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Latest news in sport transfers and tournament

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By Timothy Akintola

Updates on Gareth Southgate, Colombia, Zirkzee, Kawhi Leonard and Moussa Diaby.

England set to keep Gareth Southgate regardless of Euro 2024 outcome.

Gareth Southgate’s contract as England’s manager runs until December, with discussions about his future postponed until after the Euros. Despite this, the Football Association (FA) is adamant that they want Southgate to continue in his role regardless of the outcome in the Euros final against Spain. Internal discussions have already taken place, affirming the FA’s complete confidence in Southgate’s leadership. They believe in his ability to guide the team beyond the tournament, highlighting their desire for continuity and stability within the national squad. Southgate, who has led England to significant successes in recent years, enjoys strong support from the FA, reflecting their long-term vision for his role as manager. As the Euros final approaches, the focus remains on the immediate challenge, but the FA’s backing provides a clear indication of their faith in his continued stewardship.

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Colombia reaches Copa América final for the first time in 23 years.

Ten-man Colombia is headed to their third-ever Copa America final after a tense 1-0 win over Uruguay in the semifinals. Both teams started the game with great intensity but Colombia delivered the crucial blow with an opening goal, all thanks to Jefferson Lerma’s header in the 39th minute from the center of the box, assisted by James Rodriguez, his sixth of the tournament. This goal eventually became the decisive goal to send Colombia to the Copa América final. Despite Daniel Munoz being sent off with a second yellow card in the last minutes of the first half, leaving Colombia short-handed for the second half, they were able to hold firm. Uruguay were heavily dominant the final 20 minutes but couldn’t break down Colombia’s defence — their closest chance being Luis Suarez’s shot which hit the post. Colombia has now reached their first Copa America final in 23 years, a historic moment for the team.


Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer to Manchester United has been confirmed.

Manchester United has finalized the deal to sign Dutch striker, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. United will not activate his release clause but will instead pay slightly above €40 million with better payment terms spread over three years. The 23-year-old forward impressed last season with 12 goals and seven assists, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League. Zirkzee signed a 5-year contract until June 2029, with an option for an additional season. This transfer marks the first signing of Manchester United under the new INEOS era. The Dutch’s arrival is expected to boost United’s attacking options significantly. His standout performances in Serie A have caught the eye of United’s management, and they are confident he will replicate his form in the Premier League. Fans are eagerly anticipating his impact as the club embarks on this new chapter under INEOS ownership.

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Kawhi Leonard withdraws from team USA ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team is set to pursue a gold medal five-peat in Paris without six-time NBA All-Star, Kawhi Leonard. Leonard was asked to leave Team USA on Wednesday due to renewed concerns about his surgically repaired right knee, which has kept him out of most major competitions over the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite attempting to rehab the knee since the end of the NBA season and declaring his readiness to play last week, Leonard’s knee issues persisted. He missed the final eight games of the regular season due to right knee inflammation after playing in 68 games and earning All-NBA second team honours. He also missed the last three games of the Clippers’ playoff series loss to the Mavericks. Boston Celtics’ Derrick White will replace Leonard on the roster.


Al-Ittihad set to make a big money move for Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby.

French winger Moussa Diaby is set to make a big-money move to Saudi Arabia after reaching an agreement on personal terms with Al-Ittihad. The Saudi club is prepared to spend €60 million on the Aston Villa winger. After a successful first season, where he made 54 appearances and scored 10 goals to help Villa qualify for the Champions League, Al-Ittihad considered making a move for him as they look to strengthen their squad after finishing fifth last season and will now enter negotiations with the Premier League club. Diaby’s potential transfer highlights the increasing financial power of Saudi clubs in the global football market, as they aim to attract top talent from European leagues.

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