Kalvin Phillips has joined Sheffield United on loan for the rest of the season but there remains no permanent end in sight to his Manchester City nightmare
Kalvin Phillips has completed a move to Sheffield United for the remainder of the season – but there is no obvious end in sight to his Manchester City nightmare.
The midfielder has joined the Blades on loan for the final months of their Championship campaign but there is no option or obligation to buy, meaning the 30-year-old will be back at the Etihad in the summer. And with a contract until 2028, Phillips will return to City still in limbo.
Advertisement
His career has stalled at the Etihad and he is not part of the first team plans under Pep Guardiola. The City boss did suggest ahead of the Carabao Cup tie with Huddersfield that the England international might be able to force his way into the matchday reckoning on a more regular basis.
“He’s coming back, training with us and we will see what happens,” said Guardiola ahead of the third round clash when Phillips came off the bench in the closing stages. The prospect of the former Leeds man featuring regularly in City squads always seemed remote and he is now entering his third loan spell away from the Etihad in the last two years.
Advertisement
Phillips’ hope will be to impress at Sheffield United and prompt permanent interest from either Chris Wilder’s side or another club in the summer. It remains to be seen what interest will transpire but having signed a six-year deal when he arrived at City, Phillips is at the mercy of others if he is to resurrect his career.
He was signed for £45million by the Blues back in 2022 with the intention of supporting Rodri and strengthening a midfield that had just won the last two Premier League titles. However, illness and injury saw Phillips off to a bad start and he was then criticised by Guardiola for returning from a break after the World Cup ‘overweight’ in December 2022.
That further reduced his opportunities, and while he chose to stay and fight for his place the following season by January 2024 he was agreeing a loan move to West Ham. When they chose not to make the move permanent, Premier League newcomers Ipswich came in with a season-long loan.
Phillips underwent Achilles surgery in summer that stopped him from getting a move, and he was asked to play for City at Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup the day after his daughter was born.
Advertisement
Phillips had impressed at Leeds United prior to joining City and has made 31 appearances for England although the last of those came in 2023.
Apr 5, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) makes a shot over Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) and guard Aaron Holiday (0) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Golden State Warriors embark upon the Stephen Curry management portion of their schedule when they take on the Sacramento Kings in San Francisco on Tuesday night to tip off a stretch of four games in six days to close out the regular season.
Curry returned from a two-month absence caused by a sore right knee with a crowd-pleasing performance Sunday against the Houston Rockets, going for 29 points in 26 minutes off the bench in a 117-116 home loss.
The defeat entrenched Golden State (36-42) in 10th place in the West, from where it would have to beat consecutive opponents on the road in the upcoming play-in contests in order to make the eight-team Western Conference playoffs.
While noting that Curry would return to the starting lineup by the time the Warriors enter the must-win games next week, Golden State coach Steve Kerr indicated after the Sunday loss that the next four contests would serve as opportunities to find the most compatible combinations, especially with Kristaps Porzingis a relative newcomer to the team as well.
“We wanted to get Draymond (Green) and Steph together for obvious reasons, so we changed some of the other rotations to fit Steph,” Kerr said of adjustments he had to make by not starting his star point guard against the Rockets. “Obviously this won’t last for long. He’ll be in the starting lineup soon. I’m not sure when just based on minutes.”
Advertisement
Playing four games in six days will factor into how much guys such as Curry, Green and Porzingis play this week, as well as the best possible time for Al Horford to return from a soleus injury. The Warriors have a back-to-back Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers and Friday at Sacramento.
Despite missing a potential game-winning 30-footer at the final horn, Curry felt great about the overall outcome of his first night back.
“That group that we had down the stretch, it felt like old times,” Curry said after the game. “Just reading the defense, the overreact to me on the perimeter, (Gary Payton II) going to the bucket, Draymond’s finding guys. … It was awesome.”
Advertisement
The Kings (21-58) enter the final week of the season tied with Utah Jazz for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. The three teams with the fewest wins will arrive at the draft lottery with the best odds of landing the first pick.
Sacramento has four more wins than the Washington Wizards, three more than the Indiana Pacers and two more than the Brooklyn Nets.
Other than the two meetings with Golden State, the Kings will play at Portland on Sunday to complete the regular season.
Sacramento hurt its odds by winning twice last week — 123-115 at Toronto on Wednesday and 117-113 at home against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The Kings were thumped 138-109 by the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in their most recent game on Sunday.
Advertisement
One thing left for the Kings to achieve would be helping center Maxime Raynaud earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors.
The former Stanford star was voted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for March and has since had a 28-point game against the Pelicans last week.
“He smashed through the ceiling,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “The kid is ready, and he wants the opportunity to continue to improve. Sometimes you get an opportunity and you’re not ready to seize it, but he has seized the opportunity.”
Raynaud is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 56.7% from the field in 71 games (53 starts). He has 18 double-doubles.
Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia State wideout Ted Hurst (WO24) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on a wide receiver last year, and they might be on their way to doing it again if the draft rumor mill is on point. Minnesota met with Georgia State pass-catcher Ted Hurst a couple of weeks ago, and according to SI.com, he’s the main developmental prospect for the Vikings to target in 2.5 weeks.
Minnesota may still need another receiver, and Hurst checks the box as a late-round project with size.
Hurst currently ranks 76th on the Consensus Big Board, making him absolutely gettable for the purple team.
Advertisement
Hurst Fits the Vikings’ Search for More WR Depth
From somewhere, the Vikings may need one more WR for the regular season.
Ted Hurst secures a reception in traffic, using his size to win at the catch point during second-half action against Connecticut. The play occurred on Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; at Rentschler Field, where the Georgia State receiver showcased his physical style and ball skills in a competitive road environment. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Hurst Picked as Vikings’ Top Development Fit
SI.com‘s Justin Melo sized up one development rookie for each NFL team on Monday, with Hurst getting the shoutout for Minnesota. Melo explained, “The Minnesota Vikings lost their No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor to free agency. It won’t be a high priority, given Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the better duos in the NFL.”
“Third-round sophomore Tai Felton only had three receptions last year. Enter Ted Hurst, a small-school threat from Georgia State with a dynamic vertical skill set. Hurst was incredible at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-3. He’s a downfield winner.”
Advertisement
Hurst has also been frequently connected to the Miami Dolphins in the mock-draft cycle, with The Draft Network‘s Jaime Eisner picking him in Round 3 last week: “Getting a live look at Ted Hurst at the Panini Senior Bowl cemented his status as a day-two prospect. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds, he pairs prototype size with unexpected short-area agility.”
“He operates as a refined route-runner, boasting the massive catch radius and contested-catch reliability you covet in a bigger target. He’s not a burner and needs to work on playing to his size with the ball in his hands, but he can develop into a long-term WR2-caliber player for the Dolphins.”
The Vikings’ Current WR Group
If Minnesota turns the Hurst visit into a draft pick and doesn’t add another free agent, the wide receiver room this summer would shape up like this:
Advertisement
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Tai Felton
Ted Hurst
Myles Price
Jeshaun Jones
Dontae Fleming
Joaquin Davis
With this group, the Vikings would merely have to hope that Felton or Hurst would be game-ready by Week 1. Otherwise, a free-agent signing would be necessary.
The Skinny on Hurst
Hurst, at 6’3″ and 195 pounds, uses his size to his advantage, especially when making contested catches. His game is built on strength and body control. However, his route running could be improved; he doesn’t consistently separate from defensive backs, which will likely impact his future role.
He banked 127 catches for 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games. Not bad.
NFL Draft Buzz on Hurst: “Hurst fits best as a ‘Z’ receiver in an offense that uses motion and formation variety to manufacture free releases. That matters early in his career because press coverage remains a real problem, and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he saw in the Sun Belt.”
Advertisement
“His speed is good enough to threaten vertically, but he separates with acceleration and timing rather than blowing past coverage. That style translates if the body catches up. Expect him to push for the number three receiver role as a rookie in the right system, with third-down and red zone reps from Week 1 given his ball tracking, catch radius, and understanding of leverage.”
Ted Hurst lines up during practice reps, preparing for the next snap while working with the American Team at a key pre-draft showcase. The moment came on Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, Alabama, USA; during Senior Bowl activities at Hancock Whitney Stadium, offering evaluators a closer look at his route work and positioning. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Hurst would instantly become the Vikings’ tallest receiver of those expected to make the September roster.
TBD added, “The drop issues need monitoring. His hands graded average across both Georgia State seasons, and that cannot persist against tighter coverage windows. But the combination of size, route feel, and athletic testing puts a real ceiling on this player.”
“With physical development and an expanded release package, he can grow into a starting outside receiver by year two. The tape backs that up more than the stat sheet does.”
Free Agents if Vikings Pass on Hurst
Advertisement
Pretend the Vikings don’t select a mid-round wideout because they just did that last year with Felton.
Tyreek Hill stands on the field before kickoff, focused as Miami prepares for a divisional matchup at home. The scene unfolded on September 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; at Hard Rock Stadium, capturing Hill’s pregame routine as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers readies for action. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The current free-agent WR group looks like this as of April 6th:
The Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals will continue their three-game divisional series on Tuesday at Progressive Field. Both teams are battling for early positioning in the American League Central.
The Royals won Game 1 on Monday, 4-2. Game 2 will start at 1:10 p.m. ET. Viewers can watch the game on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV and MLB.TV.
•
Advertisement
Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals odds
Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115), Kansas City Royals (-105)
Run Line: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-201), Kansas City Royals -1.5 (+165)
Total Runs: Over 7 (+100), Under 7 (-120)
Advertisement
(Source: DraftKings Sportsbook)
(NB: Odds are subject to change)
Advertisement
Preview – Starting Pitchers and Lineups
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Gavin Williams will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians. The righty pitcher has looked sharp in the early stages of the 2026 season. He carries a 2.25 ERA after two starts.
Williams relies on a high-velocity four-seam fastball that generated a significant whiff rate in his previous outing.
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher
Noah Cameron will start on the mound for the Kansas City Royals. The lefty pitcher is looking to build on a stellar season debut against the Minnesota Twins. He earned a win and maintained a 1.80 ERA.
Cameron’s ability to command his secondary pitches will be crucial against the Giardians’ lineup that excels in contact hitting.
Prediction: Cleveland Guardians 4, Kansas City Royals 2
Gavin Williams has shown elite stuff early this season. His ability to overpower hitters should give him the advantage at home.
Advertisement
Noah Cameron has also been impressive. However, the Guardians lineup features several dangerous switch-hitters like Jose Ramirez, who can neutralize the lefty-on-lefty advantage.
With the Guardians playing at Progressive Field, they are the favorite to take Game 2 (Money Line: Cleveland Guardians (-115))
The Guardians pitching staff has been one of the most consistent in the league through the first two weeks. Both starters have ERAs under 2.30. Therefore, the likelihood of a low-scoring defensive battle is high (Total Runs: Under 7 (-120))
Expect the Guardians to lean on their bullpen to secure a narrow victory and cover the spread on the conservative side (Run Line: Guardians +1.5 (-201)
Manny Pacquiao has spoken out over the issues surrounding his planned rematch against Floyd Mayweather.
It was announced in February that long-term rivals Pacquiao and Mayweather were set for a second meeting, scheduled to take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19.
While Pacquiao continued to compete professionally and has done as recently as last July, Mayweather retired in 2017. He has had a number of exhibitions since then, but the rematch against ‘PacMan’ would have served as his first official bout in nearly a decade.
Problems have begun to arose though, after Mayweather recently claimed the upcoming rematch would be an exhibition rather than a professional fight, and Pacquiao has now responded with his own take on the matter.
Speaking about the situation, Pacquiao told his rival to stop making excuses, and that he already turned down an opportunity for a rematch as an exhibition and wants a ‘real’ fight.
“He proposed an exhibition a long time ago, a year after our first fight. I didn’t agree to it.
I want a real fight. He signed a real fight, I signed a real fight, he’s got his advance, so there’s no reason to make excuses.”
AUGUSTA, Ga. — It is the first and most essential fact of golf’s first major: Nothing ever changes at the Masters.
Unless, of course, you’ve been lucky enough to step foot on the ground at Augusta National more than once. It’s around this time you realize that everything changes at the Masters, all the time, from the enormous, white-shuttered structures that rise and fall without a whisper, to the shapes and pigments and angles and contours of the golf course that has hosted the tournament annually for nine decades.
Yes, change is the way of the world — and especially so at Augusta National on Masters Monday, the same day the golf world arrives for the first time after 360 some-odd lonely days without it. And after a 4 a.m. wakeup, 6 a.m. flight, 2.5-hour drive and brief changing session in the parking lot, change is what I found on this Masters Monday, a surprisingly mild one from Augusta National.
1. A new sign
The signs are an impressively significant part of the Masters tradition — written in careful Masters typeface and carrying a highly specific tone. But on a stroll throughout the golf course on Monday afternoon, I spotted one I had not seen in my previous five journeys to Augusta, a sign that came with ample foreboding.
Advertisement
Alcohol Sales Will End At 5 P.M.
A Masters volunteer carried the sign on a placard near the first tee box, and I later found the message had made its way throughout the grounds on tournament Monday, when one group of men made a beeline for the concession stand in Amen Corner.
“I hope it’s not 5!!”
2. Construction craziness
It is not hard to earn an appreciation for the new Player Services Building — a new, multi-million dollar player performance center that sprouted from thin air sometime between last April and Monday morning. To the trained eye, the new building sticks out on the horizon like a sore thumb, looming over the far end of the practice range as an omnipresent reminder that Augusta National can — and very often does — summon gleaming new buildings from the earth with impressive nonchalance.
Advertisement
Of course, to the normal eye, the building is not a sore thumb — far from it. It fits into the Masters’ white-shutter-and-black-shingle aesthetic like a glove, and provides no shortage of pampering for golfers in the sport’s first major. In other words, it’s a worthy addition to a growing city of identical white buildings used to house the biggest week in golf. And hey, maybe the members can get a nice gym out of it during the offseason.
3. Candy Crush
The biggest addition to the Masters this year is not a player or a pin location — it’s a piece of candy. Masters-themed candy. And today I did the honors of trying the new Masters “Candy Bar” — a dark chocolate, caramel, rice crisp and hazelnut crunch offering from Atlanta-based Bitzel’s Chocolate.
Long story short, it’s delicious. I will likely eat at least five of them before the week is out. Though I do wish it was sea salt on top of the candy bar instead of hazelnut, both for our tree allergy kings and queens and for adding a little savory tang to balance out the candy bar’s sweetness.
4. A caddie cabaret
Late on Monday afternoon in Amen Corner, the glorious green of the 11-13th holes was replaced by a troupe in white robes — attire belonging to a half-dozen of Augusta National’s caddies. The group was led by Scottie Scheffler supercaddie Ted Scott, who spent a long while on each green recording the undulations in the green. (This, I suppose, is the sort of unheralded work that brings your partner four green jackets.)
Advertisement
It was funny to see the rest of the caddies (including loopers for Jason Day and Min Woo Lee) following Scott’s lead on the 12th green. Together, they walked in a carefully calculated tango around the putting surface as they each gathered intel for the week, scribbling distances and other obscure bits of information into their yardage books. Maybe this moment will mean nothing come Sunday afternoon, but nobody knows that on Monday afternoon — and they’d certainly not prefer to spend Sunday evening wishing they’d been here for a few minutes longer.
WINNIPEG — Kyle Connor scored twice while Jonathan Toews and Gabriel Vilardi had a goal and an assist each to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night.
Brad Lambert and Vladislav Namestnikov, into an empty net, also scored for the Jets (34-31-12), who have collected points in seven of their last nine games (6-2-1).
Mark Scheifele registered three assists, while Josh Morrissey provided a pair.
Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves for the win at Canada Life Centre.
Advertisement
Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann replied for the Kraken (32-33-11), who extended their losing streak to five games and have lost nine of their last 10 (1-7-2).
Seattle starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer left the game with an undisclosed injury in the second period after allowing three goals on 15 shots. Joey Daccord entered in relief and made 10 saves.
The Kraken opened the scoring at 9:17 of the first period when Eberle netted his team-leading 25th of the season, marking the fourth consecutive game Winnipeg has surrendered the opening goal.
The Jets responded on the man advantage at 12:39 when Toews, who was moved back to the top power-play unit in Sunday’s practice, put in his 10th of the campaign to tie the game.
Advertisement
Winnipeg took control in the second period with a pair of power-play markers. Vilardi gave the Jets their first lead at 9:55, followed by Connor’s team-leading 37th goal of the season at 12:09.
Seattle cut the deficit to 3-2 at 2:28 of the third period on a goal by McCann. The assist went to Kaapo Kakko, extending his point streak to three games.
Lambert restored the two-goal cushion at 5:59 of the final frame to seal the win, with Connor and Namestikov adding insurance markers.
Jets: Winnipeg’s special teams dominated the matchup, as the club scored three times on the power play for the first time all season.
Advertisement
Kraken: The loss dealt a devastating blow to Seattle’s bid for a playoff spot, costing the club an opportunity to close the gap in the highly competitive Western Conference wild-card race.
With Seattle seizing momentum after cutting the lead to one early in the third period, Lambert fired home his third goal of the season to make it 4-2. Lambert celebrated the insurance marker right in front of the Kraken bench and his uncle, Seattle head coach Lane Lambert.
Scheifele registered his 900th career NHL point with his secondary assist on Connor’s second-period goal.
Although delighted to be part of the field, McKibbin is eager to make his mark and acknowledges the famous course is challenging.
Long fairways and “pristine” greens are what he will encounter but he wants to leave on Sunday happy with his week’s work.
Whether that means playing through the weekend or making a charge at the leaderboard remains to be seen, but making the most of this opportunity is his primary motivation.
“Some of the holes are very long, especially around 10 and 11, you’re hitting a lot of long irons into the greens which look pretty small from there, but the golf course is just incredible,” he noted.
Advertisement
“I’ve played it a few times now and it’s everything you could imagine, so to play more over the week is pretty cool.
“The greens are absolutely perfect, so pristine, quick and once you get out onto the course, there are some pretty crazy slopes on them you can really play around with.
“The golf course changes so much over the week, I don’t know what to expect, but I would just like to have a nice week, play well and see where that is. Your first one there aren’t a lot of expectations, but I want to have a good week.”
WBC welterweight world champion Ryan Garcia has named the man whom he believes to be the most overrated fighter in the sport, saying that the hype is ‘premature’.
That long-awaited victory came in February, as ‘King Ry’ dominated proceedings against Mario Barrios to properly announce his return to the big time and receive the plaudits that his skills merit.
Advertisement
Now, Garcia sits as one of the biggest names in the sport and the Californian is being linked to a mammoth rematch with rival and reigning WBO welterweight champion, Devin Haney.
Despite criticising Haney in the past, on the Creators Think Podcast when quizzed to name the most ‘horribly overrated’ active boxer, Garcia opted not to select his fierce foe. Instead, he looked upwards toward the super-welterweight division, playing down the abilities of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
“Horribly overrated? Today, I would say ‘Boots’ Ennis. I know that I have said that before on a stream and got some hate but, at this point where they are hyping up like he is the next everything, I think it’s a little premature and [that he is] overrated.”
Ennis held the unified IBF and WBA welterweight world titles but moved up to 154lbs late last year, knocking out Uisma Lima upon his debut in the division.
There is a possibility that Garcia, still just 27, will move up to 154lbs in the future. If he does so, Ennis may want to answer the above comments inside the ropes.
Maduka Okoye delivered an outstanding performance, but Cesc Fabregas admitted he was not fully satisfied with his team after Como’s goalless draw with Udinese on Monday night.
Fabregas said the game was tight and very tactical, with both sides struggling to find space and control the tempo.
“Both teams had difficulties finding spaces, it was a very tactical game and nobody really took the initiative,” he said.
Advertisement
Despite his side creating two good chances, Fabregas was not impressed with how Como handled the ball, noting that several players did not perform at their best.
“In general, I didn’t like the way the team played in possession, there were many players who were below par today,” he added.
The Como boss also pointed out that Udinese offered little attacking threat, but stressed the importance of staying solid at the back.
Advertisement
“At the same time, Udinese created very little danger and we kept our 15th clean sheet.”
Fabregas admitted he expected more from his team but accepted the result, especially given recent challenges.
“When you are in these situations, it is important not to lose and not to concede, even if I am the first to admit that I expected more.”
Okoye was the key figure in the match, making several important saves to deny Como and secure a clean sheet for Udinese.
Over 12 months on from that bout, he was set to make his long-awaited return against Morrell in his hometown of Liverpool on April 18, but with less than two weeks to go until the showdown, disaster has unfortunately struck.
“Callum Smith suffered an injury in training camp and is withdrawing from his light heavyweight fight vs. David Morrell on April 18 in Liverpool, sources tell Ring Magazine.”
Smith was hoping to move one step closer to becoming a two-weight world champion, having previously reigned as WBC super-middleweight champion thanks to a win over George Groves in 2018 before he lost that belt to Canelo Alvarez in 2020.
That prompted the move to 175lbs, and despite a defeat to Artur Beterbiev in January 2024, Smith remained one of the key fighters in the light heavyweight division.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login