Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Rain-Hit Day 3 at Lord's: England Stretch Lead to 357 Despite Repeated Interruptions
Persistent rain and bad light cut short day 3 of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, but the hosts still managed to stretch their lead to a commanding 357 runs before play was abandoned for the day. Play didn't get underway until 2:20pm local time after morning showers delayed the start. England resumed their second innings on 81 for 3, with Emilio Gay unbeaten on 30 and Harry Brook not out on 7. The hosts lost their fourth wicket within the first ten balls after the restart, with Gay dismissed shortly after play resumed. Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, picking up 3 wickets for 48 runs and giving the tourists something to cheer amid tough batting conditions for England. Dan Lawrence anchored the innings from the other end, battling through the difficult, overcast conditions to reach an unbeaten half-century by the close. England finished the day at 290 and 177 for 7 , with Pakistan's first-innings 110 now well behind them. Bad light forced the umpires to call an early end to play at 6:32pm, with Pakistan facing an increasingly daunting target heading into the remaining two days. England lead the three-match series 1-0 , having already sealed a dominant innings-and-103-run win in the series opener at Headingley. With two days still to play, Pakistan will need something special with both bat and ball to avoid falling further behind in the contest at the home of cricket.
Fulham Close In on Ratiu, Tottenham Reject Sunderland Loan Bid for Danso
With the transfer deadline just days away, two Premier League clubs made headlines on separate deals involving defenders on Saturday. Fulham are in advanced talks with Spanish side Rayo Vallecano over a move for right-back Andrei Ratiu . According to reports from journalist Matteo Moretto, personal terms are already agreed between the Romania international and Fulham, and the player is fully open to making the move to the Premier League. The only thing left to sort out is the transfer fee between the two clubs. Ratiu has a release clause of around €25 million, but Rayo Vallecano are said to want the full amount rather than a lower fee, so there is still work to do before the deal can be completed. The 28-year-old has been a regular for Rayo since joining in 2023 and was previously linked with a move to Tottenham last summer, though that deal fell through. Tottenham , meanwhile, have turned down a loan approach from Sunderland for centre-back Kevin Danso . The Black Cats made a season-long loan offer for the 27-year-old Austria international, but Spurs said no. Danso only just made his first appearance of the season this week, coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup win over Charlton, where he also scored his first goal for the club. However, with new signings Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke arriving this summer, and Micky van de Ven now club captain, Danso finds himself down the pecking order at centre-back. Reports suggest his representatives have also been speaking with Aston Villa about a possible move there instead, so his Tottenham future still remains uncertain with the deadline fast approaching.
William Osula Faces Weeks Out With Foot Injury After Liverpool Draw
Newcastle United will be without striker William Osula for the next few weeks after he picked up a foot injury during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Osula started up front and had a strong game, setting up Anthony Elanga for the opening goal inside the first five minutes. But he took a knock in a collision with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, and it soon became clear he was struggling. He tried to carry on, hobbling around the pitch for a while, before the pain became too much and he was substituted just after half-time. Head coach Matthias Jaissle confirmed that scans have ruled out the worst outcome, a broken foot. But he stopped short of giving an exact return date, as Osula still needs further tests. Asked if the striker would miss around two weeks, Jaissle simply said, "Yeah, most likely." Osula missed Newcastle's midweek match against West Brom because of the injury, with 19-year-old Sean Neave drafted into the squad in his place. Newcastle won that game 3-2. With Osula out, the main striking duties are expected to fall on Yoane Wissa , though Nick Woltemade also offers an option up front. The injury is a blow for Newcastle, who have already dealt with several fitness problems just one week into the new Premier League season. Osula was a key attacking option last season, scoring nine goals, and Jaissle will be hoping to have him back as soon as possible.
Sri Lanka Thrash UAE by 9 Wickets in Women's Asia Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Women made a statement in their Women's Asia Cup 2026 opener, thrashing United Arab Emirates Women by 9 wickets in just 7.5 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium — their biggest win by balls remaining in T20I history. Put in to bat after Sri Lanka won the toss, UAE never found any rhythm against a disciplined Lankan attack. Mithali Ayodhya (3/14) and Chethana Vimukthi (3/16) shared six wickets between them as UAE lost regular wickets throughout, with only Esha Oza (18) and Samaira Dharnidharka (17) managing to get starts. UAE were bowled out for just 79 in 19.5 overs. The chase was a formality. Openers Imesha Dulani and captain Chamari Athapaththu raced to 57 inside six overs before Dulani was run out for 25. Athapaththu carried on regardless, finishing unbeaten on a blistering 48 off just 25 balls with seven fours and two sixes, sealing the win alongside Sanjana Kavindi to wrap up the chase in 7.5 overs. Sri Lanka open their Group B campaign with two points and a massive net run rate boost, while UAE will look to regroup when they face Indonesia Women next.
Munoz Rescues Point as Liverpool Draw 2-2 With Nottingham Forest, Still Winless
Liverpool remain without a Premier League win after two matches, coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with substitute-turned-starter Victor Munoz rescuing a point deep into the second half on his home debut. Dan Ndoye gave Forest a deserved lead midway through the first half, capitalising after Liverpool struggled to deal with the visitors' direct approach, with goalkeeper Alisson forced into a superb save just before the break to deny Igor Jesus doubling the advantage. Liverpool improved after the restart and drew level on the hour through Alexander Isak , who tapped home from close range after a driving run and low cross from Cody Gakpo, his first goal of the new season. Forest hit back with 20 minutes remaining when Morgan Gibbs-White converted a contentious penalty, awarded after Alisson was adjudged to have fouled Neco Williams, putting the visitors back in front and threatening to condemn Andoni Iraola to defeat in his first Anfield match in charge. But Liverpool found a way back through summer signing Victor Munoz , whose deflected strike from the edge of the box eight minutes from time squirmed beyond Forest's goalkeeper to level the score and spare the new head coach further frustration. The result means Iraola is still searching for his first win since taking over at Anfield, having also come from behind to draw 2-2 at Newcastle the previous weekend. Liverpool sit with just two points from their opening two matches, while Forest, freshly beaten twice by Leeds in Oliver Glasner's first week in interim charge, will take real encouragement from a much-improved showing on the road, picking up their first point of the new campaign in the process.
Prasidh Krishna Named India's Impact Player of the Series Against Sri Lanka
Prasidh Krishna has been named India's Impact Player of the Series following the team's 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, recognised for a standout showing with the ball across the two-match tour. The pacer finished with seven wickets at an average of 24.57 , with best figures of 3 for 52, playing a crucial role as India's leading fast-bowling option in the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah. He picked up three wickets in the first innings of both Tests, repeatedly breaking key partnerships for Sri Lanka despite bowling for long spells in demanding subcontinental heat. The award was presented by Team India's Performance Analyst Hari Prasad Mohan , who praised the seamer's discipline and analytical approach off the field. "The impact player of the series goes to someone who had put the hard yards, made the ball talk, kept asking the right questions to the batters, even in these adverse conditions," Mohan said, adding that Prasidh had constantly sought out data throughout the tour to refine his bowling strategies, joking that he could have a second career as an analyst. Receiving the honour, Prasidh was quick to credit the wider squad and support staff for their efforts behind the scenes. "Nothing would be possible without each one of you," he said, pointing to the demanding practice sessions held in Galle and Colombo throughout the tour. Former India spinner R Ashwin also separately singled out Prasidh as the standout positive for India from the series, rating his contribution above both Devdutt Padikkal's twin centuries and Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut, given the added difficulty of bowling pace on subcontinental surfaces with limited prior experience in Indian conditions. India's spin department also played a major role in the series win, with Manav Suthar finishing as the standout wicket-taker overall with 16 scalps including a memorable 10-wicket haul on debut, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with eight wickets across the two Tests.
Thailand Beat Hong Kong by 6 Runs in Women's Asia Cup 2026 Opener
Thailand Women got their Women's Asia Cup 2026 campaign off to a winning start, edging past Hong Kong, China Women by 6 runs in the tournament opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Sent in to bat after Hong Kong won the toss, Thailand were pegged back early but recovered thanks to a fighting knock from captain Naruemol Chaiwai , who top-scored with 43 off 31 balls , hitting four fours and two sixes. Wicketkeeper Nannapat Koncharoenkai chipped in with 27, but a mini-collapse in the death overs saw Thailand slip from a promising position to finish at 120 for 9 . Marina Lamplough was the pick of the Hong Kong bowlers, picking up a superb 4 for 11 , while Alison Siu took three. Chasing 121, Hong Kong were kept in the hunt by useful contributions through the order. Kary Chan and Yasmin Daswani both made 28, and Marina Lamplough added a quickfire 22 off just 11 balls to keep the required rate down. But regular wickets from Onnicha Kamchomphu , who finished with 3 for 27, meant Hong Kong were always chasing the game in the closing stages. Despite a late flurry from Shing Chan Dorothea, they fell short at 114 for 7 , with Thailand holding their nerve to seal the win. The result gives Thailand two points to open their Group A campaign. Thailand next face India Women on September 3, while Hong Kong will look to bounce back against Pakistan Women.
Chelsea's Mamadou Sarr Completes Season-Long Loan to Real Sociedad
Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr has completed a season-long loan move to Real Sociedad , giving the young centre-back a fresh opportunity to secure regular first-team football in La Liga. The 20-year-old Senegal international arrived in San Sebastian to undergo his medical before the move was finalised, with the loan carrying no option to buy. Sarr joined Chelsea from Strasbourg last summer in a deal worth around €14m, but featured just seven times for the Blues, including one appearance during their triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign, before being squeezed out by Chelsea's crowded central defensive options. With Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino all ahead of him in Xabi Alonso's pecking order, a loan move away was seen as the best path forward for Sarr's development. Real Sociedad had also been tracking Nayef Aguerd before turning their attention to the Chelsea academy graduate, taking advantage of head coach Alonso's connections at the club to get the deal done. Sarr will now compete for a starting role at the heart of Pellegrino Matarazzo's defence, with the Basque club also able to call on him in the Europa League and Copa del Rey this season.
Man United's Carlos Baleba Out Up to Three Weeks With Ankle Injury, Amad Diallo Also Unavailable
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed that new signing Carlos Baleba is set to be sidelined for up to three weeks with an ankle injury, delaying his debut following his £70m move from Brighton. "He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks," Carrick told reporters. "We knew that before, so it's no major issue but it'll be great to have him back when we can." The injury means Baleba, unveiled as a United player earlier this week, could be in line to make his bow against his former club after the international break. Amad Diallo also remains unavailable, with Carrick unable to put a firm timeline on his return. "Amad won't be involved this week. He'll be out for a little bit longer," Carrick said, though he added that Mason Mount has returned to training after being forced off during pre-season, offering some positive news amid the fresh injury concerns. The setbacks come as United look to bounce back from a 2-0 opening-day defeat at newly promoted Hull City, with Carrick keen to build momentum before the international break disrupts the early-season schedule.
West Ham Confirm Exits of James Ward-Prowse and El Hadji Malick Diouf
West Ham have confirmed the departures of two first-team players in one day, with James Ward-Prowse returning to Southampton and El Hadji Malick Diouf joining Brentford. Ward-Prowse , who left Southampton for West Ham in a £30m deal back in 2023, returns to St Mary's for a nominal fee reported at under £1 million , three years on from his original departure. The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and Burnley, and was frozen out of Nuno Espirito Santo's plans at the London Stadium, missing out on selection even for a heavily rotated Carabao Cup squad against Southampton this week. He returns to the club where he made 409 appearances and scored 55 goals, and could feature again as soon as Millwall's visit to St Mary's this weekend. Diouf , meanwhile, completes a move to Brentford worth a reported £35 million plus £5 million in add-ons, having previously been given permission to undergo his medical. The Senegalese full-back becomes another significant sale for West Ham as Nuno continues to reshape his squad heading into the final days of the transfer window. Both exits reflect a busy end to the window at the London Stadium, with West Ham balancing squad rebuilding against raising funds through player sales.
Aston Villa Agree €55m Deal in Principle for PSG Winger Ibrahim Mbaye
Aston Villa have reached a €55 million agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain to sign 18-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye , adding another major piece to Unai Emery's reshaped attack. The deal comes just hours after Villa lost out on Rafael Leao, who instead gave Galatasaray the green light for a move. According to reports, the relationship between Villa owner Nassef Sawiris and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi proved decisive in getting the transfer over the line, with Liverpool having stepped aside from the race earlier in the window due to the cost involved. Mbaye holds the record as the youngest player to start a competitive match for PSG and has since become a regular for Senegal, having switched allegiance from France. He started three of Senegal's four matches at this year's World Cup, scoring against France in the opening fixture to become the youngest African player to score at a World Cup. The move would be Villa's ninth signing of a hugely active summer, arriving alongside Nicolas Jackson's move from Chelsea as the club looks to replace the goals and creativity lost with Morgan Rogers' British-record £117m departure to Chelsea and Ollie Watkins' expected exit to Al-Hilal.
Bradley Barcola Set for Liverpool Medical as €140m PSG Deal Nears Completion
Bradley Barcola is set to fly to England this Saturday to complete his medical, with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain having agreed a deal worth around €140 million (£120m) for the French winger. According to French outlet L'Equipe, the package breaks down to roughly £98.5m fixed plus £21.4m in add-ons, with the exact bonus structure only finalised in the last few days. Barcola is expected to sign a five-year contract through to 2031, and could feature for Liverpool as soon as their trip to Ipswich on September 4 if the move is completed in time. The move ends a protracted saga that has run through most of the summer, with the fee reportedly talked down from PSG's initial valuation more than once. Liverpool have made just three signings so far this window in Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo, and Barcola would represent their marquee addition, arriving fresh off a World Cup with France. The 23-year-old finished PSG's treble-winning 2024-25 campaign as the club's second-highest scorer, though he found himself behind Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue in Luis Enrique's pecking order for the biggest games. A move to Anfield now gives him the fresh start and regular football he has been seeking.
England Bowl Pakistan Out for 110 at Lord's to Seize 180-Run Lead
England seized total control of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, bowling the tourists out for just 110 on day two to take a commanding 180-run first-innings lead . Having been dismissed for 290 themselves earlier in the morning session, England's seam attack made short work of Pakistan's reply, wrapping up the innings in just 37.2 overs. Ollie Robinson was the standout performer, returning superb figures of 4 for 11 from 13 overs that included six maidens. Jofra Archer backed him up with 3 for 26 , while Josh Tongue chipped in with two wickets. Pakistan's batting fell apart around a lone rearguard effort from opener Azan Awais , who top-scored with 46 off 102 deliveries. It was a marked improvement for the young batter after scores of 0 and 9 in the first Test defeat at Leeds, and his effort stood out all the more given the next-highest contribution on the scorecard was 20 extras. Captain Babar Azam, playing his first innings back from injury, fell to Tongue after getting off the mark with a couple of boundaries, while Saud Shakeel's 16 was the only other score in double figures. Adding to Pakistan's troubles, opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat after picking up a low-grade calf strain while fielding on day one, leaving the tourists effectively a batter short throughout their innings. His fitness for the remainder of the Test remains a concern. With a 180-run cushion in hand, England will resume day two firmly in the driving seat, looking to extend their lead and set up a strong platform to level or seal the three-match series after their innings-and-103-run win in the series opener at Headingley.
Namibia Stun South Africa by 18 Runs in Tri-Series Opener, Jonathan Smit Stars
Namibia pulled off an 18-run win over South Africa in the opening match of the T20I tri-series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, also featuring Zimbabwe. Put in to bat after South Africa won the toss, Namibia posted 163 for 9 in their 20 overs. Jan Frylinck anchored the innings with a run-a-ball 41, while Louren Steenkamp gave the hosts a brisk start with 20 off just 13 balls at the top of the order. Skipper Gerhard Erasmus also chipped in with bat and ball, taking a wicket during South Africa's chase. South Africa, fielding IPL stars Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius alongside senior campaigners Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks , never quite got the chase under control. They finished on 145 for 9 from their 20 overs, falling well short despite a late flurry from Duan Jansen , who made an unbeaten 25 off 17 balls in a losing cause. Jonathan Smit was the pick of the Namibian bowlers, returning figures of 3 for 31 from his four overs to peg back South Africa's middle order at a crucial stage. His all-round contribution with bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award. The result gives Namibia an early lead at the top of the points table with two points from their first outing, while South Africa start the series pointless. It continues Namibia's recent good form against their higher-ranked neighbours, having also won their last completed meeting between the two sides in October 2025. Namibia will look to build on the win when they face Zimbabwe next, while South Africa get a quick chance to respond when they take on Zimbabwe on Saturday. The tri-series runs through to its final on September 6, with seven matches in total across the group phase.
Liverpool Continue Ismaila Sarr Pursuit After Crystal Palace Reject £50m Bid
Liverpool remain keen on signing Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr despite an initial £50 million offer being rejected by the Eagles, with the Reds continuing their pursuit of attacking reinforcements before Tuesday's transfer deadline. Palace made clear they had no intention of selling Sarr this summer, having already turned down two separate approaches from Galatasaray earlier in the window. The Senegal international, who has three years remaining on his contract, enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions and playing a starring role in Palace's Europa Conference League triumph, where he was named both the tournament's top scorer and best player. Sarr has also proven a persistent threat against Liverpool specifically, with seven goals in ten appearances against the Merseyside club across his time at Watford and Palace. The interest in Sarr comes as Liverpool continue searching for a new right-sided attacking option following Mohamed Salah's departure this summer. The club had previously pursued Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, but walked away after the Seagulls demanded £80 million for the Gambian winger, having already seen two lower bids rejected. Liverpool are also continuing to negotiate a separate deal for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, with sources suggesting an agreement worth around £120 million has been reached for the Frenchman, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola still hopeful of adding further attacking depth alongside that deal. Sources close to the situation have indicated that reaching personal terms with Sarr would not be a stumbling block should Liverpool return with an improved offer, with the player himself said to be keen on the move. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Liverpool face a decision on whether to test Palace's resolve further or turn their attention elsewhere in the market.
Enzo Fernandez Agrees Personal Terms With Manchester City as Move Advances
Enzo Fernandez's move to Manchester City has advanced significantly, with the midfielder reported to have agreed personal terms on a contract at the Etihad as City work to finalise a club-to-club deal around Chelsea's £120 million valuation. According to multiple reports, Fernandez has given the green light to a move, with sources indicating the World Cup winner has already agreed terms on a long-term contract with City. The remaining hurdle is now a fee agreement between the two Premier League clubs, with City expected to submit a formal bid before the transfer window closes on September 1, potentially making Fernandez the most expensive signing in Premier League history. The developments follow Fernandez's continued absence from Chelsea's matchday squad, including Thursday's Carabao Cup win over Luton Town, despite head coach Xabi Alonso initially suggesting he expected the midfielder to be involved. City are believed to be exploring ways to help fund the deal, including through the potential departures of Rodri, who has been in talks with Barcelona, and Tijjani Reijnders, linked with a move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Qadsiah. Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica for a then-club-record fee in January 2023, has grown increasingly frustrated with the club's recent struggles, including missing out on European football entirely this season. He has previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, though that switch failed to materialise. Should the move to City go through, it would reunite Fernandez with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who has already overseen a significant midfield rebuild at the Etihad following Rodri's own summer exit.
Danny Welbeck Scores on Chelsea Debut in 2-0 Carabao Cup Win Over Luton
Danny Welbeck marked his Chelsea debut with a goal as the Blues eased past League One side Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup second round at Stamford Bridge, booking a third-round tie against Leeds United. Xabi Alonso named a strong side for his first competitive home game in charge, with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Reece James all starting. Luton, unbeaten in 15 matches across all competitions coming in, frustrated Chelsea for a goalless first half, with Rogers striking the crossbar and Estevao also going close. The breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second half, when Malo Gusto delivered an inviting cross for the 35-year-old summer signing from Brighton to rise above the Luton defence and head home his first goal for the club. Estevao doubled Chelsea's lead in the 70th minute, driving into the box and sending a dangerous low ball across goal that deflected in off Luton defender Hakeem Odoffin for an own goal. The result extended Chelsea's unbeaten start under Alonso to two matches from two, following Monday's 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham, and ended Luton's long unbeaten run, the longest in England's top four divisions at the time. Welbeck, who arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer after his Brighton contract expired, had remained an unused substitute in the Fulham win before getting his chance here. "Really special to score on my debut, more importantly to get through to the next round," Welbeck said afterward, adding that he was excited about the project under Alonso and eager to contribute wherever called upon. The result came with the added subplot of Enzo Fernandez's continued absence from the matchday squad, amid swirling reports of an imminent move to Manchester City.
Full Fixture List Out for Cricket at Asian Games 2026 in Nagoya, Men's and Women's Events
The complete schedule for cricket's return to the Asian Games has been released, with both the men's and women's competitions set to be played at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin , near Nagoya, Japan. The men's event runs from September 24 to October 3 , while the women's tournament gets underway earlier, from September 17 to September 22 . On the men's side, six teams start out in a round-robin group before the knockouts begin. Japan face Afghanistan in the opener, with Hong Kong, China taking on Malaysia later the same day. The other group fixtures pit Hong Kong, China against Oman , Afghanistan against Nepal , Japan against Nepal and Malaysia against Oman . India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have all been handed direct entries into the quarter-finals, a continuation of the arrangement first confirmed for this edition, and will face the four group toppers on September 28 and 29. The women's draw skips the group stage entirely and goes straight to the last eight. Japan Women face India Women and Bangladesh Women take on China Women on September 17, followed by Malaysia Women against Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women against Thailand Women a day later. Both semi-finals are scheduled for September 20, with the third-place play-off and final rounding things off on September 22. The men's knockouts follow a similar arc, with the semi-finals on October 1 and the medal matches on October 3. All matches across both events are being played as T20s, and every fixture at this stage will be updated on GameOnField as the group standings and knockout line-ups are confirmed.
Rangers Crash Out of Europe on Penalties Against Jablonec
Rangers are out of Europe entirely for the first time since 2017, losing on penalties to Czech side Jablonec in the Europa Conference League play-off round after a wretched display in the second leg. Derek McInnes' side travelled to the Czech Republic holding a slender 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg at Ibrox, but were unable to protect it as Jablonec fought back to level the tie through Vakhtang Tchanturishvili in the 73rd minute. Neither side could find a winner across the remaining normal time or extra time, sending the tie to penalties. The shootout proved decisive in Jablonec's favour. Rangers goalkeeper Ivor Pandur saved from Filip Zorvan to give the Scottish side a way back in, but Findlay Curtis fired over and James Penrice was denied by Jan Hanus, leaving Jan Chramosta to convert the decisive spot-kick and send Jablonec through 4-3 on penalties. The exit means Rangers will be without European group-stage football for the first time in almost a decade, having already been eliminated from Europa League qualifying by Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok earlier in the summer. It marks another setback for McInnes as his rebuild at Ibrox struggles to gain traction.
Chelsea Close In on Double Deal for Honest Ahanor and Emiliano Martinez
Chelsea are closing in on a double signing before the transfer window shuts, reaching verbal agreements for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez . Chelsea have struck a deal with Atalanta worth around £40 million for the 18-year-old Ahanor, a versatile defender who can play centre-back or full-back. Personal terms are in place on a long-term contract, with the player given permission to travel for a medical. Chelsea are expected to decide on the best pathway for him, with a loan to another Premier League club considered a real possibility before he returns to Stamford Bridge. Martinez , meanwhile, has given the "green light" to a move after being offered to Chelsea following Aston Villa's signing of Zion Suzuki as their new number one. A club-to-club agreement worth £7.5 million for a permanent transfer has been reached, with the Argentina international expected to sign a two-year deal with the option of a third season. The 33-year-old would provide an immediate upgrade in goal as Chelsea look to move on from Robert Sanchez. Both deals are expected to be finalised before next week's transfer deadline, continuing an active summer at Stamford Bridge that has already brought in 11 signings under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Enzo Fernandez Left Out of Chelsea Squad as Manchester City Interest Intensifies
Enzo Fernandez was left out of Chelsea's Carabao Cup squad for Thursday's tie against Luton Town, adding fuel to Manchester City's long-running interest as the transfer deadline approaches. The decision came as a surprise after head coach Xabi Alonso had said a day earlier that he expected the Argentine to be involved. "We assessed situations, individual and collective, and we have decided he is not in the squad for today," Alonso told Sky Sports before kick-off. Fernandez had featured off the bench in Chelsea's Premier League opener at Fulham. City missed an informal deadline earlier this month to bid for the World Cup winner but are now expected to return with a formal offer before the window closes on September 1. Chelsea are holding out for a fee in the region of £120 million , which would make Fernandez City's record signing, surpassing the fee paid for Elliot Anderson this summer as part of a midfield rebuild that has already cost the club close to £200 million. Fernandez has six years left on his Chelsea contract but has been repeatedly linked with a move away, having previously admitted he would welcome living in Madrid. Chelsea are reportedly prepared to move for Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a replacement should the Argentine depart.
England Reduced to 248/9 on Rain-Hit Day 1 of Second Pakistan Test at Lord's
England were reduced to 248 for 9 on a rain-affected first day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, with half-centuries from Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith rescuing the hosts after a shaky start. Pakistan won the toss and chose to field, with captain Babar Azam back in the side after being rested for the series opener. A deluge of rain postponed the start of play until early afternoon, and England's day got off to a torrid beginning once it did get underway, slipping to 36 for 3 inside the first 11 overs as Pakistan made full use of overcast conditions at Lord's. Mohammad Abbas was the chief destroyer with the new ball, finishing with 4 for 56 , while Mohammad Ali chipped in with 3 for 67 as England's top order, including captain Joe Root for just 4, struggled to find any rhythm. England hit back as conditions eased, with Jordan Cox making a fighting 55 and Jamie Smith playing his way back into form with a composed 61, the pair sharing a crucial partnership to drag the innings past 200. Smith, who had endured a lean run of scores recently, credited a recent stint playing Championship cricket for Surrey with helping him rediscover a different method at the crease. Despite the fightback, England lost regular wickets throughout the afternoon and finished the day nine down at the close, with Gus Atkinson unbeaten on 34 alongside Josh Tongue. Pakistan's fielding did let them down at times, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and the slip cordon standing unusually deep and seeing a handful of chances go down short of the target. Even so, it was a much-improved performance from the tourists following their innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley last week, and Pakistan will resume day two well placed to wrap up the England innings cheaply and build a first-innings advantage at the home of cricket.
Barcelona Beat Athletic Club 2-0 as Rodri Makes Long-Awaited Debut
Barcelona made it two wins from two at the start of their La Liga title defence, beating Athletic Club 2-0 at Camp Nou in their first home match of the season, with goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez either side of a much-anticipated debut off the bench for new signing Rodri . Barcelona dominated for long spells but were repeatedly denied by a superb performance from Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon , who made a string of important saves to keep the visitors in the contest. The breakthrough eventually came in the 37th minute, with Pedri splitting Athletic's defence with an outrageous through-ball to send Raphinha clear, and the Brazilian rounded Simon to finish confidently for his third goal in Barcelona's opening two league matches of the season. Chances continued to fall Barcelona's way after the break, with Lamine Yamal hitting the crossbar and Fermin twice denied by Simon, before the hosts finally wrapped up the win eight minutes from time. New signing Karim Adeyemi supplied a low cross from the left that caused chaos in the Athletic box, with Fermin pouncing to smash home the second and settle the contest. The result stretched Barcelona's home winning streak in La Liga to 20 matches , their longest such run since a 25-game streak between November 2012 and January 2014. The night's headline moment, however, arrived in the 63rd minute, when Rodri was introduced from the bench to make his long-awaited Barcelona debut following his move from Manchester City. The World Cup winner slotted into a deep-lying midfield role, showing neat distribution and a calming defensive presence that added stability as Barcelona saw out the win. With two wins from two and maximum points to open the campaign, Hansi Flick's side head into Monday's clash with Rayo Vallecano in ominous early-season form, with Rodri potentially in line for his first start.
Pratika Rawal Named India's Replacement for Injured Jemimah Rodrigues in Asia Cup Squad
The BCCI has confirmed Pratika Rawal as the replacement for the injured Jemimah Rodrigues in India's squad for the ACC Women's Asia Cup 2026, following the news that Rodrigues would miss the tournament with a high-grade right hamstring tear. Rodrigues sustained the injury on August 3 while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred in England, and a subsequent clinical assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru confirmed she would be sidelined for an extended period, ruling her out of both the Asia Cup and the Asian Games in Japan. Rawal now steps in for the continental event, earning her maiden T20I call-up after previously representing India only in ODIs and Tests, including as part of the side's triumphant 2025 Women's ODI World Cup campaign before an ankle injury forced her out ahead of the semi-final. Rawal was in the middle of a stint with Warwickshire Bears in the Women's One Day Cup in England when the call-up came through, and will now link up with the squad for the tournament in the UAE. Separately, wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini has been added to India's Asian Games squad as a replacement for Yastika Bhatia, continuing as backup gloveperson behind Richa Ghosh. India's Asia Cup squad continues to be led by Harmanpreet Kaur , with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain. The defending champions begin their campaign against Thailand on August 30, before facing Hong Kong on September 3 and old rivals Pakistan in the standout group fixture on September 5, with the tournament running in Dubai from August 28 through to the September 13 final.