James O'Brien 
Inter Milan are nearing a deal to sign 25‑year‑old Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones for around £30 million. Liverpool had previously rejected a €25m offer and value Jones at about £35m, with the Italian club reportedly having a verbal agreement in place.
Brad Arthur believes the upcoming fixtures against York, St Helens and ultimately Wigan will serve as a vital tune‑up for Leeds Rhinos in their bid for the League Leaders’ Shield. With Leeds and Wigan tied on points, the final games could decide the season’s top spot. The Rhinos will also be without Jack Bird due to concussion protocols but will debut new signing Matt Lodge.
England opened the first Test against Pakistan in spectacular fashion when Ollie Robinson bowled Azan Awais lbw with the very first delivery of the day at Headingley. The early wicket gave England an ideal start to the match.
Ruby Tui, a World Cup winner and Olympic medalist, has joined the English Premiership Women’s Rugby side Trailfinders Women on a one‑year contract. Coach Barney Maddison praised her experience and leadership, saying she will be a major asset as the club builds on last season’s success.
Warrington Wolves secured a 34-28 victory over defending champions Hull KR in the Betfred Super League. George Williams, playing his first match after neck surgery, scored a decisive try that helped the Wolves close the gap on the league leaders. The win moved Warrington within two points of the top two teams, while Hull KR remain in fifth place fighting for a playoff spot.
Venus Williams, aged 46, has been awarded a wildcard into the US Open singles main draw, joining Sloane Stephens. With one spot still open, sister Serena Williams could also receive a wildcard, while both sisters recently returned to competition at the Cincinnati Open.
Alex Albon has signed a one‑year extension to remain with the Williams Formula 1 team for the 2027 season. The British‑Thai driver, who has been with the team since 2022, said he believes in the transformation underway under team principal James Vowles, despite the team’s recent struggles.
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnian defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for a reported £30 million on a five‑year contract. The move reunites Dedic with manager Matthias Jaissle, who coached him at Red Bull Salzburg, and provides a replacement for the departing right‑back Kieran Trippier.
Mike Bailey, a former midfielder and captain of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has died at the age of 84 following a long illness. He made 436 appearances for Wolves, winning the 1974 League Cup and helping the club reach the UEFA Cup final in 1972, before later managing several clubs.
British sailing duo Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris captured gold at the 470 World Championship in Enoshima, Japan, beating defending champions from Spain. Their victory secures them as leading contenders for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and will help Great Britain secure a quota place in the class.