Jones is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield, with the Reds reportedly open to a move rather than letting him leave for free when his existing deal expires.

In January, Inter saw an offer to sign Jones on loan for the remainder of the season – with the option to buy – rejected.

Liverpool also turned down the Nerazzurri's recent offer of £21.7m (€25m) for the England international, who is valued at around £35m (€40m) by the Reds.

New stage unlocked. It’s win or go home.

Good luck to our lads in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cuppic.twitter.com/IPeqQicm0g

— Inter(@Inter) June 29, 2026

"I've never denied that we like Curtis Jones," Ausilio said. "He has the qualities that could give us something extra. But there's a significant gap between our valuation and Liverpool's.

"Liverpool have every right to ask for what they believe is a fair price, and we have every right to decide whether that works for us or not. As things stand, I'd say it's very difficult."

Two-time Premier League winner Jones, who joined Liverpool as a nine-year-old, came through the ranks before making 228 first-team appearances for the Reds, scoring 22 goals.

The 25-year-old played 34 times in the Premier League last season, with Alexis Mac Allister (37), Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch (both 36) the only Liverpool midfielders to appear more often.

Jones also recorded the third-most successful passes (1,509) among Liverpool midfielders, while only Szoboszlai (187) won possession more often than him (144).

The post Inter CEO concedes ‘significant gap’ between valuations for Liverpool midfielder Jones appeared first on SoccerNews.

With the 2026 World Cup knockout stages now in full swing, there are plenty of attractive betting promotions available this summer.

Competition: Irish Premier Division

Market: Goal to be scored in both halves

Odds: 8/11 @1xBet

Starting with the hosts, while Sligo might have sprung an almighty upset back on May 22nd as they claimed a sensational 2-1 victory away at Friday’s opponents, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Rovers. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat two points adrift in the relegation play-off spot and facing a real battle in the race to keep hold of their Premier Division status, John Russell’s side are universally regarded as a major underdog contender here. Last seen suffering a dramatic late collapse on home soil as they were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate against Shelbourne, Sligo have mustered just a sole point from any of their previous four consecutive appearances. Getting June underway with a woeful 4-0 drumming against Waterford, Friday’s hosts have gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring defensive issues. Signing off May with a 3-1 drumming against Bohemians, Russell’s struggling squad have also put just a single Premier Division win on the board since back on April 25th.

As for the visitors, making an immediate return to winning ways last time out as they secured a routine 3-1 victory at home against Galway, it is no surprise that Shamrock look set to retain their Premier Division crown at a canter. Including a 2-0 victory away at Waterford on June 19th, Stephen Bradley’s men have registered seven points from their previous three appearances. Opening Friday’s showdown holding a commanding seven-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Irish heavyweights will simply be looking to make another public statement here. Despite falling to a shock 2-1 loss when they welcomed the relegation scrappers to Dublin back on May 22nd, Shamrock will certainly be confident of claiming some immediate revenge. Two camps who are scrapping it out at opposite ends of the Premier Division standings, we could be treated to an enjoyable affair this weekend.

Bet: Goal to be scored in both halves at Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers 8/11 for Friday’s Irish Premier Division battle 1xBet

The post Bitesize Prediction: Sligo Rovers vs Shamrock Rovers – 03/07/26 appeared first on SoccerNews.

With all eyes fixed on North America this summer, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available this summer.

Verdict: Portugal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: BetUS

Portugal

Starting with Portugal, while the former European champions might still be undated since arriving in North America, Roberto Martinez’s camp have largely struggled to find any real fluidity. Getting their World Cup campaign underway with a shock 1-1 loss against the D.R. Congo, the ex-Belgium boss has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders. Signing off their Group K adventure with a 0-0 stalemate against Colombia last weekend, Portugal were eventually forced to settle for a silver medal finish. However, briefly finding top gear as they stormed their way to an emetic 5-0 romp against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on June 23rd, Martinez’s men will be seeking a repeat performance when they arrive in Toronto in the early hours of Friday. It should also be highlighted, the Navigators have suffered just a sole competitive defeat over the past 15 months.

Portugal Team News

Opening his World Cup account with a brace against Uzbekistan on June 23rd, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line in Toronto. Crowned as the Premier League’s Player of the Season and spearheading Manchester United’s Champions League charge, Bruno Fernandes will join Ronaldo in the final third.

Both helping PSG defend their European crown against Arsenal on May 30th, the duo of Joao Neves and Vitinha will start in the middle of the park. Despite being set to complete a blockbuster free switch to Real Madrid this summer, Bernardo Silva could be forced to settle for a spot on the bench.

Croatia

As for Croatia, while the former World Cup finalists might have opened their respective North American adventure with a rollercoaster 4-2 defeat against England on June 17th, Zlatko Dalic’s camp have come bouncing them. Signing off their Group L campaign with consecutive wins against Panama and Ghana, they eventually wrapped up a silver medal finish behind the Three Lions. However, facing what could be a stern examination in Toronto, Croatia have struggled to find any kind of defensive grit. Despite drawing a line under their pre-tournament preparations with a 2-1 victory against Slovenia on June 7th, Dalic’s men have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last nine appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back over the past eight months.

Croatia Team News

In what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance, former Ballon d’Or winner and Croatian icon Luka Modric will Dalic’s side out and earn a 202nd international cap in Toronto. Working his way back to full fitness and making consecutive starts, Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic will partner Modric in the middle of the park.

Bagging the winner against Panama on June 24th and opening his World Cup account, veteran striker Ante Budimir will lead the line. Getting on the scoresheet in his first start of the summer, one-time West Ham misfit Nikola Vlasic could keep his spot in the final third.

Portugal vs Croatia Key Factors to Consider

• When Portugal and Croatia last met back in November 2024, Friday’s opponents played out a 1-1 Nations League stalemate in Split.
• Croatia have registered just a sole clean sheet from any of their last nine appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back over the past eight months.
• Portugal have suffered just a single competitive defeat over the past 15 months.
• Seven of Croatia’s last 10 appearances across all fronts have finished with over 2.5 goals.
• Each of the last six straight meetings between Portugal and Croatia have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Storming their way past Uzbekistan on June 23rd as they claimed a rampant 5-0 victory, Portugal will be dreaming of a repeat performance in Toronto. While the former European champions might have failed to find any real fluidity since touching down in North America this summer, Martinez’s men have suffered just a single competitive defeat over the past 15 months. Meeting what has become a leaky Croatian defence in the early hours of Friday, we are backing Portugal to extend on their World Cup adventure here.

Verdict: Portugal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: BetUS

The post Prediction: Portugal vs Croatia appeared first on SoccerNews.

Thomas Tuchel's side will be favourites to advance from the round of 32 on Wednesday when they face DR Congo, who have progressed from the group phase for the first time.

Nevertheless, Madueke insisted no stone would be left unturned when it comes to England's preparation, including the possibility of penalties.

Though they won three of their four penalty shoot-outs under Gareth Southgate, spot-kicks have been the scourge of the Three Lions over the years.

They have exited six major tournaments on penalties – including the World Cup in 1990, 1998 and 2006, as well as losing the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Shoot-outs took centre stage at the finals on Monday, with both Germany and the Netherlands crashing out after they were beaten on spot-kicks by Paraguay and Morocco respectively.

"Just like all phases of play, we're taking it extremely seriously," Madueke said.

"As you go into knockout football, it's something that becomes more prominent in the games so, like every part of our game, we want to be at the highest level when it comes to that.

"I'm always open to taking a penalty. At the end of the day, it comes down to the coach's decision and what he wants and what he thinks is best for the team, but from my side, I'm always ready.

"A lot of it is psychological – how you strike the ball, depending on your run-up and whether you stop or whether you wait for the goalkeeper, or whether you just pick a corner and look to strike it as cleanly as possible. All those things go into it."

“We’ll be ready from the start."

Noni Madueke on our Round of 32 clash with DR Congo

— England (@England) June 29, 2026

Madueke started both of England's opening two Group L games against Croatia and Ghana ahead of Bukayo Saka, before coming off the bench to replace his Arsenal team-mate during the victory over Panama.

The former Chelsea winger believes the competition between the pair has been mutually beneficial on an individual level, as well as for club and country.

"Obviously, it's well-documented that we're very close, so normally it should be a little bit strange, but it's not," Madueke added. "I feel like it doesn't really affect our relationship whatsoever.

"I feel like we want the best for each other when each other plays, because at the end of the day, that means that if he plays well, I play well, then England and Arsenal have better chances of winning.

"In terms of how we differ, I think I thrive in space, and he thrives in congestion.

"I feel like you always have to be at the highest level because you know you have a top player waiting and biting at your heels to try and get in the team.

"I think that type of healthy competition is good, but playing for Arsenal and playing for England you don't really need anyone else to keep you at the highest level. You know that that's a requirement."

The post England taking penalties ‘extremely seriously’ ahead of DR Congo clash, says Madueke appeared first on SoccerNews.

Having spent 19 years in total with Tottenham Hotspur, Kane left his boyhood club to join Bayern in 2023 for close to €100 million. He’s won two Bundesliga titles since then, scoring 146 goals and producing 33 assists in just 147 matches in all competitions for the club. In 2025-26 alone, he had 41 goal contributions (36 goals, five assists) in 31 Bundesliga appearances.

Barcelona are obviously looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, but having arrived to Bayern in that exact role, it seems Kane isn’t interested in following in the footsteps of the Polish veteran again.

Barcelona have made contact to understand his situation, but the answer they received was clear – Kane is happy at Bayern, and Bayern are happy with Kane.

The post Harry Kane to sign new Bayern contract amid Barcelona interest appeared first on SoccerNews.

Ouahbi's side defeated the three-time finalists 3-2 on penalties in Monterrey, where the tie had finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Issa Diop took the game beyond 90 minutes with his second-half stoppage-time header, and though Neil El Aynaoui and Achraf Hakimi both missed their spot-kicks, Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's penalty before Ismael Saibari secured victory.

Morocco's goal by Diop, timed at 90 minutes and five seconds, was their second-latest goal in a World Cup match, after Zakaria Aboukhlal's effort against Belgium in 2022 (91 minutes, 51 seconds).

The Atlas Lions have now won both of their World Cup matches which have gone to extra-time, after also defeating Spain on penalties in the round of 16 four years ago.

Morocco went to reach the semi-finals and finish fourth in Qatar, but Ouahbi believes they can go even further this time around.

فرحة التأهل من قلب غرفة الملابس! 

Special moments in the dressing room after qualification! #DimaMaghrib #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/nkssobWgeT

— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) June 30, 2026

"What we need to tell ourselves is no-one can stop us," he said. "We're unstoppable if we play the football that we know how to play. But nobody is unbeatable. And I tell my guys that as well.

"If we get things wrong, we'll go home. We need to ensure that we have all the tools that we're using, the tools in our arsenal to go as far as we can. That's the mentality that we want all of our players in Morocco to have.

"Moroccan players in Morocco believe in themselves, the supporters believe in us as well. It's so important. They're demanding, but it's because they know just how far we can go."

Morocco will back themselves to now reach the quarter-finals with a last-16 clash against Canada, who are enjoying their best ever World Cup performance.

Ouahbi, however, insisted there would be no complacency ahead of their tie with the co-hosts.

"We know that it's game after game, and people think that it's going to be easy for us, it's going to be a walk in the park for Morocco, which is not the case," he added. "Canada is a team that is going to be difficult for us."

The post ‘Nobody is unbeatable’ – Morocco boss Ouahbi desires World Cup glory appeared first on SoccerNews.

Embarking on a rampant group stage charge in North America this summer and already laying down a public marker, Les Bleus have their sights fixed on recapturing their crown after the most infamous of heartbreak out in Qatar four years ago.

While Sweden might have dragged themselves out of Group F this summer as they secured a bronze medal finish, Graham Potter’s camp will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge when they arrive in New Jersey on Tuesday.

With all eyes falling on the MetLife Stadium in midweek, we have taken a glance at the most attractive France vs Sweden Bet Builder Tips.

Les Blues’ charge for the history books

Eventually relinquishing their crown four years ago in the most dramatic of circumstances, Didier Deschamps’ squad are completely focused on reestablishing themselves as world football’s ultimate poster boys.

Getting proceedings underway with a 3-1 victory against African giants Senegal on June 16th, France have certainly made an almighty early statement in North America and Les Blues are riding a serious wave of momentum.

Touching down for this summer’s tournament with an all-star squad that is glittering with elite European talent, Deschamps’ camp breezed their way to top spot in Group I and hardly had to get out of third gear.

Laying down another public marker over the weekend as they signed off their Group I romp with an empathic 4-1 win against Norway, France have won all of their three showdowns in North America by an aggregate score of 10-2.

Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, the former world champions have found their tantalising best at a crucial time and the rest of this summer’s competitors will certainly have one-eye fixed on New Jersey.

Bet Builder Tip: France win @ 1/3 with 1xBet  

The Dembele show

While talismanic skipper Kylian Mbappe might lead France out under the bright lights on Tuesday night, the Real Madrid superstar is not the only heavyweight striking option that Deschamps has at his disposal this summer.

Spearheading PSG’s Champions League defence last month, Ousmane Dembele has continued to set North America alight and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner will play another leading role in New Jersey.

Writing himself into the history books last week and bagging an astonishing first-half hat-trick against Norway in Foxborough, the former Barcelona starlet will partner Mbappe in the final third and complete an all-star attacking duo.

Bagging a maiden World Cup strike during France’s routine 3-0 win against Iraq on June 22nd, Dembele has now registered five direct goal contributions in his back-to-back appearances over the past week (four goals, one assist).

Notching 20 goals across all competitions for club and country so far this calendar year, the 29-year-old will be confident of exploiting an incredibly leaky Swedish defence in midweek.

Bet Builder Tip: Ousmane Dembele to score anytime @ 6/4 with BetUS  

Sweden’s glaring defensive issues

While Potter might have already exceeded his expectations after only taking over the reigns back in November ahead of Sweden’s final World Cup qualifying charge, the former West Ham boss will be more than aware that his squad faces a monumental challenge in New Jersey.

While the Yellows might have opened their respective North American adventure with a 5-1 victory against a Tunisia squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis on June 15th, Sweden have drastically failed to find any kind of stability since touching down on the continent.

Coming under plenty of scrutiny earlier in the month as they fell to their own 5-1 drumming against the Netherlands, Potter will certainly have an almighty headache over his side’s glaring defensive struggles.

Despite possessing their own dynamic attacking duo with both Liverpool marksman Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Victor Gyokores set to lead the line, Sweden have remarkably failed to register a single clean sheet from any of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions.

Falling to a rollercoaster 4-2 loss when they last met France while in Nations League action back in November 2020, Potter’s camp will also be unable to call upon Atalanta defender Isak Hien after the 27-year-old limped off with a thigh issue in the first-half against Japan last week.

Bet Builder Tip: Goal to be scored in both halves @ 3/5 with BetUS

France vs Sweden Bet Builder Tips

• France win 
• Ousmane Dembele to score anytime 
• Goal to be scored in both halves 

ODDS – 4/1 with 1xBet

You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.

The post France vs Sweden Bet Builder Tips – 4/1 World Cup Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on SoccerNews.

Netherlands lost 3-2 on penalties after the round of 32 tie finished 1-1 after extra-time, with Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missing their penalties.

The Oranje have missed three times in a penalty shootout for the second time ever in a competitive match, after previously doing so against Italy at EURO 2000.

Koeman selected a back five for the first time since March 2024 (a 2-1 defeat against Germany), playing their 31 matches in between with four defenders. 

Netherlands had just 29.9% possession throughout the 120 minutes, registering only six shots worth 0.24 expected goals (xG) to Morocco's 1.36 from 11 attempts.

Koeman stood by his tactics, claiming it was what "the whole of the Netherlands" wanted.

"It is perfectly fine for everyone to have their own opinion. But if I had to do it over, I would have done the same thing," said Koeman.

"We discussed with everyone after every match that I felt we were giving away too much. You do that line by line and with the whole group.

3 – The Netherlands have missed three times in a penalty shootout for the second time ever in a competitive match, after previously doing so against Italy at EURO 2000.

Traumatic. pic.twitter.com/KLn2A2bfEP

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 30, 2026

"Given the quality of your opponent, you are asking for big trouble. And even with five men down, the goal against Morocco was scored; with four, there would have been many more moments like that.

"If you agree with something beforehand, you can't say afterwards that it didn't work out. The whole of the Netherlands was asking for five defenders. Again, I don't care."

Netherlands' early exit from the World Cup has now increased the pressure on Koeman, who said he will take his time when deciding his future in the role.

"If it stays 1-0, I will receive compliments from all of the Netherlands," added the Dutch coach.

"If I had to do it over, I would do the same thing again. We did show too little, though. That is true.

"I have not offered my resignation yet. I am going to calmly think about my future. I am going to get things in order. Maybe I will have made up my mind by tomorrow afternoon. I haven't thought about that yet."

The post Koeman strongly defends Netherlands tactics in World Cup defeat appeared first on SoccerNews.

The teenager has gained reported interest from European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool after an impressive season with Leipzig.

Diomande directly contributed to 20 goals (12 goals, eight assists) in 33 Bundesliga games in 2025-26, a tally bettered only by Harry Kane (41), Michael Olise (34), Luis Diaz (29), Deniz Undav (25) and Christoph Baumgartner (21).

The winger, however, completed the most dribbles (118 – 50 more than any other player) and take-on-ending carries (104 – 29 more than any other player).

Leipzig managing director Marcel Schafer previously stated the club intend to keep Diomande for at least another season, but the forward has other plans.

"First of all, like I said, my dream is playing for my country and making history with my country," said Diomande.

For the first time ever, Ivory Coast have reached the knockout stages of a #FIFAWorldCup! 

Congrats, Dio!  pic.twitter.com/zYaYkX09Zf

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) June 25, 2026

"I don't have Instagram anymore, I don't have TikTok, so I can't see anything but I expect to leave [RB Leipzig] of course.

"I have an agent who's going to manage the rest, but for me the most important thing right now is focusing on the World Cup with my country and making history with them."

Diomande's profile has been boosted at the 2026 World Cup after helping Ivory Coast reach the knockout rounds.

Diomande became only the second African player on record (from 1966) to complete 10+ dribbles (10) and create 10+ chances (10) in a single World Cup group stage, after South Africa's Quinton Fortune in 2002.

The post Diomande ‘expects to leave’ Leipzig amid PSG interest appeared first on SoccerNews.

A new agreement has been made between the two sides, which includes a buy-back option for Madrid next summer.

Paz signed a four-year deal when joining Como in August 2024, and helped the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history this season.

The 21-year-old has made 75 appearances for Como across all competitions, directly contributing to 36 goals (19 goals, 17 assists).

Madrid released a statement on Monday which read: "Real Madrid C.F., Como 1907, and Nico Paz have reached an agreement for the player to remain at the Italian club for the 2026-2027 season.

"This agreement, which has been made at the player's own request, also provides that Real Madrid retains a unilateral buy-back option for Nico Paz's federative rights for the 2027-2028 season."

Official Announcement: Nico Paz

— Real Madrid C.F.  (@realmadriden) June 29, 2026

Paz, who made two appearances in Argentina's group stage campaign at the World Cup, also released a statement of his own on Instagram.

"After many weeks of reflection, I have decided that the best option for my career at this time is to stay at the club for another year, the club that gave me the opportunity to grow and become the player I am today," said the midfielder.

"I personally believe this is the best decision for both me and Real Madrid, as it is a very important year at this stage of my career and a unique opportunity to continue growing as a footballer and prepare myself in the best way for the future."

Como will face the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in pre-season before starting their 2026-27 Serie A season against Udinese on August 22.

The post Real Madrid confirm Paz will stay with Como for 2026-27 season appeared first on SoccerNews.