Approaching a pivotal pre-season period, FC Barcelona have begun making preparations as Xavi has already shortlisted the players he plans to take with him. Among the players shortlisted for the upcoming US tour is young talent Aleix Garrido, who has gallantly risen to a prominent role in the youth ranks.

The teenage sensation was handed opportunities to showcase his talents among the senior team in the past season, with his €400 million release clause a testament to the potential Barcelona see in him. Xavi Hernandez has also spoken highly of him, especially recognizing his instrumental final ball, capable of dismantling defenses.

Aleix Garrido recently gave an interview to ‘Tot gira’ on Catalunya Ràdio, where he expressed his contentment with continuing at Barcelona and clarified that he does not feel upset about the massive release clause that hangs over his head.

When asked about the whopping €400 million release clause, he lightheartedly responded: “Scary, scary… This way nobody will sign me, that’s fine. I have no complaints, it’s a way to ensure that I will stay here for these two years.”

Residing with the Spanish under-19 team for the European Championship, he said: “I’m very happy, the debut with the first team has been the best, but there have been many other things, gaining experience with the reserve team has been great, and now it will be amazing to play the European Championship with the national team.”

He will be called up by Xavi Hernandez on the 19th of July to join FC Barcelona on their pre-season US tour. Understanding the privilege of sharing a dressing room with many stars, he commented: “It’s one thing to be called one day, but it’s another thing to spend weeks with your idols, getting to know them and fighting with them in training and matches to earn a place for yourself.”

Garrido will be one to watch out for in the upcoming USA tour, but competition will inevitably be high and brief spurts of promise will have to be capitalized.

[barcanewsnetwork]

After an underwhelming season at Manchester United, Jadon Sancho may worry his future could be away from Old Trafford but the winger can reignite his career by heeding some historic advice.

Sancho has struggled with a number of injuries since his £73million arrival from Borussia Dortmund two years ago, and his fitness was a concern again during Erik ten Hag's first year in charge. The 23-year-old was absent from the first-team picture for two months part-way through the campaign, undergoing an individual training programme in the Netherlands.

His return in the new year was hoped to signal a fresh start, and despite a promising first few weeks back - he scored against Leeds United in his first Premier League game back - impact was limited. Dortmund reportedly tabled a loan offer over the weekend, and while that is also said to have been rejected by United, they are claimed to be open to a permanent sale.

Like so many around Old Trafford, Sancho's future is up in the air as Ten Hag sanctions a major clearout. But the England international will have the chance to stake his claim for a place in next season's plans, and he has already been told how to do so.

"I think it's in his own hands," Ten Hag said after Sancho scored against Leeds in February. "So if he wants, he can do [it] and this team is great to play in and will give you joy.

"I really enjoy seeing him playing the way he did, with so much confidence, so much belief, really direct. It was great to see him play in this attack.

"He's in the right direction and I hope he can keep this momentum going. I'm sure it'll strengthen him and motivate him to do even more.

"As you see, he's a brilliant footballer and if he invests and he is in the right levels then he can perform outstandingly. I think we now have a team that can dictate games more in the opponent's half - he likes that.

"He can play in tight areas and he can make the difference. The second goal shows it but also when he came on last week we saw that as well."

United's need to prioritise strengthening other areas - namely a goalkeeper and striker - means a new winger is unlikely, therefore improving Sancho's chances of being retained. He may well be handed another chance to fulfil his potential at Old Trafford, with the hope of a full and productive pre-season under his belt.

Should the winger still be at United come August and the start of the next campaign, then it is vital he remembers Ten Hag's advice.

[manchestereveningnews]

Veteran forward Kyah Simon has made the cut for the Matildas' final 23-player squad for the 2023 Women's World Cup after recovering from a knee injury that kept her out for the past nine months.

Simon is one of the few surprise inclusions in Tony Gustavsson's roster, which will once again be led by captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley, who will each be appearing at their third consecutive World Cup.

They'll be joined by a number of other experienced players under injury clouds including Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry, Aivi Luik, Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso, and Emily Van Egmond, while goalkeeper Lydia Williams and centre-back Clare Polkinghorne will become the first two Australians to participate in five World Cups.

In total, 15 of the players who took part in the 2019 tournament in France will return for their home tournament, while seven will be making their debuts.

Courtney Nevin, Alex Chidiac, Clare Wheeler, Cortnee Vine, Clare Hunt, Charlotte Grant and Kyra Cooney-Cross — all of whom have been folded into the Matildas squad over the past two years — have all been selected, with Hunt a particular stand-out having played just five times for Australia since the start of the year.

Simon looked almost certain to miss her home World Cup after tearing her ACL while playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Women's Super League last October, but Gustavsson confirmed she had recovered enough to be a "game-changing" substitute off the bench over the course of the tournament.

"She's not selected based on where she is right now, she's selected based on where we're thinking she comes in a month from now," he said during the squad announcement media conference on Monday.

"She has a phenomenal connection with not just Sam [Kerr], but all the players. There's an understanding and a history there on the pitch that we've seen multiple times.

"The last time I saw it was in the Olympics when she was behind a lot of our goals. So she's based on being a game changer.

"I've been very clear to Kyah, I don't expect her to start the game, I don't think she's going to be ready for that, but the game changer off the bench."

There was no room for Chloe Logarzo, Larissa Crummer, Emily Gielnik, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen or Jada Whyman, but Gustavsson confirmed the players will continue to train with the squad as potential injury replacements, which can occur up to 24 hours before the opening match day on July 20.

The Matildas will face the Republic of Ireland in their first match at a sold-out Stadium Australia in Sydney on July 20 before taking on Nigeria in Brisbane on July 27 and Canada in Melbourne on July 31.

They'll face European heavyweights France in their final send-off match in Melbourne on July 14.

FULL MATILDAS SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams

Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne

Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop

Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Cortnee Vine.

[ABC.net]

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan claimed her first Diamond League win of the season in the women’s 100m hurdles on Sunday night.

Amusan won the hurdles — which took place at the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm — with an impressive time of 12.52 seconds.

The Nigerian athlete defeated Sarah Avalanche of Ireland, who finished second in 12.73 seconds, while Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland claimed the third spot in 12.78 seconds.

On Friday, Amusan came second behind Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn at the Lausanne Diamond League.

The reigning world champion and record holder finished the 100m hurdles with a season-best matching time of 12.47 seconds.

The 26-year-old Commonwealth Games champion will defend her title at the World Athletics Championship later this year in Budapest.

Amusan had a stellar 2022 where she delivered brilliant performances at the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games, and World Athletics Championships.

She became the first Nigerian world champion after she clocked a wind-aided 12.06 seconds — ineligible as a world record because of +2.5 meters per second strong wind.

The sprinter consolidated her feat with a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games before retaining her Diamond League title to put a brilliant wrap on her season.

She was nominated for the 2023 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year award in February.

The award recognises individuals and teams from the world of sports along with sporting achievements throughout the year under review.

[TheCable]

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has won the women’s 100m hurdles at the Stockholm Diamond League.

In Sunday’s race, Amusan ran 12.52s to emerge winner.

She defeated Sarah Lavin who clocked a personal best of 12.73s to place second while Pia Skrzyszowska finished third in 12.78s.

Amusan is the current world record holder in the 100m hurdles.

In 2022, she broke the women’s 100m world record in the semi-finals clocking 12.12 seconds, and two hours later in the final won the gold medal in an even faster time of 12.06.

Athletes are awarded points instead of medals for competing in each leg of the Diamond League series.

The top eight athletes in each event at the end of all the legs will qualify for the Diamond League Final, where they will compete for the trophy.

The competition in Stockholm was the seventh event of the Diamond League 2023 season.

The Diamond League 2023 series will wrap up with the two-day final in Eugene, the USA on September 16 and 17.

Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time with former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli saying “we have to look at purely the facts”.

Fresh from winning a third Roland Garros title to move to 23 Grand Slams – one more than Rafael Nadal in terms of most majors won by a man – Djokovic is eyeing another record-breaking trophy at Wimbledon.

The defending champion is looking to win a fifth consecutive title at SW19 and victory in a fortnight will also see him draw level with Roger Federer’s record eight titles won at Wimbledon in the Open Era while a title run will help him move two ahead of Nadal in the race for most Slams.

Besides being the leader in terms of majors, Djokovic also holds numerous other records as he has spent 389 weeks at No 1 with Federer well adrift in second place with 310 weeks.

The Serbian is also the only player of the Big Three to have won three Career Grand Slams, while he leads the head-to-head against both Nadal and Federer. He is 30-29 against Nadal and was 27-23 against Federer before the Swiss retired.

2013 Wimbledon winner Bartoli feels Djokovic’s records speak for themselves.

“Success determines if you’re the greatest or not, and records determine if you’re the greatest or not,” she told Tennis Majors’ Match Points podcast. “When you look at the numbers, because obviously you mentioned the three players involved in that discussion are Roger, Rafa and Novak, I know that Novak has the greatest record against the two of them.”

She added: “The debate is really about the success obviously on different surfaces with what Novak has been able to achieve once again, he’s the only player winning every single Grand Slam three times or more, then it’s about the record against the opposition, which is Roger and Rafa, and once again is the leader.

“Weeks at No 1 in the world? He’s the leader. Finishing the years as the No 1 player? He’s leading – he’s just leading every single stat.”

Having retired last year, 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer can no longer improve his statistics but Nadal is still going and hopes to make a return in 2024.

For now, Bartoli feels the topic about the GOAT “is closed”.

“As analysts we have to look at purely the facts, and in that department, the discussion, as it is now – once again Rafa can come back and come back into the discussion as well because obviously he hasn’t announced his retirement – but as we stand before Wimbledon 2023 the debate is closed,” the Frenchwoman concluded.

Reigning champion Novak Djokovic, world No 1 Iga Swiatek and the outspoken Dan Evans are all in action on Monday as this year's Wimbledon Championships gets under way.

Djokovic claimed a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last month to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and go three ahead of another great rival in Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old targeting an eighth crown at Wimbledon which begins on Monday.

Victory at the All England Club will leave Djokovic level with Margaret Court on 24 major titles atop the all-time list.

The Serb gets his quest for glory at a Wimbledon without either Federer or Nadal taking part for the first time in 25 years up and running as he faces Argentina's Pedro Cachin on Centre Court, with his preparation for the encounter helped by a training session with British veteran Andy Murray.

"It was great to have a hit with him on a championship court," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "We haven't done that in a while, it was like the gold old days. He's someone that is really inspirational to so many players around the world.

"In terms of my objectives and goals, they're always very high and still at this stage of my career I am able to perform well. That's what actually matters the most right now. I'm going to try play well here and maybe get another shot at the same result as last year. And as long as there's the drive, I'll be here."

Women's world No 1 Swiatek is on a mission to improve her modest record on grass courts at Wimbledon this year.

Swiatek won the US Open in 2022 and last month secured her second consecutive French Open crown. But while the 22-year-old has had success on hardcourts and clay, she is yet to win a tournament on grass and has yet to get past the round of 16 at Wimbledon.

The Pole's overall win-loss record on the slick surface is 9-5, and she acknowledged she had to do better to be counted among the game's great players.

"I believe the best players, they can play on all surfaces. I want to become that kind of player who can play well on grass as well and feel comfortable there," Swiatek, who meets China's Zhu Lin on Court 1 on Monday, told reporters.

"I'm doing my best to just work on my skills. Last year I feel like we've done a pretty good job with my coach in terms of my touch and getting back slices and also playing the slice.

"This year I feel like we had more time to kind of focus on the basics, more time to also play matches. Yeah, I'm using that time as much as possible."

There are plenty of Britons in action on the opening day of the Championships.

All eyes will be on 27th seed Evans as he takes on France's Quentin Halys on Monday, after the 33-year-old had a controversial build-up to this year's tournament.

Over the past couple of months the outspoken Evans has criticised other British players for not playing enough tournaments, hit out at the elitist nature of the sport and claimed Emma Raducanu's US Open win papered over the domestic cracks.

Results on grass for home players have been broadly encouraging but Evans remains one of only three British singles players to earn entry to Wimbledon on their own rankings, with all the women needing wild cards.

"I was asked a few questions and I answered them honestly," said Evans. "I think that's what the players are supposed to do. I think we owe it back to you guys. I've had plenty of messages of support and plenty of messages of whatever the other word is.

"I've never made it personal towards anybody in particular. I've stated groups at certain rankings. I'm not singling people out. And I think we'd all agree it would be better if we had more players inside certain ranking brackets."

One of those wildcards, Katie Swan has been handed a tough start to her Wimbledon as she takes on 14th seed Belinda Bencic on Court 2 before Evans' match, while Jodie Burrage faces American Caty McNally and it is Diane Parry up first for Harriet Dart.

Who else is in action on Monday?

Two of the rising stars in men's tennis looking to take the challenge to Djokovic in Federer and Nadal's absence begin their 2023 Wimbledon campaigns on Monday.

French Open finalist and number four seed Casper Ruud takes on Frenchman Laurent Lokoli on Court Two before Swan and Evans' matches take place, while Italian number eight seed Jannik Sinner is the final match on Centre Court, up against Argentine Juan Maneul Cerundolo, after Djokovic and veteran Venus Williams' clash with Elina Svitolina.

Twenty-six years after her Wimbledon debut, Williams will be 43 this time around but is not feeling hindered by her advancing years.

"Tennis is something I had done my entire life," she said. "I have reached a level not many have, in anything. These tournaments mean a lot to me. It will be a privilege to play there [on Centre Court]."

Expect fireworks on Court 1 on Monday afternoon as the enigmatic Australian Nick Kyrgios, seeded number 30 in this year's competition, faces experienced campaigner David Goffin. Exciting teenager Coco Gauff follows Kyrgios in the final match on Court 1, taking on fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Could there surprise be in store at SW19 this year?

Wimbledon has become increasingly elusive for those chasing a first Grand Slam, particularly with Djokovic's presence looming large in the men's draw. That is the task that awaits Alcaraz and co, while in the women's singles the draw remains as open as it has done since Serena Williams won her last of seven Wimbledon titles in 2016.

Since then, there have been five different winners, with Rybakina the reigning champion and Swiatek so far unable to translate her dominance elsewhere onto the grass.

Nevertheless, Swiatek is still being backed to come good on the surface, but names throughout the draw threaten to challenge the world No 1 and ensure her wait at Wimbledon goes on.

We take a look at six players to look out for at Wimbledon, from the outside contenders to the rising stars, and a couple of 30-plus hopefuls too.

Andy Murray believes his wealth of experience at Wimbledon can help propel him into the latter stages of a major tournament for the first time since 2017.

The 36-year-old two-time champion, who first featured at the All England Club in 2005, took on defending champion Novak Djokovic in a training set on Court 14 on Saturday.

Murray, who defeated the Serb to win the first of his Wimbledon titles a decade ago, last practised with his rival at the 2019 Australian Open - a miserable occasion that prompted him to go public on the extent of his hip injury.

"Where I am today in comparison to where I was then is night and day," Murray admitted. "Just from a mental perspective, my enjoyment of the game, and how I'm still able to compete with those guys.

"I didn't feel like I could really back then. I'm happy to be in that position still - I really enjoyed it."

Heather Watson revealed her delight when Wimbledon relaxed its strict dress code after female tennis players reported period anxiety and worry about playing in all-whites at the Grand Slam.

Traditionally, all players at Wimbledon have had to adhere to a strict dress code, but there has been a clamour for the All England Club to change their rules requiring players to wear all-white clothing.

Billie Jean King and Judy Murray are a few of the names who believe the rule created anxiety for players when they are on their period.

The dress code has now been reconsidered and altered to be more considerate for female players, who are able to play in coloured shorts under their tennis skirts to reduce worry around menstrual cycles.

"When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference," a delighted Watson told Sky's Jacquie Beltrao.

"I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don't think it's a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport.

"So, when I heard this I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn't want to face any embarrassment.

[Skysports]

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag eyed Harry Kane as his primary transfer target this summer but stands no chance of getting his man after being left with just £65million to sign the Spurs ace

Manchester United are reportedly out of the race to sign Harry Kane after being set a meagre £65million budget.

Tottenham talisman Kane has several of Europe’s biggest clubs pursuing him in what could finally be the summer where he leaves the north Londoners.

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and United have all been closely linked with the 29-year-old. Spurs chairman Yet Daniel Levy does not want to sell to a direct London rival and Real Madrid are understood to have turned their attention to signing Kylian Mbappe.

But despite having the opportunity to land their long-time target and needing a world class striker, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has not been allocated enough funds to sign Kane by club bosses.

United are close to finalising the £55m transfer of Mason Mount for Chelsea. That means the Old Trafford side have just £65m left to buy a striker, which is “nowhere near enough” to appease Ten Hag according to Manchester Evening News.

Such a lowly sum will not be entertained by Spurs, who rejected a £60m offer from German giants Bayern last week. And it is unlikely to impress Ten Hag, who cited the importance of investment into his squad ahead of the transfer window.

Kane has just one year left on his contract but has been slapped with a £100m price-tag in an attempt by Levy to deter potential suitors, according to the Evening Standard.

With United’s financial restraints, Bayern are now leading the race having agreeing personal terms with the England captain. Sky Sports reports the Bundesliga champions will come in with a revised offer in the coming days, though they would need to drastically increase their initial figure.

Meanwhile, Chelsea may have been given fresh hope after The Telegraph reported Kane is building a new house just 15 miles away from the Chelsea training ground.

The possibility of being reunited with ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge could tempt Kane to seek the Blues as a suitable next step.

Chelsea have the financial power to offer a more realistic bid for Kane as the legendary forward grows increasingly restless at being yet to win any silverware in his career.

[DailyStar]

Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, with Manchester United keen on securing his services.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Manchester United have reportedly failed with a €35 million offer for 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old joined Atalanta at the start of the season from Sturm Graz, and he has made an immediate impact in Italian football. Hojlund has established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Serie A. So it is no surprise that the top clubs, including Manchester United, are hoping to sign him.

The Danish striker has the potential to develop into a world-class goalscorer, and Manchester United will be hoping to snap him up before his price explodes. The youngster could be available for a reasonable fee this summer. So it will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to come forward with an improved offer after the rejection of the €35 million bid.

The Red Devils certainly have the financial resources to pay big money for the Dane, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The 20-year-old striker was a key player for Atalanta, and the Italian club will be looking to recoup as much as possible for him.

The striker scored 16 goals across all competitions last season while picking up seven assists along the way. His numbers are likely to improve when he plays alongside better players at a bigger club. Manchester United have top-class creators like Bruno Fernandes at their disposal, and Hojlund is likely to have better service at Old Trafford.

The talented youngster will look to make his mark in European football. And moving to a big club like Manchester United will provide him with the platform he needs. Furthermore, Manchester United have qualified for the Champions League and the 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of competing against the European elite next season.

The Red Devils have been overly dependent on Marcus Rashford for goals, and the English international could use more support in the attack. The 20-year-old striker could form a quality partnership with Rashford next season.

His arrival would also allow the England international to operate in his natural role as the left-sided winger. Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland following his prolific displays, and he could be the ideal long-term addition to the Manchester United squad.

[HardTackle]

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.  

The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.

For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.

In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.

He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.

And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.

The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.

There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.

Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.

Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal. 

The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.

He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.  

Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.

Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.

[DailyMail]