Man Utd are close to agreeing their second sale of the summer transfer window, with a goalkeeper set to depart
Manchester United are close to agreeing a sale of Radek Vitek to Championship club Middlesbrough. Vitek spent last season on loan in the second tier with Bristol City and informed United of his desire to play senior football at the beginning of the summer.
United are set to grant the goalkeeper his wish and cash in, with a buy-back clause inserted into the deal. Vitek will become United’s second senior sale of the summer following Tyler Fredricson’s exit.
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Leicester City’s signing of Mads Hermanse (£7.5m) and Southampton’s signing of Daniel Peretz (£6m) are the Championship’s record signings of goalkeepers.
Vitek spent 2024/2025 on loan with Austrian club FC Blau-Weiß Linz. He started every league game except three due to injury, and his time playing in Europe was a resounding success.
He subsequently signed for Bristol City last season, where he took his form to another level.
The 22-year-old discussed his dream of breaking into United’s first-team during his stint at Ashton Gate, but Senne Lammens is the first choice at Old Trafford.
After United’s opening pre-season friendly of the summer against Wrexham, Vitek discussed his future with reporters.
“I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen,” Vitek said.
“At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete.”
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Asked if he wanted to leave on loan or was happy to consider a permanent exit from United, Vitek said: “I am ready for both, to be fair. Depends what the club wants and also depends on the options. We will see.
“There have been a few interests on the table. But we hope to get the best one and hopefully it will happen soon.”
Vitek has two years remaining on his contract at United.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face Egypt on Wednesday with their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at stake.
The defending champions started their campaign with a shock defeat to debutants Malawi but bounced back strongly with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Zambia in their second Group C match.
That victory put Nigeria back in contention for a place in the last eight, but they must avoid a slip against Egypt, who have already suffered heavy defeats in the group.
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Egypt lost 6-0 to Zambia in their opening game before falling 3-1 to Malawi. However, the Super Falcons are expected to approach the game with caution and will not take their opponents lightly.
Coach Justin Madugu will have to make changes to his team after defender Tosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini were ruled out through suspension.
Demehin was sent off against Zambia after stopping Barbra Banda, who was through on goal, while Echegini picked up two yellow cards in Nigeria’s first two matches.
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Christy Ucheibe, who moved into central defence after Demehin’s red card against Zambia, could start alongside Osinachi Ohale.
In midfield, Toni Payne could join captain Rasheedat Ajibade, with Halimatu Ayinde also in contention for a starting role.
Up front, Asisat Oshoala is expected to keep her place after scoring the winning goal against Zambia. Uchenna Kanu could also start after making an impact in Nigeria’s opening match against Malawi.
The Super Falcons know there is little room for error as they look to secure their quarter-final place, keep their title defence alive and move closer to their target of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Nigeria will be hoping to produce another strong performance against Egypt and continue their journey towards retaining the WAFCON title.
Born in Miami, George Lombard Jr. developed a passion for baseball from an early age. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2026, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the organization’s top prospects.
He made his much-anticpated MLB debut on Tuesday, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make himself an instant favorite in the Bronx.
George Lombard Jr. in action for the New York Yankees – Source: Getty
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Though fans following the Yankees’ top prospects will know a lot about Lombard Jr., a lesser known fact about him is that he also has a younger brother, Jacob, who is currently in the Miami Marlins organization.
Growing up, Jacob Lombard was a multi-sport athlete, showing talent for soccer, baseball, football and gymastics. He claims his favorite sport was soccer, but he began to gravitate more towards baseball after watching his older brother excel at it.
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Just like George, Jacob also attended the Gulliver Preparatory School in Pinecrest, Florida. In his sophomore year, he was second-team Class 5A-2A All-Dade, boasting a .328 batting average. As a junior, he batted .306 with four home runs.
Jacob Lombard’s fine performances at the high school level even earned him a call up to the United States under-18 baseball team, and he played in the 2025 U-18 Baseball World Cup, helping his nation win the championship.
Born in 2007, Jacob is also a shorstop, and he was drafted by the Marlins in 2026. He currently plays for the Single-A Jupiter Hammerheads.
Coincidentally, Jacob Lombard also enjoyed a dream debut on Tuesday. Playing his first game at Single-A level, he hit a home run, just like his older brother did in the Pinstripes.
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It appears both Jacob and George have taken after their father, George Lombard Sr., who spent six seasons in the major leagues, representing the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Washington Nationals. Now, he is a bench coach for the Tigers.
“I don’t think it will really settle in for a couple days ” – George Lombard Jr. talks about being called up to the Yankees’ major league roster
“I don’t think it will really settle in for a couple days,” George Lombard Jr. said. “Being around it gives you that level of comfort, like, OK, you know what some stuff will be like. But being in it and actually doing it is different. It becomes real for the first time.
“It’s a hard game. You’re going to struggle. There will be ups and downs. Who knows what the future’s going to look like.The biggest thing is taking everything day by day, being the same person. Being the same teammate. Play the same way. Play to win. Play hard every single day. Play with my hair on fire.”
George Lombard Jr. in action during a New York Yankees workout – Source: Getty
After a dream debut, Yankees fans will hope to see Lombard continue impressing at the top level.
Aug 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn homered to lead the host Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.
Chourio went 3-for-4 with two RBIs for the Brewers, who reached 70 wins faster than any season in franchise history. Milwaukee got to the milestone in its 113th contest of the season, beating the 2025 Brewers to 70 victories by one game.
The Brewers also became the first major league team to record 70 wins this year.
Jacob Gonzalez and Endy Rodriguez homered for the Pirates, who had won two of their previous three.
Milwaukee starter Logan Henderson (6-1) gave up two runs and four hits in six innings with a walk and eight strikeouts.
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Trevor Megill pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 19th save.
Pittsburgh starter Jared Jones (2-3) allowed three runs and eight hits in four innings. He walked one and fanned four.
The Brewers scored twice in the fourth to take a 3-1 lead.
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Vaughn, who replaced Jake Bauers (abdominal tightness) in the lineup, led off with a solo shot to break a 1-1 tie. It was Vaughn’s fifth homer. After Cooper Pratt and David Hamilton hit one-out singles, Chourio laced an RBI single with two outs.
Rodriguez’s leadoff home run in the fifth pulled the Pirates to within 3-2. It was Rodriguez’s sixth.
Luis Lara’s single to left plated a run in the bottom of the inning, restoring the Brewers’ two-run lead and capping the game’s scoring.
Gonzalez led off the third by lining Henderson’s first-pitch fastball out to right-center field for his fifth homer and a 1-0 lead.
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Chourio’s first home run in a month tied it 1-1 for Milwaukee in the bottom of the third. The opposite-field drive sailed well over the right-center-field wall, Chourio’s 14th of the year.
Pirates manager Don Kelly was ejected by plate umpire James Hoye with one out of the fifth after Hoye did not allow Gonzalez to challenge a pitch. Kelly came out to argue while Gonzalez was still batting, and the skipper returned to the dugout. However, after Gonzalez flied out, Kelly came back out and was tossed.
Brandon Aiyuk’s unresolved status remained one of the lingering questions as the San Francisco 49ers opened training camp, with the team offering no update and the next move seemingly left to the wide receiver.
Aiyuk remains in limbo on the reserve/left squad list, where he has been since the end of 2025. After missing all of last season amid a lengthy standoff with the Niners, the All-Pro wide receiver would likely need to apply to the NFL for reinstatement to begin a potential return in 2026.
He could also move the process forward by reporting to training camp or informing the 49ers that he plans to report. Aiyuk’s situation with the 49ers has been strained for roughly a year.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks off the field after an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Oct. 10, 2024, in Seattle, Washington.(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The dispute appeared to reach a boiling point last July, when San Francisco voided the remaining guaranteed money in his contract after he failed to participate in rehab work for the torn ACL, MCL and meniscus in his right knee.
Aiyuk has appeared to reference the uncertainty around his future with the 49ers in multiple social media posts, only adding to the chatter surrounding the matter. Former NFL wide receiver Roddy White is among the latest sports figures to weigh in.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) warms up before an NFL game against Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on Sept. 3, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia.(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
White argued the 49ers mishandled Aiyuk’s path back from injury and may have complicated any potential effort to move him.
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“I think this situation has been handled wrongly by the 49ers,” White told Hard Rock Bet. “They should’ve been more patient with Aiyuk and his situation. They should have done all they could to get him back on the field to give him an opportunity to show he can still play football. When you have a guy who is angry and just wants to leave, it’s hard to get any compensation for him.”
White finished his 11-year career with the Atlanta Falcons with 10,863 regular-season receiving yards.
The 49ers’ decision last week to bring back Deebo Samuel appeared to draw a cryptic response from Aiyuk, who wrote on Instagram, “San Fran wanna see a real reunion?”
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His posts have not been limited to San Francisco, though, as the receiver has also taking aim at the NFL Players Association. And while Aiyuk has expressed interest in joining the Commanders, that possibility has reportedly cooled off after he called out Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 16, 2022.(Brett Davis / USA TODAY Sports)
Daniels downplayed any possible lingering tension last week, telling reporters that he and Aiyuk had “handled everything privately.”
Aiyuk and Daniels were teammates in 2019 when they both played college football at Arizona State.
Late last month, general manager John Lynch made clear the 49ers were keeping their focus on the players already in camp. “I’m personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here,” Lynch told reporters on July 25. “We wish him well, we wish his family well.”
Ricky Pearsall entered camp looking like a potential breakout piece for the 49ers’ offense after injuries limited him to 20 games over his first two seasons. Instead, San Francisco’s wide receiver corps absorbed an early setback when swelling returned in the PCL of Pearsall’s right knee. He was moved to injured reserve on Aug. 1.
Aiyuk appeared in seven games in 2024 before being sidelined by injury. One year earlier, he put together the best season of his career, recording 1,342 receiving yards and earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Multiple US cities that hosted World Cup matches are seeking millions of dollars they believe world soccer’s governing body FIFA promised them, The Athletic reported on Tuesday.
Four executives from World Cup cities, speaking anonymously, told the outlet that FIFA management told them they would each receive $1 million in “legacy” funds to build football-related infrastructure and support “social projects”.
The Athletic reported that officials from the cities had requested the payments after Gianni Infantino, head of global football’s governing body, announced such payments to host cities of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.
“According to four executives at US host city committees, all of whom asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, FIFA management repeatedly assured the cities they would receive the same $1 million contribution towards legacy, despite no public statement ever being made by the organization,” The Athletic wrote.
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“The four executives said this promise was made verbally by members of FIFA’s senior management, and reiterated to cities in meetings, but it has not been paid, meaning several cities are now asking FIFA staff for updates on the payments.”
The US cities of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston and New York/New Jersey were among the host venues for the World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The 39-day tournament, expanded to 48 teams for the first time, has contributed to record FIFA revenues reportedly hitting $15 billion for the revenue cycle of 2023-26.
Feb 25, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder George Lombard Jr (96) hits a two-RBI double during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
George Lombard Jr. signed a major league contract on Tuesday, and the New York Yankees’ top prospect will make his MLB debut at home against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Yankees also added outfielder Heliot Ramos to the active roster one day after acquiring him from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, and they recalled right-hander Yerry de los Santos from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Lombard will start at shortstop and bat eighth in the order against the Cardinals. Ramos will play left field and bat cleanup.
Lombard, 21, was the Yankees’ first-round draft pick in 2023. It was apparent he was on his way to the majors after the Yankees didn’t acquire a shortstop at the deadline, then optioned Anthony Volpe to Triple-A.
Lombard reached Triple-A for the first time this season. In 56 games at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he batted .268 with six home runs, 16 doubles, 21 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
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His father, George Lombard Sr., played for the Atlanta Braves (1998-2000), Detroit Tigers (2002), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003) and Washington Nationals (2006) and is now the Tigers’ bench coach.
The younger Lombard now gets his first crack at one of the most scrutinized positions in sports, shortstop for the Yankees.
“It was always a goal (to be called up),” he said Tuesday. “I didn’t really have like a timeline set in my mind. My main focus was just getting ready for whatever was in front of me that day, that game, wherever I was put. Focus on my preparation, focus on my work and then whatever happened, happened.
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“It’s a hard game. You’re gonna struggle. There’ll be ups and downs. Who knows what the future is gonna look like, obviously that’s unpredictable, but the biggest thing is just taking everything day by day and being the same person.”
Volpe, 25, won a Gold Glove as a rookie in 2023 and was an everyday player for New York for three years before sharing the role with Jose Caballero this year. He slashed .240/.325/.322 with one homer and 19 RBIs in 56 games in 2026.
As for Ramos, he slots in for the injured Cody Bellinger in left field following the trade. Ramos, 26, was an All-Star in 2024 and was batting .264 with nine homers and 34 RBIs in 74 games for the Giants this year.
de los Santos, 28, appeared in five games for New York earlier this season and allowed just one earned run in 8 2/3 innings for a 1.04 ERA. This is his fourth big-league season and second in New York.
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To make room for Ramos and de los Santos, the Yankees optioned outfielder Jasson Dominguez and right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli following Monday’s game, a 13-7 loss to St. Louis.
Former England captain Ben Stokes has said he would like to coach the England team after retiring from the game. The former all-rounder said he is already working towards his coaching qualifications and wants to stay involved in cricket once his playing days are over.Stokes retired from international cricket in June during England’s Test series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old had an outstanding career, playing a key role in England’s 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and producing his unforgettable match-winning innings in the Ashes Test at Headingley later that year.After Stokes retired, Joe Root returned as England’s Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team’s head coach.
‘I want to be a coach’
Stokes said he has already started preparing for life after cricket by taking up a coaching course.“I’m doing my Level 3 coaching now while I’m still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I’m not playing any more, I’d love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done.”He said coaching is the path he wants to follow after retirement.“I want to be a coach. I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely.”The former England skipper believes his experience of leading the national side has prepared him for a coaching role.“I would do a pretty good job at it because now I have an understanding of responsibility on the shoulders. I don’t actually mind making big decisions.”Stokes captained England’s Test team from 2022 before stepping away from the position.
Stokes questions decision over Harry Brook
Stokes also praised England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook, calling him a highly talented cricketer. He said he was surprised that Brook was not asked to lead the Test side when Stokes missed a match against New Zealand.“If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them (the opportunity).”He recalled his reaction at the time.“Brook was made vice-captain. Even when I missed that Test match (against New Zealand), I was like, ‘Why is Brook vice-captain?’”While Stokes understood the thinking behind the decision, he felt it sent the wrong signal.“I understood the reasoning behind it, but I was still thinking, what message does that send to him? He’s vice-captain, and the captain isn’t playing, but he’s still not captain. What does that say?”
Maybe Kevin O’Connell will be a fullback guy by the time it’s all said and done.
Upon arriving in the Twin Cities in 2022, Coach O’Connell was an 11-personnel assassin who had to grow into using a fullback. C.J. Ham, second to none in leadership and ruggedness, had become a Vikings mainstay before many Minnesotans even knew who Kevin O’Connell was.
So, there was an adjustment period.
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Over the years, the pass-first skipper figured out more ways to lean on Mr. Ham. Oftentimes, the plan involved using the bowling ball of a man to help in pass pro. Sometimes the approach was so obvious he would line up directly behind the interior of the offensive line; no disguise needed, apparently. Or, at times, he would chip a defensive end trying to fly off the line of scrimmage. Moreover, Ham was always an underrated athlete, somebody who could catch better than most at his position.
Ham opted for retirement following the most recent season. Minnesota’s pivot was toward Max Bredeson, much to the delight of J.J. McCarthy. O’Connell thinks that the new add has been doing well, especially once the players were allowed to increase the physicality.
Kevin O’Connell Thinks Max Bredeson is Doing Well
Ham was a bowling ball. Bredeson looks like a sledgehammer.
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A touch taller than his predecessor, Bredeson stands at 6’2″ and is listed as weighing 252 pounds. The rookie should be more athletic than the retired FB. Quite possibly, he’ll arrive with increased ability to get shuffled around.
A lot of the time, Bredeson played tight end while with the Wolverines. His college career featured 12 catches for 132 yards, good for a reasonably explosive 11.0 yards-per-catch average. Not too shabby, at least in terms of the average yardage per catch.
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and tight end Max Bredeson (44) during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
“Max Bredeson is off to a really, really good start,” O’Connell explained, “I felt his pads popping yesterday with some contact at the point of attack.” High praise.
If you’re not familiar with the football lingo, fret not. What O’Connell is referring to is the sound that Bredeson’s pads make when he blocks a defender. There’s a distinct sound in football that coaches love to hear. Think of the sound that the bat makes in baseball when the contact is just right. Or, perhaps, the sound of the net in basketball when the perfect 3-point shot falls through without once touching the rim.
A fullback getting that audible pop when blocking somebody is what coaches love to hear.
Part of what makes the Bredeson add sensible is that he doesn’t need to touch the ball a lot to make an impact. He magnifies the guys around him by doing the dirty work rather than requiring the spotlight. That’s a vital detail from within the context of Minnesota Vikings football since guys like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rest of the skill is going to demand a pile of attention.
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Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) locks up with Michigan Wolverines tight end Max Bredeson (44) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Michigan won 13-10. – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
In all likelihood, the Vikings will continue featuring the pass prominently. However, the wise approach would be to turn down how lopsided the play calling is. The 5th-Round rookie might help.
Either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy is going to claim the Vikings’ QB1 spot. Regardless of who wins, the Vikings will benefit from a head coach who at least pretends to prioritize the run. Max Bredeson is a fullback who can function as a pass catcher. Quite possibly, that will lead to some pre-snap uncertainty between the run/pass that will prove fruitful for the team more broadly.
Regardless of whether he’s blocking for the run or pass, Bredeson needs to keep bringing the pop that’s impressing O’Connell.
Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback has been delayed after the Spaniard withdrew from the Cincinnati Open due to an “ongoing” wrist injury.
The seven-time grand slam champion has been sidelined since suffering the problem during the Barcelona Open, missing the defence of his French Open title and Wimbledon.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Alcaraz posted videos of himself making a tentative return to the court.
But on Tuesday, organisers announced on X that the 2025 champion would be missing the tournament: “Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open.
“Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can’t wait to welcome you next year!”
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Tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement provided to the BBC the 23-year-old was suffering from an “ongoing wrist injury”.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible,” he said.
“We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.”
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