Barcelona Eye Manchester United Teen JJ Gabriel

Barcelona are said to be pursuing Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, according to reports, as the Catalan club monitor the Old Trafford prospect. Meanwhile Crystal Palace are prepared to consider offers for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the summer if they cannot agree a new contract with him.

In the EFL, Brentford have been keeping a close watch on Coventry City defender Bobby Thomas as they assess defensive options ahead of next season.

European headlines also link Barcelona with free-agent centre-back Marc Guehi, with the club not ruling out a move next summer. Across La Liga, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s difficult start to life at Real Madrid continued after he was forced off with an ankle injury in Wednesday’s match against Athletic Club.

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In Scottish football, reports link Olympiakos with a move for Dundee United target Galymazhan Kenzhebek. Separately, it’s been revealed that Scotland fans will be able to watch World Cup matches in nightclubs, expanding public viewing options.

Cricket owners of the Hundred franchise Welsh Fire have emerged as serious candidates to buy Virat Kohli’s Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bengaluru, according to the Telegraph.

In Formula 1, former supremo Bernie Ecclestone has praised Max Verstappen highly, claiming the Dutchman could overshadow Lando Norris and calling Verstappen one of the best drivers the sport has produced.

Rugby news: the Rugby Football League is reportedly weighing an offer from an Australian promoter to stage a hybrid contest between a league side and England’s national rugby union team.

In athletics, World Athletics has abandoned plans to introduce a takeoff zone for the long jump, reverting to the traditional board after widespread opposition from athletes.