Browsing: rumors

Dwayne “The Rock†Johnson has once again addressed the idea of running for President—and this time, he left fans with a big “weâ€ll see.â€

While appearing on the season premiere of Varietyâ€s Awards Circuit podcast to promote his dramatic new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson was asked about the possibility of launching a future political campaign. The question isnâ€t new, but his answer continues to keep the speculation alive.

“Itâ€s wild, man. Iâ€m always honored that people ask that. I love what I do. I love storytelling. But yeah… weâ€ll see.â€

Johnsonâ€s political future wasnâ€t the main focus of the interview, but it was the comment that stuck. With America heading toward another election season, the idea of a Rock presidential campaign is once again gaining traction, especially after polls in recent years showed strong public support for the concept.

Still, Johnson was on the podcast to talk about The Smashing Machine, an intense A24 drama where he plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The role pushed him to places heâ€s never been before as an actor—and emotionally.

“This transition was, it was the hardest thing that Iâ€ve ever done.â€

Johnson revealed that he gained 30 pounds, wore prosthetics, and changed his vocal style to take on the role. But it was the personal baggage he poured into the character that made it hit so hard.

“I knew once I crossed this line and really went for it, then tap into all of that, and finally, I have a place to put all this stuff.â€

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a standing ovation, and Johnson admitted he broke down in tears afterward. The powerful response—and his commitment to the role—has many in Hollywood wondering if this is the performance that takes him all the way to Oscar season.

But with a growing number of fans still hoping to see him in the White House, Johnsonâ€s words only fueled more speculation.

Would you support a The Rock 2028 campaign? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

September 27, 2025 7:15 am

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After it was recently revealed that Shedeur Sanders’ camp steered him away from the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles during the NFL draft, the rookie is happy to be in his current situation.

Speaking to ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi, Sanders said he was “thankful” for where he’s at right now with the Cleveland Browns:

“It’s fun going out there and competing every day. I’m thankful for my situation. I’m thankful I’m able to see ball in a different light and to be able to get a different perspective than I have and I’m able to grow mentally, physically, emotionally, everything, to become my best self. So that’s [what] I’m so excited about, is that whenever I’m able to showcase it, you know what, even if it’s this year or not this year, I know at the end of the day I’m getting closer to where I want to be.”

Sanders’ comments come in the wake of his father, Deion Sanders, appearing on the New Heightspodcast this week and saying that the Eagles called during the draft to express their interest in Shedeur and that there was nothing he could learn being a backup to Lamar Jackson in Baltimore.

There is some logic to Deion’s comments that fans and analysts tend to dramatically overrate the idea of a player, particularly a quarterback, sitting behind an established superstar and learning before they get into games.

If Shedeur had wound up with the Ravens, there was no chance of him getting on the field unless Jackson suffered an injury.

However, Sanders is currently lower on the quarterback depth chart in Cleveland than he likely would have been in Baltimore. Cooper Rush is currently listed as the No. 2 on the Ravens’ depth chart.

Sanders, the 144th overall pick in the 2025 draft, is behind Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel on the Browns’ official depth chart.

The path to playing time with Flacco and Gabriel ahead of him is presumably shorter than it would be in Baltimore, but the fact that Gabriel beat him out for the backup job in the preseason could be an indication he still has a lot of work to do.

Ultimately, Sanders got what he wanted by avoiding a situation with a long-term established starter in place.

If Sanders gets on the field at some point this season and shows some of the talent that had some analysts regarding him as a first-round prospect, he could potentially enter 2026 competing to be the Cleveland’s starting quarterback.

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The Golden State Warriors need to find a resolution to their sticky situation with restricted free agent.

They should stop searching for it in the NBA trade market. For now, at least.

Look, maybe this saga—which has both paused Kuminga’s payday and stopped the Warriors from filling their roster in free agency—has caused irreparable damage to what has long felt like a fractured relationship. That’s obviously not ideal, but it’s also not a reason for Golden State to accept a bad trade just to get this over with.

And it seems like the Warriors are weighing whether to do exactly that.

Per The Athletic’s Sam Amick, sign-and-trade talks between Golden State and the Sacramento Kings “were renewed earlier this week.” While Amick noted that “no significant progress was made in the talks,” he also opined that “it’s quite notable” the Kings are still considering this.

Sacramento has no obvious incentive to abandon the pursuit, though. The Kings are in a tough spot where they aren’t guaranteed a playoff (or play-in) spot in the fully loaded Western Conference but also don’t have many young, long-term building blocks. They could envision plenty of value potential in Kuminga, a 22-year-old who was drafted seventh overall in 2021 and has since shown off explosive athleticism and a knack for getting buckets.

Moreover, he’s done all of this while being shuffled all around—and sometimes out of—the Warriors’ rotation. Right or wrong, coach Steve Kerr has decided Kuminga isn’t a great system fit, particularly since they added Jimmy Butler at the last trade deadline. It’s possible Kuminga is just one scenery change away from a major breakthrough.

One can understand, then, why the Kings might want to get something done. It’s the Warriors, though, who can’t afford for things to end this way.

Sacramento, per Amick, has “offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a lottery-protected, 2030 first-round pick,” which probably explains why these renewed trade talks didn’t get any farther than the previous round of discussions. That’s just not an interesting (let alone valuable) package for the Warriors.

For one, that’s a pretty heavy protection for a pick that wouldn’t convey for another five years at the absolute earliest. Secondly, Golden State has maintained financial flexibility for 2027 (when Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green can all enter free agency), and Monk’s contract, which has a $21.6 million player option for 2027-28, would eat into that.

Finally, Monk might be just as poor of a system fit as Kuminga. Monk is at least a better shooter (albeit a very streaky one), but he’s prone to the same bouts of tunnel vision and may not make the quick-read passes and off-ball movements needed to thrive as a support piece in this offense.

In other words, Golden State would be saddled with a contract and a player it probably doesn’t want, and its only compensation would be a heavily-protected first-round pick that might convey in a half-decade. That’s just bad business, regardless how the Warriors really feel about Kuminga.

If that’s the only external option left, it’s time for them to think longer and harder about an internal fix to this issue. Namely, they need to finally figure out a multi-year contract that makes sense for them and him, because, in the business of basketball terms, the only profit potential here is keeping Kuminga around in hopes that more favorable options eventually emerge.

It’s probably just kicking the trade-Kuminga can down the road, and that’s fine. Waiting should eventually open up more suitors, more options and, hopefully, more favorable returns for the Warriors. Both young teams and those with current scoring deficiencies could conceivably talk themselves into acquiring the bouncy swingman.

And who knows, maybe there’s still a way for Golden State to mend fences and for Kuminga to factor into the long-term plans there yet. It certainly isn’t the likeliest scenario, but if he’s making more money and seeing more consistent minutes, maybe it becomes easier for him to buy into the support role Kerr wants him to play.

The point is, the Dubs can’t see these sign-and-trade talks with the Kings as their only road out of this. As much as they’d love to see the end of this drawn-out saga, the only way it works for them is if they find a solution that benefits them. These conversations with Sacramento are never going to do that.

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Boston Celtics governor Bill Chisholm addressed the team potentially moving from TD Garden to a new arena in the future.

“We got a great thing going right now,” Chisholm told reporters Thursday.

Chisholm, whose purchase of the Celtics for a valuation of $6.1 billion was approved by NBA owners on Aug. 14, also took time to praise the team’s current arena.

“The first thing is, I really like the Boston Garden, personally,” Chisholm said. “I think that the team and the players, more importantly, really like Boston Garden, and equally importantly the fans really like the Boston Garden. So that’s a starting point”

The Celtics’ Garden lease was extended by 15 years in 2021 and runs through the 2035-36 season.

The organization leases the building from Delaware North, the parent company of the NHL’s Boston Bruins. Both teams use the arena during their respective seasons, and Chisholm appears to be mindful of the fans’ preference for the two squads coexisting under the same roof.

Still, Shirley Leung of the Boston Globe reported on Aug. 31 that the Celtics’ new owners are “keeping their options open” regarding a possible arena change.

While Chisholm didn’t complete rule out a new arena down the line, the Celtics still appear to be headed towards playing their home games at TD Garden in the near future.

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Sep 25, 2025, 03:49 AM ET

Premier League clubs are lining up to battle for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, while Kobbie Mainoostill wants out of Manchester United. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Barcelona’s Gavi out for up to 5 months with knee injury
– Barcelona’s Rashford benched after two mins late
– Madrid boss Alonso downplays Vinícius Junior reaction

Antoine Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023. Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

TRENDING RUMORS

– Bournemouth are expected to hold firm amid interest from Premier League teams in winger Antoine Semenyo, according to TEAMtalk. After being linked with Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle United, clubs are expected to “reignite” their pursuit of the 25-year-old in 2026. Semenyo has scored three goals while assisting another two in five league matches this season. Contracted at the club until the summer of 2030, the Cherries are unlikely to change their previous valuation of £70 million, though that could increase if Semenyo continues his hot form. He has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.

– Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave the club on loan in January despite holding talks with manager Ruben Amorim, reports the Daily Mirror. The 20-year-old is keen to play regularly amid hopes of starring for England at the FIFA World Cup next year, and he is set to push for a temporary move away from Old Trafford when the transfer window opens. Mainoo is reported to have been informed that he is in the Red Devils’ first-team plans, but he is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season, with 76 minutes played across three substitute appearances.

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-Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Liverpool are all interested in Juventus defender Bremer, Calciomercato reports. The Bundesliga side are latest team looking at the 28-year-old, but a deal could be difficult, with the Bianconeri only willing to listen to offers that would be considered “mind-blowing” in the region of €70 million to €80 million. Bremer has found form since returning to the side after missing a lengthy spell of matches through an ACL injury.

– Discussions are ongoing between winger Michael Oliseand the Bayern Munich hierarchy regarding a new contract, Bild reports. The club are yet to make official contact with the 23-year-old’s representatives, but negotiations are expected to begin soon. Impressive performances have seen Olise directly contribute to four goals in four Bundesliga appearances. His deal at the Allianz Arena doesn’t expire until the summer of 2029, but he could be rewarded for his form to fend off interest from other clubs. Olise has recently been linked with Liverpool as a potential future successor to Mohamed Salah.

– Manchester United are preparing to move on midfielder Casemiro to make room for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to The Sun. Baleba, 21, has emerged as one of the top options on the Red Devils’ shortlist to strengthen at the No. 6 position, and they are also willing to permanently part ways with winger Jadon Sancho to help meet the €120 million valuation set by the Seagulls. The report adds that centre-back Harry Maguire, 33, could also be offered a new deal on a reduced salary.

EXPERT TAKE

play

1:26

Could Vinicius Jr really leave Real Madrid?

Gab Marcotti discusses the possibility of Vinicius Jr leaving Real Madrid and where he could go.

OTHER RUMORS

– Liverpool are still facing difficulty agreeing a new contract with defender Ibrahima Konaté. The Reds have not made any progress towards an agreement with the 26-year-old, who will be able to sign a precontract agreement with a club from outside of the Premier League from January. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Both Manchester City and Manchester United are looking to sign a defensive midfielder, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Whartonand Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Andersonamong the potential options. (Daily Telegraph)

– Negotiations are ongoing between Borussia Dortmund and winger Karim Adeyemiover a new contract. His deal is set to expire in the summer of 2027. (Sky Sports Deutschland)

– Clubs in Europe are tracking Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres. Real Madrid would be entitled to 50% of any future transfer fee. (Diario AS)

– Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid and England international midfielder Conor Gallagheron deadline day of the summer transfer window. (The Sun)

– Chelsea and Newcastle are interested in Strasbourg defender Ismael Doukoure. (TBR Football)

– Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraolahas been identified as one of the top options by Manchester United as a replacement for Ruben Amorimif they decide to part ways with their current head coach. (TEAMtalk)

– Leeds United will attempt to offload goalkeeper Illan Meslierin the January transfer window. (TEAMtalk)

– No reinforcements will be brought in by Barcelona despite the long-term injury to Gavi. (Marca)

– Goalkeeper Yann Sommeras well as centre-backs Francesco Acerbiand Stefan De Vrij, aren’t expected to be offered contract extensions, with all three out of contract next summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

– Chelsea are open to reinforcing the squad in the January transfer window and are already scouting several players. (Daily Mail)

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Recently, there have been reports claiming that people in WWE refer to AEW President Tony Khan as ‘Snowman.†Current AEW star MVP shared his thoughts on the aforementioned report.

MVP was a special guest on TMZ Sports†Inside the Ring. During the episode, MVP shut down the rumors that Tony Khan was referred to as ‘Snowman†backstage in WWE.

“I donâ€t know where that came from. I donâ€t know who put that out there. The only snowman I know is Jeezy. Thatâ€s not anything Iâ€ve ever called him. I havenâ€t heard that. You got to remember, man, these people that run these, what are traditionally called dirt sheets. Itâ€s all clickbait. They put shit out there because they want people to click and read the story. Itâ€s just gossip passed off as legitimate journalism, and itâ€s laughable.†[H/T WrestlingNews.co]

The former WWE United States Champion also commented on wrestling personalities leaking information to the ‘dirt sheets.â€

“I think itâ€s a real bitch move to go and leak rumors about people you might like or dislike to the dirt sheets. Thatâ€s lame.â€

The ‘Snowman†dig at Khan was used before, although it happened in a public way. In February 2023, Ariel Helwani referred to Khan by the nickname after Khan insulted him and accused him of being a biased journalist. This was after Helwani blasted a recent interview he did with Khan, calling it one of his all-time worst.

Read More: MVP Questions WWEâ€s Decision To Maximize Profits By Pricing Out Longtime Fans

What are your thoughts on the dirt sheets?

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Sep 23, 2025, 05:54 AM ET

Barcelona will try to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Manchester United to keep Marcus Rashfordpermanently, while the Saudi Pro League is still eyeing up Bruno Fernandes. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Barcelona’s Rashford benched after two mins late
– Madrid boss Alonso downplays Vinícius Junior reaction
– Mourinho not at Benfica to ‘wage war’ on Porto, Sporting

Marcus Rashford will spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Barcelona. EPA/ALEX DODD

TRENDING RUMORS

– Barcelona want to make Marcus Rashford‘s loan permanent for a lower fee of £26 million, while Manchester United value the forward at a figure closer to £35 million, reports the Daily Star. The report says that the 27-year-old could find himself at the centre of a transfer standoff as Barcelona try to get the best deal possible, taking advantage of United’s eagerness to get the striker off their books permanently. There is an option to make the deal permanent but Barca want to lower the price, while Rashford is determined to stay with the Blaugrana. Rashford scored twice in last week’s 2-1 win at Newcastle United in the Champions League.

– There will be another attempt from the Saudi Pro League to sign Man United midfielder Bruno Fernandes in the summer of 2026, Fabrizio Romano has stated on the Here We Go Podcast. Their approach is likely to come after the World Cup, but Fernandes has always shown his commitment to the Red Devils and is continuing to do so. It was also added that the 31-year-old has also been the topic of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

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– Manchester United are prioritising a major goalkeeper signing next summer despite bringing in Senne Lammens from Antwerp this month, according to The Sun. There is a mention of AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, who is also being looked at by Chelsea and has a contract that runs out in the summer. There is also reference to the Red Devils’ failed attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínezon loan in the summer. Man United also plan to bring in at least one midfielder with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba being seen as an upgrade.

-Juventus will try to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savicwith the midfielder’s Al Hilal contract expiring in the summer, reports Tuttosport. This comes amid a feeling that coach Igor Tudor has a lack of alternatives to Khephren Thuram after a summer transfer window that was deemed to be incomplete, with the Bianconericonsidering January options. Juventus have looked at Milinkovic-Savic on various occasions in the past but were always unable to meet Lazio president Claudio Lotito’s demands.

– Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Manchester City winger Savinho and could revisit a potential signing in January, according to TEAMtalk. This comes with the north London club being encouraged by Savinho’s desire to join them when they made efforts to sign the 21-year-old during the summer transfer window. The Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League or Champions League match for City this term, and Spurs may see an opportunity for a move if that doesn’t change.

EXPERT TAKE

play

1:26

Could Vinicius Jr really leave Real Madrid?

Gab Marcotti discusses the possibility of Vinicius Jr leaving Real Madrid and where he could go.

OTHER RUMORS

Harry Kanehas a clause in his contract that means the striker could leave Bayern Munich for £56.7 million next summer, but only if the 32-year-old announces his intention to leave before the end of the winter transfer window. (Sport Bild)

– Napoli winger Matteo Politanohas agreed a contract extension to remain with the Italian champions through June 2028. The Italy international is in his fifth season at Napoli. (Sky Sport Italia)

– There has been a surprise meeting between Vinicius Juniorand Real Madrid with the winger stalling to renew his contract. (AS)

– Barcelona and Bayern Munich have joined Real Madrid and Liverpool in the race to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with his contract expiring in the summer. (Football Insider)

– Chelsea have joined Leeds United, Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon in looking at Manchester City left-back Nico O’Reilly. (Football Insider)

– Manchester United are planning to let Casemiroleave when his contract expires in the summer — if they can’t offload the midfielder in January. (Football Insider)

– Keeping Jarrod Bowenconvinced by West Ham United’s direction is playing a part in the club’s thinking as they look into manager options, although there is no suggestion the winger is considering an exit. (TEAMtalk)

– Arsenal are ready to spend up to £100 million in January to aid their attempts to win the Premier League, but no specific options are mentioned. (TEAMtalk)

– Atalanta are considering an offer for Cruzeiro left-back Kaikiworth around €7 million. (Ekrem Konur)

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Kirill Kaprizov usually makes headlines with his on-ice performance, but his rejection of a whopping eight-year, $128 million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild dominated the hockey news. It also raised questions about whether the 28-year-old winger’s future remained in “The State of Hockey”.

The Hockey News‘ Michael Traikos wondered if the Kaprizov camp preferred a shorter term. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman musedover whether another team might be willing to offer him more money. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz listed six possible trade landing spots for Kaprizov.

On Sept. 16, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported contract discussions between Wild general manager Bill Guerin and Kaprizov’s agent, Paul Theofanous, were not cordial. However, he indicated the Wild haven’t engaged in trade talks, adding they still believe he wants to stay in Minnesota.

During the opening day of training camp, Kaprizov told reporters that he loves Minnesota and wants to stay, but is leaving the contract issues with his agent. Guerin said they’re keeping the talks private, adding that the club’s priority is to re-sign their franchise star.

Kaprizov’s rejection of the Wild’s offer doesn’t mean Guerin will give up and put the high-scoring winger on the trade block. Their recent comments from both sides indicate that a willingness remains to get a deal done. Unless that tone changes, the Wild don’t intend to move him.

Salary info via PuckPedia.

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Sep 22, 2025, 05:42 PM ET

Vinícius Júnior‘s future is still up in the air at Real Madrid, while Chelsea are ready to make a fresh move for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s grades | Women’s grades

TOP STORIES

– Liverpool’s Van Dijk hails form of ‘unbelievable’ Gravenberch
– Dowman, 15, breaks Arsenal record with goal for U21 side
– Matt Beard, ex-Liverpool women’s manager, dies aged 47

Vinícius Júnior’s contract with Real Madrid expires in 2027. (Photo by Gokhan Taner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

TRENDING RUMORS

Vinícius Júnior‘s future at Real Madrid is still in doubt, with further rumors that he could look for a transfer or wait to leave as a free agent in 2027, as reported by Diario Sport. The winger is frustrated over his reduced role since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti as coach, with the situation even stalling negotiations about a contract renewal for the 25-year-old. Alonso is also beginning to run out of patience with the Brazil international, who reacted angrily to being substituted against Espanyol.

– Chelsea could revisit their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignanfollowing Robert Sánchez‘s red card five minutes into the Blues’ 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, reports the Daily Mirror. Chelsea had looked at the 30-year-old in the summer but couldn’t agree to a transfer fee, with the Rossoneri demanding £25 million. However, Maignan’s contract expires at the end of this season, so he can discuss a precontract agreement starting in January. Chelsea could also try to force through a cut-price deal in the winter window.

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– AC Milan are planning to extend Christian Pulisic‘s contract until 2029, says Calciomercato, adding that the intention is to increase the USMNT winger’s salary from a net €4 million to €5 million per season. The 27-year-old’s contract expires in 2027 and includes the option for another 12 months that can be triggered in a year, but Milan are planning to keep Pulisic for longer. He asked for time to understand Milan’s plans after an eighth-place finish last term, but he is now happy under Massimiliano Allegri.

– The feeling is that the relationship between Chelsea and Nicolas Jackson is completely over regardless of whether or not Bayern Munich make the striker’s loan permanent, as Fabrizio Romano reported. Something “extraordinary” would have to happen for the 24-year-old to return to Stamford Bridge, with the plan being for Emanuel Emegha to take up his role in the squad when he joins from Strasbourg next summer. Bayern still have the option to permanently sign Jackson, which could turn into an obligation.

– Real Madrid and Barcelona are both considering a move for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in 2026, but the striker and City aren’t entertaining the deal, according to Football Insider. The 25-year-old is a key player for the Premier League club, with Haaland having signed a contract in January to stay at the Etihad until 2034.

EXPERT TAKE

play

1:46

Has Vinícius Júnior been affected by no longer being Madrid’s star player?

Steve Nicol and Alex Kirkland discuss Vinícius Júnior’s recent performances for Real Madrid.

OTHER RUMORS

– Liverpool are considering a January move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but it is unlikely the Eagles would let the 21-year-old leave at that time. Wharton has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. (Football Insider)

– Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are all looking at Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandtahead of a possible January move. (Ekrem Konur)

– Tottenham Hotspur are looking at Sevilla winger Ruben Vargasafter Manchester City blocked their attempts to sign Savinho. (Football Insider)

– Napoli are considering a move for Hoffenheim midfielder Muhammed Damarworth €10 million to €12 million. (Ekrem Konur)

– Sevilla and Real Sociedad are the frontrunners to sign free agent left-back Sergio Reguilon,but Everton could also be interested in the 28-year-old. (Football Insider)

– UAE Pro League club Al Wahda are leading the race to sign Atletico Mineiro winger Junior Santosand are preparing an offer of around €5 million. Botafogo have tried twice to sign the 30-year-old on loan. (Ekrem Konur)

Nuno Espirito Santois the leading candidate to replace Graham Potter at West Ham United, who are also considering Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neiland Sean Dyche. (Daily Mirror)

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Before he embarks on his first year with the Houston Rockets, star forward Kevin Durant confirmed a rumor that had been swirling for months.

While speaking at the Game Plan Sports Business Summit on Sept. 16 in Los Angeles, Durant revealed that with the help of his business partner, Rich Kleiman, he blocked a potential trade that would’ve sent him from the Phoenix Suns to the Golden State Warriors at last season’s deadline in February.

“I heard Golden State was in the mix around the trade deadline, but that’s when Rich came into play, and those relationships that we built around the league and also playing in Golden State helped,” Durant said, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “We were able to tell them kind of hold off on that.”

Durant also admitted that he was not happy to hear the rumors that the Suns wanted to trade him during the 2024-25 campaign. He remained with the team for the remainder of the year before being sent to the Rockets in a blockbuster trade over the summer.

“Initially, I was a little upset because I felt like we built a solid relationship, me and the Phoenix Suns,” Durant said. “And to hear that from a different party was kind of upsetting, but that’s just the name of the game. So I got over that quickly and was trying to figure out what the next steps were.”

Durant is still seeking his first NBA championship since earning back-to-back titles during his tenure in Golden State, so he will certainly be motivated to guide Houston to the mountaintop during the 2025-26 season.

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