List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

Miami guard Tyler Herro has been upgraded to questionable for Game 5 of the NBA Finals

Layoffs hit The Athletic.

Aaron Ramsey insists his focus is fully on Wales’ Euro 2024 ambitions amid uncertainty over his Nice future. Ramsey has triggered a one-year contract extension at Nice after playing more than 30 games for the Ligue 1 club this season. But it has been reported in the French media that the 32-year-old midfielder wants a longer deal to stay at Nice and that may not be forthcoming. “I’m not sure what my future is at the moment,” Ramsey said ahead of Wales’ Euro 2024 double-header against Armenia and Turkey. “The most important thing is for me to focus on these games. “We will find out in a few weeks’ time, when everything has settled down a bit. “My full focus is on Friday (against Armenia). I’ll have to keep you guys (the press) waiting a bit longer.” Ramsey says his family, who have stayed in Cardiff while he has played in France and travelled to and from Wales, will be instrumental in the decision over his playing future. I'm not sure what my future is at the moment. We will find out in a few weeks' time, when everything has settled down a bit Aaron Ramsey It has led to speculation that Ramsey could return to Cardiff this summer, the Sky Bet Championship club where he began his career before moving to Arsenal in 2008 and spending 11 seasons in north London. That particular rumour mill went into overdrive last week when Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman told supporters to expect an “exciting” signing this summer. Ramsey said: “There’s always rumours going around, isn’t there? There is always that bit of noise. “This season has been a success for me personally, I played a lot of games and some good football. The only thing missing was a few goals, but that will come again. “The most challenging thing is being away from my family. That’s the situation I find myself in. “I’ve been away from my family and seeing the kids growing up, missing out, it’s always difficult. Difficult for anyone to go through, I imagine. “Whatever we do going forward, we will be reunited and back together.” Wales host Armenia in Cardiff on Friday before heading to Turkey three days later, having made a positive start to Euro 2024 qualifying. Rob Page’s side picked up four points from their opening two games in March, drawing away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia before beating Latvia at home. Ramsey said: “This is a massive camp for us. The World Cup was a huge disappointment for us, and it was important to get off to a good start. “To bounce back straightaway in those two games sets us up nicely. “It’s huge now to back that up against Armenia. It’s a game we need to win and all our attention is on that.” Ramsey missed Nice’s last four games of the season with a calf problem. But he is confident of playing roles against both Armenia and Turkey, saying: “The last couple of weeks I did not play, but before that I had a good run of games. “I got myself in good shape so there’s not too much to be worried about. “I’ve had a good season and we had a bit of a European run as well. I’m 100 per cent ready to play to help us win.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hugo Salabio facing six-match ban for spear tackle Manchester City’s treble winners arguably greatest ever English team – Joe Royle Brentford turn Kevin Schade loan move into permanent club-record deal

Novak Djokovic's 23 Grand Slam titles put him atop the list for the most in history by a man

Nick Taylor became the first Canadian in 69 years to win his national open, holing a 72-foot eagle putt on the fourth playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood in the RBC Canadian Open

South Africa has been paying tribute to its first post-apartheid national soccer coach who died on Saturday at the age of 78

Former Manchester City boss Joe Royle says Pep Guardiola’s current side is “one of, if not the best” English football has seen. City completed the treble on Saturday night with victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final and Royle has no doubts where Guardiola’s class of 2023 ranks in the all-time list. Royle, 74, who led City from the third tier to the Premier League after back-to-back promotions in 1999 and 2000, told the PA news agency: “There’s no doubt about it. They’re one of, if not the best English club side there has been. “They’ve got to be talked of as one of them. They can play off the cuff or play in various systems and they can counter very quickly. “They’ve got world-class individuals, they’ve got the team ethic and they’ve got a very, very strong squad, covering every position.” Manchester United became the first English side to win the treble – league title, FA Cup and Champions League – under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999, the same year City dropped into the third tier for the first time in their history. The debate will now rage among both clubs’ fans over which is the greater achievement and Royle said: “A treble is a treble. “They’re both equally matched when compared to their rivals in their era and both City and United fans will rightfully claim that their side’s treble was the best.” Under Royle, City ended their one season in the old Second Division, now League One, in thrilling fashion by beating Gillingham on penalties in the play-off final at Wembley. Gillingham had led 2-0 in the final minute of normal time before last-gasp goals from City pair Kevin Horlock and Paul Dickov took the tie to extra-time and then penalties, with Royle’s side winning the shoot-out 3-1. “It was an unforgettable way to win promotion,” Royle said. “And when you consider how far City have come since then, there’s no secret. “The current ownership, with their financial support, have changed City from a side that did sink to the third tier. “We got back into the Premier League, but we certainly didn’t have the funding that the side does today in order for us to stay there and we went straight back down again. “But it’s been mostly on the up since then. It can never be too quick for a club to get in the Premier League. “The current side, look where they’ve gone now. They’ve completed the treble and deservedly so. You can never get there too quickly.” Certainly anyone who finishes ahead of them next season, in England or Europe, is going to be doing very well Former City manager Joe Royle Guardiola’s City have been crowned English champions in five of the last six seasons, but, after finally securing the Champions League Royle, is not sure if they will now dominate Europe in a similar manner. “Football is a season-by-season game isn’t it?” he added. “Certainly anyone who finishes ahead of them next season, in England or Europe, is going to be doing very well. “The money has been spent very well. They’ve generally bought very well. It’s one thing having money and another thing using it wisely and City have been very good at that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Brentford turn Kevin Schade loan move into permanent club-record deal Jon Lewis says England are ready for ‘great challenge’ of regaining Ashes Ivan Toney calls FA ‘bit spiteful’ over ban case after missing ‘dream’ World Cup

Saudi Arabia has been in the headlines a lot lately -- this time for trying to find its place in the sporting world. It's spending big money

England striker Ivan Toney has described the Football Association as “spiteful” for its handling of his ban for breaking betting rules

Sylvia Fowles has always deflected praise to others

With the 2022/23 season completed and Premier League clubs now focused on the summer transfer window, WhoScored.com take a look at which players suit each team’s biggest need over the next eight weeks. First up: from Arsenal to Fulham. Arsenal What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Moises Caicedo With Granit Xhaka set for a Bundesliga return, Arsenal need at least two central midfielders this summer. Declan Rice remains the priority for the Gunners, yet the West Ham star can’t be the only middle man that arrives this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League. Moises Caicedo is another linked with Arsenal and would offer an ball-carrying outlet from deep as well as terrific defensive capabilities to help fill the void that will be left once Xhaka departs. Aston Villa What do they need - winger Who should they sign - Harvey Barnes Having secured a return to European football on the final day of the season, Aston Villa are aware they need to add strength in depth in the off-season ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season at the Villa Park helm. A right-back, winger and striker are the priorities for the Villans this summer, with Harvey Barnes one who’ll tick off a problem position. Barnes’ goal exploits were overshadowed by James Maddison’s form, but the 25-year-old still managed an commendable 13 league goals for the relegated Foxes. Bournemouth What do the need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Tyler Adams Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil worked wonders in the Cherries hotseat following his appointment as Scott Parker’s successor, but if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight, they need to strengthen in key areas. One of those will be in the middle of the park, particularly with Jefferson Lerma departing following the culmination of his contract. Bournemouth could do a lot worse than raid relegated Leeds for Tyler Adams, the American having ranked third for tackles per 90 (3.7) in the Premier League last season. Brentford What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Viktor Gyokeres Ivan Toney’s suspension leaves Brentford a little light up top. Granted, while the Bees have performed well in his absence, they can’t head into the new season without the services of their 20-goal frontman until January. While a short-term addition would suit all parties, Brentford may instead seek to bring Viktor Gyokeres up to the Premier League. Coventry’s failure to secure promotion means the Swede is seemingly up for grabs and having scored 21 and provided 12 assists last season, Thomas Frank’s side would certainly benefit from the 25-year-old’s addition. Brighton What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Enzo Le Fee Brighton are set to lose both Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer and while Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner are tipped to arrive, the Seagulls still look a little light in the middle of the park. Enzo Le Fee was a standout performer for Lorient this season, yet will depart the French side in the coming weeks, and Brighton would be foolish not to consider the 23-year-old. Le Fee ranked third for tackles (108) and seventh for dribbles (68) in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign, while an additional five goals and five assists has helped boost his reputation. Burnley What do they need - central midfielder Who should they sign - Albert Sambi-Lokonga Burnley will need an overhaul in central midfield this summer. They can’t rely on 33-year-old Jack Cork to help beat the drop next season, and so a player who has worked under Vincent Kompany in the past would be a viable option for the Clarets. Albert Sambi-Lokonga spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, though still struggled for minutes at Selhurst Park. Arsenal are unlikely to rely upon Lokonga next season, noted by their pursuit of high-profile midfielders, so another short-term move would certainly benefit the Belgian. Chelsea What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Victor Osimhen To put it bluntly - Chelsea need a player to put the ball in the back of the net. Christopher Nkunku is set to sign for the Blues, but another striker would certainly aid their quest to launch a sustained title push under Mauricio Pochettino. Victor Osimhen wouldn’t come cheap, the Nigerian having scored more goals (26) than any other player in Serie A this season, yet with Todd Boehly willing to loosen the purse strings, Osimhen could prove the perfect frontman for Chelsea, and one to rid them of the dreaded No.9 curse. Crystal Palace What do they need - right-back Who should they sign - Sacha Boey Crystal Palace were able to muddle through the season with Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne at right-back, but the pair are now 33 and 32 years of age, respectively, and the Eagles could do with some investment in defence ahead of the new season. While he has been linked with Arsenal, Sacha Boey could prove a shrewd capture for the Eagles. The 22-year-old was key in Galatasaray’s title triumph and has made the second most tackles (86) in the Super Lig this season, so a committed body to shore up the defence would certainly be welcomed at Selhurst Park. Everton What do they need - striker Who should they sign - Alfredo Morelos Everton have been linked with a move for Wout Weghorst, the Dutchman having worked under Sean Dyche during their short time together at Turf Moor, as the Toffees seek to sign another striker. However, Weghorst has a poor record in England having scored just two goals in 37 league appearances, so they may be better off perusing the free market. Alfredo Morelos will leave Rangers this summer upon the culmination of his contract and having scored 11 goals and provided five assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, the hot-headed Colombian could prove a handy pick up. Fulham What do they need - centre-back Who should they sign - Harry Maguire Centre-back is hardly a problem position for Fulham, with Tim Ream, Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop all performing admirably for the Cottagers as they beat the drop last season, but with the former now 35, some fresh blood would benefit Marco Silva’s side. Harry Maguire is unlikely to be a Manchester United player once the summer transfer window closes and with their ongoing pursuit of Kim Min-Jae, the England international is expected to leave sooner rather than later. If his England performances are anything to go by, Maguire could prove a solid addition to the Fulham defence, while a fresh start would certainly benefit the 30-year-old. Coming on Tuesday: the ten Premier League teams from Liverpool to Wolves. Read More Toney compares ban to missing out on World Cup squad Pep’s future and Premier League charges – Where next for Man City after treble? Ward-Prowse, Maddison and 12 transfer targets after relegation Football rumours: Wilfried Zaha eyes move to Paris St Germain Wembley Stadium launches dementia friendly match-day experience Tottenham progressing in bid to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya

Alan Pulido, the veteran former Mexico international has been slowly coming back to form since returning to KC's ranks in April after a season-ending knee injury in 2022.