ATLANTA — Ryan Gerard hit it well enough for five relatively easy birdies Friday and dropped a surprise from just inside 80 feet for another, giving him a 5-under 65 and a share of the 36-hole lead with Viktor Hovland at the season-ending Tour Championship.
Hovland had one of five birdies on the peninsula-green 15th hole, a par 3 at only 155 yards but tucked to the left near a sharp slope that feeds off the putting surface. He had a 66 to join Gerard at 10-under 130 going into the weekend.
Right behind? Just about everybody.
That includes Scottie Scheffler, the world's No. 1 player who had a 67 and was two back. And it included Cameron Young, in last place after the first round and atop the leaderboard for much of the day after a 62. He also wound up two behind.
Collin Morikawa and Chris Gotterup each shot 67 and were one behind at 9-under 131.

#five #viktor

ATLANTA – Ryan Gerard has dialed in his distance control with his short irons this week at the Tour Championship and the proof is in the pudding. He shot his second straight 5-under 65 at East Lake Golf Club on Friday to share the 36-hole lead at the FedEx Cup finale with Viktor Hovland.
But his short irons aren't all that Gerard has figured out. The 27-year-old North Carolina Tarheel already reeled in his "white whale," making it to the field of 30 for the first time in his Tour career, and now he's seeking a captain's pick to play for Brandt Snedeker on Team USA at the Presidents Cup.
"It's hard not to think about it a little bit. I think very aware that a good week this week goes a long way to help my chances," he said. "Just going to go out there and play good golf, and Sneds is going to decide whatever he thinks is best for the team, and I hope that I can contribute."
In a previous conversation, he was even more candid: "I want to play in that tournament. I want to be part of the team. I want to play for my country. I want people to want me to be there."
And he very well may get the chance, as his expectations begin to catch up with his abilities. When he first was chasing a Tour card, those expectations, he admits, didn't always match with reality. "It took me a little while to figure out I didn't have it figured out and then it took me even longer to try and figure it out from there," he said. "I'd like to think I'm getting close to getting a little more consistent but I'm still learning."

#want

Tour Championship - round two
-10 R Gerard (US), V Hovland (Nor); -9 C Morikawa (US), C Gotterup (US); -8 S Scheffler (US), C Young (US)
Selected others: -7 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), J Rose (Eng), A Scott (Aus), L Aberg (Swe); R -6 Fox (NZ); -4 T Fleetwood (Eng), A Fitzpatrick (Eng), W Clark (US); -3 R McIlroy (NI); +3 R MacIntyre (Sco)
Full leaderboard
Norway's Viktor Hovland and American Ryan Gerard are tied for the lead at 10 under, heading into the weekend at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

#hovland

Ryan Gerard and Viktor Hovland enter the weekend in Atlanta in prime shape to take home the biggest payday of the season — a $10 million check that awaits the FedExCup champion on Sunday in the winner's circle at East Lake Golf Club.
One has Tour Championship experience, the other has none.
Hovland hoisted the big trophy and cashed that eight-figure check just four years ago when he stood in the winner's circle and celebrated with uncorked bottles of champagne after routing Xander Schauffle on this same course. Gerard is one of six "newbies," players making their debut in Atlanta.
They each share part of the lead after 36 holes, going bogey-free on their respective back nines on Friday to get into the clubhouse at 10 under.
Let's look at how the prize money breaks down for the 2026 Tour Championship (note: this will be updated once play ends on Sunday).

#atlanta #circle

The Europa League draw has also been completed and has given us some highlights for this season. You can find out which matches you can look forward to in our overview.
Bayer Leverkusen: Olympique Marseille (H), Olympique Lyon (A), RB Salzburg (H), Dinamo Zagreb (A), NK Celje (H), Lech Poznan (A), Besiktas (H), OF Iraklion (A).
Benfica Lisbon: AZ Alkmaar (H), AC Milan (A), Celtic Glasgow (H), Viktoria Plzen (A), Lech Poznan (H), Omonia Nicosia (A), OF Iraklion (H), NEC Nijmegen (A).
Juventus Turin: Real Sociedad (H), Alkmaar (A), Stade Rennes (H), Ferencvaros (A), Omonia (H), Celta Vigo (A), NEC Nijmegen (H), Hapoel Beer Sheva (A).
Olympique Lyon: Bayer Leverkusen (H), Real Sociedad (A), Union Saint-Gilloise (H), Anderlecht (A), Crystal Palace (H), Jagiellonia (A), Lillestrøm (H), TSG Hoffenheim (A).

#olympique #lech

Barcelona have been on a striker hunt since the start of the summer transfer window, with the club focusing on getting Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
However, Los Colchoneros have refused to negotiate with the Catalan club and have insisted that the 26-year-old is not for sale, especially to Barça.
Meanwhile, Barça have gone through various striker options like Joao Pedro, Eli Junior Kroupi, Luis Suarez, Lautaro Martinez and Viktor Gyokeres, among other names.
Now, according to Cadena SER, Barça have made a firm decision over their striker search: if Julian Alvarez cannot be signed, the club will not bring in another centre-forward this summer.
The Catalans have reviewed the market and concluded that none of the available alternatives justify moving away from their priority target.

#club #alvarez

Barcelona are gearing up for an important week ahead, as the club race against time to sign a new striker.
Their pursuit of top target Julian Alvarez hasn't amounted to anything, which has led the club to consider potential alternatives, in their quest to sign a new number nine this summer.
While the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Viktor Gyokeres and Luis Suarez have been linked with a move to Barcelona lately, the club are also interested in a relatively less popular Nicolo Tresoldi.
Tresoldi is rated highly in Germany. (Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)
According to Gerard Romero, Barcelona have prepared a plan to make a move for Tresoldi next week, provided their pursuit of Alvarez falls through.

#club #julian

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Cameron Harper scored late in the second half after subbing in a minute earlier and the New York Red Bulls rallied for a 1-1 draw with the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
Harper replaced Julian Hall in the 85th minute then used ****** ists from Eric Maxim-Choupo and Omar Valencia to score in the 86th. It was his first goal in his fourth appearance this season.
Maren Heile-Selassie used ****** ists from defender Viktor Radojević and Jonathan Bamba in the 38th minute to score his fourth goal and give Chicago a 1-0 lead that stood through halftime.
It was the first ****** ist for Radojević in his third career start and 10th appearance.
Ethan Horvath had four saves for New York (7-9-5) to help end a two-match skid.

#minute #Chicago #radojevi #goal

Newcastle United might be starting to sweat the state of its midfield and could be ready to ramp up its pursuit of Bayern Munich veteran João Palhinha:
Newcastle United have stepped up their pursuit of João Palhinha, opening direct talks with Bayern Munich as Matthias Jaissle attempts to rebuild a midfield stripped of two major players this summer. Newcastle explored Pierre-Emile Højbjerg before the Dane rejected the move, and Palhinha has now emerged as one of their clearest alternatives. The Portugal international also knows the Premier League extremely well following spells with Fulham and Tottenham, which could allow him to make an immediate impact.
The move would undoubtedly come down to just how much Bayern Munich is willing to sell Palhinha for. €30 million? €25 million? Less?
At this point, it is unclear, but time is ticking.
FC Barcelona is looking for a striker and could be taking a close look at ****** nal's Viktor Gyökeres:

#midfield #move #matthias

Martin Keown believes Kai Havertz could feel like a new signing for **** nal this season after the German missed much of last term through injury.
Havertz is one of Mikel Arteta's most trusted players, and the German has continued to make an impact in important matches whenever he has played. His ability to contribute in key games makes his return particularly significant for the Gunners.
Havertz's return also gives Arteta another option in attack, with the manager potentially able to keep Viktor Gyokeres on the bench for the former Chelsea man when he is fit. **** nal will need those important contributions this season as they attempt to defend their league **** le while also competing for the Champions League and other domestic trophies.
Havertz's injury problems disrupted his 2025/2026 season, but he has returned stronger this term and has been tipped to remain fitter and perform well for the team. His availability could give **** nal an important boost as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
The German's return will be particularly important if **** nal are to compete successfully on several fronts. Havertz has already shown that he can influence major matches, and maintaining his fitness could allow him to make a significant contribution throughout the season.

#arsenal #german #term #make

Where to watch U.S. Amateur 2026: Full TV schedule, times, channels, live streams for USGA golf championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's time to watch the next generation of golf professionals get their start — the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship returns to Philadelphia this week.
As one of the the oldest championships in the country, the U.S. Amateur is steeped in history and greatness. It now serves as a launching pad for amateur golfers, with a winners list including names like Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Taking place at both Philadelphia Country Club and Merion Golf Club, 312 players will compete across seven days and two formats.
Currently, 47 of the top 50 in the World Amateur Golf rankings have entered the draw, including reigning champion Mason Howell, No. 1 Preston Shout, No. 3 Tyler Watts and more.

#sporting #championship #watch

The St. Jude Championship heads into its final round at TPC Southwind in Memphis, where the field is battling for a spot in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings to secure their place in the BMW Championship next week.
Scottie Scheffler shot 2-under 68 in 97-degree heat Saturday to reach 13 under and take a two-shot lead into the final round. It was a grind next to Friday's course record 61. He opened with three pars, bogeyed the par-3 fourth and let Viktor Hovland pull even before three birdies on the back nine pushed the lead back out. Sam Burns had a bogey-free 62 with a front nine 30, to reach 11-under. Sungjae Im matched him with a 67. Jake Knapp and Tommy Fleetwood are next at 8-under. Hovland's back nine came apart for a 72 that dropped him to 6-under.
Below is a look at the final round tee times in Memphis.
More: FedEx Cup playoffs winners, losers: Rory McIlroy near bottom at St. Jude Championship

#nine #jude

Friday quickly became the Scottie Scheffler show, where the world's top-ranked player went low for a 9-under 61 to tie the course record at TPC Southwind.
The third round promises to be a Scheffler chase, with the FedEx St. Jude Championship veering dangerously toward a runaway on Moving Day. Sungjae Im and Viktor Hovland sit T-2, three shots back of Scheffler at 8 under through 36 holes.
Only time will tell though how the tournament ends up shaking out. One thing is for certain: There is still plenty to play for as the top 50 players in FedExCup scoring qualify for next week's BMW Championship.
FedEx St. Jude Championship - Rd 3
Don't miss the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn.

#championship #jude #Friday

Ludvig Aberg is one of Scottie Scheffler's closest challengers with 36 holes left to play at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
Scheffler was in scintillating form on Friday at the FedEx St. Jude as he fired a round of nine-under par 61.
Aberg's round of 65 was made to look rather ordinary by the 30-year-old world number one's brilliance.
Scottie Scheffler is 11-under par after two rounds of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and he holds a three-stroke lead over Sungjae Im and Viktor Hovland, with Ludvig Aberg a further shot back.
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

#scottie #championship #scheffler #Friday

World number one Scottie Scheffler matched the course record with a nine-under par 61 to grab a three-stroke lead after Friday's second round of the PGA St. Jude Championship.
The 30-year-old American sank 11 birdies against two bogeys to stand on 11-under 129 after 36 holes in the PGA FedEx Cup playoff opener at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee.
"I felt like I did a lot of stuff well," Scheffler said. "I gave myself a lot of looks, hit some nice iron shots and was able to make some birdies."
Four others have also fired 61s at the layout, the most recent being England's Justin Rose in 2023.
South Korean Im Sung-jae fired a 66 to stand second on 132 with Norway's Viktor Hovland. Sweden's Ludvig Aberg was another stroke adrift and Colombian Nico Echavarria, Americans Brian Harman and Jordan Spieth and England's Tommy Fleetwood, the reigning playoff champion, on 134.

#stroke #fired #World #jude

Arsenal have turned their focus towards Victor Osimhen as they look to add another high-level attacking option before the transfer window closes, with the Nigeria international now understood to be the leading name on the club's shortlist.
The north London side have already strengthened key areas of Mikel Arteta's squad with the arrivals of Illan Meslier, Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes. Even so, there remains a strong appetite inside the club to add further firepower. **** nal explored ambitious moves for Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Jr earlier in the window, but with those pursuits failing to materialise, attention has shifted elsewhere.
As first reported by Sebastien Denis, **** nal now regard Osimhen as their priority attacking target. The indication is that Arteta has made his preference clear to the recruitment department, and there is confidence a deal can be put together if the conditions align.
Arsenal's current forward line already contains quality, and Viktor Gyokeres delivered strongly after his £64m arrival from Sporting last summer, finishing with 21 goals in all competitions as **** nal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League **** le and also reached the Champions League final. Yet squad planning rarely stands still at the top end of the game.
With uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, **** nal are **** sing how best to protect their depth and raise the ceiling of their attack. That has brought Osimhen firmly into view. Talks between **** nal and Galatasaray have been reported, with the Turkish club also linked to Martinelli, a factor that could add another layer to discussions if movement develops on both fronts.

#arsenal #club

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels, describing them as "piracy."
Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law.
"It's nothing but piracy and robbery," Putin said. "If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind."
He added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate "in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate," including in the Pacific.
The Pacific Fleet chief, Adm. Viktor Liina, reported to Putin that the navy was ready to start inspections of the commercial ships serving the "unfriendly nations." He noted that many of the ships operated by British, French and other European carriers fly the flags of other nations, effectively making them a "shadow fleet."

#vessels

Hope you all had a great weekend! I haven't written in a while, so here's what's going on in BVB land:
Normally, I wouldn't really care about a win in a preseason friendly, but after so much acrimony among the fan base after BVB's lackluster friendly performances in **** an, I'm happy to see a positive result, especially against an **** nal team that had quite a few of its elite players in the lineup.
There are many young players who have a very strong chance of playing big minutes this season. Several of them were in the squad today, and they gave us fans many reasons to be excited. Everyone will speak highly of Konstantinos Karestas and his wonder-goal, but I was even more impressed by Samuele Inacio. He was using his pace very effectively throughout the game, and was positioned perfectly to finish a chance set up by Felix Nmecha. On the defensive end, Joane Gadou had a terrific game, looking right at home defending against players like Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz.
On the negative side, I do not think that this experiment of playing Maximilian Beier at wing-back has legs. It's not that he's a horrible defender, but I just don't like giving one of our more talented attacking players so much defensive responsibility. Beier only had 19 touches in 59 minutes and had essentially no offensive impact. Kauã Prates also came on for a cameo and conceded a pretty sloppy penalty.
The **** nal YouTube channel posted the game's highlights:

#beier #chance

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, despite an improved second-half performance from Mikel Arteta's side.
The Emirates Cup clash marked the Gunners' return home during pre-season, with Christos Tzolis making his Emirates debut and Viktor Gyökeres leading the attack.
There were encouraging moments, particularly going forward, but ***** nal gave themselves far too much to do after Dortmund raced into a three-goal lead.
It is also worth remembering that ***** nal are still without seven of their silver and gold World Cup-winning players, so Arteta remains some way from having his full squad available.
Arsenal actually produced some promising attacking moments during the opening stages, with Kai Havertz and Gyökeres linking up well.

#arsenal #emirates #keres #moments

Gabriel Jesus is one of the players **** nal want to offload this summer, and he could be on his way to Italy in the coming weeks after one of the country's top clubs showed interest in his signature. Jesus has been one of the key players in the **** nal team over the years and has continued to deliver fine performances whenever he steps onto the pitch.
However, his on-field returns have been poor in recent seasons, and the Gunners are now considering replacing him. Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are ahead of him in the pecking order, leaving Jesus facing an uncertain future at the Emirates.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for new strikers during this transfer window, but the Gunners also need to sell. Jesus is one of the players who could leave, with Napoli now interested in signing the Brazilian.
According to Team Talk, the Italian side are serious about their interest and have spoken to Jesus' entourage as they prepare to formally approach **** nal. However, Napoli also need to complete a sale before they can bring in the forward, meaning the transfer could depend on their own squad changes.
Jesus could therefore have an opportunity to begin a new chapter in Serie A if Napoli are able to create the necessary **** e.

#however #interest #transfer #need

Does the arrival of two goalkeepers at Newcastle this summer mean the end for Nick Pope?
If so, he has been a fantastic servant, but for some the writing has been on the wall for sometime.
Earlier this week, fans on this page said the 34-year-old's "days were always coming to an end" after "many blunders and bad judgement".
A criticism has been his tendency for erratic interventions outside of his penalty area. Notable instances have been a red card received against Liverpool for handling way outside the box, him being left stranded to concede a goal against Marseille in the Champions League, and bringing down ****** nal's Viktor Gyokeres towards the end of last season.
In October 2024, a Newcastle fan described him on these pages as a "calamity waiting to happen".

#newcastle #league

The Boston Bruins managed to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier this spring, marking a return to the annual tournament for the first time since 2024 after having failed to qualify last spring.
However, their stay in the postseason was short, as they were eliminated in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal by the divisional rival Buffalo Sabres in six games. Despite sniper David Pastrnak's best efforts to stave off elimination with an overtime goal in Game 5 to extend the series, Boston's momentum was halted just days later.
Since then, there have been a handful of changes to their roster, which include the trade of Joonas Korpisalo to the rival New York Rangers, the loss of Fabian Lysell via trade, and the departure of Viktor Arvidsson via free agency.
And according to a key NHL Insider, it might not be long until the Bruins are faced with another notable departure.
The Bruins acquired forward Pavel Zacha from the New Jersey Devils in the summer of 2022 in return for forward Erik Haula, and eventually signed him to a four-year, $19 million contract.

#bruins #return #trade

WNBA star Brittney Griner has filed for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner, ending eight years of marriage, in Fulton County, Georgia, on Thursday, July 30. The two were married in 2018 but had been living separately since July 24, as per court documents obtained by People. The Connecticut Sun center was already out of the playing lineup due to her left knee injury.
Griner met her 33-year-old partner during her college days at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. They also share a two-year-old son, named Bash. The player is seeking joint custody for their son.
Griner was embroiled in controversy when she was detained in Russia in February 2022, after she was found in possession of vape cartridges with cannabis oil.
Griner's wife, who is an attorney, was her advocate in that case. The player was released on December 8 of the same year in a prison exchange for Viktor Bout.
Cherelle Griner and her WNBA partner were together during the most difficult period of their lives in 2022. After the Russian authorities detained her, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. When she returned home to her then-wife, Griner had a long recovery process, and Cherelle was there for her.

#griner #cherelle #player #detained

Arsenal push for Julián: money plus Gyökeres | Marca
Arsenal are continuing to push for Julian Alvarez and are willing to offer Atletico Madrid cash plus Viktor Gyokeres for their Argentina international.
FC Barcelona's 2026/27 away kit embodies the ambition to keep pushing beyond your own limits | FC Barcelona
Barcelona have unveiled their new black and violet second kit for the new 2026-27 season which features another collaboration with the Kobe Bryant collection.
Pubalgia slows Balde down | AS

#plus #marca #julian

Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson says he is hungrier than ever to get back playing for the Championship club.
The 27-year-old was part of the Sweden squad at the World Cup but did not make an appearance as Graham Potter's side reached the last 32, where they were beaten by France.
Johansson missed four months of last season after dislocating his shoulder against Sheffield United in December, only returning for the final game of the campaign at Bristol City, before agreeing a new four-year deal with the Potters in May.
"This is probably one of the first years in my career that it felt like coming home - I missed it so much during the off-season and my family missed it as well," he told BBC Radio Stoke.
"That tells you a lot about the club and how we feel at home which is a nice feeling and seeing Svante (Ingelsson) here as well who I have been playing with in previous years and how he's fitting into the group."

#stoke #playing

BUDAPEST, July 19 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on Sunday that he would ask Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female ‌chess player of all time, to take up the largely ceremonial ‌role of Hungary's next President.
Magyar said in a Facebook post that Polgar, 49, could represent the nation's unity, and that on Monday he would meet Polgar and ask her if she would accept the nomination.
The move comes a day after President Tamas Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment passed by Magyar's ruling Tisza party that ends his term ‌as head of state.
The legislation ⁠was part of Magyar's drive to dismantle former Prime Minister Viktor Orban's bastions of power, for which Magyar says he ⁠received a strong mandate from voters after ousting the right-wing leader in an April election landslide.
Parliament, where Magyar's party has a two-thirds majority that allows it to change any laws, will elect a new president who will be in office until a ‌planned new constitution takes effect, or for a maximum of five years.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary's president signed a constitutional amendment into law on Saturday that ends his term in office, bringing to a close a dispute between him and the country's new government that was seeking to oust him as part of a purge of officials appointed during the reign of Viktor Orbán.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who defeated the long-serving Orbán in a blowout election in April, had repeatedly called on the Orbán-appointed president, Tamás Sulyok, to resign, arguing he had failed to live up to his role as president by neglecting to stand in the way of antidemocratic steps by Orbán's government.
When Sulyok refused, lawmakers with Magyar's pro-European, center-right Tisza party passed a constitutional amendment this week that called for an immediate end to his term. Sulyok had five days to sign the amendment into law, which he did on the final day before the deadline.
In a video posted to Facebook Saturday evening, Sulyok — whom Magyar had frequently referred to as Orbán's "puppet" — said that being made to sign the amendment was "lasting proof that the fundamental values of a free society, the rule of law, democracy, the principle of power-sharing, have been trampled on in the interest of power."
Sulyok's term will officially end at midnight on Monday, when speaker of Parliament, Ágnes Forsthoffer, will automatically ***** ume his duties until lawmakers elect a new president, a task which has a 30-day deadline.

Arsenal are actively ******* sing the market for attacking additions and one of the more intriguing possibilities now under discussion is Julian Alvarez. According to talkSPORT, the Gunners are alert to the chance of signing the Argentina international this summer, with early contacts already touching on creative deal structures involving Viktor Gyokeres.
The situation around Alvarez is developing quickly. He has reportedly told Atletico Madrid he wants to leave, with Barcelona described as his preferred destination. Atletico, however, are reluctant to sell to a direct LaLiga rival, especially after already rejecting an £86million offer and directing interested parties towards a £432m release clause. Real Madrid also failed to make progress, with Atletico said to have been angered by a £129m approach earlier in the window.
Photo IMAGO
Against that backdrop, ******* nal have explored whether Gyokeres could be used as a makeweight in negotiations. At this stage, that appears to be no more than an exploratory concept. Atletico hold interest in the Sweden striker, but ******* nal have not yet decided whether they would sanction any sale, and talks over Alvarez remain at an early stage.
What is clear is that ******* nal's recruitment team are keeping several attacking tracks alive at once. Interest in Morgan Rogers continues, while positive discussions are also ongoing with Club Brugge over Greek winger Christos Tzolis. Those moves are understood to be separate from any attempt to land Alvarez, underlining the club's desire to add flexibility and variety in the final third after Leandro Trossard's £17million move to Besiktas was confirmed.

Viktor Gyokeres may be used as a makeweight to bring Julian Alvarez to ***** nal, Liverpool have made contract with Paris St-Germain over a transfer for Bradley Barcola, while Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is set to leave the club.
Arsenal have explored the possibility of offering Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 28, as part of a deal for Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Julian Alvarez, 26. (Talksport)
Barcelona will resume their pursuit of Alvarez after the World Cup and could also include one of their players as part of the deal. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Barcelona want to offer Spain forward Ferran Torres, 26, a new contract amid interest from Paris St-Germain, but plan to wait until September because of financial regulations. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)
Liverpool have made fresh contact with Paris St-Germain over a potential summer move for France forward Bradley Barcola, 23. (TeamTalk)

The year’s final major is upon us. The Open Championship (or British Open, depending on which side of the pond you favor) tees off on Thursday at Royal Birkdale. Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, local hero Tommy Fleetwood and the rest of the field will begin play starting at 1:35 a.m. Eastern Time. The final group will tee off at 11:21 a.m. Get the coffee ready and follow along.
Notable tee times (all times Eastern):
2:19 a.m.: Robert MacIntyre, Rickie Fowler, Alex Fitzpatrick
4:36 a.m.: Russell Henley, Justin Rose, Viktor Hovland
4:47 a.m.: Justin Thomas, Alex Noren, Jason Day