Owner Behdad Eghbali said Chelsea would “tweak” their model and add experience to what he still believes is a strong core of young players, including Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill.

Welbeck joining Chelsea would be another sign of a shift in strategy.

Their move for him follows attempts to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, with the Black Cats refusing to sell the Switzerland captain.

Although the arrival of Rogers, 23, fits the club’s preferred policy of signing younger players, he brings significant Premier League experience.

The Blues are also expected to complete a £52m move for Lacroix, 26 – further Premier League-ready experience.

It is clear that Welbeck’s arrival would leave Chelsea with an abundance of attacking options for a season when they are not involved in European competition so do not necessarily need such resources.

At his age, Welbeck may be content to provide cover for Joao Pedro, but the move would represent bad news for several other forwards.

Nicolas Jackson is open to leaving, while Delap and Emmanuel Emegha had hoped to establish themselves under Alonso.

Nevertheless, the Chelsea manager is getting what he wants: experience and strong personalities to address shortcomings that contributed to the team’s 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Additional reporting by Matt Jones

Jack Draper has pulled out of this week’s Mubadala DC Open with an arm injury, tournament officials have announced.

It is the latest setback for the 24-year-old, who has been dogged by fitness issues throughout the year and missed the first three grand slam events.

The former world No 4, who has now fallen to a ranking of 147, had been due to play American Alex Michelsen in the first round.

A statement on X read: “Jack Draper has withdrawn from the tournament with a left arm injury. He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald.”

It is understood that Draper has withdrawn to focus on next month’s ATP Tour events in Montreal and Cincinnati, although he would need a wild card in both, and the US Open, for which he would probably need to qualify.

Cameron Norrie, meanwhile, light work of American Aleksandar Kovacevic with a 6-4 6-1 win at the Miffel Tennis Open.

Fifth seed Norrie ended a six-match losing streak stretching back to April as he progressed to the last 16 in one hour and 22 minutes.

Playing in the Los Cabos event where he won his first ATP Tour title in 2021, Norrie lost on serve in the opening game of the match but immediately broke back and converted his second set point.

A one-sided second set lasted just 32 minutes as Kovacevic held serve only once, and that after saving two break points.

Norrie will face either Australian James Duckworth or American qualifier Aidan Mayo in the last 16.

In Washington, Katie Boulter failed to build on a promising start as she lost to Ashlyn Krueger.

The 29-year-old, who married Australian world No 5 Alex De Minaur earlier this month, dominated the first set and went a break up in the seventh game as Krueger sent a backhand long.

Boulter, making her first appearance since a first-round Wimbledon exit, broke again two games later to clinch the opening set.

American Krueger turned things around – having made 16 unforced errors in the first set, she made only 10 more as she completed a 3-6 6-2 6-2 victory to set up a last-16 clash against Naomi Osaka.

PA

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already done enough to earn an ODI call-up and wants the 15-year-old to open alongside Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Engineer feels India should reshuffle their batting order by moving Shubman Gill to No. 4, allowing Sooryavanshi to partner Rohit at the top while Virat Kohli slots in at No. 3.

“The ideal situation is Shubman Gill and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Gill is a class player. Gill, I think, is the best batsman in the team now. So, Gill should come at four,” Engineer told PTI.

The former India star said the combination of a right-handed Rohit and left-handed Sooryavanshi would provide the ideal balance in ODI cricket.

“Gill is not a guy who lifts the ball. So, a left-right combination would be ideal in ODIs. So, if Rohit is playing, and I think he should be playing, let him open with Sooryavanshi.

“A batsman like him (Sooryavanshi) is much better at opening because he finds bigger gaps in the field. Virat Kohli can come third. Gill can come fourth and then we’ve got a solid batting line-up,” he said.

Engineer’s remarks come after Sooryavanshi enjoyed a breakthrough T20I series against Zimbabwe. The youngster finished as the leading run-scorer with 151 runs, including two half-centuries, and was named Player of the Series as India completed a 3-0 clean sweep.

According to Engineer, those performances are enough to fast-track the teenager into India’s 50-over plans.

“This is probably the right time to draft Sooryavanshi into India’s ODI side. I don’t know why people distinguish so much between ODI and T20 because for me, a half-volley is a half-volley. He’s been getting runs and he’s got the confidence to open the innings.

“He’ll win more matches for you than lose you. When he gives a start like that, the other players can have time to consolidate the innings and put on a big score,” Engineer noted.

While Sooryavanshi struggled during India’s T20I tour of England earlier this month, the Zimbabwe series showcased his ability to adapt. He produced a measured 81 off 49 balls in the final T20I on a slow Harare surface after blasting a rapid half-century in the series opener.

The teenager has also shown areas that still require improvement, including handling short-pitched bowling, adapting quickly to overseas conditions and refining his shot selection. However, Engineer urged India not to overburden the youngster with technical changes, insisting his natural game is what makes him special.

“Anything which is slightly short of length, in Sooryavanshi’s curve, is going to go for a six. He learned from his mistakes, he has learned to curb himself. But don’t try to over-coach him. He’s not from the MCC book of manual, which is completely out of date.

“He’s a genius. Nor was Viv Richards. Viv was the best batsman I’ve ever seen play. But persevere with Sooryavanshi. He’ll be a tremendous asset for India,” he said.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Engineer believes Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and match-winning ability make him a player India should invest in now rather than wait for the future.

India ended Day 4 of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with 10 medals — two gold, five silver and three bronze — to occupy eighth place in the standings. The contingent added six medals on Monday, July 27, led by Sharmila Dhankar’s historic para-athletics gold and Sarvesh Kushare’s landmark silver in the men’s high jump.

Australia remained well clear at the top with 59 medals, comprising 26 gold, 13 silver and 20 bronze. England were second with eight gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze for an overall tally of 32, while Canada occupied third place with seven gold, eight silver and six bronze, taking their total to 21.

India collected one gold, three silver and two bronze medals on Day 4. Sharmila became the country’s first Commonwealth Games para-athletics gold medallist, while Kushare became the first Indian to win silver in the men’s high jump.

Weightlifting again made the biggest contribution, with Valluri Ajaya Babu and Gyaneshwari Yadav winning silver medals and Bindyarani Devi claiming bronze. Shilpa Shyla added another bronze in the women’s shot put F57 after an official review upgraded her from fourth place.

  
Sharmila produced the standout performance of the day, winning the women’s shot put F57 title with a season-best throw of 9.81m. The 40-year-old became India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medallist in para athletics.

Her victory also ended India’s 20-year wait for a medal in the discipline. Ranjith Kumar Jayaseelan had won the country’s previous para-athletics medal in the men’s seated discus throw at the 2006 Games.

Sharmila, who contracted polio in her left leg at the age of two, had finished fourth at the 2022 Birmingham Games. She entered Glasgow after winning gold at the Fazza International Para Athletics Championships earlier this year.

India secured a second medal in the event when Shilpa Shyla was elevated to bronze following a protest and official review. Shilpa had registered a personal-best throw of 7.26m and was initially placed fourth.

Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi had originally been awarded bronze, but her only valid mark was subsequently ruled a foul. The decision promoted Shilpa to third place, although a counter-protest by Nigeria remained possible.

Kushare creates high jump history

National record holder Sarvesh Kushare became the first Indian to win a silver medal in the men’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games.

Kushare cleared 2.25m but narrowly missed gold to Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford on countback after both athletes failed at 2.28m. England’s Jack Kimani took bronze with an effort of 2.20m.

The 31-year-old improved on Tejaswin Shankar’s bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Games, which had been India’s only previous medal in the event.

J Aadarsh Ram finished fifth after clearing 2.15m. Tejaswin retired after failing at 2.05m in his opening attempt, with the decision taken as a precaution before the men’s decathlon later in the week.

Kushare’s silver continued a strong season in which he became the first Indian high jumper to finish on a Diamond League podium. He had also set a national record of 2.31m at the National Inter-State Championships.

Ajaya Babu misses gold by one kilogram

Valluri Ajaya Babu won silver in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event after an absorbing contest with Malaysia’s Erry Hidayat Muhammad.

The 21-year-old lifted 149kg in the snatch and 181kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 330kg. Hidayat secured gold with a Games-record total of 331kg, comprising 147kg in the snatch and 184kg in the clean and jerk.

Ajaya Babu led after the snatch section, recovering from a failed second attempt at 149kg to complete the lift on his final try and establish a Games record.

The records changed repeatedly during the clean and jerk. Hidayat first lifted 181kg before Ajaya Babu matched the weight to regain the overall lead. The Malaysian then completed 184kg with his final attempt to edge the Indian by one kilogram.

England’s Chris Murray won bronze with a total of 325kg.

Gyaneshwari and Bindyarani add medals

Gyaneshwari Yadav won silver in the women’s 53kg category after producing career-best efforts in both sections. She lifted 88kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 199kg.

Nigeria’s Onome Omolola Didih won gold with a combined lift of 206kg, setting Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games records.

Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam secured bronze in the women’s 58kg competition with a total of 199kg. She lifted 87kg in the snatch and 112kg in the clean and jerk.

Nigeria’s Rafiatu Folashade Lawal claimed gold with a record-breaking performance.

It’s time for my final NFC North position rankings for the 2026 season, and we finish with the safety position. To review the previous position rankings, click the following links: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, iDL, EDGE, LB, and CB.

NFC North Safety Rankings for 2026

There has been some change in the NFC North at safety since I did my rankings last year. Some big names have left, new signings have been made, and some intriguing rookies have joined the division.

1. Green Bay Packers

Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, Kitan Oladapo

Since switching the Big Apple for Wisconsin, Xavier McKinney has been very good. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in his first season in Green Bay and followed that up with second-team All-Pro last season. The switch from the Giants to the Packers has been a great success for both the player and the team and is the main reason Green Bay tops this list.

However, McKinney isn’t a one-man show and receives particularly good support from Evan Williams and Javon Bullard, while Kitan Oladapo rounds out the depth chart. Top-end talent and good depth is a recipe for first place in the rankings.

2. Detroit Lions

Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Christian Izien, Chuck Clark

Brian Branch has been an excellent addition to the Detroit Lions defense since he was drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft. His hard-hitting tackling sets the tone in Detroit, where his run defense is elite and his coverage is pretty good, too.

Branch and fellow safety Kerby Joseph have started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, which is something to monitor as Branch recovers from an Achilles injury and Joseph a knee injury that occurred last season. It leaves veteran Chuck Clark and Christian Izien holding down the fort in Detroit for now. The return to health for Branch will be vital for the whole of the Lions defense.

3. Chicago Bears

Dillon Thieneman, Coby Bryant, Elijah Hicks, Cam Lewis

The Bears turned to safety with their first-round pick this year, so the success of Dillon Thieneman is going to be crucial. They need him to come on and be an immediate starter who can lead the unit with the backup coming in the form of Coby Bryant, Elijah Hicks, and Cam Lewis.

If the Thieneman pick doesn’t work, the Bears could have a problem. Although Bryant gives them a solid veteran presence, Hicks played very little on defense last season, and Lewis was a depth player in Buffalo before joining Chicago. There’s a lot of pressure on Thieneman to deliver early in his career.

4. Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, Jay Ward, Jakobe Thomas

Often a position of strength during the long career of Harrison Smith, the Vikings come into the 2026 season with safety possibly the biggest area of concern on the roster.

Josh Metellus is a good player, but his best football has come playing a hybrid role in Brian Flores’ defense. Now he is the team’s standout safety and needs to perform as such. Theo Jackson gives the Vikings a solid veteran who has performed well as a depth player the last couple of seasons. Then there is Jay Ward, a fourth-round pick from 2023 who has done a good job as a depth player but might be required more this season.

Finally, the Vikings drafted Jakobe Thomas in the third round this year, and he could be the joker in the pack in Minnesota. There has already been talk of him being ready to start immediately.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drive against Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 07, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

LeBron James has signed a contract to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, the team announced Monday, with managing owner Josh Harris “thrilled” about chances for their first NBA title since 1983.

James announced on Friday he would play for the Sixers on a two-year deal worth $8 million, ending a weeks-long mystery over the 41-year-old superstar’s future, but the 76ers had no comment throughout the weekend.

“I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers,” ownership managing partner Harris said in a statement. “One of the greatest players in NBA history and one of the best athletes ever, his accomplishments are iconic.”

READ: NBA: 76ers celebrate LeBron James arrival with coronation photo

James, the NBA’s all-time scoring leader set to begin his record 24th campaign in October, is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

After winning two titles with Miami, another with hometown club Cleveland and his most recent with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, James could become the first NBA player to win crowns with four different teams.

James, a three-time Olympic champion and 22-time NBA All-Star, joins a Sixers roster filled with NBA stars in hopes of bringing Philadelphia an NBA title for the first time since Julius Erving led the club to the crown 43 years ago.

“I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly,” Harris said.

“To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!”

READ: LeBron James picks Philly 8 years after billboards asked him to come

James has career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals over 1,622 games.

‘Ultimate competitor’

Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, an Ohio high school rival of James on the court, expects the legend will boost the club and the community.

“There’s no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he’ll have on this organization,” Gansey said.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he has produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker.

“But he’s also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him. We couldn’t be happier that he’s officially here.”

READ: LeBron James hopes to bring title magic to Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers posted a photo on social media of a James jersey, keeping his tradition number 23 with his new club, hanging in a locker with a crown on a shelf inside it, a nod toward “King James” being with the Sixers.

James has taken teams into the NBA playoffs 19 times, matching a league record, with post-season averages of 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocked shots over 302 games.

In June, James announced he was leaving the Lakers and numerous clubs were seen as contenders to become his new home, including Miami, Cleveland, Golden State and Minnesota as well as the 76ers.

Philadelphia swung a deal with Boston three weeks ago for Brown, sending Paul George to the Celtics, and together with center Embiid and top guards Maxey and Edgecombe they provided a lineup too good for James to pass up in his quest for a fifth NBA title.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James posted on X Friday.

Veteran India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja marked his return as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Having fully recovered from a tennis elbow injury sustained during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) in May, Jadeja makes his comeback to bolster India’s spin attack in Subcontinental conditions. The announcement also marks the maiden India call-up for spin-bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain, who comes into the 15-man squad as a replacement for Washington Sundar, who was unavailable for selection due to a hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series in England.

A seasoned campaigner for Madhya Pradesh with 131 First-Class wickets to his name, Jain secured his spot following impressive performances for India A against Sri Lanka A recently.

Saransh has established himself as a reliable bowling all-rounder over 42 First-Class matches, proving to be a mainstay for Madhya Pradesh and earning recognition at the India A level. Operating primarily as a right-arm off-spinner, he has claimed 131 wickets at an average of 28.51 and a controlled economy rate of nearly 2.99 runs per over, with best innings figures of 6/103.

With the bat, the left-handed lower-middle-order hitter offers vital depth, having amassed 1,455 runs across 60 innings at an average of 25.98. He has registered eight half-centuries and a maiden First-Class century (top score of 100), making him a well-rounded utility player who can fill in the void left by Washington Sundar.

In a press release, the BCCI said: “The Men’s Selection Committee has selected India’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Ahead of the series, the team will play a four-day practice match in Colombo, starting on 7 August.”

The BCCI also said that  Sai Sudharsan and Jasprit Bumrah’s availability will be subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI COE. Washington Sundar was not available for selection for the first Test.

India’s squad for Tests against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill [C], KL Rahul [VC], Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant [WK], Sai Sudharsan*, Dhruv Jurel [WK], Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain

India’s tour of Sri Lanka kicks off with a four-day practice match in Colombo on 7 August, followed by the two Test matches scheduled in Galle (15–19 August) and Colombo (23–27 August).

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