🚨 Liverpool eye DOUBLE winger swoop, Romano reveals major hijack, Chelsea star eyes "dream" Madrid move, England beat Croatia, & more!
Some major Liverpool deals, a blow for Chelsea, and more in today's Daily Briefing!
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Today’s top stories:
Plus Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid latest and much more!
World Cup 2026 round-up
England win six-goal thriller against Croatia
England started with a win at the 2026 World Cup as they eventually overcame Croatia in a thrilling contest.
Harry Kane opened the scoring from a penalty which had to be retaken, but Martin Baturina hit back with a stunning finish.
Kane was on target again, this time heading in a Declan Rice corner, but Croatia again levelled things up with another well-taken goal, making it 2-2 at half time.
Thomas Tuchel’s side’s quality eventually told, though, with Jude Bellingham producing a trademark big moment to restore the lead, while Marcus Rashford made sure of the points with a slick fourth.
FT England 4-2 Croatia [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Portugal held by DR Congo
It was a frustrating first World Cup 2026 game for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Joao Neves opened the scoring with a superb header, and dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
But Congo hit back and Yoane Wissa delivered the goods for his country after struggling for form with his club Newcastle in recent months.
FT Portugal 1-1 DR Congo [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Ghana leave it late against Panama
Ghana had their chances but had to wait until stoppage time to eventually get their breakthrough against Panama.
Caleb Yirenkyi scored from close range in the dying moments to ensure Ghana scraped the win, joining England in taking three points in their opening game in Group L.
FT Ghana 1-0 Panama [Pictures from ITV Sport]
Luis Diaz on form as Colombia beat Uzbekistan
Luis Diaz scored and also provided a sublime assist for Daniel Munoz as Colombia beat Uzbekistan.
Colombia got the result in the end, but there was also a memorable moment for Uzbekistan as they scored their first World Cup goal on their first ever appearance in the tournament.
FT Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia [Pictures from BBC Sport & ITV Sport]
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Arsenal
Arsenal and Liverpool have recently had contacts with Ayyoub Bouaddi’s camp and have been boosted by the fact that Paris Saint-Germain are not expected to be in the race due to not prioritising a midfielder this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
Meanwhile, our exclusive information is that the Gunners are leading the race for Bouaddi after positive talks between Andrea Berta and the Lille midfielder’s representatives. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have already agreed a swap deal involving Julian Alvarez and Viktor Gyokeres. (El Chiringuito)
Chelsea
Chelsea could rival Arsenal for the potential transfer of Ayyoub Bouaddi as they have a long-standing interest in the 18-year-old Morocco wonderkid. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Chelsea have recently asked Real Madrid about as many as FIVE of their players during talks that saw Marc Cucurella move to the Bernabeu. (Simon Phillips)
This Chelsea player’s exit has more or less been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano’s trademark “here we go” - full story here!
Ipswich Town
This Manchester United legend is a candidate for the Ipswich Town manager’s job after Kieran McKenna recently stepped down - full story here!
Liverpool
Liverpool have swooped in to hijack Victor Munoz’s transfer to Newcastle, and have triggered the Osasuna winger’s €40m release clause. (Fabrizio Romano)
Liverpool are also continuing to pursue Yan Diomande and are optimistic about their chances, with a deal even possible while the World Cup is still going on. (Ben Jacobs)
Liverpool and Arsenal have recently had contacts with Ayyoub Bouaddi’s camp and have been boosted by the fact that Paris Saint-Germain are not expected to be in the race due to not prioritising a midfielder this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)
Manchester City
Manchester United
Manchester United are continuing their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with discussions on the player’s side going well. (Fabrizio Romano)
Newcastle United
Nick Woltemade is seen as highly likely to leave Newcastle United this summer as three clubs show an interest in the unsettled Germany international. (Mark Brus, the Daily Briefing)
Newcastle United were in advanced talks over Victor Munoz, but Liverpool have now hijacked the deal by triggering his release clause. (Fabrizio Romano)
Newcastle will insist on a record-breaking fee for Sandro Tonali as talks over a transfer continue - full story here!
PSG
Senny Mayulu is going nowhere as he’s rejected interest from elsewhere to agree a new contract to extend his stay at PSG. (Fabrice Hawkins)
Real Madrid
Bernardo Silva’s transfer to Real Madrid has been officially confirmed!
Meanwhile, another big-name Premier League star sees Real Madrid as his “dream” move - full story here!
Tottenham
Tottenham are one of the clubs in talks for Sandro Tonali as Newcastle brace themselves for bids for the Italian midfielder. (Ben Jacobs)
Tottenham look set to rival Manchester United for the potential transfer of West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville. (TEAMtalk)