🚨 Man United's new left-back, Arsenal lose midfielder race, Liverpool's swap deal for Bouaddi, Man City to make big move for defender, Real Madrid want another Chelsea star & more.
Plus World Cup Round-up and the latest updates from the world of football.
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing! Thanks as always for reading, and hope you enjoy :-)
Today’s top stories:
World Cup 2026 round-up
Belgium comeback to draw against Egypt
Romelu Lukaku made an instant impact for Belgium after coming off the bench in their 1-1 World Cup draw against Egypt on Monday.
Belgium were trailing 1-0 when Lukaku was introduced in the 66th minute, and within just 23 seconds, his presence helped force the equaliser. The striker charged into the box looking to meet a cross from the right, but Egypt defender Mohamed Hany ended up turning the ball into his own net while trying to stop him.
Egypt had taken the lead earlier in the 19th minute through Emam Ashour, who scored his first goal for the national team.
Although Lukaku did not officially get on the scoresheet, his immediate influence changed the game and helped Belgium avoid defeat.
FT Egypt 1-1 Belgium [Pictures from Fox Soccer]
Uruguay equalise late to deny Saudi a famous win
Maxi Araújo rescued Uruguay with a late equaliser as they drew 1-1 with Saudi Arabia in Miami.
Abdulelah Al-Amri had put the Saudis ahead in the first half, raising hopes of another famous World Cup upset after their shock win over Argentina in 2022.
But Uruguay pushed hard late on and finally found a way through to avoid defeat.
FT Saudi 1-1 Uruguay [Pictures from ITV Sport]
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Arsenal
Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are all reportedly keeping tabs on Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye after his impressive Premier League campaign. (Daily Mail)
Approach made: Arsenal step up midfielder chase after contacting Frenchman’s agent. Full Story here!
Arsenal and Man City face £100m battle to sign player on Man United radar. Read more!
Arsenal have reportedly opened preliminary talks to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Gunners hoping to secure a deal worth around £50m plus add-ons. (Football Insider)
Aston Villa
Aston Villa could have an interesting transfer opportunity this summer, with Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes reportedly keen on a move to Villa Park ahead of the new season. (Football Insider)
Barcelona
Barcelona forward agrees contract terms with Ligue 1 side. Full Story here!
Bayern Munich
Ismael Saibari is close to a deal to join Bayern Munich, and could join in a matter of days after doing his medical in the USA. (talkSPORT)
Brentford
Brentford are showing interest in signing Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. (Sky Sports)
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chelsea
Sources rule out Chelsea from chasing top midfielder wanted by Man United and Arsenal. Full Story here!
Liverpool
Liverpool appear to be taking their search for future midfield quality seriously, with club executives reportedly travelling to New York’s MetLife Stadium to watch Ayyoub Bouaddi in action. (Santi Aouna)
Liverpool have found a creative way of making the Ayyoub Bouaddi deal happen. Full Story here!
Italian reporter outlines what Federico Chiesa ‘wants’ amid speculation over Liverpool exit. More here!
Manchester City
Manchester City are growing increasingly confident that they will secure a major contract extension for Joško Gvardiol, in what would be a big statement after weeks of interest from Real Madrid. (Fabrizio Romano)
Man City eye £70m defensive deal as backline rebuild begins. Read more!
Manchester United
Manchester United are still believed to be leading the race for Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, despite Chelsea reportedly making contact over a possible move. (IndyKaila)
Manchester United appear to have gained a major advantage in the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Real Madrid and Arsenal now reportedly expecting the Red Devils to complete the deal. (The Sun)
(Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Newcastle United
Newcastle United appear to have beaten Manchester United and Liverpool to the front of the queue for Osasuna winger Víctor Muñoz. (Caught Offside)
Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho reported to be the driving force behind €60m raid on ex-club Chelsea. Read more!
Real Madrid ‘still deciding’ on move for second Chelsea star after Marc Cucurella deal. Full Story here!