Football news LIVE: Spurs eye Eze as Man United improve Mbeumo offer, Kerkez set for Liverpool medical, Brentford close in on new manager

Atleticoing home

Atletico Madrid have become the first big Club World Cup side to face a shock exit.

The Spanish outfit have been knocked out despite beating Botafogo 1-0 on Monday night.

Antoine Griezmann scored in the 87th minute but due to the goal difference between the two sides, Atletico finished third in Group B.

Table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain were 2-0 winners over Seattle Sounders to confirm their progression to the knockout stages.

They and Botafogo join Flamengo as the three confirmed sides in the upcoming last 16.

PSG will meet the runners-up in Group A, which will be one of Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, Botafogo will face the winners of Group A.

Changes incoming

Enzo Maresca will select a new-look starting XI in Chelsea's final match in the Club World Cup group stage.

The Blues face Esperance de Tunis, live on talkSPORT, days after their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.

Chelsea beat Los Angeles 2-0 beforehand but need at least a draw in their next match to progress to the knockout stages.

Head coach Maresca has revealed that tiredness in the camp will lead to selection changes for what is a crucial match.

"Tomorrow we will do some rotation because the ones who played two games are quite tired to play again," he said in his press conference.

"So we will make rotation and we will see if there is a chance for those who haven't played as much.

"Reece, the reason why [he didn't train] is because he is ill. Levi Colwill has also been ill in the last two days, but today was better and part of the session."

Staying put

Jonny Evans is set to stay at Manchester United, despite being named on their retained and released list.

The centre-back has been announced as one of their departures this summer at the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

However, The Athletic report that Evans is in advanced talks with the club over a role related to youth development.

Evans came through the club academy before making his senior debut for United in 2007.

After leaving in 2015, he returned two years ago and extended his total appearance tally to 241 across all competitions.

Evans is a three-time Premier League winner with United, and also lifted the Champions League.

Operation Bluebirds

Gareth Bale has confirmed his interest in buying Cardiff City.]

He is reportedly fronting a consortium who are looking to purchase the Bluebirds and have made an approach.

Tottenham and Real Madrid legend Bale was previously linked with buying their League One rivals Plymouth Argyle.

However, it's Cardiff who the former winger has in his sights.

"We are interested in getting Cardiff," he said at the premiere of F1: The Movie via the Sun: "It's my home [town] club, it's where I grew up and my uncle used to play for them.

"To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true. It's a club close to my heart.

"It's where I grew up and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.

"I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together.

"We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done."

Done deal

West Brom have confirmed the signing of defender Nat Phillips from Liverpool.

The centre-back, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Derby County, signs a three-year deal at the Hawthorns.

Explaining his decision to move, Phillips said: “A big factor was that this is obviously a big club with high aspirations – and I’d say those aspirations align with mine.

"I think everyone at the club and involved would like to see it competing for promotion and pushing for Premier League football – and that’s the same as me.

“I’m really looking forward to it and as soon as I found out about the interest I just wanted to get here and get going.

“Throughout my career I’ve always wanted to develop a rhythm and continue to play week in, week out. I feel like I did that in the second half of last season, and I want to continue that rhythm and try to take that into the season coming up.

“I’ve had a number of loans over the past few years and it’ll be really nice for me and my family to go somewhere and know we’re staying there to develop a relationship with the club and the fans.”

talkSPORT understands

Manchester United have improved their offer to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo to a package worth in excess of £60m, talkSPORT understands.

Talks have accelerated in the past 24 hours and will continue this week.

Mbeumo has always made it clear to the Bees his preference is to join United over reuniting with Thomas Frank at Tottenham.

United have already agreed personal terms with Mbuemo on a contract worth around £250,000-a-week.

Spurs are now expected to focus their efforts on a swoop for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.

Farewell, legend

Wrexham forward Paul Mullin has joined Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan, it has been confirmed.

The club legend, who in four years at Wrexham has played a major part in their rise, held talks with League One Wigan last week with the move being confirmed on Monday.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “I’d like to wish Paul all the best for his loan move.

“It’s a good opportunity for him to get back to playing regular first-team football and I’m sure he’s going to be a great signing for Wigan Athletic.”

Done deal

Crystal Palace have signed goalkeeper Walter Benitez from PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who played every game of PSV's title-winning Eredivisie campaign last season, will link up with the Eagles at the start of next month.

Benitez is expected to serve as understudy to current Palace number one Dean Henderson, alongside current back-up Remi Matthews.

Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Walter is an excellent addition to our squad, bringing further quality, experience and competition to our goalkeeping department alongside Dean and Remi.

"We look forward to welcoming Walter to South London next month as we continue our preparations towards what promises to be a busy season, competing on multiple fronts, in 2025-26."

Palm of his hand

New Chelsea star Liam Delap will be looking to follow in the footsteps of both Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, who are both now England regulars after becoming integral Chelsea players.

Delap and Palmer were both at Manchester City’s Academy together, where they worked under Enzo Maresca and forged a relationship with Joe Shields, who is now Chelsea’s Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent.

Palmer even played a role in helping to secure Delap’s signature.

“I’ve known Cole since I was 15, playing at Manchester City with him,” said Delap, speaking to talkSPORT from Philadelphia ahead of Chelsea’s final group-stage game against ES Tunis. “I’ve got a good relationship with him, so it was nice to see a familiar face.

“I spoke to him a little bit [before deciding to join Chelsea]. I asked him what I needed to ask. He told me what I needed to know. I don’t like too much information. Ultimately, it was my decision and I kind of just wanted my head to be clear.

“It was a nice position to be in [having multiple clubs interested]. You never know if it is going to be the right decision, but you’ve just got to go with your gut and hopefully it works out… I took a few days to decide and speak to people then decide my future.

“There are so many factors that went into it. I’ve got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I’ve played in this system before. I know a lot of the players here, and the project of the club and how they see the future, that’s what excites me.”

Cirk du Soleil

Tottenham are reportedly interested in re-signing former youth star Dennis Cirkin from newly-promoted Sunderland.

The defender moved to London aged three and became part of the Spurs academy, although he didn’t make any senior appearances.

Cirkin left in 2021 to sign for Sunderland when they were in League One and has since featured 116 times for them in all competitions.

He was also part of their promotion-winning side last season as the Black Cats beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.

Now, Spurs could be set to bring him back to north London, as The Northern Echo have reported their interest in negotiating a deal.

Drogs of war

South American football expert Tim Vickery has compared incoming Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus to a Premier League legend.

The Botafogo forward is expected to move to the City Ground after the Club World Cup.

Speaking on the Trans Europe Express, he explained: “I really see Igor Jesus as a modern-day Didier Drogba.

“He is a one-man forward line. You can attack with him. You can attack with one player because anything you want to do, he can do it.

“Play up to him and he’ll hold the ball up. Go into the channels and he’ll run behind defences. He can drop and combine.

“Get service into the penalty area and he’ll score goals. He can run at defenders with the ball.

“And he will get behind the line of the ball and defend like a tiger. What a player. What a player he has been.”

Devil may care

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Moise Kean this summer.

The Italian striker reportedly has a release clause in his Fiorentina contract, which will become active next month.

However, Troy Deeney has urged the Red Devils not to pursue a move for the former Everton forward.

The former Watford man told Breakfast: "No, 25 years old, moves around a lot. Doesn't seem like a long-term fit for Man United."

Blue sky thinking

New Chelsea forward Liam Delap is relishing the pressure of wearing the number nine shirt at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old joined from Ipswich for £30m, with the Blues fighting off competition from Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton to secure his signature.

Delap has never worn number nine at senior level, but did don the number under Enzo Maresca with Manchester City’s Under-23s in the 2020/21 season, scoring 24 goals in just 20 appearances en route to the Premier League 2 title.

Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Álvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuaín and Romelu Lukaku all failed to live up to expectations wearing number nine at Chelsea, while former Blues manager and now England boss Thomas Tuchel revealed 'nobody wants to touch the number nine' back in August 2022.

However, level-headed Delap is not superstitious or worried he’s made a bad shirt selection.

“No, I’m not that type of person,” said Delap, speaking to talkSPORT from Philadelphia ahead of Chelsea’s final group-stage game against ES Tunis.

“It’s something people speculate about, but it doesn’t mean anything to me.

“I chose it. At the end of the day, it’s just a number on the back of your shirt. The number nine has always been related to strikers, so it’s something I like, but there is no pressure [wearing it].”

Kane-do attitude

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been unfazed by the hot weather during the Club World Cup.

"I'm not concerned [about the heat]. I think it's part of football. You have to be able to adapt," the England captain said.

"This is a great experience for me and some of the other England guys who are going to be playing next year in the World Cup.

"So, you know, something special about these kinds of Club World Cup games and next year will be the same."

"When you come off that pitch and you're sweating and you're dripping and you're cramping and you've given everything from the pitch, there's a special kind of feeling inside, especially when you win. That's what we have to do."

Salah-vating

Mohamed Salah has fired a cheeky dig at Liverpool teammate Dominik Szoboszlai following Florian Wirtz's move to the club.

Wirtz became the second arrival at Anfield on Friday as he also joined from Leverkusen in a British transfer record deal worth £116.5m.

The German, who was unveiled without a squad number, is set to take up the role as Arne Slot's chief attacking midfielder.

That position was often occupied by Szoboszlai last season, with Salah sending a cheeky jibe the Hungarian's way on social media.

The Egyptian tagged Szoboszlai on Instagram, after suggesting Wirtz could take the Hungary captain's No.8 shirt at Anfield.

Szoboszlai is known more for his attacking midfield qualities, but Slot played him slightly deeper in their 3-2 loss at Brighton in May.

He recently made it clear that he doesn't see Wirtz as a threat to his position.

"No, I don't think so," he replied via oghuncrew when asked if he was 'afraid' of the arrival of the German. "Of course, if they buy a player for €150m they probably won't keep him on the bench.

"But then we have to find a way to play together. If you say that it will be difficult for me, then we'll wait and see how it will be after pre-season.

"In the end, you might be right but I don't give up easily. I think he knows that getting into a Premier League-winning team is a hard job and takes work."

Alejand-no Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho should be facing the ultimate wrath from his Manchester United teammates for his latest social media sideshow.

The Argentine winger is in hot water with United fans after he posted an image of himself in a Marcus Rashford Aston Villa shirt in front of two supercars.

Garnacho and Rashford are currently excluded from Ruben Amorim’s squad as they seek summer transfers.

“He doesn’t want to [get back in the team], he must have a move lined up and he’s playing it that way,” talkSPORT host Troy Deeney said.

“It’s a new generation so I’ve got to try and not sound like an old man and be grumpy, but they just need a clip round the ear half of these.

“They’re bored and they’ve got no respect, respect is something that is spoken about now, it’s not earned. 

“If it was me at Man United and I was [Bruno] Fernandes I’d wait until he came back and first day I’d just smash him, I would, I’m not trying to make headlines, I’d just smash him, this is Man United, who do you think you are? You little dope.”

“It looks to me like he’s swapped that jersey with Marcus and he’s taken it there because he’s training and ticking over,” Deeney added.

“Taking a football shirt for me is a bit weird, but everything about this would rub up a football fan wrong.

“You’ve got a Lamborghini, you’ve got a Ferrari, Marcus isn’t in the best shape with United fans, everything about that would rub a football fan the wrong way, and you can’t tell me that’s a natural shot.

“He’s posed and thought about where he’s doing it, then they’ve thought about a caption, nobody between him and his agent has thought it’s probably not a good idea.

“At this point, it’s all on you, it’s not a PR team, it’s not an agency, it’s all on you, you have the power to get hold of that.

“It’s the modern footballer, when he was doing well and everyone was telling him how great he was he loved every second of it, get a little wobble and they all go ‘get me out of here, let me run away’ it just shows their character in my opinion.”

Bellingham confirms surgery to address shoulder issue

Jude Bellingham is finally set for shoulder surgery 19 months after first dislocating it.

Following his switch to Spain, the 21-year-old dislocated his shoulder in a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano in November 2023.

He was forced to miss Los Blancos' next two matches, while also being absent for England's final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The expectation was that Bellingham would go under the knife as a result of that injury setback, but ultimately, surgery never took place.

The England midfielder will now finally get surgery to fix the long standing issue after the completion of the Club World Cup.

He said: "I've reached the point where the pain isn't so bad, but I was sick of playing with the sling.

"I'm losing a lot of weight from sweating so much, and I've decided that I'll have surgery after the tournament. I've been waiting for a long time, and my patience is running out, but the physios and doctors have been incredible. I just want to feel free."

What's wrong with Jude Bellingham's shoulder as Madrid plan surgery after Club World Cup

Practice makes perfect

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola led the praise for Claudio Echeverri following the youngster's full debut on Sunday.

Touted as a Lionel Messi regen, Echeverri, who was bought by the club in January 2024, was named in the starting XI against Al Ain.

The 19-year-old duly rewarded his manager's show of faith by scoring in City's 6-0 thrashing at the Club World Cup.

"Last season when he arrived after every training session he practised free-kicks alone, so always works pay off," Guardiola told DAZN.

"If he scores a goal, it's because he practises."

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, said of Echeverri: "He reminds me a bit of Julian Alvarez - same type of player, his finishing is incredible.

"He is a really good guy, a bit shy in the beginning but I think he can help us a lot."

Cherry picked

Milos Kerkez's £40million switch from Bournemouth to Liverpool is almost done.

The Hungarian defender is set to fly into the UK from Belgrade and undergo a medical today, according to the Athletic's David Ornstein.

The Reds have wasted no time in the transfer market since they were crowned champions by already spending £146million on new arrivals.

Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong was first through the door with a £29.5m move from Bayer Leverkusen, signing a five-year deal.

Wirtz became the second arrival at Anfield on Friday as he also joined from Leverkusen in a British transfer record deal worth £116.5m.

The completion of that move has accelerated the arrival of Kerez, who has already been replaced at Bournemouth by Adrien Truffert.

Bell of the ball

Jude Bellingham jokingly fanned the flames of a family feud with brother Jobe at the Club World Cup.

A day after Jobe scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund, his older brother opened the scoring for Real Madrid in their win over Mexican side Pachuca.

It marks the first time the Bellingham siblings have scored in the same competition, and first time ever brothers have done so at the same Club World Cup.

Asked if his brother's goal was on his mind, Jude Bellingham told DAZN: "A little bit, I've got to be honest.

"Everyone was caning me yesterday saying he's better than me, so I had to do something today.

"We're 1-1 now and we'll see for the rest of the tournament," the England midfielder joked to DAZN.

Crack out the Champagne (supernova)

Ryan Mason is closing in on making forgotten Liverpool man Nat Phillips his first signing as the new West Brom boss.

Phillips, who is expecting a baby with his partner, Molly Moorish-Gallagher, the daughter of Oasis frontman Liam, is looking to finalise a permanent transfer away from Anfield after six loans.

The 28-year-old, who has one year left on his Liverpool contract, was most recently at Derby last season.

According to the Telegraph, the defender is now close to signing for West Brom in a permanent deal.

Phillips, who joined Liverpool in 2016 from Bolton's academy, has struggled to break into the senior side in his near-decade at the club.

His only consistent run in the Reds first-team came under Jurgen Klopp during the COVID 2020-21 season, after fellow centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez suffered serious injuries.

He has made 19 appearances for Liverpool, with his only goal coming in a 3-0 win away at Burnley in May 2021.

Ram raid

Southampton are willing to allow Aaron Ramsdale to leave on loan, talkSPORT understands.

Galatasaray and Rangers are among the clubs credited with an interest in Ramsdale, who is Southampton's top earner on wages in excess of £100,000-a-week.

Ramsdale wants to be playing at the highest level possible to ensure he is named in England's World Cup squad.