Paul Gascoigne

Paul Gascoigne released from hospital following health scare

Former Tottenham and England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has returned home to recover. The 58-year-old, former Tottenham player was admitted to intensive care on Friday after a health scare. His friend, Steve Foster found him semi-conscious in his apartment and took him to the A&E. His management company released a statement on Monday saying, “Paul voluntarily went into A&E (Accident and Emergency) on Friday after struggling with a throat condition (not by ambulance) he has had for a while,” “He is already back home and doing well.” Gascoigne was treated by intensive care staff and later moved to an acute medical unit until he was stable enough to be released. Paul Gascoigne who has played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton has been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and depression. In a bid to take control of his life in 2020,  Gascoigne admitted to having anti-alcohol pellets sewn into his stomach. But last year, he confessed on the High Performance podcast that he was a “sad drunk” living in a spare room at the home of his agent.

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Ndoye

Ndoye on standby with Forest and Napoli targeting Bologna winger

The €30 million (£26m) from Nottingham Forest for winger Dan Ndoye has been rejected by Bologna.  Sky Sport Italia reported that while the 24 year old’s opening offer was rejected, Napoli is still very interested in the Switzerland international. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest also remain interested and are expected to make another move for the Swiss international. They are actively searching for a replacement for Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle United for £55 million earlier this summer. Ndoye was a key figure in Bologna’s impressive 2023/24 campaign, where they won the Coppa Italia.

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Leeds

Leeds recruitment shows promise in bid to stay in Premier League

Leeds United are back in the Premier League after a dominant Championship-win, and they’re determined not to go straight back down. Manager Daniel Farke, who secured his third Championship title (his first two were with Norwich), has a point to prove. This time, Leeds are taking no chances. Their summer recruitment shows clear intent to stay up. They’ve added Premier League experience with midfielder Sean Longstaff and brought in free-agent forward Lukas Nmecha to boost creativity. But it’s their defensive signings that stand out — Anton Stach Sebastian Bornauw and Jaka Bijol who are all over 6’3″, bring serious aerial presence. Leeds were already a set-piece threat, scoring 11 goals from corners last season. By adding more height and strength, they aim to keep that edge. Stats show it matters: last season’s relegated teams were among the worst at scoring from set pieces, while Everton’s 14 such goals helped keep them safe. With a smart transfer strategy focused on physicality and proven league experience, Leeds are building a team designed for survival. 

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Etitike

Liverpool enter into ‘advanced talks’ for Frankfurt’s Ekitike

Liverpool have reportedly entered advanced negotiations with Eintracht Frankfurt. The discussion is over a move for French striker Hugo Ekitike, as the Reds continue to strengthen under new boss Arne Slot. With Newcastle United  standing firm on their decision not to sell Alexander Isak  despite Liverpool’s interest, the Merseyside giants have quickly shifted focus to Ekitike. According to David Ornstein,  the 23-year-old is keen on a move to Anfield and Liverpool. They are prepared to meet Frankfurt’s asking price to seal the deal. Ekitike is coming off a standout campaign in Germany, having scored 22 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions and helping Frankfurt secure a Champions League spot. His explosive pace, intelligent movement, and eye for goal have made him one of the most highly rated young forwards in European football. Slot has already added Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez to his squad this summer, and Ekitike could be the marquee signing to spearhead Liverpool’s attack as they aim to mount a serious title challenge next season. With talks progressing quickly, the Frenchman’s potential arrival would mark another significant step in the club’s post-Klopp rebuild.

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Jackson

O’s trade for catcher Jackson from Yanks as Sánchez likely out 8-10 weeks

It’s been an unbelievably unlucky two-plus weeks for Orioles catchers, and the misfortune continued over the weekend in Atlanta. On Sunday, Baltimore placed Gary Sánchezon the 10-day injured list due to a PCL sprain he sustained in his right knee during Saturday’s 9-6, 10-inning win over the Braves. The 32-year-old is expected to miss 8-10 weeks, per interim manager Tony Mansolino, who said the catcher met with doctors upon returning to Baltimore this week. Sánchez became the fourth O’s catcher to hit the IL, with each doing so since June 21 — Adley Rutschman (left oblique strain) on June 21, Maverick Handley (concussion) on June 23 and Chadwick Tromp (lower back strain) on Tuesday. Jackson will pair with Jacob Stallings — who signed a Minor League deal on June 24 and was called up from Triple-A on Tuesday — to serve as the Orioles’ catching duo for the time being. That’s two backstops who weren’t in the organization less than two weeks ago. “We’ve got good people here. Those are good catchers,” Mansolino said. “If you’re going to bring in somebody that has the ability to quickly catch up, it’s a guy like Jacob. And then, obviously, Alex Jackson’s got a lot of time in the big leagues now with multiple teams.”

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Wembanyama

Wembanyama Medically Cleared to Return After Blood Clot Scare

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been medically cleared to resume basketball activities after recovering from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his shoulder, he confirmed to French newspaper L’Équipe on Monday. “I’m officially cleared to return. … I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again,” Wembanyama said, signaling his full availability for the 2025–26 NBA season. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Spurs have also been informed of the clearance, and Wembanyama is expected to fully participate in training camp this fall. The team has not made a public statement yet, but this confirmation ends months of quiet concern surrounding the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year. The nature of Wembanyama’s clot suggests it may have been a provoked DVT, possibly caused by anatomical factors such as compression of a blood vessel by a rib or muscle—a treatable condition seen in other athletes. The Spurs have not disclosed details of his diagnosis. Wembanyama’s case mirrors other notable recoveries in sports, such as Serena Williams, who returned to dominance after multiple surgeries related to a clotting issue. With this clearance, Spurs fans can now look forward to seeing their 7-foot-4 phenom back in action as San Antonio aims to take the next step in their rebuild.

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Paul George

76ers’ Paul George Undergoes Knee Surgery After Workout Injury

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Monday following an injury sustained during a recent workout, the team announced. The procedure was performed by Dr. Jonathan L. Glashow at NYU–Langone Sports Medicine Orthopedic Center. George will begin rehabilitation immediately and be re-evaluated before the start of training camp. George, 35, signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Sixers in the summer of 2024. However, his first season in Philadelphia was riddled with injuries, including knee and adductor issues, leading to one of the least productive years of his career. He averaged just 16.2 points over 41 games, his lowest full-season average since 2011-12. The nine-time All-Star and 15-year veteran has career averages of 20.6 points across 908 games. The Sixers remain hopeful that George will return to full strength ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season as they look to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.

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Jared Jackson Jr

Grizzlies finalize Jaren Jackson Jr.’s $239.9M renegotiation and extension

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially locked in Jaren Jackson Jr. on a massive five-year, $239.9 million contract, the team announced Sunday. The deal keeps the two-time All-Star and 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year with Memphis through the 2029-30 season. The contract was finalized after Memphis reached a buyout agreement with Cole Anthony, clearing the necessary cap space. Jackson will earn $33 million in 2025-26, after a renegotiation of the final year of his current deal, and his extension begins in 2026-27, starting at $46.2 million. Jackson averaged 22.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games last season and has career averages of 18.5 points and 5.5 rebounds over 407 games with the Grizzlies. He’s a three-time All-Defensive team selection and a foundational piece of Memphis’ core alongside Ja Morant. The 24-year-old recently underwent surgery for a turf toe injury in his right foot. He’s expected to make a full recovery, though a return timeline will be clearer closer to training camp this fall. With Jackson and Morant now both on long-term deals, Memphis continues to commit to its homegrown stars as it seeks a return to contention after being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.

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Vanfleet

Fred VanVleet elected President of the NBPA

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been elected as the new President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), beginning a four-year term effective immediately. VanVleet, a nine-year NBA veteran and former All-Star, takes over from CJ McCollum, who served on the NBPA’s Executive Committee for seven years — including the last four as President. McCollum played a key role in guiding the NBPA through critical moments such as the 2020 NBA Restart and the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. “It’s truly an honor to be elected as President of the NBPA by my peers,” VanVleet said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interest of all the members.”

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Cooper Flagg

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg all business in pro debut

Cooper Flagg made his highly anticipated professional debut on Thursday night in the NBA 2K26 Summer League, helping the Dallas Mavericks edge out Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers in a tight 87-85 win. The No. 1 overall pick didn’t light up the stat sheet offensively, shooting just 5-for-21 from the field and 0-for-5 from three-point range, but he still left his mark on the game. Flagg posted 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, showcasing his all-around impact and defensive instincts. His most critical contribution came late in the game when he blocked DJ Steward’s shot with just over a minute remaining. That key stop led to a go-ahead three-pointer by teammate Ryan Nembhard, sealing the win for Dallas. Speaking after the game, Flagg admitted his first pro outing wasn’t ideal. “I couldn’t really get into a rhythm,” he said. “It’s a different environment, obviously very different from college… I would say that might be one of the worst games in my life, but we got the win, that’s what really matters to me.” Despite his rough shooting night, Flagg’s confidence and intensity stood out. He walked into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center locked in, sporting full Mavericks gear and his signature white New Balance sneakers, focused and unfazed by the cameras and crowd.

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