Transfer Rumours, Engine Row and USMNT Prospects: The Midweek Football Notebook
The headlines this week span Formula One's latest technical squabble, a scramble at the top of the Premier League transfer market, and a fresh look at the brightest young American talents bound for Europe. Here is what the sources are reporting.
Mercedes handed engine upgrade amid Red Bull complaints
According to Sky Sports, the FIA has confirmed that Mercedes have been granted engine upgrades despite complaints raised by Red Bull. The governing body's decision settles, for now, a dispute that had threatened to spill into a wider row over the sport's technical regulations.
Sunderland, Coventry and Liverpool making moves
Sky Sports reports that Sunderland are exploring a late move for Jack Grealish, a signing that would represent a significant statement of intent for the Championship club. Elsewhere, Coventry are said to have added a defender from Brentford in their latest piece of business.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have made an approach for Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, according to corroborating reports from both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. The BBC suggests the Reds have turned their attention to Sarr after Brighton rejected their bids for Yankuba Minteh, and the Merseyside club appear determined to strengthen their attack before the window closes.
Record-breaking window on the cards?
BBC Sport poses a tantalising question: will a Premier League club break the record for transfer sales in a single window? With several clubs active in the market, the funds flowing through the league this summer could prove historic.
Alvarez saga takes another twist
The Julian Alvarez transfer saga continues to dominate the Spanish headlines. Atletico Madrid have hit back at Barcelona, insisting there is '0% chance' of any deal over the striker, while BarΓ§a president Joan Laporta maintains the club is still hopeful of signing him, according to reports carried by both ESPN and other outlets.
Elsewhere in football
Chelsea are reported to be in contact over a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, per BBC Sport. On the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at half-time as Al Nassr came from two goals down to win, while UEFA are reportedly set to end their boycott concerning a World Cup investor plan, per ESPN.
USMNT's rising stars
ESPN has turned its attention to the United States men's national team, asking which U21 prospects are best placed to make the leap to Europe. With American talent increasingly coveted across the continent, these are names worth watching closely as the transfer market evolves over the coming years.
All of the above is drawn directly from the source headlines and should be treated as reports rather than confirmed fact until officially announced.