Cambridge residents have voiced growing concerns for the future of the River Cam, amid reports of poor water quality, collapsing riverbanks, and calls for tighter rules on moorings

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Cambridgeshire Live readers have expressed strong opinions following reports of significant damage to sections of the River Cam, with many demanding improved maintenance, greater funding transparency, and stricter mooring regulations.

Cambridge residents have voiced concerns about the future of parts of the River Cam, warning that its health is at “serious risk”. Cambridge residents and councillors have sounded the alarm as collapsing riverbanks and unsafe water threaten to reduce the River Cam to a “muddy trickle”.

Earlier this year, water samples taken at the designated bathing site at Sheep’s Green revealed the water quality to be among the worst in England, with the Environment Agency advising people against swimming.

David B writes: “Agree, no houseboats should be allowed above Baitsbite Lock. The green algae around the lock will be down to a combination of things. The pollutants from Farm run off & the treatment works much further upstream, the high temperatures we’ve had & the lack of water flow. Due to the lack of rain and the water extraction further upstream.

“As for the damage to the lack [lock] & bank, many years of lack of maintenance by all agencies but particularly the Conservators, in not lobbying or seeking sponsorship from companies to get funding for the works. We are where we are with it & a long-term maintenance plan needs to be put in place & funding sought.

“Isn’t it about time the colleges put something into the city for a change & help fund major repairs? If the lock fails, it will drain the river up to the mill pond. This will prevent any punting, remove a tourist attraction & if drained for a long period, will damage the brickwork of all the colleges fronting the river. The colleges are very wealthy & easily have the spare funds to assist with the repairs to the lock & bank.”

While Teresa G says: “In New Zealand, there is a river that, after a 150-year legal battle, was legally granted the rights of a person. The Maori tribes consider the river a living ancestor. Godspeed the restoration and respect of the River Cam.”

Eco Nick adds: “Yep, there are also some fairly large corporations in Cambridge. Oh well, they have people to feed at events, I guess.”

Philip S mentions: “I read that £12.5 million is being spent on the safety barrier on one of the guided busways, double the original estimate. They seem to be able to find the money for that, but not for maintaining the locks and riverbanks. I’m sure there will be an excuse, but it doesn’t look good in a city like Cambridge, with so many visitors from all over the world.”

Drewski C thinks: “The country is broke, and unless we start to tax the rich again and re-nationalise water and energy, it will carry on getting more broke.”

Julian F adds: “The council can’t even keep the bins and toilets clean in that area, so what hope does the river have!”

Marvin H mentions: “Building too many houses doesn’t have the critical infrastructure. Need to address the fact that people can’t afford to live, let alone care for the environment.”

Are you worried about the state of the River Cam? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

This route, published by Visit Ribble Valley, starts and ends at the Assheton Arms in Downham, offers a blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

The Assheton Arms is famed for its views of Pendle Hill and its extensive menu, which includes fresh seafood and classic pub dishes.

This pub is a favourite with both locals and visitors, has won several awards, including Lancashire Life Dining Pub of the Year and Ribble Valley Tourism Team of the Year.

The walk itself begins from the frontage of the Assheton Arms.

Walkers turn left and head downhill through the village of Downham, taking the left fork at the bridge, then right across a footbridge to the footpath at the end of the lane.

The route continues through a kissing gate, following the path beside the brook, then right to another kissing gate in the top corner of the field.

Walkers are advised to ignore the stile to the left.

Once through the gate, walkers head right along the field boundary, continuing to climb alongside the fence, with the brook on their left, and over a footbridge.

At the farm track, walkers continue straight over, then along the field boundary and over a stone stile to Lane Head barn.

There are a couple of well-placed benches here where walkers can catch their breath and admire the view back towards Downham.

The path then heads left across the brook and goes straight over the fields.

Here, the views open up over the Ribble Valley and into the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales.

Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent can be seen to the northeast, with the Bowland Fells appearing to the north.

Keeping the post markers across the field on their left, walkers cross the stone stile, continuing straight over the track and along the field boundary, then over the stile in the corner of the field, heading for farm buildings on the skyline.

The route skirts around to the right, above the farm, following the boundary wall to a narrow stone stile.

Over the stile, it continues straight on over the track, following the marker stone to another narrow stile, then along the field boundary to skirt the farmhouse on the left, then left to follow the track right up the hill for 75 metres before descending half-left along the field boundary down to a kissing gate into the wooded ghyll.

The path continues over the footbridge and up the other side of the ghyll, through a kissing gate, then climbing steeply across the field, passing to the left of the barn and over a footbridge.

At the cottage, the path turns left, then over a stile beside the gate and follows the fence along the right-hand side of the field boundary.

It continues through a gate, then over a squeeze stile, and follows the hedge on the left to a stile in the bottom corner of the field.

The route offers views back to Pendle and reveals some limestone outcrops, a hint of the changing geology as the millstone grit of East Lancashire gives way to the limestone of The Dales.

The walk ends at the Assheton Arms, where walkers can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Full route:

• Leave the Assheton Arms and walk downhill through Downham. Take the left fork at the bridge, then cross the footbridge on the right to the footpath.
• Go through the kissing gate. Follow the beck and turn right to another kissing gate in the field corner.
• Go through the gate and follow the field boundary uphill, keeping the beck on your left. Cross the footbridge.
• Cross the farm track and continue to Lane Head Barn via the stone stile. Pause here to enjoy the views over Downham.
• Cross the beck and continue straight across the fields.
• Follow the marker posts and field boundaries. Cross the track and stiles, heading towards the farm buildings on the skyline.
• Pass to the right of the farm. Follow the wall and cross several stiles. Continue past the farmhouse and uphill on the track before descending to a kissing gate into the wooded ghyll.
• Cross the footbridge and climb out of the ghyll. Go through the kissing gate, pass left of the barn, and cross another footbridge.
• At the cottage, turn left. Follow the field boundaries, gates and stiles across several fields, keeping the hedge mainly on your left, until you reach the farm.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Pendle Hill and the limestone landscape ahead.
• Follow the field edge to a gate. Descend into the ghyll, pass the outbarn, ignore the footbridge on the left, and continue to a kissing gate. Follow the stream and turn right onto a quiet lane.
• Walk along the lane for 150m. Take the footpath on the left before the farm buildings and follow the beck downstream through kissing gates and over a footbridge.
• Follow the wall to a cottage. Pass between the buildings, cross the stile, and continue over Woolly Hill, crossing the next stile and heading towards the buildings ahead.
• Cross the track and continue along the field edges beside the woodland. After about 400m, take the left footpath, then turn right on the lane to return to the Assheton Arms.

Several crews from across the area have responded to tackle the fire which broke out this afternoon on a farm near RAF Leeming.

People living in the area are being advised to keep their doors and windows shut as putrid, thick black smoke can be seen for miles.

North Yorkshire crews tackle fire near RAF Leeming at an agricultural building. (Image: North Yorkshire Weather Updates)

A North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We currently have five fire appliances from Bedale, Northallerton, Richmond, Thirsk and Ripon and a water bowser on scene at an agricultural building fire.

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“Crews currently have six breathing apparatus and four hose reel jets in use to extinguish the fire. The building measures approximately 50 x 30 metres.

“We have received reports that smoke is blowing over the A1, please try avoid the area if possible.”

Several crews are tackling a large fire at an agricultural building by RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. (Image: North Yorkshire Weather Updates)

RAF Leeming – home to the Hawk Mk 167 and Grob Tutor T1 – is not thought to be affected by the agricultural building fire.

Drivers are being urged to try to avoid the area if possible due to reports that smoke is blowing over the A1.

Record View says those in well-paid leadership positions – in government and in our health boards – need to up their game. Lives are at stake if they continue to fail us.

Scotland’s emergency service workers are true heroes who go the extra mile to help us when we need it most. There’s absolutely no doubt those who provide our 999 services are highly trained, world class operators.

But there is clearly a long term problem with ambulance waiting times and people are dying as a result. Today, the Daily Record reports on two families who know this only too well.

Julie Parker died after waiting almost four hours for help last month. Brian Hurton died alone on his ­bathroom floor after twice being told an ambulance was not being dispatched.

The families are joining forces to demand improvements. They say nobody in desperate need of medical help should be waiting hours for an ambulance to arrive.

And they rightly declare that no Scot should die due to delays in getting an ambulance to them. Hopefully our MSPS – and Health Secretary Angela Constance – will take heed of what the families are saying.

However, it would be unfair to single out the ambulance service for blame. Wider problems within the NHS mean that crews are often forced to wait in queues outside A&E ­departments for hours on end.

This leaves frustrated paramedics sitting outside hospitals rather than out on patrol saving lives. To sort this problem out, more resources need to be diverted to ­emergency provision within the NHS – and that means wider reform of the service, which is long overdue.

Scots pay higher taxes than every other part of the the UK. So we expect to see better public services as a result – with hospitals obviously benefiting from the extra cash available.

That does not appear to be the case. Those in well-paid leadership positions – in government and in our health boards – need to up their game. Lives are at stake if they continue to fail us.

Cold hard facts

Wildfires continue to rage in the Cairngorms, with smoke and fumes from the blaze blowing in over Aberdeen.

In France and Spain, hundreds of ­thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate their homes as blazes rage out of control.

Anyone who doubts the effects of climate change – or who thinks it somehow doesn’t affect us – can’t continue to keep their heads in the sand.

It’s clear that drought and extreme heat are going to become a fact of life from now on, even in rain-soaked Scotland.

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More than four people may have been involved in the young mum’s kidnapping and murder, police have said, with a $62,000 reward on offer for information that helps locate the baby and those responsible

The gruesome slaying of a 21-year-old pregnant woman has sent shockwaves through an entire city, with the body of the young mum found dumped beside a river with her baby nowhere to be found.

María Camila Potosí was eight months pregnant when she was last seen riding on the back of a motorcycle in Polvorines, a town in the southwestern city of Cali in Columbia last week. She was declared missing on July 16 and, after days of searching by her family and by authorities, she was found by a the banks of the River Meléndez.

Her body had been discarded after she was stabbed to death, with her baby nowhere to be found; cut from her womb.

As per local radio station La FM, the baby was reportedly to be named Alahia and had been expected to be born in August. A baby shower was planned just days before the horrific tragedy unfolded.

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Confirming the discovery of María’s remains, Cali Police deputy head of criminal investigations Maj Alirio Acuna said: “The body of a pregnant woman was found at kilometre 3 on the La Buitrera road, specifically on the banks of the River Meléndez. Preliminary findings suggest that the physical characteristics and clothing match those of the 21-year-old woman who had been reported missing since last Thursday, July 16.”

María was last spotted climbing onto a motorbike with an unidentified woman who, at the time of writing, remains unknown. According to Noticias Caracol, María had just attended an appointment at the Los Polvorines health centre in southern Cali before boarding the motorbike that was recorded on CCTV.

Discussing María’s appointment just hours before her tragic death, Ladera Health Network manager Diana Carolina said: “It was a routine consultation, in line with clinical practice guidelines.

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“She arrived at our healthcare centre at around 9am. She entered the consultation room alone and underwent the necessary check-up.”

María’s mum Ana Rubi Gomez has made a desperate plea for her granddaughter’s safe return, urging the public to assist in locating the missing infant.

She revealed to La FM: “The first thing I asked was whether the baby was still in her womb, and they told me no, that the baby wasn’t there.

“That filled me with hope that the baby might still be alive. So I’m asking the public and the community to help me find my little girl.”

Potosí was at her boyfriend’s home when they say when she received a phone call from a woman later identified in a video as driving the motorcycle. The family said that Potosí told them that she was going with the woman to pick up gifts for her baby. She had recently met the woman at a Cali center for expectant mums.

On Friday (July 24), a man named Carlos Rincón posted a video on social media in which he identified himself as the female suspect’s former boyfriend and revealed that she did not return to sleep at his home the day that Potosí disappeared.

He added that his ex-girlfriend told him in January that she was pregnant. “I was excited about (her) pregnancy,” he said.

“And many people think I had something to do with it — the kidnapping and murder of the 21-year-old woman — because I had been the motorcyclist’s partner.

“We had nothing to do with it. We knew nothing. My family was another victim. We trusted her, we believed in her.”

After María’s body was discovered, the Cali Ombudsman’s Office has demanded a swift and thorough probe into her death. Additionally, they’ve stressed the urgency of tracing the missing infant immediately in case she remains alive.

Officials reportedly stated that the post-mortem findings confirming the baby’s removal “makes it even more urgent to clarify the facts and locate the newborn baby”.

They continued: “As the Public Prosecutor’s Office, we call on the Attorney General’s Office and the relevant authorities to carry out all investigative measures as swiftly as possible and to put in place the necessary measures to locate the baby, ensuring the protection of her life and safety.

“We also urge members of the public to provide any information through official channels that may assist the investigation. Every minute counts.”

Investigations into María’s death are ongoing.

The two-day event was held at the Oakleaf Sports Complex on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, with more than 2,500 people expected across the weekend.

Friday night’s “Warm Up” saw the marquee host a run of high-energy sets from North East bands and solo acts, including Another Crisis, an 80s versus 90s smash hits party band, and C-Collective.

Here’s our gallery of the weekend:

Ayclive Festival in full swing (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival acts keep the main stage buzzing throughout the day (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

A lively weekend at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival-goers enjoy Ayclive (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Ayclive Festival featured a packed line-up of live music across the weekend (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

One of the weekend’s acts entertains the audience at Oakleaf Sports Complex (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Ayclive Festival crowds in Newton Aycliffe (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The crowd enjoys a high-energy set at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

North East acts brought plenty of energy to the Ayclive stage. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The audience gets into the spirit of Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival crowds enjoy a sunny weekend of live music in Newton Aycliffe (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Families and friends make the most of Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Revellers enjoy the music and atmosphere at Oakleaf Sports Complex (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Crowds danced and sang along at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Music fans packed into the festival site for a day of live entertainment (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

There was a lively atmosphere as crowds gathered for the weekend event (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival-goers enjoy the action at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Families and music fans enjoyed a day of entertainment at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival-goers soak up the atmosphere at the town’s biggest live music event of the summer (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Ayclive Festival brought thousands of music fans to Newton Aycliffe (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Thousands of revellers descended on Newton Aycliffe for Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The weekend’s festival crowds enjoyed live music, food and entertainment at Oakleaf Sports Complex (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Crowds gather for the fourth edition of Ayclive Festival at Oakleaf Sports Complex (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Festival-goers make the most of the sunshine at Ayclive Festival (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Saturday brought 11 hours of continuous entertainment on the main stage, running from late morning through to late evening.

The day’s line-up featured a mix of tribute and covers acts, including MixtNutz, Wednesday Flowers, The Angelettes, The Skandals, Nuromantica, MOOBs, and The UK Rock Show, building towards a headline set from indie-pop group The Hoosiers, best known for hits including “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr A”.

Away from the main stage, festival-goers had access to a fairground, food stalls, a bar area, and a dedicated kids’ entertainment zone, alongside activities aimed at younger children including a silent disco tent, face painting, and circus skills workshops.

Organisers had built in a re-admission policy for the day, allowing parents to bring tired children home and return to enjoy more of the festival later on.

Ayclive Festival was launched in 2023 to mark Newton Aycliffe’s 75th anniversary, with its inaugural line-up featuring Britpop-era acts Cast and Dodgy alongside local group Sound Divide.

Run entirely by volunteers, the festival reinvests its profits into the following year’s event and into local causes, with organisers describing it as a celebration of community spirit as much as live music.

The Brownlee Foundation, launched by triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee in 2014, celebrated its 100th event on Tuesday 16 June 2026 in Mold, North Wales.

Alistair Brownlee attended the milestone event, which gives primary school pupils the chance to take part in a non-competitive triathlon.

More than 92,000 children have now participated in Brownlee Foundation events across Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands, London, and beyond.

Olympic Brownlee brothers celebrate 100th school triathlon event (Image: Supplied)

Alistair Brownlee said: “When Jonny and I started the Brownlee Foundation, the aim was simple.

“We wanted to give more children the chance to experience sport in a positive, accessible and enjoyable way.

“This has never been about creating elite athletes.

“It’s about helping children try something new, build confidence and discover what they are capable of.

“To reach 100 events and know that more than 92,000 children have now taken part is something we are incredibly proud of.

“Sport has given us so much throughout our lives, and we know the impact it can have on confidence, resilience, friendships and wellbeing.

“Seeing children cross the finish line with a smile on their face is exactly why the Foundation exists.”

The events are free for primary schools and aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils.

No previous triathlon experience is needed, and all equipment—including bikes and helmets—is provided.

Each child receives a t-shirt before the event, as well as a medal, goody bag, and healthy snacks at the finish line.

Jonny Brownlee said: “The most powerful thing about the Foundation is that it gives children an experience they might not otherwise have.

“For some, it is their first time trying a triathlon.

“For others, it might be the first time they have enjoyed being active.

“That matters.

“Not every child sees themselves as sporty, but every child gets the chance to be active, have fun and feel proud of what they have achieved.

“Reaching 100 events is a brilliant milestone, but it also makes us even more determined to keep going.

“We want to inspire the next generation to enjoy being active and to make sure more children can access those opportunities, whatever their background.”

The foundation has grown significantly since its first event in 2014, now working with schools, volunteers, local sports clubs, councils, and other partners.

Its events are designed to be inclusive, fun, and non-competitive, giving children a positive introduction to swimming, cycling, and running.

The 100th event forms part of a busy year for the foundation.

More than 17,500 children have taken part across 17 events through their schools.

The achievement comes as national attention turns once again to school sport provision, following recent government changes that will see England’s PE and Sport Premium replaced by a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network from spring 2027.

Schools and sector leaders have called for continued clarity and support to ensure children continue to have access to high-quality physical activity.

For more information about the Brownlee Foundation, visit www.thebrownleefoundation.org.

Manchester United are close to making their next moves in the transfer market

Manchester United are close to making further inroads in the transfer market – and some deals could be completed this week. It’s a crucial summer for United as they look to build on the progress made under Michael Carrick over the second half of last season.

With Champions League football a welcome addition to the schedule, Carrick needs a stronger, deeper squad than the one he ended last season with. United also need to move players on, either permanently or on loan.

They have already strengthened their spine with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa but at least one more midfielder is set to follow.

Clubs are also in a rush to get their finances in check before July concludes to meet financial fair play regulations. Here’s a rundown of the moves that could potentially go through this week…

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Manu Kone

United are believed to have agreed personal terms with the Roma star, who is valued at around £50million. Corriere dello Sport reported over the weekend that United still hadn’t made a concrete offer and are ‘moving slowly’ over the signing.

That is said to be frustrating for Roma, who are eager for the deal to go through this month to avoid copping a hefty fine from UEFA. They have a settlement agreement with the governing body to ensure their losses do not exceed £51.25m but have until July 31 to prove they have stayed within financial limits. Therefore, they will be pressing for a deal to go through in a matter of days.

Radek Vitek

Having impressed on loan at Bristol City last season, the Czech keeper will be on the move again this summer. With a route to the United first-choice looking blocked following the arrival of Karl Darlow as chief back-up to Senne Lammens, Vitek could leave permanently.

A return to the Championship is on the cards, with Middlesbrough among the clubs to hold an interest in the 22-year-old. With the start of the Championship season less than three weeks away, they may want to get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.

Joshua Zirkzee

The Dutch striker appears to have little future at Old Trafford. It’s evident Carrick isn’t keen on the 25-year-old, although United can probably forget about recouping the £36.5m they paid for Bologna in 2024. A return to Italy is likely, with Juventus reportedly interested.

Altay Bayindir

Another player with no future at the club, Bayindir has been granted extra post-World Cup leave to complete his departure. The Turkey keeper, who didn’t play at the World Cup, has been linked with a return to his homeland with Besiktas.

Bayindir has not played for United since his error in the 3-1 defeat at Brentford in September. The team lost seven of the 17 games he started, conceding 31 goals.

Marcus Rashford

It would be a surprise if the seemingly never-ending Rashford saga concludes this week, but don’t completely rule it out. The forward’s career is in limbo after Barcelona declined to convert his loan into a permanent deal.

United are eager to get him off the wage bill, but are reluctant to sell to a direct rival. As it stands, Rashford will join up with the United squad in August, unless another club decides to take the plunge on the enigmatic forward before then.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Over 300,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires continue to rage across Spain and France.

At least one man has been killed in Spain and dozens others have been injured including at least 68 firefighters in France.

Government officials from both countries have commented on the historic nature of the blaze, with Madrid’s regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso describing it as “the worst fire in the history of the region”.

“The fires ‌which are hitting our country have reached a level that has never ​been seen before,” French ‌prime minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote on X on Saturday.

Lecornu promised that over 1.5 million face masks would be provided as even areas unaffected by the worst of the blaze saw air quality deteriorate and smoke spread.

Below we look at the areas affected and evacuated as a result of the wildfires.

Follow the latest updates here

France

The entirety of the Cap-Ferret peninsula has been cleared as the wildfires spread throughout the Gironde region, burning in Le Porge and Saumos.

The fires appeared to be advancing towards the French city of Bordeaux after the flames continued to spread, with several suburban regions on the city’s outskirts evacuated on Saturday morning.

This included the evacuation of large parts of Bordeaux’s suburbs, including the areas of Le Haillan, Eysines ​and Merignac.

French officials told Sky News on Sunday that they are considering a total evacuation of the city of Bordeaux – the sixth largest city in the country – if needed.

Local prefect Sophie Broca described the fast-spreading blaze throughout Gironde as an “XXL fire”.

Another major fire began further along the coast near the town of Biscarrosse in the Landes region on Thursday afternoon with several of the surrounding areas also evacuated for safety.

The French army has also been drafted in to help with the crisis as the inferno showed no signs of slowing down.

Over 220,000 people have been evacuated across France as it is experiencing worsening drought conditions following a heatwave and water shortages.

Spain

The government of Spain has declared a national emergency as the worst of the fires burned close to the country’s capital of Madrid, which is home to 6.8 million people.

Regional president Ayuso said that that conditions had been made worse by a combination of high temperatures, wind and the merging of blazes.

The Spanish interior ministry reported that a total of 70,000 people had been evacuated from villages outside Madrid.

One man died in Manises, near the Spanish city of Valencia, the ​country’s ⁠interior ⁠ministry has said, after he was found in a car ⁠in ​a ravine hundreds of kilometres away from the severe wildfires spreading near Madrid.

While Spain’s meteorological agency Aemet said that the fire risk remains at “very high” levels across vast areas of the country and “extreme” in the north-east and east, the threat was “lower that in previous days” in central and western Spain, according to an update on X on Saturday.

Spain’s health minister Monica Garcia warned people to be mindful of the air quality across Madrid as she advised residents to stay in doors and pay special attention to vulnerable people.

“Due to the fires, today’s air quality in Madrid is not good, with PM2.5 levels well above those recommended by the WHO,” she wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

“Avoid physical activity and staying outdoors. If you go outside and there is smoke or ash, use an FFP2/95 mask and goggles to protect your eyes. Seek medical attention if you notice difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

“Pay special attention to vulnerable people around you. Stay informed through official sources and follow the instructions from emergency services.”

Other areas impacted by wildfires include parts of Scotland where a major incident was declared following a blaze in Cairngorms National Park, with smoke drifting as far as Aberdeen nearly 150 miles away. Parts of Italy and Tunisia have also been affected.

Manchester United continue to push for more transfers this summer ahead of the upcoming Premier League season

Manchester United are pushing for more reinforcements as they continue their pre-season tour of Europe. Michael Carrick has welcomed Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos to Old Trafford.

The United boss needs to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain are next up for the Red Devils before Leeds and then a reunion with Ruben Amorim against AC Milan.

Carrick could have another transfer through the door before the next fixture as Manu Kone has reportedly agreed personal terms to head to Old Trafford. And another target in Carlos Baleba is desperate to join him as the Brighton star explores the possibility of a United move.

Here, Mirror Football examines the latest coming out of Old Trafford.

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OPINION

Manu Kone agrees transfer

Kone has reportedly agreed personal terms with United. Corriere dello Sport suggest that the Roma midfielder is keen to join the Premier League side, with a fee yet to be agreed.

It is understood that United are in contact with Roma and plan to submit a bid of around £42.7million (€50m). Real Madrid withdrew from the race for Kone after seeing their £34.1m (€40m) offer rejected.

Saudi side Al-Ahli and Chelsea are also interested and Kone’s fee could rise to £51.2m (€60m) if a bidding war ensues.

Premier League star requests Utd move

Baleba’s camp have reportedly got in touch with United once again to suss out a move to Old Trafford. Fabrizio Romano claims that the 22-year-old’s representatives have made contact and is keen to work under Carrick.

The Brighton midfielder was pushing for a move last year and sees United as his dream destination. The Seagulls were demanding £100m for his services, which stalled any potential deal.

However, Baleba’s transfer fee has fallen to around £70m and could be an option for United after this significant drop in value.

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.