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Man United latest: Fresh Barcelona battle looms amid concerns over loan star

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Manchester United face a big three months as they look to clinch Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick

Manchester United are currently enjoying a two-week break due to their third round exit from the FA Cup but will need to quickly get back up to speed. By the time Monday’s game at Everton rolls around, some 13 days will have passed since Benjamin Sesko secured United a point at West Ham.

That doesn’t mean we’ve been free from headlines about United, though, with much of the chatter focusing on what’s to come this summer. A decision will need to be made regarding Michael Carrick’s future as manager, with 12 matches of the season left for him to make his case even more strongly, while some transfer activity is inevitable regardless of who occupies the dugout.

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United have already confirmed Casemiro won’t be at Old Trafford next season, with the Brazilian international aiming to leave on a high note. Things aren’t set in stone when it comes Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Barcelona and could well still move to Camp Nou permanently.

We have an update on another of United’s loanees, as well as a separate Barca battle. Here are our latest discussion points from around Old Trafford.

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Lausanne decision causes Kone concern

The winter transfer window wasn’t the busiest for Manchester United but it did see Sekou Kone loaned out to Lausanne-Sport in early February. However, the Malian midfielder’s move hasn’t quite gone according to plan – at least not for his first few weeks in Switzerland.

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Kone made his debut coming off the bench against Thun in a league defeat. However, he has remained an unused substitute in Lausanne’s other two February fixtures, and has now been left out of the club’s Conference League squad.

United highlighted possible European involvement as justification for loaning Kone to Switzerland. Now, according to The Mail, the latest development has caused concern

Lausanne secured ninth position in the Conference League table before Christmas, suffering just one defeat in their six league phase fixtures. This means they’re seeded for the play-off round, where they face Czech outfit Sigma Olomouc.

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Double battle with Barca

Manchester United could see their transfer plans derailed by Barcelona not once but twice, according to reports from Germany. Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson is one of two reported United targets also eyed by the Catalan club, as well as young German midfielder Kennert Eichhorn.

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According to BILD (via Sport Witness), Eichhorn has attracted attention from several major clubs with his performances for Hertha Berlin. Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have been mentioned as possible destinations, along with Barcelona, Real Madrid and United.

The wonderkid only celebrated his 16th birthday in July but established himself in Hertha’s first team before sustaining an ankle injury which has sidelined him for the last three matches. He has featured in 12 of his side’s 2. Bundesliga games this season as Stefan Leitl’s team occupy sixth place in the standings.

The defensive midfielder reportedly has a release clause around £10million. It’s anticipated that he will make a move this summer, even if Hertha manage to secure promotion back to the top tier.

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VIkings Social Justice Committee Makes Huge $500,000 Donation

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Aug 3, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and team owner Ziggy Wilf talk at training camp at TCO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings’ Social Justice Committee knows how to endear itself to the Twin Cities communities.

We at PurpleTerritory also know what it’s like to connect with the Twin Cities communities. But the Vikings and their Social Justice Committee have taken it… let’s say… multiple steps further.

In 2025, the Vikings donated a total of a half million, yes, you heard correctly, $500,000, to a total of 18 charities across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other central Minnesota communities to make sure that people of any color in the Twin Cities region have equal access to all sorts of mental health, physical work, and required living resources.

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Zygi Wilf watches warmups before a Vikings game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf surveys pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium, where Sep 14, 2025 brought a home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as he observed preparations from the sideline in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

So, which charities are receiving a donation? And how will this benefit said charities? Let’s highlight a few examples.

Minnesota Vikings Social Justice Committee Makes Huge $500,000 Donation to Charities

One notable topic that has come to light in recent years is the concept of mental health.

As Founder and Executive Director of the Invisible Wounds Project Russ Hanes told Vikings.com, “Mental Health has a stigma in and of itself. And then when you tie in the other factor —– that our people work in careers where sometimes and in some departments, agencies and units it’s not accepted well —– and they really need a safe space to go. It’s not a one-and-done: ‘Here’s a couple bucks; here’s a gift card. Thanks for your service. See you later.’ It really becomes a family, and the family continues to grow and support each other.

We really focus on providing that safe, healthy, positive atmosphere where people can be themselves, learn from each other, help each other and just foster that growth in a way you can’t without a physical space or presence.”

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Now, not only does the Invisible Wounds Project align with the Social Justice Committee’s ideals, but it also provides additional resources, such as suicide prevention classes.

A Vikings Player Speaks Up on the Social Justice Committee and Highlights His Charity

This charity was highlighted by outside linebacker Bo Richter. As Richter noted, “It’s absolutely amazing to have these people here fulfilling the need. They explained to us how they provide this sense of community along with the necessary resources… and that community piece [is really unique].”

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Bo Richter (98) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Thanks to their efforts, Invisible Wounds received a $30,000 donation.

Social Justice Committee and Praise of the Owners

Headed by the owners and brothers Zygi, Mark, and Leonard Wilf, the Vikings have made over $9.5 million in donations to social justice initiatives since the 2018 season. In 2025, the causes the donations supported included mental health, inclusion, food insecurity, and equal access to education, to name a few.

Other Charities & Player Ties

Speaking about food insecurity, running back Zavier Scott enjoyed teaming up with the squad’s Social Justice Committee for his partnership at a local food charity.

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“I love the fact we can help out,” he said. “It’s not easy what a lot of people are going through, and we want to lighten the load any way we can.”

After working with food bank Loaves & Fishes to help provide meals, Scott also quipped, “It’s special any time you can sit down and just talk to someone. I think there’s something special about those slower moments. Every person matters. Every individual matters, no matter what their background is, no matter where they’re at in life. Everybody is valued, and I feel that’s a way of showing and honoring that. I like to connect, hear their story and give them some love.”

Vikings helmet at the Detroit Lions on November 2nd, 2025.
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A general view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

As a result, Fishes & Loaves received a $25,000 special contribution to their charity.

Other charities receiving donations through the Vikings Social Justice Committee in 2025 were Project Success, the Jeremiah Program, the Khyree Jackson Foundation, Black Men Teach, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, Elevate Youth Elite Sports, Raise the Barr, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity —– Advancing Black Ownership Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities, Gigi’s Playhouse, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas, the Great North Innocence Project, Page Innocence Foundation, Shout Out Loud MN, Acres for Life, and Sharing and Caring Hands.

So, the Vikings Social Justice Committee is among the best in the NFL when it comes to charity work. And the owners are receiving high praise for their connections to the Twin Cities communities. It’s something to be very proud of as a Vikings fan.

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2026 Genesis Invitational Thursday TV coverage: Round 1

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The 2026 Genesis Invitational gets underway Thursday with the first round at Riviera CC. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Thursday, including full Genesis Invitational TV coverage, streaming details and Round 1 tee times.

How to watch Genesis Invitational on Thursday

If Rory McIlroy has any hope of catching up to World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the Official World Golf Ranking, he needs to start piling up big PGA Tour wins.

And this week presents exactly that opportunity for the World No. 2 and five-time major champion. McIlroy is making is second Tour start of the season at this week’s Genesis Invitational. And as with the tournament he played last week, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the Genesis is a Signature Event with a $20 million purse.

The Genesis is played at an iconic golf course (Riviera) and it has an legendary host in the form of Tiger Woods, who spoke to the media on Tuesday. That’s exactly the kind of tournament that McIlroy has said he wants to win as his career goes forward.

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And the action gets started on Thursday with the opening round in L.A.

You can watch the first round of the Genesis Invitational on TV via Golf Channel beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting Thursday at 10:15 a.m. ET, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage all day long.

Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the first round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational.

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How to watch on TV Thursday

Golf Channel will provide first-round TV coverage of the 2026 Genesis Invitational on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. ET.

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How to stream online Thursday

You can stream the first round of the 2026 Genesis Invitational via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage starting at 10:15 a.m. ET on Thursday in addition to featured group and hole coverage.

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2026 Genesis Invitational Round 1 tee times (ET)

Tee No. 1

10:15 a.m. – Sami Valimaki, J.T. Poston, Rico Hoey
10:27 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Nico Echavarria, Jake Knapp
10:39 a.m. – Matt McCarty, Jhonattan Vegas, Taylor Pendrith
10:51 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Bud Cauley, Matti Schmid
11:03 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Michael Kim, Pierceson Coody
11:15 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns
11:27 a.m. – Maverick McNealy, Akshay Bhatia, Jacob Bridgeman
11:39 a.m. – Cameron Young, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry
11:56 a.m. – J.J. Spaun, Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama
12:08 p.m. – Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy
12:20 p.m. – Ryan Gerard, Adam Scott, Patrick Rodgers
12:32 p.m. – Kevin Yu, Max Homa, Denny McCarthy
12:44 p.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Ryan Fox, Sam Stevens
12:56 p.m. – Tom Kim, Rickie Fowler, Max Greyserman
1:08 p.m. – Lucas Glover, Tony Finau, Max McGreevy
1:20 p.m. – Garrick Higgo, Aaron Rai, Matt Fitzpatrick
1:37 p.m. – Jason Day, Alex Noren, Ryo Hisatsune
1:49 p.m. – Andrew Novak, Brian Harman, Nick Taylor
2:01 p.m. – Russell Henley, Harris English, Corey Conners
2:13 p.m. – Sepp Straka, Harry Hall, Patrick Cantlay
2:25 p.m. – Chris Gotterup, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre
2:37 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Si Woo Kim
2:49 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger
3:01 p.m. – Brian Campbell, Wyndham Clark, Marco Penge

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Man United learn Elliot Anderson price tag as Nottingham Forest agreement reached

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Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar, and this former Premier League ace believes he’ll fetch a hefty transfer sum

Former England coach Joleon Lescott thinks Manchester United will have to shell out £100million to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer. United and a number of rival clubs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.

Since leaving his boyhood Newcastle United for Forest, Anderson has been a revelation. He has played his way into the England frame and is one of the Premier League’s most sought-after young players.

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It has long been reported that United want a new superstar midfielder in the summer. Anderson’s name has been floated around alongside the likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Casemiro will leave a gaping hole in the middle of the park when he leaves at the end of this campaign.

Ex-Manchester City defender Lescott worked alongside Anderson with England’s Under-21s and has a figure in mind should the youngster leave this summer. He also agreed with a peer as to whether Anderson’s Forest will survive the drop this season.

You can listen to brand new episodes of In The Mixer on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Lescott and a guest on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, were asked who they foresee being relegated this season alongside the current 19th- and 20th-place teams, Burnley and Wolves.

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Both agreed on one side, and Lescott said: “I think Forest. I think West Ham get out of it.” The discussion then turned to Forest star Anderson, with Lescott adding: “He’s a £100million player, isn’t he? Especially after he plays at the World Cup.

“You’re not going to sell him before, are you? You’re going to sell him after the World Cup. [If Forest go down] they have to sell. But then there are more teams interested.

“They go down, more teams come in. Because if he’s in the Premier League, it’s, ‘He’s not leaving unless it’s £100m.’ Then there are only two or three teams.”

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Having made his debut last year under Thomas Tuchel, Anderson admits he has hopes of being included in the manager’s World Cup squad. He told Sky Sports: “My dream was to play for Newcastle because I never expected to play for England but it tops everything off.

“First, I’m selected and I’m over the moon to be there, training with great players. But you want to make an impression, show the team that I am a good player. When I found out I was playing it was such a big moment.

“It’s my dream playing for England and playing with the best players brings out the best in me. England’s aim now is to win the trophies. It sounds good, doesn’t it?

“There’s a long way to go to get to the World Cup. I have to treat every game until then as a World Cup final and then hopefully I can get to one. I can’t wait. If I’m there I’ll have all of my family with me. It’s really exciting, to be honest. Very exciting.”

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No days off: Ishmael Davis aims for the top ahead of Bilal Fawaz defence

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The phrase: ‘There’s no rest for the wicked’ will always ring true for certain fighters, not least British and Commonwealth super-welterweight champion Ishmael Davis.

It was only last September that Davis suffered his third defeat on the bounce, losing a contentious split decision to Caoimhin Agyarko on away soil.

The following month, though, ‘The Black Panther’ ended his win drought in a six-round tick-over fight, before claiming a unanimous decision victory over Sam Gilley in November.

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Now gearing up to defend his domestic titles against Bilal Fawaz – featuring on the undercard of Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington this Saturday – Davis has hardly afforded himself a moment to breathe.

Speaking with Boxing News, the Yorkshireman revealed exactly how much time he was given to rest and recover over Christmas.

“I had four days; four days until Christmas. But it was good, man. All the kids were happy.

“Being a dad [of seven] while you’re an athlete is hard, because you’re always training. And I’m proper busy, always taking fights, so it’s hard, but I spend as much time with them [his kids] as I can.”

Indeed, Davis always seems to be taking fights; and in the wake of his loss to Agyarko, the 30-year-old felt as if he had no option but to jump back on the horse.

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And while such a quick turnaround would usually present more problems than benefits, Davis insists that his ability to recover between fights is almost superhuman.

“I’m ‘The Black Panther’, man. I’m a young, strong man; I’ve still got age on my side.

“After the Caoimhin fight, I had a dip in emotions because I knew I won and got robbed, so I told myself to get straight back to training.

“Sometimes you’ve got to make sacrifices, and that’s what I did. One thing I always say to myself is: ‘at the end of the day, that day’s got to end.’ You’ve got to keep going; life goes on.”

Having previously lost to Serhii Bohachuk and Josh Kelly – both on short notice – Davis is eager to properly test himself at world level, this time with the luxury of a full training camp.

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First, he must take care of business against English champion Fawaz, a fighter he has been preparing for by sharing rounds with standout amateur John Joe Carrigan.

“I know I belong [at world level] but I know there’s still a lot of work to do, because I’m still learning.

“I’ve been sparring John Joe [Carrigan], who’s a seriously talented kid. He’s a tough battle but I keep going back, keep sparring him, because he’s so skilled.

“I’m not stupid – I understand that, to be better, you’ve got to get better opponents and better sparring partners.”

With Kelly claiming his IBF world title last month, dethroning dangerous puncher Bakhram Murtazaliev, Davis hopes that a rematch will materialise in the not too distant future.

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“I didn’t know him before we fought but he’s Josh Kelly – he’s flashy – so I was thinking to myself, ‘I need to beat this guy.’

“But then I’ve gone and sparred him, have had a chat with him, and he’s gone through similar things that I’ve gone through.

“So he’s an all right guy, but he’s in my weight [division] and has beaten me before, so I need to get my revenge.

“He boxed well [against Murtazaliev]. Everyone wants to see you stand and bang, but Josh Kelly can’t stand and bang with that guy. I wouldn’t even stand and bang with him. Well, I probably would, but I’m different.”

Davis suffered a majority decision defeat to Kelly in 2024 but, in the final round, was able to hurt his man with a ferocious onslaught.

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Canada’s Team Jacobs to face Norway in Olympic men’s curling semifinal

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We finally know the four countries that will be competing for gold on the men’s side at the Winter Olympics. 

Canada’s Team Brad Jacobs fell to Norway’s Team Magnus Ramsfjell 8-6 on Thursday in what was a win-and–in game for the Norwegians to reach the semifinals. With the loss, the Canadian rink finished the 10-team round-robin at 7-2.

Canada, which was locked into second, will again face Norway in the semis on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. ET / 10:05 a.m. PT (CBC Gem, Sportsnet+).

Entering the final draw on Thursday morning, there were many different playoff scenarios to figure out who the top four teams were going to be with only Canada and Switzerland’s Team Yannick Schwaller qualified.

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Four teams, including world No. 1 ranked Great Britain’s Team-Bruce Mouat, which was idle, were gunning for the final two spots. Italy, Norway and the idle U.S. also were in the hunt.

Italy’s 9-5 loss to Switzerland sealed the final spot for Mouat, who will battle the Swiss in the other semi at the same time as the Canada-Norway game.

The first five ends for the Norwegians couldn’t have gone any better as they cruised to a 7-2 lead after Ramsfjell made timely hits to score big ends and limit Canada.

In the second half, things changed as the Norwegians played very sloppy sixth and seventh ends with poor strategic decisions to let Canada score four and make the game 7-6. 

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However, Norway held on to just barely edge the Canadians.

Canadian spare Tyler Tardi played the full game to keep Ben Hebert, 42, who has been giving it his all on the sweeping front, rested for the semifinal.

In the other game of importance, Italy’s Team Joel Retornaz needed to beat Switzerland to earn its playoff spot, but a massive three-ender in the seventh end by the Swiss ruined any chance the host country had.

Semifinal winners go to the gold-medal game on Saturday and the losers will face off for bronze on Friday.

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ATP roundup: Carlos Alcaraz charges into Doha quarterfinals

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Tennis: Australian OpenJan 30, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in action against Alexander Zverev of Germany in the semifinals of the menís singles at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Top-seeded Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz ushered himself into the quarterfinals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open with a straight-set romp against France’s Valentin Royer 6-2, 7-5 in the round of 16 Wednesday in Doha.

Alcaraz had a clean first set, saving the two break points he faced while breaking Royer twice. Royer jumped ahead 5-2 in the second set, but Alcaraz won 21 of the final 27 points of the match to storm back and seal the win.

Second-seeded Jannik Sinner also advanced with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The Italian has yet to face a break point in his two matches. Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev fell to Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 in the lone upset of the day.

Fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev, sixth-seeded Jakub Mensik, seventh-seeded Karen Khachanov, eighth-seeded Jiri Lehecka and Arthur Fils advanced as well, with all but Khachanov winning in straight sets.

Delray Beach Open

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Hong Kong qualifier Coleman Wong upset seventh-seeded American Brandon Nakashima in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the round of 16 at Delray Beach, Fla.

Wong was lights out on his first serve, converting 32 of 38 shots (84 percent) and only dropping his serve once. Wong will face off against third-seeded Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals after the Italian took down France’s Terence Atmane 7-5, 6-4.

Norway’s second-seeded Caper Rudd fought back to oust American Marcos Giron 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4. Rudd rattlted home 20 aces and saved all three break points he faced after dropping the first set. In an All-American tilt, Sebastian Korda took down Alex Michelsen 6-3, 7-6 (6) as Korda converted four of his 13 break-point opportunities.

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Rio Open

Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante upset fellow countryman and top-seed Francisco Cerundolo 6-2, 3-1 after Cerundolo retired in the middle of the second set due to a back injury during the round of 16 in Rio de Janeiro.

Tirante was dominating with seven aces and breaking three times before Cerundolo was forced to pull out of the match. Tirante will face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, who battled back to take down Italian Francesco Passaro 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo, older brother of Francisco, defeated Yannick Hanfmann 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-4, while Czech Republic’s Vit Kopriva took down Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 to also advance to the quarterfinals.

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–Field Level Media

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Champions League: Gordon scores four goals as Newcastle crush Qarabag

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Anthony Gordon scored four goals in the first half as dominant Newcastle ran riot in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 play-off tie against Qarabag in Azerbaijan (6-1).

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Harrison Smith Replacement Is Latest Vikings Theory in NFL.com Mock Draft

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Harrison Smith warms up before game against the Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) warms up before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sep. 10, 2023. Smith went through pregame drills near midfield as Minnesota prepared to open the regular season in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is inching toward the 2026 NFL Combine, so you better believe mock drafts are flying all over the place. And with the Minnesota Vikings holding the 18th overall pick, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah believes Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores will scoop a Harrison Smith replacement: Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman.

NFL.com ties Minnesota to Thieneman as the Smith succession plan, signaling a 2026 secondary transition.

It’s not yet clear whether Smith will retire, but if so, Thieneman might have the juice to fill his shoes.

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Dillon Thieneman Emerges as Possible Harrison Smith Successor

Another mock draft for the Vikings — more defense.

Dillon Thieneman speaks to media during Oregon Media Day. Vikings Mock Draft Harrison Smith Replacement.
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman addresses reporters during Oregon football’s Media Day at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on July 28, 2025, discussing preseason expectations and his transition into a leadership role within the Ducks’ secondary. Thieneman fields questions as cameras roll and teammates rotate through interview sessions. Mandatory Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jeremiah: Thieneman to Vikings at No. 18

Because Lewis Cine didn’t pan out and the fact that Smith may indeed retire soon, Minnesota will need a safety for the long haul. Jeremiah thinks Thieneman is the right guy.

He wrote Tuesday, “After studying Thieneman’s impressive 2025 tape at Oregon, I went back and watched the film from his career at Purdue, where he played in 2023 and ’24. His range and playmaking skills were evident back then, too. He would be an excellent replacement for Harrison Smith.”

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Jeremiah continued the defensive trend for the Vikings’ spot in mock drafts. Most editions have the club selecting a defensive back or defensive lineman.

Thieneman’s Scouting Report

Thieneman is 6’0 and 200 pounds and will turn 22 in August. He’s known for his versatility at safety, which sounds like a page from the Smith playbook. His ball-tracking is elite for a rookie prospect, and he is known for high football IQ. NFL.com recently compared him to Jevon Holland, a safety for the New York Giants.

A to Z Sports Rob Gregson on Thieneman: “You turn on three years’ worth of tape from Thieneman, and it just gets better and better. After bursting on to the scene as a true freshman in 2023, where he recorded six interceptions, Thieneman then led the Big-10 in tackles in 2024, before doing a little bit of everything for the Ducks in 2025.”

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“You’re betting on instincts and explosion with Thieneman. He may not be elite laterally and challenged in terms of his man coverage projection, but if you need a player who can play the high post, poach the middle as a robber, and align as a box safety for a plus one help in the run game, Thieneman is your guy.”

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: “Savvy three-year starter with NFL size, speed and alignment versatility. Thieneman is an extension of his defensive coordinator, aligning and adjusting the secondary to motion and pre-snap shifts. He’s an instinctive, rangy safety who can roll down into big nickel or robber positioning.”

“He has a good feel for play design and route concepts in zone but has average change of direction to match breaks in man. He’s not a big thumper near the line, but he rushes into the action with a relentless pursuit that should allow him to keep stacking high scores in the tackle columns. Thieneman checks important boxes for teams looking to add versatile playmakers in the secondary.”

The 2026 Safeties + a Smith Verdict

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If one pretends that Smith will indeed retire, Minnesota’s safety group would look like this in 2026 with Thieneman:

  • Josh Metellus
  • Dillon Thieneman
  • Jay Ward
  • Theo Jackson
  • Kahlef Hailassie
Dillon Thieneman reacts after Oregon’s win at Penn State.
Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts on the field at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania, on Sep. 27, 2025, following a victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions. Thieneman celebrates as teammates gather nearby after securing the road win in a high-profile matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images

It’s also worth noting that, as of February 18th, there’s been no official retirement announcement from Smith, which is a bit odd. He can still call it quits, but with each day that passes, Smith is more likely to return for Year No. 15, especially with Flores back in the saddle as the defensive coordinator.

Other Round 1 Options

Thieneman ranks No. 37 on the Consensus Big Board at the time of this article’s publication. He might be a 2nd-Round commodity. If the Vikings don’t reach and pick him at No. 18, the team’s draftboard might resemble this, based on the best player available and long-term roster need:

  • CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)
  • Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)
  • KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)
  • Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)
  • Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)
  • Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
  • Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)
  • Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)
  • Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
  • Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
  • Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
  • Aveion Terrell (CB, Clemson)
  • Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
  • Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)
Rob Brzezinski discusses Vikings leadership in a sit-down interview.
Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks with Vikings.com’s Gabe Henderson during a sit-down discussion on Feb. 17, 2022, outlining the franchise’s organizational philosophy, front-office structure, and the hiring of head coach Kevin O’Connell. Brzezinski details Minnesota’s leadership approach and long-term roster-building strategy during the in-depth interview. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

The NFL draft is about nine weeks away. Minnesota has at least nine picks line up this cycle — four more than last year, when the club had a skimpy cupboard due to the expensive Dallas Turner trade in 2024.


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Eileen Gu’s interaction with media over winning silver instead of gold goes viral

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American-born Team China Olympic skier Eileen continues to center herself as the most polarizing subject of the Milan Cortina Winter Games

An interaction Tuesday with a reporter went viral after Gu responded to a question about her winning two silver medals instead of gold so far this Olympics, suggesting the question came from a “ridiculous perspective.”

Eileen Gu

Silver medalist Eileen Gu of China poses for photos after the awarding ceremony of the freestyle skiing women’s freeski big air event at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026. (Wang Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

“I’m the most decorated female freeskier in history. I think that’s an answer in and of itself,” Gu said when asked if she saw her two medals as “silvers earned” or “golds lost.”

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FORMER NBA PLAYER ENES KANTER FREEDOM CALLS EILEEN GU ‘A TRAITOR’ FOR REPRESENTING CHINA AT OLYMPICS

“How do I say this? Winning a medal at the Olympics is a life-changing experience for every athlete. Doing it five times is exponentially harder because every medal is equally hard for me, but everybody else’s expectations rise, right? 

“The two medals lost situation, to be quite frank with you, I think is kind of a ridiculous perspective to take. I’m showcasing my best skiing. I’m doing things that quite literally have never been done before. So, I think that is more than good enough, but thank you.”

Gu’s answer drew mixed reactions on social media after she had already been a target of immense global criticism for her decision to represent China over her home country, the U.S.

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Gu has won two silver medals in freestyle skiing in Milan Cortina in the slopestyle and big air events. She has one final event, the halfpipe, remaining Saturday and has an opportunity to add to her total.

AMERICAN OLYMPIC SKIER HUNTER HESS ‘CANNOT WAIT TO REPRESENT TEAM USA’ AFTER TRUMP BACKLASH

Eileen Gu after her first jump

Eileen Gu of China reacts after her first jump in the women’s freestyle skiing big air qualification during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park Feb. 14, 2026. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)

Gu has been the subject of global criticism since her decision to represent China dating back to the original decision in 2019 and her first Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022. This year, that criticism has ramped up as she has won two silver medals and even responded to a question about President Donald Trump criticizing U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess for being critical of the current state of America.

“I’m sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so unrelated to the spirit of the Games. It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be,” Gu told reporters Monday.

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“The whole point of sport is to bring people together. … One of the very few common languages, that of the human body, that of the human spirit, the competitive spirit, the capacity to break not only records, but especially in our sport, literally the human limit. How wonderful is that?”

Gu also claimed she had been “caught in the crossfire” herself. 

“As someone who has got caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes,” Gu said. “I hope that they can ski to their very best.”

Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the controversy surrounding Gu in an interview Tuesday on Fox News’ “The Story With Martha MacCallum.”

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Eileen Gu

Silver medalist Eileen Gu of China attends the awarding ceremony for the freestyle skiing women’s freeski big air event at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, Feb. 16, 2026.  (Hongxiang/Xinhua via Getty Images)

“I certainly think that someone who grew up in the United States of America who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that makes this country a great place, I would hope they want to compete with the United States of America,” Vance said.

“So, I’m going to root for American athletes. I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That’s who I’m rooting for in this Olympics.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Ex-Vikings GM Explains Franchise Tag Crunch Time

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A Minnesota Vikings helmet on the field at TCO Performance Center.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the turf at TCO Performance Center during organized team activities on Jun 11, 2019, in Eagan. Images like this are common during the early offseason as players prepare for camp and roster battles begin to take shape. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports.

In my 20+ years as an NFL exec, I was often asked what I did in the offseason. Many fans, friends, and even some family members assumed I took several months off after the season. They thought I had a schedule similar to the players who were on vacation until offseason workouts in mid to late April, and were surprised when I said the offseason months were my busiest time as a GM or team president.

It always was extremely hectic from January until I had two weeks of vacation in late June and early July before preparing for training camp.

Franchise and Transition Tag Pressure Peaks

Immediately after our final game of the just-completed season—which was usually a playoff game—I met with the coaches to get player grades for the season and discuss team needs in advance of free agency and the draft. I was also in scouting meetings where we were starting to hone in on potential trade and free agency targets, including our own players we wanted to retain and outside free agents we were interested in.

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The salary cap was a constant focal point as I considered players likely to be released, asked to stay at a reduced salary, or strong candidates for contract restructures to lower their cap numbers in the upcoming season.

I never had to deal with a $40 million cap shortfall as the Vikings must do by the start of the new league year next month, but there were plenty of years when I had to cut or restructure several players to get under the cap. I also never had $20-30 million increases in the cap from one year to the next, as has been the case the past several years, as NFL revenues have risen significantly.

The period for teams to place franchise or transition tags on top pending free agents opens in mid-February but we were planning on possible moves and I was often in negotiations in January and February to try and sign potential top free agents who were franchise or transition tag candidates as I didn’t want to tie up excessive salary cap space with a tag if it wasn’t necessary.

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Vikings’ TCO Performance Center facility in Eagan, Minnesota. NFL Franchise Tag Deadline.
The Minnesota Vikings’ state-of-the-art TCO Performance Center is shown in Eagan, Minnesota, on Jul 28, 2018. This world-class facility serves as the team’s headquarters, featuring cutting-edge training, rehabilitation, and meeting spaces. Since its opening, it has become the central hub for all things Vikings, from offseason prep to daily operations. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

In late January, I would attend the Senior Bowl in Mobile and meet with our coaches and scouts in attendance. Upon returning home, it was an intense period in February of free agency planning and pre-Combine meetings, as is the case this week at Vikings HQ with the Combine coming up next week. At this juncture, we would identify draft-eligible players we wanted to interview at the Combine and players to closely check their physical status if they were coming off injuries, while continuing to update our draft board.

Then it was off to the Combine, where I would watch player workouts, participate in player interviews, and meet with our scouts in between numerous negotiation sessions with agents for our players. There were also discussions with agents on free agents from other teams who were on our radar.

These conversations would involve discussing parameters rather than concrete numbers, since it would technically constitute tampering before the league’s “legal tampering” period, which begins three days before the official start of free agency (those dates are March 9 and March 11 this year).

I’ll talk more in the coming weeks on the Combine, free agency and the draft including who I see as candidates from the current Vikings roster to be released, restructured, extended or re-signed and possible free agent and trade targets including a potential veteran QB to compete with or back up J.J. McCarthy (with rumors continuing on a possible Kirk Cousins return to Minnesota).

Around the NFL–Franchise/transition tag period

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The two-week window for teams to apply franchise or transition tags to players opened on Monday and runs through March 3. The tags consist of a one-year tender associated with the franchise tag (basically the average of top five cap hits at a position or 120% of the previous salary and the old team retains a right of first refusal and receives two first-round picks if a player signs elsewhere unless it’s the exclusive franchise tag that is more costly) or transition tag (average of top 10 salaries; old team retains right of first refusal and no draft choice compensation if he signs elsewhere).  

Jalen Nailor on field during Vikings playoff game vs. Rams.
Jalen Nailor lined up for the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC wild card round on Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The wide receiver, wearing number 83, faced the Los Angeles Rams in a postseason matchup that tested Minnesota’s depth and offensive playmakers under the playoff spotlight. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

It’s highly unlikely the Vikings will utilize either tag for any of their 14 pending unrestricted free agents. The Vikings’ best free agents-to-be are No. 3 WR Jalen Nailor ($960,000 salary last season; projected franchise tag $28.8 million; projected transition tag $25 million) and starting LB Eric Wilson ($2.6 million salary in 2025; $28.2 million franchise tag, $23.6 million transition tag). Punter/holder Ryan Wright is another key pending free agent, but the Vikings are not going to tag him at $6 million-plus when the league’s highest-paid punter (Seattle’s Michael Dickson) is making $4 million per year.

Around the league, the top candidates to be hit with the franchise tag include:

George Pickens (Cowboys WR, 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine TDs last season, $28.8 million franchise tag, $25 million transition tag);

Daniel Jones (Colts QB, 8-5 record in his 13 starts before tearing his Achilles, career-best 100.2 passer rating, which ranked ninth, franchise tag a pricey $47 million, transition tag would be an estimated $41 million);

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Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks RB, Super Bowl MVP after 135 yards rushing, 1,340 rushing yards last season, including playoffs; despite the relatively inexpensive $14 million RB franchise tag, Seattle is rumored not to be planning to place the franchise tag on him, perhaps they’ll use the transition tag at $11.7 million);

Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Trey Hendrickson (Bengals DE, only four sacks in seven games in an injury-hampered 2025 season, but he led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024, $27.3 million franchise amount, and $22.9 million for transition);

Kyle Pitts (Falcons TE, 88 catches for 928 yards and five TDs in 2025, $16.3 million—franchise tag, $13.9 million transition tag);

Breece Hall (Jets RB, 1,065 rushing yards plus 350 receiving yards with five total TDs for a lousy Jets offense last season).   


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Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
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