🚨 Kane the hero for England, Tottenham agree £100m transfer, Liverpool's winger plan, Chelsea to bid again for Xhaka, & more
Today's transfer headlines plus a round-up of yesterday's World Cup action!
Good morning folks and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing, delivered to you completely ad-free and straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
World Cup round-up
Harry Kane inspires late England comeback
England are through despite a real scare after Congo scored early in this World Cup last 32 tie.
The Three Lions weren’t at their best for much of the game, but Harry Kane saved the day with a header to equalise in the 75th minute, and a superbly-struck winner in the 86th minute.
Congo were unlucky with two efforts that hit the woodwork, but they perhaps also rode their luck a little when Kane was denied a penalty, with the referee judging him to have dived.
England will now play co-hosts Mexico in the last 16.
FT England 2-1 DR Congo [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Belgium win extra-time thriller against Senegal
What a game this was - Senegal looked superb for so much of the match as they took a 2-0 lead, only for Belgium to stun them with a late comeback.
Ismaila Sarr’s strike was a particular highlight as it looked like Senegal were heading for the last 16, but two very late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans took the game to extra time.
Tielemans was then as cool as you like with a penalty late on in extra time to give Belgium a 3-2 win.
FT Belgium 3-2 Senegal [Pictures from ITV Sport]
This data was brought to you in partnership with Polymarket
Folarin Balogun sees red in USA victory
World Cup co-hosts USA made it through to the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Folarin Balogun was in clinical form with another goal at this tournament, though a blow for the US was that he later got himself sent off.
Malik Tillman added a second goal from a well-struck free kick to seal the victory.
FT USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina [Pictures from ITV Sport]
The Daily Briefing newsletter is now FREE to read - with all your essential football headlines delivered ad-free straight to your inbox seven mornings a week.
UPGRADE to a paid subscription to receive exclusive in-depth transfer news, comment, and analysis from our experts!
Arsenal
Leandro Trossard is not rushing into making any decision over his Arsenal future until after the World Cup despite strong interest from Besiktas. (Daily Mirror)
Barcelona
Barcelona made contact with the representatives of Harry Kane, but the feeling for the moment is that he is leaning towards staying at Bayern Munich, with talks over a new contract possible after the World Cup. (Christian Falk, CF Bayern Insider)
Bayern Munich
Barcelona made contact with the representatives of Harry Kane, but the feeling for the moment is that he is leaning towards staying at Bayern Munich, with talks over a new contract possible after the World Cup. (Christian Falk, CF Bayern Insider)
Bayern Munich look likely to be one of the clubs in the mix for the potential signing of Lille wonderkid and Premier League target Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer. (Christian Falk, CF Bayern Insider)
However, it is NOT true that Bayern are one of the clubs tracking exciting young Norway winger Antonio Nusa. (Christian Falk, CF Bayern Insider)
Chelsea
Chelsea will make an improved bid for Granit Xhaka after their opening offer of £8m was turned down, with Sunderland still insisting that the Swiss midfielder is not for sale. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Liverpool
Liverpool are very keen on Bradley Barcola, with Arsenal also monitoring the situation as it’s expected that PSG will be open to offers for the French winger this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
Said El Mala is another Liverpool target in attack, but there are question-marks about if he’s ready to join them now, with the Reds favouring a deal for summer 2027. (Mark Brus, CaughtOffside)
Yan Diomande remains a target for Liverpool and sources suggest they can’t be ruled out of this one just yet - more info here!
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be one to watch as a replacement for Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann. (Christian Falk, CF Bayern Insider)
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is unsure about joining Nottingham Forest, while a move to Inter Milan is in doubt due to his £30m asking price. (Liverpool Echo)
Manchester United
Crysencio Summerville is emerging as a leading Manchester United target in attack this summer, with the 24-year-old West Ham ace looking particularly impressive during the 2026 World Cup. (Sky Sports)
Manchester United are keen on Felix Nmecha but Borussia Dortmund will insist on their ‘premium’ asking price being met. (Sport Bild)
Wayne Rooney has named an ambitious Manchester United signing he’d love to see - full quotes here!
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s move for Bazoumana Toure is “here we go” with the Hoffenheim winger set to sign for €50m on a long-term contract. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham have reached a full agreement with Newcastle United over the transfer of Sandro Tonali for an initial £92.5m, potentially rising to £100m. (David Ornstein, the Athletic)
Newcastle United have had an opening bid rejected by Tottenham for Archie Gray, though the Magpies remain interested in the 20-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham
Tottenham have reached a full agreement with Newcastle United over the transfer of Sandro Tonali for an initial £92.5m, potentially rising to £100m. (David Ornstein, the Athletic)
Tonali agreed personal terms with Spurs some time ago and he always saw them as his preference despite links with Arsenal and Manchester City. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham are eyeing a surprise move to sign former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun as he’s expected to leave Monaco this summer. (Santi Aouna)
Newcastle United have had an opening bid rejected by Tottenham for Archie Gray, with Spurs’ stance currently that they’d prefer to keep the 20-year-old. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tottenham are being backed to complete another £90-100m signing on top of their £85m deal for Mateus Fernandes - full story here!