gameplay and a central narrative that often gets lost amidst a torrent of side quests and activities – the almost equally successful Red Dead Redemption proves that it’s still massively popular.
As a result, many analysts predicted (many of them gleefully) that Rockstar owner Take-Two would sell the game for a higher than usual price, safe in the knowledge that people would pay literally anything to play it. To Take-Two’s credit, that’s not what happened and the game is no more expensive than other triple-A titles, while it’s Ultimate Edition is a surprisingly modest mark-up. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t taken advantage of the situation in other ways.
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The biggest controversy to come out of pre-orders going live this month (other than a silly argument over whether the graphics have got better or worse – based on a bunch of staged promo images) is that the physical version of GTA 6 doesn’t include a disc. It’s just a code in a box, with no indication yet that it even includes a physical map, as all previous entries have.
There are rumours that there’ll be a physical edition released in December, but Rockstar has not confirmed that (and wouldn’t even if it’s true, lest it put anyone off from pre-ordering now). But while some fans are already getting very angry on social media, and there’s already talk of boycotts, it’s hard to imagine that there’ll be enough complaints to dissuade Rockstar from their plans.
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Besides, the battle of physical sales vs. digital has already been lost. Only recently Capcom mentioned that 93% of all their sales are now digital and while that percentage varies according to format and publisher, buying a game on disc or cartridge has become a niche concern.
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It’s hard to understand why, though, since buying digital has almost no advantages, other than not having to get up to change discs and being able to purchase games instantly. Although instantly is very much relative, given the size of modern games, as those stuck with a slower broadband connection have to wait so long for it to download it would literally be quicker to go down the shops and buy a box copy… if there was actually a disc inside it.
Unfortunately, convenience, or at least the promise of it, has won out against all the many and obvious advantages of owning a physical copy – starting with the fact that you do actually own it, rather than just having a digital licence to use it. For decades publishers have conspired to destroy the second-hand games market and with digital downloads they were finally able to do so, preventing you from selling the games you buy in order to fund the purchase of more.
Publishers also didn’t like sharing their profits with retailers, so not only do they make more money from digital downloads but they can ensure there are no discounts at launch. Whereas 15 years ago or so every major store and supermarket would fight to undercut each other, for the cheapest deal on a new release, nowadays it’s full price or nothing.
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Nobody’s going to boycott GTA 6 (Rockstar Games)
The way we buy video games today is exactly how publishers want it and naturally it’s not the interests of their customers that they have in mind, but their shareholders. But this wouldn’t have happened if people had just said no. The situation we have today is entirely the result of ordinary people valuing convenience – even a relatively mild one – above all else.
And we could all have said no. We could have stopped publishers in their tracks and forced a U-turn very easily, simply by refusing to buy digitally. Especially as that sort of economic disobedience has proved highly effective many times before in the games industry.
It’s what killed the ridiculous online passes of the 2010s (an early attempt to stifle second-hand sales), while the proliferation of loot boxes in full price games was stopped only because of gamers rising up against it. Meanwhile, the whole world said a big ‘no, thank you’ to NFTs, even as companies convinced themselves it was going to be the next big thing.
While many people and industries seem to be unquestionably accepting of AI, gamers have been amongst the most vocally sceptic, to the point where admitting your game uses AI is now a sales risk. All these things happened because ordinary people made a stand, but then none of these concepts were selling the idea of convenience, only increased company profits.
Unfortunately for those that value physical media, there’s almost certainly no going back now, at least as far as video games go. In theory, if there was some kind of fight back against GTA 6 and its ‘physical’ edition, then the tides could be turned, but despite all the current anger the chances of that seem remote. What’s more likely is that GTA 6 will draw a line under the whole concept of owning a game as a physical object, no matter how many benefits it brings.
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Few people will want to buy an empty box (Rockstar Games)
Experts have said that conditions are now “perfect” for the insects to breed, with standing water and rising temperatures providing an ideal environment for them to thrive.
June’s rainfall, following a particularly dry May, has created just the right conditions in which mosquito eggs can hatch and develop, prompting concerns about a potential rise in bites and the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Mosqutio warning issued amid potential ‘surge’ in the UK
Dr Mojca Kristan, assistant professor in medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: “Weather conditions in the UK at the moment are perfect for mosquitoes.
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“They like warmth as well as standing water to lay their eggs in.
“May was too dry, but we’ve had rain in June, so there’s water around and, as the weather continues to warm up, I would expect mosquitoes to emerge and start biting to get the blood they need to breed.”
The Met Office said that some areas of the UK recorded a month’s worth of rainfall in the first half of June.
It followed an exceptionally dry spring experienced across southern and eastern England.
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The Met Office noted how many areas recorded only around half their normal spring rainfall, with some locations receiving as little as a quarter of the seasonal average.
Recently, the weather has taken a sharp turn, with a heatwave across the UK over the last few days.
Rare red weather warnings were issued for parts of central and southern England, as well as parts of Wales, warning of ‘extreme heat’.
The UK has recently seen temperatures break June records dating back to the infamous summer of 1976.
How to avoid mosquito bites in the UK
Dr Kristan recommended a number of steps people can take to reduce the risk of being bitten.
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She said: “To protect yourself from bites, wear insect repellent and cover your skin with long sleeves, plus wear socks in the evening as mosquitoes like biting around ankles.”
She also warned that climate change could increase the risk of invasive mosquito species becoming established in the UK, raising the potential for transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
While Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) is currently not present in the UK, eggs have been detected here.
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Dr Kristan said: “At the moment, there’s a low risk of bites from UK mosquitoes spreading serious illness, but we have to be alert to the threat of new disease-carrying mosquito species as climate change makes Britain a more attractive place for mosquitoes to survive and thrive.”
Aedes aegypti (Egyptian mosquito) is also not currently present in the UK.
However, modelling studies suggest that, by the 2060s, the climate in London and surrounding areas will most likely help the endemic transmission of dengue fever.
Dengue, which is already present in parts of Europe, including the Mediterranean, causes flu-like symptoms, including high temperature, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain.
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Malaria is not currently endemic in the UK.
Around 2,000 imported cases are recorded annually among travellers returning from high-risk regions.
Have you ever been bitten by a mosquito? Let us know in the comments.
However, today is set to be another hot one but there will be a welcome shift in the weather over the weekend.
Today (Friday) there are still weather warnings all over the country. A Met Office amber warning for extreme heat remains in place for large parts of the country, including Greater Manchester, until midnight tonight.
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There is also a yellow warning in place for thunderstorms for the north of England, Wales, and the south west of the country up until 10pm tonight. In parts of the south east, a rare Met Office red warning for extreme heat are in place until 9pm.
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Temperatures in Greater Manchester are high today, expected to reach around 32C by early to mid-afternoon in Manchester.
After some rain earlier this morning, the Met Office says patchy showers, possibly thundery, to the north will move off through the morning, along with any high cloud.
Tonight things are still going to be muggy and uncomfortable with minimum temperatures of 17C, with chances of light rain in the early morning.
Saturday is forecast for a cloudy start which will lift through the day. It will still be hot and dry but temperatures will be slightly down on recent days, with maximum temperatures of around 25C.
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Sunday is set to see a welcome break in the incessant heat. Fresher and cooler conditions are forecast as is rain first thing which will clear later on.
A significant temperature drop is expected with temperatures dropping significantly to around 20C during the hottest parts of the afternoon. Sunday night is set to be cooler with temperatures around a more comfortable 14C.
Monday and Tuesday are forecast to be mostly dry with sunny spells, with temperatures a little above average.
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and is investigating whether all the workers had a legitimate reason for looking at his information
Ashlea Hickin Content editor and Jane Kirby and Sam Russell Press Association
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and is examining whether all the members of staff had a valid reason for viewing his personal information.
The boy, who is from Cambridgeshire, ended up in a zoo’s crocodile enclosure and is currently in a stable condition. He was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which is managed by CUH, last Thursday following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst.
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A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and subsequently bailed after he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. The suspect is reported to have learning difficulties and had been visiting the attraction with carers at the time.
A CUH spokesperson said: “We have strict policies in place to safeguard patient data and we take any breach extremely seriously. We know the vast majority of our 13,000 staff understand the fundamental importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and uphold the highest professional standards.
“Where any member of staff is found to have accessed patient records without legitimate clinical or operational reasons we take robust disciplinary action, including dismissal. As part of our response to any breach, we notify both the ICO and apologise to patients and their families affected.”
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed on Monday that the boy was “no longer critical” and was “in a stable condition in hospital”. It is believed he was attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into the enclosure.
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Officers were alerted to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday (June 18) by the ambulance service following reports that a three-year-old boy had sustained serious injuries.
Cambridgeshire Police stated the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”. Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, is reported to have jumped into the enclosure to rescue the child.
Last week, a former healthcare worker received a caution from the ICO for attempting to obtain and sell the medical records of the Princess of Wales.
‘Opening the loft hatch gives all that trapped warm air upstairs somewhere to go’
It’s absolutely sweltering and there are a host of tips people are being given to reduce the heat in homes. The UK has been hit by a severe heatwave – with temperatures predicted to hit 39C and ‘ tropical nights’ meaning few people are getting any sleep.
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One expert said that people can used their loft to act as a funnel which draws the heat out of the home – and makes the upstairs cool quickly. The theory is if you have a loft, then open the hatch – and if there’s a window open that too.
Because heat rises it’s drawn out. On Instagram interior and building tips account house_by_luna said: “Open the attic hatch when it’s boiling hot upstairs… sounds mad, but it actually works and the hot trapped air is released. Thermostat dropped instantly.”
One skeptical followed said: “Is your attic not boiling too though? We were up in ours and it’s way way hotter than the house cause of wool insulation?” house_by_luna replied: “Turns out there’s a simple reason this works. The hot air rises. Opening the loft hatch gives all that trapped warm air upstairs somewhere to go, and if your loft is ventilated, some of that heat can escape altogether.”
Followers were interested with one saying: “Ooh great idea. Another added: “Oh wow I need to try this.”
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On the BBC an expert said: “Hot air rises within houses, so if you have loft vents or windows you can open them to release some of the heat. The hot air can otherwise get trapped on the second floor, where you may be trying to sleep.
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“Extra insulation can also help keep heat out in the summer, as well as reducing your energy bills and usage in the winter.”
Ideal Home added: “Opening your loft hatch can be a surprisingly effective way to cool your home. Heat naturally rises, which means the top floor is often the warmest part of the house. By opening the hatch, you’re giving that trapped hot air a route to escape, helping to bring down the overall temperature indoors
“If your loft has a window, opening it alongside other windows around the house can improve airflow, drawing cooler air through and allowing heat to vent from the highest point. This is especially efficient if your loft is insulated at rafter level.
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“Despite being a common feature in many homes, loft hatches are often overlooked as a way to manage heat. If your home feels uncomfortably warm, opening the hatch as soon as possible can make a real difference.”
During hot weather, you should never open your windows as it can allow hot air into your home. Instead, opening your loft hatch allows the hot air to escape without letting any more into your home. When really hot, it’s also recommended to shut your blinds and curtains.
Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones in a major nighttime attack on 12 Russian regions as well as the Russia-held Crimean peninsula, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Friday.
It appeared to be one of the biggest drone attacks on Russian regions and the illegally annexed Crimea since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago.
In an effort to turn the tables on Russia’s grinding war of attrition, Ukrainian long-range drones have for months been battering targets, including oil production and energy facilities, behind the front line and deep inside Russia. The campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies and military deliveries, stalling Russia’s efforts on the battlefield, Western officials and analysts say, and heaped pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The major attack came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that he had ordered “a 40-day influence operation,” believed to mean an escalation of attacks, aimed at “compelling (Russia) to end the war” after U.S. peace efforts over the past year yielded no breakthrough.
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A Russian chemical plant is reportedly hit
In the Tula region just south of Moscow, a private house was damaged by the attack and a woman was wounded, Tula Gov. Dmitry Milyaev said in an online statement as reports of damage caused by the attack began to emerge.
He also said a power line was damaged and an unspecified industrial facility in the city of Novomoskovsk.
Russian independent online outlet Astra reported that a chemical plant and a hydroelectric plant in Novomoskovsk were attacked and caught fire. The Associated Press couldn’t independently verify the report, and there was no official confirmation.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also reported that 47 Ukrainian drones were downed as they flew toward the Russian capital. He did not report any casualties or damage.
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Ukraine says 2 civilians were killed in Russian attacks
Two people were killed and seven others injured in Russian attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region over the previous 24 hours, regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Friday.
Russian forces struck the city of Kharkiv and 16 other settlements across the region using guided aerial bombs and drones of various types, Syniehubov said.
Ukraine’s Defense Forces overnight stopped 174 of 189 Russian drones, the Ukrainian air force said. However, four of seven Iskander-M ballistic missiles that were fired got through air defenses and struck various locations, it said.
Roksana Lecka, 23, was jailed last September for abusing kids aged as young as ten months at two nurseries.
A “sadistic” nursery worker who abused 21 babies while high on drugs is now living abroad free from prison despite only serving 14 months of an eight year sentence. Authorities in Poland admitted Roksana Lecka, 23, was not detained after she was deported under the UK Government‘s Early Removal Scheme.
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Lecka was jailed in September 2025 for pinching, punching and kicking babies as young as 10 months old at two nurseries in west London over several months. In February, she was deported to Poland as part of the scheme.
But officials in her home country claim they were powerless to detain her when she landed. According to reports in Poland, Lecka was not entered into the relevant criminal databases or international alert systems in a way that would have allowed officers to detain her.
As there was no official documentation from the UK and no corresponding entries in national or international law-enforcement systems, border guards in Poland were forced to process her under normal entry procedures, reports the Mirror. Major Dagmara Bielec, of the Nadwislanski Border Guard Unit, reportedly told local media: “A Polish citizen expelled from Great Britain has returned to the country, but her arrival did not take place under any of the formal international co-operation procedures in force between Poland and Great Britain.”
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Lecka’s current whereabouts are unknown but she is understood to have landed in Warsaw on February 5. Her crimes included kicking a child in the face repeatedly during months of “gratuitous” and “sadistic” violence which took place between 2023 and 2024.
She was jailed for eight years after admitting seven counts of cruelty to a person under the age of 16 and being convicted of a further 14. Lecka is also banned from returning to the UK. Judge Sarah Plaschkes KC said during sentencing that Lecka “pinched, slapped, punched, smacked and kicked” children, “pulled their ears, hair and their toes”, and toppled them “headfirst into cots” causing bruising and lingering red marks.
She said: “Often the child would be quietly and happily minding its own business before you deliberately inflicted pain, causing the child to cry, arch, try to get away or writhe in distress. Time after time you calmly watched the pain and suffering you have caused. Your criminal conduct can properly be characterised as sadistic.”
Concerned parents and staff raised the alarm after finding bruising and scratches on children who had been in Lecka’s care. Police investigating her crimes discovered CCTV footage of her scratching and pinching children under their clothes, on their arms, legs and stomachs.
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Parents of her victims later told a court of their feelings of heartbreak, guilt and distrust and described Lecka as the “worst kind of human”. The fiend, who was living in Hounslow, South West London, attempted to defend her actions, carried out at Riverside Nursery in Twickenham, which is now closed, and Little Munchkins in Hounslow, by claiming she was sleep-deprived and hooked on cannabis and vapes.
It was unclear at the time of her deportation whether Lecka would continue her sentence in a Polish jail and parents subsequently spoke out about their horror that she could be free upon returning to Poland. One father whose son was physically abused by Lecka said at the time her deportation after serving just 14 months, which included time on remand, was “completely inappropriate” and “really hard to swallow”.
He told the BBC: “We felt it undermined all that time and emotion that had gone into the trial. Preparing our witness statements and our victim-impact statements, going through the trauma of that whole investigation and trial, to get a sentence brought a sense of closure and we could all move on from it.
“But then for that sentence not to be served, it was a bit of a hollow feeling.” The victim’s father claimed there is “too much focus on cost savings, rather than upholding the principles of the system”.
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Another parents reportedly added: “The expectation obviously was that that sentence would be served. And it now appears it’s not going to be. The reasoning behind custodial sentences, theoretically, is punishment for the offender, some form of rehabilitation and a deterrent to it happening again.
“In this case, the punishment hasn’t been served. It’s unclear if there’s been any rehabilitation. And in terms of a deterrent, if foreign nationals know that effectively they won’t even have to serve that sentence, then I don’t think that deterrent is there either. It just makes the process feel slightly pointless.”
Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson raised the issue in Parliament saying that Lecka’s victims’ parents had not been told whether Lecka would continue to serve the rest of her eight-year sentence or go free. She called for information regarding Lecka’s release terms.
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She also wrote to the Home Office but Ms Wilson was told by ministers that, due to time on remand before her trial, Lecka had become eligible for deportation on 7 October 2025 – less than a fortnight after receiving her eight-year sentence.
Alex Norris, minister for border security and asylum said in a letter to the MP: “Whilst Lecka is not required to serve the remainder of her sentence in Poland, we have made Polish law enforcement aware of her convictions so that appropriate safeguarding actions can be taken by the Polish authorities.”
However, according to reports in Poland, the authorities there are unable to monitor her movements or warn childcare institutions about her past convictions and there are even fears she could find a new job working with children.
Last month, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “These were appalling crimes, and our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. This Government is deporting foreign national offenders at pace, with more than 5,000 deported last year – a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.”
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Avengers: Endgame is getting re-released with new footage ahead of the next film in the franchise, Avengers: Doomsday – and it looks set to end Avatar’s reign as the highest-grossing film of all time.
The new cut of Endgame – which will officially be titled Avengers: Endgame Encore – has been described as a “critical companion story” to the forthcoming Avengers film, which is going to be released in December and will reintroduce Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr as a villain.
Disney announced the news to cinema exhibitors at CineEurope in Barcelona, who are hoping it’ll prove a big draw when it arrives; Endgame is currently the second highest-grossing film of all time, with box office takings of $2.797bn.
‘Avengers: Endgame’ re-release will likely push it back into top spot as most successful film of all time (Marvel)
The film overtook the current number one, fantasy epic Avatar (2009), when it was first released in 2019, but an Avatar re-release pushed James Cameron’s film back into pole position in 2021, with overall takings of $2,923bn. Both films are owned by Disney.
Avengers: Endgame Encore will have to pull in $127m to become the most successful film ever, which looks like an easy task considering the film will feature scenes “set in the Doomsday story” and will “create a bridge” between both films “in a very unique way”.
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Alongside the additional footage, the film will feature a special end tag exclusive to Infinity Vision, a new screen experience in the world’s largest theatres.
Doomsday will have one of the most packed ensembles in film history, bringing back the majority of every main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) superhero introduced since 2008, as well as several stars of the X-Men franchise, including Sir Ian McKellen and James Marsden.
Downey Jr, who previously starred as Iron Man in the MCU, will play the antagonist Doctor Doom. His return will arrive seven years after Avengers: Endgame, which saw him leave the MCU.
Robert Downey Jr will be back – but as the primary villain – in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ (AFP/Getty)
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The bumper cast also features several other returning stars, such as Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Anthony Mackie (Falcon/Captain America), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Letitia Wright (Black Panther’s Shuri).
Captain America star Chris Evans, who left the MCU in Endgame, will also return – but he’s credited as Steve Rogers, and not his superhero alter ego.
Directing brothers Anthony and Joe Russo called the film “bigger than anything we have ever done”.
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“This movie is, to say the least, a big one for us,” they said in a presentation reel released at Disney convention D23 in August. “We are bringing together so many of your favourite heroes to face one of the greatest threats to the MCU.”
Avengers: Endgame Encore will arrive in November, while Avengers: Doomsday will be released on 18 December 2026.
The midfielder had been linked with a move to the Bluebirds but could now be recruited by a rival team
Cardiff City’s Championship rivals Portsmouth are leading the race to sign Estonian midfielder Rocco Shein, who has been linked with the Bluebirds this summer.
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Reports from Norway claim the Bluebirds, along with Championship rivals Millwall, have shown an interest in the 22-year-old Fredrikstad midfielder, but Portsmouth are now considered the favourites to secure his signature.
However, Cardiff’s reported interest in Shein had already been played down to WalesOnline before these latest developments, amid Brian Barry-Murphy’s desire to add a physically-imposing midfielder this summer. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community.
According to Norwegian outlet Fredrikstad Blad, Portsmouth are now the “hottest option” for the Estonia international, who is valued between £2.5million and £4.2million.
Shein joined Norwegian top-flight side Fredrikstad from Dutch club Dordrecht last year after earlier spells with Utrecht and Flora Tallinn in his homeland.
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Primarily a central midfielder who can operate also as a playmaker, the 6ft 1in Estonian is also capable of playing on the wing.
He has registered two goals and two assists in 11 Eliteserien appearances so far this season, having contributed one goal and six assists in 28 matches during his first campaign with Fredrikstad.
Shein has established himself as an Estonia international and has attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs this summer.
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But while Cardiff were credited with an interest by reports overseas, WalesOnline understands the Bluebirds’ supposed pursuit was wide of the mark, with Portsmouth now appearing to be in pole position if a deal is to materialise. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Barry-Murphy is continuing to reshape his squad ahead of Cardiff’s League One campaign, with the Bluebirds expected to remain active in the transfer market throughout the summer.
It is understood that central midfield, left-back, wing and striker are all priorities, however it is likely that Cardiff will make more than four signings as they look to make their mark on their return to the Championship.
It’s due to a major moor fire near Woodhead Pass that continued burning for a third day.
The A628, Woodhead Road, remains closed in both directions after firefighters from Derbyshire and Greater Manchester spent Thursday tackling the wildfire at Tintwistle Moor.
One resident from Bolton said: “I honestly thought my house was on fire or something in the street.
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“It’s so strong.”
Fire crews remain at the scene after the fire, which started late on Wednesday night, spread across hundreds of square metres of moorland and woodland.
Residents near the blaze have been advised to keep doors and windows closed, while motorists are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes, such as the M62.
As of Friday morning, 26 June, the Woodhead Pass remained closed, with firefighters expected to continue tackling the blaze throughout the day.
LONDON (AP) — NATO’s deputy commander told The Associated Press that he wants a summit in Turkey to spur member countries to spend more on defense, reaffirm support for Ukraine and underline the unity of the alliance.
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer, NATO’s deputy supreme allied commander in Europe, spoke to AP in London less than two weeks before the crucial Ankara summit on July 7-8 tests the cohesion of the 77-year-old alliance.
U.S. President Donald Trump has sent conflicting signals over America’s force posture in Europe, at times threatening to leave and at other times unnerving European leaders with his push to annex Greenland or his flattery of NATO adversary Russian President Vladimir Putin. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lambasted NATO allies last week for not allowing use of their bases to attack Iran, as he announced a surprise six-month review of American forces in Europe.
Meanwhile, government ministers in the U.K. have quit over what they say are military spending plans that fail to keep Britain safe.
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Summits are “highly political events and they are a demonstration of any organization’s unity,” said Stringer, a senior British air force officer. It would be strange if over decades of NATO expanding there weren’t moments of turbulence, he said.
“Are we in one of those moments at the moment? Yes, we are,” Stringer said in an interview at a military conference in London where AP also interviewed other senior European military officials about their hopes — and fears — for the summit.
NATO’s European members step up on defense
Trump has long urged European allies to take more responsibility for their own defense, and with the notable exception of Spain they have largely heeded with an unprecedented effort to spend more on their armed forces.
Russia is increasingly threatening Europe, so allies should boost their own militaries while also helping Ukraine degrade Russia’s fighting power, said Maj. Gen. Indrek Sirel, a commander in Estonia’s armed forces.
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“Europe as a whole has a lot to do in order to be credible against Russia,” said Brig. Gen. Jyri Raitasalo of Finland, which shares NATO’s longest border with Russia.
Stringer said European nations are investing to generate a “really credible force,” citing as an example how some countries are quadrupling production of 155 mm artillery shells. The summit will discuss ramping up production in ways the alliance has not had to do in decades, Stringer said.
European military chiefs wait for clarity on US plans
The outcome of Hegseth’s six-month review of forces will determine how fast Europeans must take responsibility for their own security. The U.S. military in Europe had said earlier in the month that Washington would be withdrawing some capabilities from Europe and expecting other allies to fill the gaps.
The Trump administration says that troop reductions in Europe have long been planned and coordinated with allies, but Sirel said it’s still not clear how U.S. forces will be positioned in the Baltic states. That includes some U.S.-led deterrence of Russia on NATO’s eastern flank.
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Sirel said he was “confident” he could rely on a U.S. presence, while also saying the Estonian military is finding ways to react to sudden changes.
Stringer said it would be difficult to replace U.S. long-range strike and surveillance capabilities, but that he was “confident” allies could bridge the gap — not always with the same equipment but by mixing a “cocktail” of capabilities.
Only the U.S. operates B1 and B52 bomber aircraft, but in theory, a loss of their capabilities might be offset by firing missiles from a variety of other systems including from the ground, sea and smaller aircraft, he said.
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Such sudden changes are challenging because military planning requires long-term strategy, said Raitasalo, the Finnish military’s logistics chief. “If you change your mind, or change your plan, every week or every month or even every year, you will not get very good results,” he said.
Raitasalo said the allies need to make clear pledges of capabilities, rather than just promise spending.
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Sweden’s army chief, Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors, said a good outcome from the summit would be “a common picture of how to realign when it comes to deterrence and defense.”
Lindfors said he would like at least an outline — if not a “clear vision” — on how defense burdens should shift so that he knows what “NATO 3.0 is starting to look like.”
Britain needs to commit to defense
British Defense Secretary John Healey resigned earlier this month, along with another minister, saying the government was unable and unwilling to commit the resources Britain needs to “defend the country at this time of rising threats.”
At last year’s NATO summit, members agreed to spend 3.5% of their gross domestic product on core defense. The U.K. committed to meeting that target by 2035. However Healey said the proposed defense investment plan would see spending rise to just 2.68% of GDP in 2030.
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The new defense secretary, Dan Jarvis, has said Britain will keep its commitments, and the British government has committed to publishing the spending plan.
By the summit, NATO expects nations to have a “credible path” to 3.5%, and the U.K. is “as beholden to that as anybody else,” Stringer said.
He said the U.K. cannot presume that “thought leadership” in NATO is enough, and that it must match its “forces and resources” while committing to defense.
NATO’s credibility is at stake
At last year’s summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte kept Trump on board by telling him he would achieve “BIG” success at getting allies to spend more on defense.
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Stringer said that at this year’s summit it’s important to display “cohesion and unity” among the alliance’s 32 members but also to have “honest” conversations and deliver “credible” plans.
Raitasalo of Finland said the meeting must go beyond traditional “communiques, roadmaps and action plans” and demonstrate deterrence through deeds. He said if NATO members don’t step up and translate promises into action, the “credibility” of the alliance is at stake.
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