Mateo Kovačić has not forgotten Inter, and speculation over a return to San Siro has been rekindled after the Croatian caught up with old friends during Manchester City's visit to face the Nerazzurri.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact came on the fringes of the two sides' pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.
Inter themselves posted a video on social media showing the 32-year-old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting the likes of Federico Dimarco and ****** istant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.
(From L) Italy's midfielder #18 Nicolo Barella and Croatia's midfielder #08 Mateo Kovacic collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL / AFP) (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Those whispers are not new. In recent weeks it emerged that Kovačić's entourage had offered him to the Inter hierarchy, who made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered.

#midfielder #croatian

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS MORNING (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) with UFC Belgrade, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens inside Beogradska Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. This is the promotion's first-ever trip to the Balkans. Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez serves as our main event today.
Medic — from nearby Novi Sad, Serbia — gets his first UFC main event slot here. He's earned it with blistering finishes over Geoff Neal (see that here), Muslim Salikhov (that one here) and Gilbert Urbina (re-live that here). The combined time of those fights is less than four minutes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is coming off a grueling win over Kevin Holland; however, he's been held out for sometime because of legal issues (which saw him stuck in a Mexican jail for eight months).
The co-main event is Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling. Blachowicz was scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, before Guskov was needed in Abi Dhabi last weekend. Stirling comes in on short notice, just a month removed from his win over Ion Cutelaba.
The rest of the main card is a "Balkans vs. The World" theme with Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura, Dusko Todorovic vs. Robert Valentin, Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina and Milos Janicic vs. Noah Gugnon.
The "Prelims" are headlined by Ludovit Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev. Mateusz Rebecki (a walking "Fight of the Night") also makes an appearance. He's facing Kyle Prepolec. Other notable fights on the undercard include Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira and Bogdan Grad vs. Dennis Buzukja.

#gilbert

Aleksandar Rakic got his first win in more than five years at UFC Fight Night 283, and did so as a heavyweight for the first time.
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) made a successful transition up from 205 pounds on Saturday when he outworked divisional veteran Marcin Tybura (27-12 MMA, 14-11 UFC) en route to a unanimous decision win by scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 30-27 at Belgrade Arena in Serbia.
After Serbian fighters went 0-3 to start the main card, Rakic put his home country on the win column with a methodical striking performance.
Rakic, 34, came out throwing high volume against Tybura, who stayed and fought from inside the pocket. Rakic slowed down a bit as the contest wore on, but remained focused and stayed out of danger while delivering damage on his Polish foes legs and head.
The result brought an end to a four-fight losing skid for Rakic and marked his first time getting his hand raised since March 2021. Tybura, meanwhile, has dropped his past three.

#rakic #tybura #first #aleksandar

Aleksandar Rakic and Marcin Tybura meet on the UFC Fight Night 283 main card Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ***** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Rakic (14-6 MMA, 6-5 UFC) aims to end the roughest stretch of his pro career, as he comes in on a four-fight skid. Three former champions have handed him losses on this unfortunate streak, including Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, and Magomed Ankalaev. Rakic's last win was a unanimous decision over Thiago Santos at UFC 259 in March 2021.
Tybura (27-11 MMA, 14-10 UFC) is also in need of a win after dropping back-to-back fights against Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. His last win was a unanimous nod against Mick Parkin last March.

#last #tybura #march #unanimous

Jan Blachowicz and Navajo Stirling meet in the UFC Fight Night 283 co-feature Saturday at Belgrade Arena in Serbia. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ******* yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-1
UFC main cards, 2026: 79-42-1
Blachowicz (29-11-2 MMA, 12-8-2 UFC) is hunting for his first win since May 2022, which came against Aleksandar Rakic. Since then, the former champion has recorded two losses and two draws. His last fight was a majority draw against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 323 in December.
Stirling (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) puts his undefeated record on the line against a former ******* leholder in his third fight of the year. He has finished his last two opponents, stopping Bruno Lopes and Ion Cutelaba both in the second round in March and June, respectively.

#last #former #night #saturday

JanBlachowicz's journey back to ******* le contention has taken anotherunexpected turn.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight ******* leholderwas originally slated to rematch BogdanGuskov at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 in Serbia. However, those plans changedwhen Guskov was offered the UFC Abu Dhabi main event spot against MagomedAnkalaev following KhalilRountree's withdrawal.

As such, Blachowicz (29-11-2) will now square off against NavajoStirling in the new co-main event in Belgrade and the Polishveteran is unfazed by the change.
After Guskov accepted the short-notice bout against Ankalaev,Blachowicz was paired with Stirling. The former champion insistslittle has changed in his preparation.

"I am doing this all my life," Blachowicz said in a recentinterview. "It's a new opponent. I have a lot of respect for him,but it's just another fighter who I have to stop. I don't thinkabout this mess around because I don't want to waste energy forthat. Okay, it's a new opponent; that's it. We do small changes andwe are here to win the fight against him, or a different opponentdoesn't matter."

The upcoming matchup gives Blachowicz an opportunity to halt thelongest winless stretch of his UFC tenure. He has gone fourstraight outings without a victory and is coming off a majoritydraw against Guskov this past December. His last win came all theway back in May 2022 when he defeated AleksandarRakic.

He'll have his work cut out for him against the surging Stirling,who boasts a perfect 10-0 record.

#main #opponent

HNB are reporting that Club Brugge have had a bid of around €9m for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Peer Koopmeiners rejected. AZ have already seen one midfielder leave this summer, with the talented Sven Mijnans depart for Eredivisie champions PSV. They are hoping to receive a fee of around €17m for Koopmeiners, well above the €9m that Club Brugge initially bid. Koopmeiners is said to be keen on a move to Belgium and for Club Brugge he would provide a replacement for Aleksandar Stankovic, who returned to Inter, and Raphael Onyedika who is also likely to depart this summer.
Outside of loan spells with Excelsior and Almere City, Koopmeiners has spent his entire career with AZ. Since making his debut in 2020, he has played over 100 games for the club, scoring six goals. The previous two seasons have been the best of Koopmeiners career so far. During the 2024/2025 season he returned from a loan spell with Excelsior to play 53 games for AZ, scoring twice and providing seven ***** ists. Last season he played 50 games for AZ, scoring four goals and providing two ***** ists.
Club Brugge, after selling Christos Tzolis and Stankovic this summer, certainly have enough money to pay the fee AZ are asking for, but the club will likely try and bargain for a lower price.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson

#koopmeiners #brugge #scoring #excelsior

Aleksandar Pavlović’s rise at Bayern Munich has largely been built on his composure in possession and ability to dictate play from midfield. But if the young German has taken another step forward this past season, he believes it has come on the defensive side of the ball—and he credits Vincent Kompany for helping make it happen.
“I think I’ve made significant progress in my defensive work. When you have a former world-class centre-back as a coach, you almost have to improve, don’t you? He certainly gives me a lot of good tips, which have already helped me a lot,” Pavlović told Bayern Munich club magazine Säbener 51 (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
It is easy to focus on Pavlović’s passing range and calmness under pressure, but modern midfielders are expected to contribute just as much without the ball. Winning duels, reading passing lanes, pressing intelligently, and protecting the back line are all essential responsibilities, particularly for a player operating in the heart of Bayern Munich’s midfield.
That is where Kompany’s influence could prove invaluable.
As one of the finest defenders of his generation, Kompany built his career on positioning, anticipation, communication, and defensive awareness rather than relying solely on athleticism. Those are qualities that translate well beyond the back line, and it appears Pavlović has benefited from learning directly from someone who mastered those aspects of the game.

#defensive #built

Inter could easily turn a profit on either Petar Sucic or Aleksandar Stankovic if they wished, but the plan is to keep them both at the moment. The former turned heads in the World Cup, landing even on Real Madrid's radar.
According to Vecernji List (via Calciomercato), Los Merengues and a few English clubs are keeping tabs on him, but the Nerazzurri want to have him for the long haul. He scored and ******* isted once during the recent tournament, becoming an indispensable player for Croatia and throwing his hat in the ring to succeed Luka Modric as the fulcrum of their midfield. He's under contract until 2030. His €1.5M salary will eventually need to be ******* ped up.
Inter already value Sucic €50/60M, and it's unlikely any side will lodge proposals that could really tempt them, while Stankovic is worth about €30/40M. His sale would yield a decent-sized 'plusvalenza,' since the Nerazzurri brought him back from Club Brugge for €13M earlier in the summer, La Gazzetta dello Sport relays.
Christian Chivu spoke highly of the youngster during a recent press conference. He'll likely be part of the squad next season, too. In the meantime, there hasn't been any progress in their Curtis Jones chase. New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola stated he'd like to retain him (via Mediaset).
Since they have already proven their worth, the team is in a good financial position and doesn't have a ton to do in the transfer market, the opposite stance would be counterintuitive, especially given that they have an aging midfield trio, and two of them might have reached the end of the road.

Henry Patten knows only victory in the men's doubles final at Wimbledon on Saturday will get him and partner Harri Heliovaara on the ATP Tour Instagram page amid the sport's ongoing civil war.
The four-man format at the All England Club has been overshadowed after a proposal was presented at an ATP Player Council meeting last week that would mean from 2028 doubles draws would be halved and prize money reduced in favour of singles players.
It has sparked outrage in the doubles community and British left-hander Patten has been one of the most outspoken, but not let it distract the world number one pair from another deep run at a grand slam.
Patten and Heliovaara progressed into Saturday's showpiece on Centre Court against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo with a 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (10-8) victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Kovacevic in front of a packed Court One crowd on Thursday.
The thrilling triumph has not made it onto the ATP's Instagram page yet and nor did Patten and Heliovaara after they finished runners-up at Roland Garros.

According to a report from Kicker journalist Georg Holzner (as captured by iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich is about to give fans something they were clamoring for last season — a bigger role for midfielder Tom Bischof.
Bischof, who made the move from Hoffenheim to Bayern Munich last summer, often played out of position at left-back or right-back last season for the Bavarians, as Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović, and even Raphaël Guerreiro ate up the majority of the midfield minutes.
Now, though, Bischof looks ready to be an important part of the group:
Tom Bischof will play a significantly bigger role under Vincent Kompany in the coming season. The German U21 captain is the player who will benefit the most from the departures of Leon Goretzka and Raphaël Guerreiro. Bischof is to take over Goretzka's role as third midfielder, while also retaining the versatility that made Guerreiro valuable, including the ability to fill in at left-back and in the attacking areas if necessary. In doing so, Bischof will effectively replace two departing players at once and receive plenty of game time.
With Noël Aséko Nkili likely headed to Eintracht Frankfurt and David Santos Daiber unproven and coming off of an injury, Bischof has a much more clear pathway to playing time than he did last season. Kimmich aging up another year and Pavlović's poor World Cup showing could present a good opportunity for Bischof to really take advantage of the situation and prove his mettle.

If a recent report from the Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers are plotting a move for Vanja Dragojević. They have tabled an offer of around €4.5m for the Partizan Belgrade midfield ace, but his current employers, destined to lose him this summer, are holding out for a €5.5m fee along with a sell-on clause.
The 20-year-old Serbia international took his first steps in football at Altina Zemun before joining the esteemed ranks of Partizan. There, he impressed at various youth levels and was eventually loaned out to third-tier outfit Teleoptik for first-team experience.
However, Dragojević was recalled after a brief stint, as he was starting to be involved with the seniors sporadically. The 2025-26 season proved to be the turning point of his career, particularly after goalkeeper Aleksandar Jovanovic's departure. Israeli veteran Bibars Natcho was elected as the club skipper. But the Serb, their vice-captain and a starter, led the Steamrollers more often than the now-retired midfielder.
TOLUCA, MEXICO – JUNE 04: Alvaro Fidalgo of Mexico competes for the ball with Vanja Dragojevic of Serbia during the international friendly match between Mexico and Serbia at Nemesio Diez Stadium on June 04, 2026 in Toluca, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Dragojević made 41 appearances last season, scoring and ****** isting 4 times each across competitions [stats via Transfermarket]. He cemented his place as a deep-lying playmaker, and Rangers, despite securing the services of Dan Neil already, are keen to have the youngster in their ranks as part of a squad reconstruction under new boss Derek McInnes. They are also attempting an ambitious swoop for Lewis Ferguson, but it won't impact any potential deal for the Serbian sensation.

Calls are growing for a decision on the future of Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who touched down in Munich on Wednesday following his team's early World Cup exit.
Nagelsmann has come under fire after four-time champions Germany were ousted 4-3 on penalties by Paraguay in the round of 32 on Monday, a result only marginally better than group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The performance has sparked a heated debate over the future of Nagelsmann, who has a contract until 2028 and said post-match he would not step down and wanted to continue if allowed to.
Nagelsmann did not speak to waiting reporters when leaving Munich Airport through a rear exit in pouring rain.
Bayern stars Aleksandar Pavlovic and Jamal Musiala, who had travelled on the same plane, also left the terminal without comment.

By Aleksandar Vasovic
BELGRADE, June 27 (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Saturday he would resign within weeks and the country will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections, following 18 months of anti-government protests.
The announcement by Vucic, who has been in power as president or prime minister for 12 years, came amid persistent anti-corruption ‌demonstrations led by students and triggered by the collapse of an awning at a railway station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, in which ‌16 people died.
Protesters, opposition and rights groups allege the railway station disaster was a sign of broader government mismanagement of construction projects and corruption.
"I will be president for only a couple more weeks, and then I will resign," Vucic told throngs of his supporters at a pro-government rally in the capital, Belgrade. Vucic's second and final mandate was due to expire in mid-2027.

As Germany continue to limp their way through a mixed World Cup campaign, former players keep firing shots in the media. The latest barrage comes from former Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm, who led Germany to World Cup glory back in 2014. He took square aim at one player: Aleksandar Pavlović.
“The midfield was particularly shaky,” Lahm told Kicker (via iMiaSanMia), referencing the recent defeat to Ecuador. “Aleksandar Pavlović hasn’t really impressed in this tournament; I’ve noticed an incredible number of easy turnovers. He’s not optimally positioned on the pitch.”
What is Lahm’s solution to the issue? Well, you can probably guess …
“Therefore, I see Joshua Kimmich in midfield,” said the former right-back. “He’s played at a high level there for about 10 years, both for the national team and Bayern Munich. He would give the team stability, and his strengths would be much more apparent. He can help the defense, just as he can help the attack with his long passes. Felix Nmecha is currently a better fit alongside him. Therefore, Pavlović would have to drop out of the starting eleven.
“I would recommend Waldemar Anton at right-back, and Kimmich in midfield. Playing Kimmich at right-back isn’t doing him any favors. His strengths and leadership qualities are needed in midfield.”

Serbia secured a convincing 90-76 victory over Czechia in a closed-door friendly at Aleksandar Nikolić Hall in Belgrade as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIBA window.
EuroHoops.net
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Serbia secured a convincing 90-76 victory over Czechia …

Germany were handed a sound defeat at the hands of Ecuador in the closing game of group E in the FIFA World Cup. The abysmal performance from the German midfield will not bring Joshua Kimmich from his right-back role back into the middle. Moreover, German coach Julian Nagelsman is not keen on making any changes regardless of the loss.
"So, should (Aleksandar) Pavlović be benched, or what? I think Aleks and Felix (Nmecha) are doing a good job. I can only repeat: Jo (Kimmich) was outstanding at the EUROs as a defender, leading the way in every key metric. I don't want to leave out either Felix or Pavlo. That's not my plan," said Nagelsmann (Sky's Patrick Berger as captured by iMiaSanMia).
A total of 1 defensive contribution, only 6 duels won of 16 contested, dispossessed 15 times and an error leading to a goal. This was horrendous from the pair of Pavlović and Nmecha. The defiant defense of this duo from Nagelsmann is concerning.
The choice of substitution for Nmecha was another shocker. Leon Goretzka was a good option to bolster Germany and handle the Ecuadorian pressure, but Naglesmann's choice of Angelo Stiller sweetened the deal for the opposition. Against teams that press as tenaciously as Ecuador did, the midfield needs a major upgrade should Die Mannschaft wish to proceed further in the knockouts.
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Recent rumors linking Bayern Munich to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha appear to be wide of the mark. The German record champions are reportedly happy with the current group and Nmecha would be too expensive anyway, according to a report from Sport1 journalist Stefan ****** berger, as captured by iMiaSanMia:
Bayern believe they’re well-equipped in the central midfield area. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović are still planned as the starting double pivot next season. Tom Bischof will be used more often as a backup in the position. In addition, Noël Aséko has ‘influential supporters’ within the club who want him to be a squad player and get appearances as another midfield backup. Bayern want to continue with the strategy of having a small squad, which allows young players to get their chance and prove themselves. The recent links to Felix Nmecha are questionable. The German international is not for sale unless a nine-figure offer were to come in, which is beyond Bayern’s reach. In addition, BVB’s management would prefer to sell abroad [StefanKumberger, SPORT1]
This is good — Bayern probably should not be trying to add positions to spend this summer when it is already investing significant resources in transfers in attack and defense. Moreover, the attacker, Ismael Saibari, is slated to play centrally when Bayern also has a short-term need for reinforcements at wing. And the defender, left-back Nathaniel Brown, will provide cover and competition for Alphonso Davies at left-back while the Bavarians mull their next big center-back signing, which is probably also due next summer at the latest.
Nmecha is having himself a great World Cup and that is going to raise his stock. If there is not a huge need right now, why not see how things shake out with the younger players? Bischof’s future is extremely bright and Aséko might just serve the club better by being the next showcase of academy-to-first team success than by finding a move elsewhere. There is too little clarity right now on what type of midfielder Bayern would need to add to this mix, so if a player already on the roster can do the job — why not? Then hit the market, if necessary, once the need crystallizes.
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Aleksandar Pavlović hailed Deniz Undav as “unbelievable” after the VfB Stuttgart forward came on to score a brace and lead Germany to a 2-1 comeback win over Côte d'Ivoire at the World Cup on Saturday night.
“It’s incredible that he came on and scored two goals," Pavlović said in the mixed zone after the game.
“He already scored in the last game as well. He’s an unbelievable guy.”
The 22-year-old central midfielder was naturally pleased with the victory, saying he believes it gives Germany another morale boost.
“We’re all happy about the late win. It was a lot of fun at the end celebrating with the fans," he said.

Germany and Ivory Coast face off this Saturday at the BMO Field in World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 21:00 on ITV 1.
In their last game, Germany won 7-1 against Curaçao (World Cup 2026). Last time out, Ivory Coast triumphed 1-0 against Ecuador (World Cup 2026).
Germany ( vs Curaçao 2026-06-14): Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz
Ivory Coast ( vs Ecuador 2026-06-15): Yahia Fofana, Guéla Doué, Emmanuel Agbadou, Wilfried Singo, Ghislain Konan, Yan Diomande, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Bazoumana Touré, Elye Wahi, Nicolas Pépé

Germany’s dress rehearsal for the World Cup was a success. Julian Nagelsmann’s side beat USA 2-1 in Chicago in their final friendly before the start of the tournament. Five FC Bayern players were involved, with Jonathan Tah playing the full 90 minutes, Aleksandar Pavlović and Jamal Musiala both playing 80 minutes, Joshua Kimmich on the pitch until the 61st minute and Leon Goretzka coming on for the final ten. Kimmich set up the early opening goal for Kai Havertz after just two minutes. After the Americans equalised through Antonee Robinson (37’), former Bayern man Leroy Sané restored the Germans' lead on 57 minutes.
Germany begin their World Cup campaign on Sunday 14 June against Curaçao in Houston.
The England national team also registered a narrow victory on Saturday ahead of the World Cup. FCB striker Harry Kane led out the Three Lions as captain in Tampa and scored the only goal of the game against New Zealand in first-half stoppage time, before being replaced at half-time.
England play one more warm-up match this Wednesday (22:00 CEST) against Costa Rica in Orlando. The World Cup kicks off for Kane and Co against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June.
Find out which FC Bayern players are involved in the World Cup finals here: