Elliot Anderson will undergo a Manchester City medical around England’s plans at the World Cup as he closes in on a record-breaking move to the Etihad.
Elliot Anderson is expected to complete a medical for Manchester City in the coming days after a £116m fee was agreed with Nottingham Forest. The midfielder is free to finalise his move to the Etihad after that breakthrough in negotiations, but is also said to be focused on the World Cup.
England are expected to fly into New York on Friday ahead of their third group game against Panama, and Anderson is not scheduled for his medical before that game as he looks to play a part in Thomas Tuchel’s team topping their group. While a date for the medical has not yet been confirmed, it should take place after the completion of the first stage of the World Cup on Saturday.
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City are in no rush to complete the deal having done the hard bit of agreeing a fee with Forest, and are happy to respect whatever England and Anderson think is best in order to cause the least disruption to the World Cup effort. Tuchel called for common sense recently on transfer activity when he spoke about the summer moves that some of his players could make during the tournament.
“There has to be common sense, I would say, I would not like it on a -1 and a matchday. That’s the policy,” he said. “And everything else, if it is quietly done, privately done, done efficiently, we are always happy to help to have clarity around the player.“I think the best we can have is clarity. If anyone has the chance to complete a change of club and a transfer, we will not stand in the way, but it has to align, of course, with our schedule and our goals which is to be focused and prepare for matches.”
Should England top their group, their round-of-32 match will take place on Wednesday and it will be even later if they do not, with a Thursday game if they are runners-up and Friday for a third-place finish. Anderson has started the first two matches for England and is set to be a key part of Tuchel’s plans to go all the way in the tournament.
France’s preparations for its final World Cup group game have been disrupted by the departure of manager Didier Deschamps from the team’s camp following the death of his mother. Mbappé’s Les Bleus are set to face Halland’s Norway in a highly anticipated duel between the two star goalscorers. FRANCE 24’s Selina Sykes followed Les Bleus as they prepare for their final game.
It’s a duel that’s set to be gruelling at the World Cup. France on one side, Norway on the other, with two star goalscorers facing each other: Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The game could decide who finishes first of the group. The man leading Les Bleus is not Didier Deschamps, whose mother passed away earlier this week. Instead, his assistant Guy Stéphan is in charge.
Alyssa receives Suspension after Fist to Caitlin Clark’s Throat
The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game after reviewing an incident involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during Wednesday night’s game.
No foul was called when the play occurred with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter of Phoenix’s 111-109 victory. However, after reviewing the footage, the league upgraded the play to a Flagrant Foul 2 and announced that Thomas would also be fined $1,000.
In its statement, the WNBA said:
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“Per WNBA rule, the League Office has the option, following its review of any game, to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game and may impose a fine and/or suspension.”
The incident happened as Clark drove into the lane and ended up on the floor following contact. During the scramble for the ball, Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat with her fist before getting up and stepping over the Fever guard.
Indiana head coach Stephanie White was critical of the officials after the game, arguing the play should have been penalized immediately.
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“No. 1, you’ve got to call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful.”
The league’s post-game review ultimately agreed that the contact warranted a Flagrant Foul 2, making Thomas ineligible for Phoenix’s next game against the Toronto Tempo.
It is a tap-in tally to bet the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna with the first pick at the NHL draft when it begins on Friday in Buffalo.
Uncertain is who is chosen next, and even who makes the second selection.
The free-for-all will not end there during a couple of intriguing days in the two-day event.
As of now, the San Jose Sharks own the second overall selection, and would surprise nobody by selecting winger Ivar Stenberg.
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From there, the draft includes a two-way center in Caleb Malhotra, and a slew of defensemen (Chase Reid, Alberts Smits, Carson Carels, Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph) to round out most of the top-10.
In the mix among all of those names is a wild card in center Viggo Bjorck, who may be on the smaller side but has eye-catching skill that many of the teams outside the top two covet.
But how the draft shakes out in terms of which young men receive new sweaters upon graduating to the next step of their career is only part of the intrigue.
It will be fascinating how much wheeling and dealing comes to fruition among the clubs with excessive draft capital. Already, 12 of the 32 first-round selections have been traded, some of them more than once.
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Case in point, the St. Louis Blues missed the playoffs by four points, so a case could be made they should be adding to make a push.
On Wednesday, the Blues dealt Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals and added a fourth — yes FOURTH — first-round pick to their stable. In owning picks No. 11, 15, 16 and 29, the Blues could use those to add players who would have an immediate impact while they re-tool.
St. Louis is not alone in holding plenty of valuable cards. The Sharks also own the ninth and 27th picks. San Jose plans to take a substantial leap forward next season with a team built around plenty of young talent, notably Macklin Celebrini. It will take a mint to pry away that second overall pick, but the Sharks would be wise to parlay those other first-rounders for a legitimate player to fill a gaping hole or two in their roster.
Then you have the host Buffalo Sabres. This past season’s Atlantic Division regular-season champs took a hit by losing forward Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade swap with the Washington Capitals (which gave them a 2027 third rounder) and also dealt away skilled defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks. Thanks to the latter deal, which is something of a head-scratcher from Chicago’s perspective with that team’s need for a scoring forward to play alongside Connor Bedard, the Sabres added the fourth overall pick, while also holding the 20th.
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It will be a huge surprise if the Sabres do not use that currency to add a player who will help them now fuel their Stanley Cup hopes.
There certainly are plenty of players on the trade market, such as Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg Jets star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Anaheim Ducks stagnated power forward Mason McTavish and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies.
So, feel free to await the words “I’ve got a trade to announce” from Gary Bettman throughout the draft, and not just to be a drinking game.
Bailey signed for United from Burnley in 2021. He made a positive early impression for the academy and made his under-18s debut under Travis Binnion in 2023, when he was just 15. The teenager went on to make his under-21s debut in 2025.
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But United announced earlier this month that Bailey would be leaving alongside Malachi Sharpe and Sonny Aljofree. It has now been confirmed that he will be playing in English football’s third tier with Stockport.
The midfielder has already played for Stockport’s academy side in the season just gone, and academy director Mike Jeffries has now explained why Bailey, who has signed a two-year contract, deserves his first professional deal.
He said: “James has worked incredibly hard throughout his time in the Academy since joining from Manchester United and fully deserves this opportunity. He has shown a fantastic attitude, a strong commitment to his development, and a willingness to learn every day.
“Signing a first professional contract is an important milestone, but it’s also the beginning of the next stage of his journey. We’re pleased with the progress he has made and believe he has the qualities, both on and off the pitch, to continue developing within the football club.
“Everyone in the Academy is proud of James and the dedication he has shown to reach this point. We look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career and continues to push for further opportunities.”
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Head of emerging talent Vinil Joseph added: “James is a player we have tracked for a considerable period of time. He is a tenacious midfielder who combines a strong competitive edge with excellent technical quality, highlighted by a fantastic left foot.
“We believe he possesses attributes required to thrive in a senior environment and continue his development at the club. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to working with him over the coming years.”
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Bailey has also shared his happiness at joining Stockport. writing on Instagram, he said: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract at @stockportcounty, New beginnings, Happy to get started.”
Former Reds academy colleagues Chido Obi, Samuel Lusale, Jacob Devaney, Dante Plunkett and Bassirou Nkoto were among those who wished him good luck in response.
Man City have agreed a deal to sign midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window.
A recent photo taken of Elliot Anderson shows him holding a cricket bat at England’s training camp in Kansas City. Anderson has looked relaxed in the United States, but it would have been impossible for him not to be slightly distracted by his future, which has finally been decided.
Manchester City have claimed the wicket by agreeing a fee of £116million, although that figure has been disputed by sources connected to Nottingham Forest, who have suggested the deal is worth £130m.
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Manchester United effectively pulled out of the race to sign Anderson when City’s opening, lofty bid was rejected due to the cost involved. They have since moved on to alternative targets.
United CEO Omar Berrada warned United would move away from targets if the financials didn’t make sense. “We have to be really disciplined, it’s simple. We have a plan, we know what we can invest, and we have to stick to that,” he said on the club’s in-house podcast.
“In some cases, we may decide to make an investment knowing it’s the right thing for not just the next two or three years, but the next 10 years. But clearly, we need to stay very focused on what we’re trying to achieve. It’s very important that you don’t let the market or the agents dictate.”
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Anderson is a brilliant player, so he would have been an excellent signing to replace Casemiro, but United cannot be blamed for stepping back from a deal that will see him become the most expensive British player of all time.
The other reason to step away from Anderson, besides the cost involved, was that Mateus Fernandes was viewed as an attainable, quality alternative, with his data from last season comparing well.
Fernandes won more tackles and made more accurate switches of play. He wasn’t far behind Anderson on ground duels won, possessions won, and possessions won in the defensive third.
United sensed an opportunity to sign Fernandes for a fair transfer fee following West Ham’s relegation, but Tottenham have come to the table, a move that has been met with glee from those in the London Stadium boardroom.
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Tottenham will put United in a difficult position if they are willing to meet West Ham’s asking price of £85m, which is more than United were hoping to spend on the 21-year-old.
Although United want to remain disciplined in the market, they have to pay up at some stage to avoid missing out on their top targets. The question is: is Fernandes worth a bid of around £85m?
The new financial year for clubs is a week away, meaning cards are about to be played, so it would be a surprise if there wasn’t a meaningful update on Fernandes’ future by this time next week.
It will be fascinating to see how much United are prepared to offer considering Berrada’s warning. United pulled out of the race for Anderson at an early stage, but they may have no choice but to hang in there with Fernandes.
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United have a list of midfield alternatives, players who the data department admire, but the further the club works down that list, the lower quality the player is, theoretically. United know they need to cough up at some stage.
The Reds are prepared to spend on a marquee midfield signing, so supporters should not be concerned, but the message from behind the scenes has been consistent: the deal has to be fair value.
The cost involved with Anderson reached a level that United were not comfortable with. If Tottenham are serious about meeting West Ham’s valuation of Fernandes, how United react will be a true test of their disciplined approach.
An £85m fee would historically get you more than a player who has back-to-back relegations on his CV. Fernandes is a talent, and his ceiling is yet to be reached, but that sort of fee highlights the inflation in today’s market.
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United could be tempted to look further afield for better value. Germany international Felix Nmecha is on the club’s radar, and Borussia Dortmund have shown a willingness to sell key players in the past.
In an ideal world, United would have had a clear run at Anderson, and would have signed him for a reasonable fee, but the transfer market is never straightforward. The only thing guaranteed is twists and turns.
Trainer Andrew Bobbin is feeling rather astute regarding Miracle Spin’s current form, although he admits it wasn’t always the case.
The Stawell conditioner even questioned if Miracle Spin would indeed have a second preparation with him after a winless three-race spring campaign, which concluded with a distant last finish in the Penshurst Cup.
Bobbin is now grateful for his decision to persevere, as the import has thrived now that softer tracks have arrived and is aiming for a third consecutive victory this Saturday at Caulfield.
The horse, a recent winner of the Casterton Cup (2000m), having previously won over 1800m on the Caulfield Heath track, is set to lead the field in the $80,000 Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival Hospitality BM78 Handicap (2000m).
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“There were multiple times during the first six or eight weeks with this fellow that I thought maybe we might be looking at rehoming him as a pleasure horse,” Bobbin stated concerning the current campaign.
“But once the softer tracks came around I realised that all his work has to be either done on the heavy sand or in the swimming pool.
“We worked out that the key to him is to just keep the weight off his limbs. I really think that has been the key to getting the best out of him.
“Tried horses all come with their battle scars and it’s all about trying to keep them together, but this horse is moving as well as I’m sure he has for a long time.”
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Bobbin also attributed a significant part of the recent wins to the guidance of apprentice jockey Shayleigh Ingelse, but she is currently suspended and unavailable for this weekend’s race.
Harry Coffey has been brought in as a replacement, meaning Miracle Spin must carry its full weight of 60.5kg. The assignment becomes more challenging with barrier 13 in a field of 16.
“The wide gate isn’t ideal, but he is a horse that is fairly tractable and if he can hopefully find a position somewhere on the back of the horses, he should be really strong late.”
Consider the available betting markets for the main race at betting sites.
Peter Snowden is adamant that Touristic is bright and healthy, and he anticipates the horse will prove his fitness at Rosehill, despite a subpar result last start.
Touristic, who began his campaign in the Festival Stakes (1500m) in November, will be making his tenth appearance of the preparation in Saturday’s W J McKell Cup (2000m).
This is a demanding schedule that few horses could handle, but Touristic has thrived, winning the Canberra Cup in March and placing in the January and Gosford Cups.
While he was convincingly beaten in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at his most recent outing, Snowden suggested it was a result of how the race unfolded rather than an indication that the gelding was ready for a spell.
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“Things didn’t work out,” Snowden commented. “We’ve learned from that. It’s all about riding him the right way. Ride him to his strengths, and he’ll run really well.”
A six-time winner, Touristic has achieved five of his victories on rain-affected tracks, and Snowden is hopeful that he will encounter suitable conditions on Saturday.
Snowden believes that if the track conditions are to his liking, all signs from the stable point towards a rapid return to form for the seven-year-old.
“I would like to see the track a little wetter, but they are forecasting a few showers on Saturday. A five, six or seven is perfect for him,” he said. “He can turn this around on Saturday, no problem. He loves racing, and he’s in really good shape.”
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Following the scratching of Rotagilla, who will instead race in Brisbane, Touristic will face a field of nine rivals. Among them are the 2024 McKell Cup winner Golden Path, the in-form God’s Window, and the improving stayer Tavros, trained by Craig Martin of Tamworth.
Indian shooters at ISSF Junior World Championship in Germany. (Pic credit: NRAI)
NEW DELHI: India underlined their growing dominance in world shooting by finishing on top of the medal standings at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 in Suhl, Germany, ending a sensational campaign with 24 medals, including seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze.The Indian contingent comfortably finished ahead of the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), who secured 14 medals with six gold, while traditional powerhouse Italy placed third with 10 medals, also featuring six gold.The remarkable performance marked another milestone for Indian shooting, with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) celebrating the country’s success across rifle and pistol disciplines, individual, mixed and team events.
Young stars deliver across rifle and pistol
India’s campaign began in style as Sejal Kamble clinched gold in the women’s 10m air pistol, while Himanshi added a bronze. Sejal then joined Vanshika Choudhary and Navya Bishnoi to win the team gold, giving India an early lead in the championship.The medals continued to flow as Sameer struck gold in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol, Rohit Kanyan topped the podium in the men’s 50m rifle three positions, and Pritam Kendre emerged champion in the men’s 10m air rifle. Abhinav Deshwal later added another gold in the men’s 25m standard pistol, while Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar and Abhinav Shaw sealed gold in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.India also collected multiple silver medals through Prachi Gaikwad, Shiva Narwal, Shaurya Dilip Bharne, Aishwarya Ravichandra Balehosur and several team events, highlighting the impressive depth of the junior squad.“Topping the medal tally at a World Championship for two successive editions is a phenomenal achievement,” NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said.“What makes me happiest is that these 24 medals didn’t just come from one or two individual stars. They were spread across rifle and pistol, individual, mixed and team events. It proves that our structural grassroots programmes are working effectively,” he added.
India’s final tally could have been even richer.Vanshika Choudhary suffered heartbreak in the women’s 10m air pistol final after failing to fire her last shot while challenging for gold and a possible junior world record because of apparent confusion during the closing moments. The missed attempt denied India a rare clean sweep of the podium.The team also lost another medal opportunity when Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar was disqualified in the women’s 10m air rifle team event for failing the ISSF apparel stiffness test.While India dominated rifle and pistol competitions, the shotgun remained a concern. The contingent failed to win a medal in trap or skeet events, with no men’s shooter reaching the finals. Bhavya Tripathi and Rishan Guron qualified for the women’s finals but finished eighth and seventh respectively.
Team USA’s final group stage match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup may not have had any implications for either team, but patriotism was in full force for the home country as second lady Usha Vance was among the many prominent figures at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday night.
As the U.S. national anthem rang across the stadium, with players and fans singing in unison, the FOX Sports broadcast showed Vance in a suite with a huge smile on her face as “The Star-Spangled Banner” ended.
Vance was present at the match just two days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that President Donald Trump would present the World Cup trophy to the winning team at the final in New Jersey on July 19.
U.S. second lady Usha Vance attends the 2026 World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the United States at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026.(Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Vance was just the beginning of the stars that showed out in Inglewood, as Paris Hilton was seen presenting the match ball before kick-off. Then, cameras started to pick up the many high-profile faces throughout the crowd.
Among them were Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, a pair that many movie lovers know from their hit classic “Fight Club.” Some social media users even hoped that the discussion they were seen having was about a sequel.
Also, movie star Ashton Kutcher was seen speaking with Los Angeles Rams standout wide receiver Puka Nacua, who knows the confines of SoFi Stadium (what it is called outside of FIFA play) very well.
Then, Colin Farrell, though Irish-born, was rocking a replica Team USA jersey alongside his son in the stands to support the Stars and Stripes. Leonardo DiCaprio, Scottie Pippen and more were also seen in the seats.
U.S. second lady Usha Vance sings the anthem during the 2026 World Cup Group D match between Turkey and the U.S. at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 25, 2026.(Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the USMNT from everywhere, celebrity or not, throughout this tournament. The 4-2 win over Paraguay at the same Los Angeles stadium caused a frenzy in the stands, as the U.S. made a statement to begin the tournament on home soil for the first time since 1999.
Then, it was on to Seattle, where a 2-0 victory over Australia not only led to a spot in the knockout round, but led to a bellowing of the John Denver classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” from everyone in the stands. The USMNT saluted their fans after yet another successful match.
It was a much different look for the USMNT entering Thursday night’s matchup against Türkiye, with nine changes to the starting XI after the team had already secured its place in the knockout stage. The Americans will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on July 1.
Paris Hilton is seen with children before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and USA at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on June 25, 2026.(Sarah Stier/FIFA)
No matter who’s on the pitch, some of the biggest names in the country are showing support for the team that has inspired tremendous national pride to kick off this tournament.
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