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NBA Finals Takeaways: Knicks’ task gets tougher as Spurs, Wembanyama fire back

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No NBA team has ever come back from down 3-0 in a best-of-seven playoff series and now the San Antonio Spurs don’t have to try.

For the third straight game, the young Western Conference champions had a lead over the more veteran New York Knicks in the final minutes, but for the first time they were able to close it out, squeezing out a 115-111 win. They will now try to even the series in Game 4 on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ at 8:30 p.m. ET).

The Spurs held the Knicks to 7-of-27 shooting in the final frame, which was crucial, given San Antonio shot just 6-of-21 themselves. But Victor Wembanyama was able find a way to score 10 of his game-high 32 points down the stretch, polishing off his best game of the series with eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks by going 8-of-9 from the free throw line, including a perfect 6-of-6 in the fourth. 

The Spurs needed every made shot as the Knicks pushed the game to the limit with a pair of threes in the final 33 seconds by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby that cut the lead to two with 9.4 seconds left before Spurs guard Stephon Castle iced it with a pair of free throws. 

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It was a disappointing end to a magical night for Knicks fans, delirious at the notion of their team playing a Finals game at the Garden with a chance to take a 3-0 lead in their quest to win their first championship since 1973.

Without the added security from Game 3, getting into the Garden should be a little easier for Game 4, but the task of eliminating the Spurs just got a little harder. 

Basketball can call a lot of places home. It’s rooted in the fabric of rural Indiana, as captured by the movie Hoosiers, which was inspired by tiny Milan High School’s run to the 1954 state championship. In Europe, Serbia and Lithuania would make a similar claim. The game was invented by a Canadian, James Naismith.

But there’s never been a question of New York City’s bona fides. In 1970, Pete Axthelm wrote The City Game, Basketball from the playground to the Garden, tracing the New York Knicks’ first championship that year, but also how the basketball played on the city’s playgrounds was the sport’s heartbeat. Rick Telander spent a year in the early 1970s writing Heaven is Playground about the street basketball scene in New York. In 1994 Darcy Frey wrote The Last Shot, chronicling a year in the life of the Lincoln High basketball team on Coney Island, which included a teenaged Stephon Marbury. Basketball in New York City is lore.

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It’s part of why the Knicks being in the NBA Finals is a big deal; bigger in its own way that it is for other NBA cities. Remember when the Toronto Raptors captured the imagination of Canadian sports fans nationally? Now compress all that passion in one city, and layer on a couple of additional generations of angst. It’s something like that. The excitement around the Knicks playing their first Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999, with their best chance to win their first title since 1973, is real and it’s justified. 

The energy was evident even watching the moments before the tip on television. Imagine the things that ESPN commentator Charles Barkley has seen and done during a career spent in the spotlight? 

And yet he spoke for a lot of people when he said, “I ain’t gonna lie, I got goosebumps.” 

This was Wembanyama’s best game of the Finals, and he pulled it off by returning to the same formula that served him well in posting arguably the best of his career back in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, where he scored 42 points and grabbed 24 rebounds in the Spurs’ double-overtime win over the Thunder. 

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He had a lot on the line Monday night, fresh off his unforced turnover at the end of Game 2, where he threw a pass off the back of teammate Stephon Castle in the final seconds with the game tied and then fouled Jalen Brunson. That led to the winning points for the Knicks after Wembanyama’s potentially game-winning jumper went long. 

In Game 3 Wembanyama came out seemingly determined to make up for it. He scored four times in the first quarter, all at the rim, three times on dunks. It looked so easy. The Spurs jumped out to a 12-point lead in the first quarter and it seemed like Wembanyama and his team were going to have their moment.

The second quarter told a different story. Wembanyama hit a big three and finished one of his impossible lobs, where he catches the pass two feet above the rim and places it in the basket. But the Knicks fought him a lot harder for position in the paint and won that fight more often than not for long stretches. His only shot when the Knicks were surging back early in the second quarter was a fadeaway jumper he missed. 

And here is the issue: Part of the fascination around Wembanyama’s profile and trajectory as a potentially all-time great is that he can do something of everything offensively (in addition to his defence). In theory.

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But what’s been evident at this level of competition is that Wembanyama doesn’t have the tools to consistently defeat it. He has struggled all series to beat Karl-Anthony Towns off the dribble, something that hasn’t been traditionally difficult for other NBA players. He struggles to hold his position on post ups, which isn’t surprising, given his frame. And while he can shoot the ball well at times, he’s as prone to cold streaks as anyone else, but every time he pulls up for a three or a spinning fadeaway it feels like a win for the defence because he’s not dunking home a lob. 

To his credit, and the Spurs’ good fortune, Wembanyama kept pushing. In the guts of the game he caught a pair of lobs that only he could. He fought for an offensive rebound, drew a foul and made both free throws. He drove against Landry Shamet, spun and got fouled, making two more free throws. Wembanyama finished 8-of-13 in the paint, including 7-of-9 from the rim, and added eight more points on free throws. The perimeter looks were accents to the main course — it’s a recipe that Wembanyama should try to repeat in Game 4.

The Knicks’ burly two-way wing has been superb through the playoffs, save for a brief hiccup after a hamstring strain kept him out of a couple of games in the second round. The former Raptor came into Game 3 averaging 19.3 points per game with a True Shooting (capturing efficiency on two-point field goal attempts, three-point field goal attempts and free throws) of 71.5.

Absurd stuff, except the defensive specialist was even better in Game 3. He scored 28 points on 9-of-13 shooting and was his usual self on defence, coming up with crucial plays such as his block on Dylan Harper on a fastbreak lay-up that led to a Knicks runout and a Brunson three, cutting the Spurs lead to five with six minutes left to play. After Brunson it’s hard to deny that Anunoby has been the second-most essential Knick in the playoffs, though Towns would get a lot of votes. But that kind of scoring punch with that kind of efficiency and that kind of defensive versatility is the definition of a championship-level player, and Anunoby is proving he’s clearly that. 

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If the Spurs end up losing the NBA Finals, they won’t regret how they defended Brunson. The Knicks star came into Game 2 shooting 33.9 per cent from the floor and — while better — was still only 11-of-25 from the floor in Game 3 with three turnovers. As well as Towns has played, he’s only averaging 16.7 points per game for the Finals after his 11-point outing Monday night.

But it seems like every time the Knicks needed an oxygen hit, someone on their bench was ready to deliver. Jordan Clarkson hadn’t scored all series and he came off the bench for 10 points in 13 minutes, including a crucial end-of-shot clock three at the end of the third quarter.

In Game 3, however, the Knicks didn’t get quite enough from their bench or secondary scorers. Shamet, the Game 2 hero, finished with just three points on 1-of-8 shooting. Miles McBride, who had some key buckets in Game 2, was scoreless.

Instead the Spurs got 13 points from Harper off the bench. Luke Kornet had seven, and each of Devin Vessel, Julian Champagnie and De’Aaron Fox cracked double figures. It was just enough.

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“Human first, then athlete”: Adam Ramsay-Peaty enters new phase of career after missing out on Commonwealth gold

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Once he was unbeatable. Now Adam Ramsay-Peaty admits he’s only human.

Ramsay-Peaty arrived in Glasgow with high hopes of becoming the first British swimmer to win individual gold medals at four consecutive Commonwealth Games.

In 2022, Peaty lost out in his signature 100m breaststroke event but roared back to win over the shorter distance just 48 hours later. Four years on, and while the mind maintains its trademark steely focus, it’s clear the body is not so kind.

Peaty claimed he ‘deserved more’ than his bronze in the 100m, but there can surely be no arguments with this result in the splash-and-dash 50m breaststroke.

He was the third-fastest qualifier, and that form held up as he claimed another bronze while Australia’s Sam Williamson secured another gold.

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At 31, Ramsay-Peaty is learning quickly that, for all the talk, he can’t defy the simple passage of time.

“I used to be the winning machine. Now I’ve shown my human side,” he said. “For that period when I was undefeated for eight years, it was athlete first and human second. Now it’s human first, then athlete.

“I’ve been that person who won all the time, and it cost me pretty much everything. I wouldn’t say it’s worth it now.

“There’s been a lot of learning this week. I’m pretty sure that was my last individual event at the Commonwealth Games. I really enjoyed it, but we just weren’t fast enough. We weren’t good enough, and we have to look at why.

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“Every day in training this season I’ve been tracking in the right direction, so I can’t really put my finger on it. Somewhere along the way I’ve lost that power per stroke, but that’s sport.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s frustrating when you can’t quite put your finger on what’s wrong. You digest it, just like in any other sport. You look at the data, work out what went wrong and really focus on fixing those areas.”

Adam Ramsay-Peaty takes bronze in the men’s 50m breaststroke final (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Adam Ramsay-Peaty takes bronze in the men’s 50m breaststroke final (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Ramsay-Peaty is more reflective than bombastic these days, showing a side that he previously kept hidden. Next up in just a few weeks are the European Championships in Paris, a return to the city where he felt at his lowest in the days after the Olympics two years ago.

Ramsay-Peaty’s preparations have also been shaped by significant change away from the pool. After long-time coach Mel Marshall left Loughborough for Australia following the Paris Olympics, he reunited with Jamie Main at Repton.

But that partnership proved short-lived as he relocated to London with his wife Holly – daughter of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. He is now based at Chelsea and Westminster Swimming Club under coach Lisa Bates, dividing his training between Kensington and the London Aquatics Centre in Stratford.

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It would be bold to bet against him turning this around, though the odds are clearly starting to lengthen.

“There are always two arguments going on in my head: ‘I’m good enough’ and ‘I’m not good enough’,” he said. “I have to channel that frustration into the right areas, and right now that’s looking ahead to the Europeans.

“There’s still a lot of work to do. We need to change a few things in training, but that’s between me and Lisa. I’ve only been at my new training base for 12 weeks, so let’s keep it in perspective.”

Ramsay-Peaty’s future may be on borrowed time, but Amalie Smith, just 16, is certainly one to watch for LA and beyond.

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England's Amalie Smith won a silver medal in the Women's 400m Individual Medley
England’s Amalie Smith won a silver medal in the Women’s 400m Individual Medley (Getty)

Smith has been carving time off her personal best in recent weeks and took another chunk off it with a silver-medal swim in the 400m medley final.

Australia’s Jenna Forrester proved too strong but, on this evidence, Hannah Miley’s British record of 4:31.33, set 17 years ago, could soon be under threat.

“I was thinking I’d love to win a medal, but the fact I’ve actually managed to achieve it is just crazy. I’ll definitely have to spend some time reflecting on it,” said Smith.

“I think the key is not getting ahead of myself and actually taking a step back to appreciate what I’ve achieved. At the same time, it’s about setting realistic goals, making progress bit by bit and using every race as a learning experience.

“It’s hard to say whether I feel like I belong at this level yet, but if I keep swimming like this I’ll start to feel more at home.”

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Lucas Glover sets record straight on shoeless stunt at 3M

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At this past week’s 3M Open, Lucas Glover learned what Paul McCartney discovered nearly 60 years ago when he appeared barefoot on the cover of Abbey Road: Take off your shoes in a strange place, and people are bound to talk.

And when enough people talk, they’re bound to lose track of the facts in the process.

In case you missed the misguided chatter, let’s walk it back.

During Sunday’s final round at TPC Twin Cities, Glover rolled in a birdie putt on the par-4 10th hole, then removed his golf shoes before reaching into the cup to retrieve his ball. The move immediately sparked speculation on Golf Channel and beyond that Glover — an outspoken critic of the AimPoint green-reading method — was making another statement about the controversial technique.

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He wasn’t.

On Monday, the former U.S. Open champ took to Instagram to set the record straight.

“Alight, let’s clear this up,” he wrote, before explaining that his impromptu footwear move had nothing to do with AimPoint. Instead, he said, it stemmed from a complaint he’d received about wearing metal spikes.

Glover has been a metal-spikes guy since he first got on Tour 23 years ago. Sunday’s round, he said, marked the first time he’d been approached about his footwear, mid-competition. More unusual still, he noted, the person who approached him was not a player but an official.

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“First of all, it’s not the officials’ place. I wasn’t breaking any rules,” Glover wrote. “Secondly, there were people in the groups in front of me and behind me wearing metal spikes as well.”

Glover described his barefoot stroll as a “demonstration,” but said it had nothing to do with AimPoint. Rather, he explained, it was his way of approaching the hole without scuffing up the turf.

To make sure no one missed the message, Glover kept returning to the same refrain regarding a 2019 rules change regarding spike marks.

“Have I mentioned that we can tamp them down now?”

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Actually, he had.

Glover also said he was puzzled that anyone connected his actions to AimPoint.

“My demonstration yesterday had nothing to do with AimPoint,” he wrote. “I have no idea how anyone came to that conclusion.”

More than anything, though, Glover said he regretted that the episode became a story at all, particularly on a day when 21-year-old Jackson Koivun claimed his first Tour victory.

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“My biggest disappointment in all of this is that a small faction are talking about this, a non-issue, instead of Jackson Koivun,” Glover wrote.

His explanation should put the AimPoint theories to rest. But if Glover wants to avoid another round of similar chatter, he might consider doing what John, George and Ringo did on Abbey Road and keep his shoes on.

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Red Sox vs. Athletics MLB prop picks: Curtis Mead set for Boston debut Monday, could be in good power spot

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Trade acquisition Curtis Mead will make his Red Sox debut tonight at the Athletics

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Italy bosses take sudden action after Pep Guardiola decision and Man City icon’s demands

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Former Man City boss Pep Guardiola had been in talks to take over the Italian national team

Italian football chiefs Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have reportedly resigned from their roles as technical director and advisor in the country’s Football Federation. It’s a surprise U-turn from the AC Milan legend Maldini, who has spent just ten days in the role.

Maldini had been keen on appointing former AC Milan teammate Andrea Pirlo as head coach of the Italian national team, a week on from talks with Manchester City icon Pep Guardiola.

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The former City boss had been in talks to take over the struggling European nation, who did not qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

After being turned down by Guardiola, Maldini focused on Pirlo, but Italian football president Giovanni Malago reportedly did not want to appoint the former midfielder due to his ties to Russian betting brands.

Maldini and Leonardo are said to have left their position with immediate effect, having spent just over a week in the role.

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It’s yet another blow for Italian football having been turned down by Guardiola last week. The former City manager is said to have told the Italian Football Federation: “Thank you, I’m honoured, but at this moment, I don’t feel it.”

It’s unclear what lies ahead for the legendary City boss, having already had a sabbatical from football after leaving Barcelona earlier in his managerial career.

It was claimed that Guardiola, who reportedly agreed a deal with the English FA to take control of the Three Lions in 2024 before changing his mind, asked for £17m a-year in salary demands.

The Catalan manager currently retains a position within City Football Group in an advisory capacity for clubs including Palermo, Lommel and Troyes.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the role prevents him from accepting another managerial post, though it is thought City’s ownership would be unlikely to block his path if he wished to do so.

Speaking earlier this week, FIGC president Giovanni Malago hinted at a financial disparity in talks with Guardiola. “There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it’s an understatement to say we’d have to grit our teeth for this,” he said in an interview with the Italian media.

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“Some exceptions have been made, for example, exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola.

“I don’t need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he’d be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through.”

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Will Vinicius Jr Join Arsenal This Summer? The Reality Behind the Transfer

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Arsenal have shown interest in signing Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, but completing a deal this summer looks very difficult.

The Brazilian winger is one of the biggest names in world football. Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, he has won 14 trophies and scored 128 goals in 375 matches. At 26, he is entering the best years of his career.

Vinicius has one year left on his current contract, and Real Madrid are still trying to agree on a new deal. Talks between both sides are continuing, but no agreement has been reached.

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The contract situation has caught the attention of Arsenal, who are looking to strengthen their attack after missing out on Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea.

Manager Mikel Arteta is said to admire Vinicius and sees him as a top target. However, Arsenal know that signing the Brazil international will not be easy.

Real Madrid are expected to demand well over £130 million for the winger, which would break the British transfer record. Vinicius is also believed to earn more than £450,000 a week, meaning he would become Arsenal’s highest-paid player by a wide margin.

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There is also the question of whether Vinicius wants to leave Madrid. For many South American players, playing for Real Madrid is a dream, and leaving the Spanish giants for another club may not appeal to him.

Reports suggest Vinicius remains open to signing a new contract because he wants to stay at Real Madrid, where new manager Jose Mourinho is keen to keep his top players.

Real Madrid also face a difficult decision. If they fail to renew his contract, Vinicius will be free to speak to other clubs about a free transfer next year, and the club could lose one of their biggest stars without receiving a transfer fee.

Although Arsenal believe they have the financial strength to make an offer, the transfer depends on more than money. Vinicius would have to decide whether he is ready to leave Real Madrid at the peak of his career.

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For now, Arsenal’s interest is real, but a move remains unlikely unless contract talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid completely break down. The coming weeks are expected to decide where the Brazilian star will play next season.

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Tanzania Shock South Africa 2-1 to Make Winning Start at WAFCON 2026

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Tanzania began their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 campaign with a famous 2-1 win over South Africa in their Group B match on Monday evening.

The East Africans produced a brave display at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca to defeat the former African champions and claim an important three points.

Tanzania made a bright start and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when captain Opa Tukumbuke chased a loose ball inside the penalty area, but South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a good save.

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Two minutes later, South Africa survived another scare after a back header almost ended in an own goal, but Dlamini recovered in time to stop the ball from crossing the line.

South Africa responded with chances of their own. Hildah Magaia fired just over the crossbar before Karabo Dhlamini struck the woodwork with a powerful long-range effort.

Despite South Africa’s pressure, Tanzania went ahead in the 37th minute. Diana Msewa beat her defender before calmly finishing past Dlamini at the near post.

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South Africa pushed for an equaliser and found one in first-half added time. After Tanzania goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa made a save, Bambanani Mbane reacted quickest to head the ball into the net and make it 1-1 before the break.

The defending champions almost took the lead just after the restart, but Refiloe Jane was unable to convert her chance.

With the match heading for a draw, Tanzania struck the winner in the 86th minute. Substitute Hasnath Ubamba turned her marker inside the box before firing a low shot past Dlamini to seal a memorable victory.

The win gives Tanzania a perfect start to Group B ahead of Friday’s match against Burkina Faso. South Africa will now look to bounce back when they face Côte d’Ivoire on the same day.

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Kyle Shanahan nearly lost his right eye in car crash, Chris Simms says

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Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms revealed that his close friend, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, almost lost an eye during a horrible car crash he was involved in earlier this month.

Simms, who is a current NFL analyst, made an appearance on “PFT Live” where he explained pictures he received from Shanahan’s wife, Mandy, after the July 14 accident occurred.

“When you first see it, and it’s fresh, and some of the cuts are still wide open, I mean, it’s jarring,” Simms explained. “It’s jarring.

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Chris Simms in 2023

NBC Sports Chris Simms before an AFC divisional playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs on January 21, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

“He was this close to maybe losing his right eye.”

The injuries were quite significant for Shanahan, who is limited to starting training camp with the 49ers, the team announced.

Shanahan suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs and a broken hand. He also needed over 40 stitches in his face and had a severe concussion after colliding with another SUV by his home in Northern California, per ESPN.

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“San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week when he suffered non-life threatening injuries. Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers,” the team said in its statement.

“Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.”

Simms pointed to his forehead when he said, “The scar is so big right here.”

Kyle Shanhan talks to reporters

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

“So, all that stuff was just crazy to see,” he added.

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While Shanahan has yet to speak on the crash, Simms did reveal some of what he is feeling at the moment.

“He was emotional about it because he realized how close it was to being just a complete, you know, utter disaster,” Simms, who mentioned the other driver was a woman, said. “Like, really, it was a disaster anyways. But, when you’re a part of that accident, like I said, he could have lost his right eye. It could have been a lot worse. You know, he’s very concerned about the woman he got in the accident with and how she is and handling that situation. So there’s just a lot there. And I think it was a lot for him to process.”

Shanahan was spotted at 49ers training camp on Sunday, where his face was masked by a baseball hat and sunglasses.

GM John Lynch also noted that, “Kyle basically is going to be like in the protocol,” in reference to his concussion. Simms said it is giving him “some issues” he must deal with through the healing process.

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Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida, on Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

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While Shanahan serves his team on a limited basis, Chris Foerster, the 49ers’ assistant head coach, is acting in his place.

The 49ers open the season against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in the first-ever game played in Australia.

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Improving filly French Accord breaks maiden at Sandown 2024

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Brown racehorse with an orange-clad jockey leaping a hurdle on a sunny turf horse race track.

French Accord has been rewarded for her consistency with a breakthrough maiden win at Sandown.

After finishing runner-up in her first two starts at Bendigo and Geelong respectively, French Accord scored with authority in taking out the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1200m) on Wednesday.

Under the guidance of Luke Currie, French Accord ($4.80) raced away from her opposition to record a 2-¾ length win from Brilliant Bull Ant ($26) with Luscombe ($5) a half-length away third.

With trainer Robbie Griffiths absent, stable foreman Reid Balfour said every challenge French Accord had thrown at her, the filly would rise to the occasion.

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“But every time we keep raising the bar, she keeps meeting it,” Balfour said.

A $15,000 yearling purchase at the 2024 Inglis Premier Sale, high expectations were not placed on the filly early in her development.

“She was bought for $15,000 and Robbie was able to put some owners into her and she’s repaying them in spades,” Balfour added.

“She’s not fully mature yet and will keep getting better with each preparation, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”

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Currie was having his second ride aboard French Accord having ridden the filly when narrowly touched out at Geelong on July 10.

He said French Accord had made good improvement from that outing.

“She travelled up really well,” Currie said.

“She’s been well educated and well worked out by Robbie and the team.”

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“Last time she was a bit stiff. She raced really well and loomed like she was going to win, but got a bit lost out wide there at Geelong.”

“Today, she learnt from that and put them away quite quickly.”

Currie said French Accord has some nice attributes and should prove a nice money spinner for her trainer and connections.

“She keeps improving,” Currie said.

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“She jumps well, settles, does everything you ask and she will be a nice filly going forward.”

The Griffiths stable made it a double for the day at Sandown when Saluted took out the Sportsbet Get On Extra Handicap (1000m).

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John Stones ‘verbally agrees’ transfer as defender set for Man City reunion this week

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John Stones left Manchester City at the end of the season after spending a decade at the Etihad Stadium and winning everything with the club

John Stones has made a verbal agreement to join Inter Milan, according to reports in Italy. The former Manchester City defender is set to sign a two-year contract with his representatives finalising the terms of a deal.

The move will see Stones reunite with former City team-mate Manuel Akanji after the latter joined the San Siro club on a permanent basis following his season-long loan deal. England international Stones could quickly see some familiar faces too.

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The parties are hopeful that the 32-year-old’s transfer will be completed by the end of the week. While he is likely to be recovering following his World Cup campaign with the Three Lions, Stones could be unveiled in time for Inter’s friendly clash with City on Saturday.

The veteran defender was also said to be contacted by Juventus over the weekend, having drawn interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.

The Gunners have been seeking to reinforce their backline following William Saliba’s injury. Chelsea, meanwhile, are bidding to add experience to their squad this summer after also targeting striker Danny Welbeck and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

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Stones’ departure from Manchester City was confirmed in April, offering him an opportunity to say goodbye to the club. The Barnsley-born star enjoyed a successful 10-year period that matched Pep Guardiola’s, but in recent seasons he has missed time through injury.

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Speaking ahead of his departure, Stones acknowledged that he wished his City stay could continue. “Everything comes to an end and I wish it’d go on forever, but I know that that’s not a possibility,” he said.

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“It’s tough, but at the same time, I can look back on the 10 years and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done here.

“The memories that I’ve got with absolutely everyone, not just the players, the staff, the fans, the guys that we all see on a daily basis and you’ve become friends with and have bonds with.

“It’s not sunk in yet, but when I leave I think it will and it’ll hit me.”

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Ryan Garcia says one welterweight champion would’ve beaten Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather

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Terence Crawford and Floyd Mayweather are both hailed as two of boxing’s best since the turn of the millennium, but reigning WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia believes that there is one former 147lber who would have been able to end each of their undefeated streaks.

Mayweather retired with a 50-0 record and was named as the Boxing Writers Association of America ‘Fighter of the Decade’ for the 2010s, although ‘TBE’ is set to risk that unbeaten streak in the near future, with a rematch against Manny Pacquiao now being touted for early 2027.

Meanwhile, like Mayweather, Crawford retired as an undefeated five-division world champion when he announced his decision to hang up the gloves in December, retiring after a historic victory over Canelo Alvarez that saw him claim the undisputed crown at a third weight.

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Despite the astonishing careers and lack of frailties shown by both Mayweather and Crawford, Garcia told Daily Mail Boxing that he would favour boxing’s first five-division world champion Thomas Hearns to defeat both men if they fought in their primes.

‘The Hitman’ won his first world honours at welterweight, defeating José Cuevas in 1980. He made three successful defences of the belt before losing to Sugar Ray Leonard in ’81 – his first bout as part of The Four Kings quartet. Given Hearns would win a world title at light-heavyweight and finish his career as a cruiserweight, Garcia’s pick is not a major surprise.

Back to the present day, and Garcia remains hopeful that he could be the one to hand Crawford a first career defeat, recently revealing his intentions to tempt the 38-year-old out of retirement, if he comes through his maiden world title defence against Conor Benn in September unscathed.

Although, at present, Crawford seems unwilling to reconsider his decision to walk away from the sport, refusing to return to boxing despite having a lucrative offer on the table.

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