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Liverpool set Harvey Elliott asking price with England U21 Euros hero tipped for transfer to Champions League rivals

LIVERPOOL have placed a £50million price tag on young attacker Harvey Elliot amid interest from Champions League rivals across Europe.

The 22-year old is attracting suitors after his heroic performances for England helped them defend their U21 Euros title last week.

Harvey Elliott of Liverpool taking a penalty kick.
Marc Aspland - The Times
Harvey Elliott’s future hangs in the balance after a season on the periphery in Liverpool[/caption]

A deal worth £40m would be enough to seal the deal – provided Arne Slot’s Liverpool retained a buy-back clause, reports The Athletic.

The fee without such a buy-back option would have to exceed £50m to convince the Reds to sell.

Liverpool’s recent £30m sale of Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen is viewed as a point of reference when determining the youngster’s value.

Jobe Bellingham’s £32m move from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window provides a similar benchmark, with Elliott having considerably more top-level experience than the teenage star.

Elliott joined Liverpool as a prodigious teenager from Fulham in 2019, and has made 94 appearances for the Reds since, bagging himself 18 goal contributions.

With two years left on his contract, Elliott has hinted that he is open to a challenge elsewhere – with Champions League clubs understood to be circling.

The Athletic name RB Leipzig as among those interested – although the Germans will not be able to offer European football having failed to qualify for any competitions.

SunSport revealed that Brighton are keen on the midfield ace. However, they too can not meet any European football desires.

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Harvey Elliott's 2024-25 Liverpool season statistics.

When asked about his Liverpool future ahead of his Euros campaign, Elliott told Hayters TV: “I am coming to an age where I do not want to be wasting years of my career.

“I want to be the best player I can be, and if [the way to do] that is to go somewhere else, then it is a decision that I am going to have to make.”

Elliott’s list of suitors has been bolstered by his outstanding contribution in England’s recent U21 Euros title defence.

Elliott’s brace saw England through a tight semi-final against the Netherlands, before he opened the scoring in the final against Germany three days later.

His performances earned him the player of the tournament award, an accolade most recently won by Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Slot is believed to be undecided on Elliott, although sources told SunSport the Dutchman would be unlikely to stand in his way if he wanted to leave and if a deal could be agreed that suited club and player.

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McCain Foods Environment Graduate Traineeships 2025

McCain Foods invites South African unemployed graduates to apply for the Graduate Trainee: Environment Programme 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 09 July 2025Internship Location: Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa About the Programme McCain Foods is offering an exciting 6-month graduate opportunity...

The post McCain Foods Environment Graduate Traineeships 2025 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.

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Wimbledon make major broadcast change as 106-year tradition is ripped up

THE TWO Wimbledon singles finals will start at 4pm – which means the trophy presentation might take place under a closed Centre Court roof.

Traditionally the climax to the men’s and women’s Championships have begun at 2pm on the finals weekend.

Centre Court at Wimbledon before a match.
Getty
Wimbledon is making a big change to the singles finals[/caption]

Yet the matches are being moved back by two hours to maximise the TV audience in the United States.

Publicly, All England Club officials say that this later start encourages better crowds for the respective doubles finals.

In the past, the men’s and women’s doubles finals would happen after the singles showpiece occasions but a lot of fans do not hang around.

This is a chance for most people to leave the 15,000-capacity arena for a quick comfort break or food.

There is no denying that a later finish helps them crack the US and Wimbledon already have a tie-in with The Hill in New York.

And it will enable them to play the tournament to the “largest possible global audience”.

ESPN signed a 12-year extension with The All-England Club in 2021 worth a reported $400m (£290m) to continue broadcasting The Championships until 2035.

The later start times mean the finals will begin at a more favourable 11am on America’s east coast rather than 9am.

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But it means that if a final, for example, goes beyond four hours – and the five-set French Open epic between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner went five-and-a-half hours – then the light will become an issue.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to close the roof to ensure the air conditioning unit works properly.

And if the light is too bad, then the roof may have to be closed anyway for when Clare Balding conducts the post-final ceremonies.

It brings back memories of the famous 2008 final when Rafa Nadal beat Roger Federer after four hours and 48 minutes at 9.15pm in near darkness.

The final of the Club World Cup takes place on Sunday July 13 at 8pm in New Jersey and this might clash with the end of the tennis.

In 2026, the World Cup Finals – which will be staged in North and Central America – will clash with late-night tennis.

So, too, the European Championships in 2028 which will be staged in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said: “So we’ve had doubles players having to wait longer to go on court.

“So this is much more predictable for them, for the crowds on the grounds, as well as at home. The finals days now builds to a crescendo of those singles finals.

“Those singles finals will now be in front of the largest possible global audience at that time.”

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Tragic new details as ‘beautiful’ Co Down mum ’34-weeks pregnant’ when killed as man held & arrested woman released

A YOUNG mum-of-two was 34-weeks pregnant with a baby boy when she was killed in her own home in Co Down over the weekend, it has been reported.

Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found dead with serious injuries in the Elmfield Area of the Donaghadee at around 2:15pm on Saturday afternoon.

Photo of Sarah Montgomery.
Sarah Montgomery was 34-weeks pregnant at the time of her death
PSNI
Floral tributes and teddy bears left at a murder scene.
Floral tributes and teddy bears have been placed near the scene of the incident in Donaghadee
Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Two suspects known to the victim, a 42-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, have been arrested in connection with the murder investigation.

The man remains in custody and continues to be questioned by the PSNI after they were granted an extension.

It was confirmed this morning that the woman arrested by detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team has been released unconditionally.

An investigating officer described the murder as an “incredibly tragic case”.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector, Tom Phillips said: “It has devastated Sarah’s family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved Mum.

“Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah’s family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice.”

Floral tributes, teddy bears and notes have been placed near the scene in a heartbreaking tribute to Sarah, with one message describing the young woman as a “beautiful, kind and wonderful mother”.

Speaking to The Irish Independent, a friend of Sarah’s told how the young mum was a “wonderful, kind-hearted and supportive” person.

She continued: “The loss of Sarah and her unborn baby boy is devastating for everyone who knew her.

“My heart especially breaks for her wee girls, her grandparents and her brothers; their loss is unimaginable. Rest in peace Sarah, you will be so missed.”

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said Sarah’s death was an “unspeakable act of violence which has robbed her children of their mother and shattered a family forever”.

She added: “There is no grief more profound than that of a child torn from the love, safety and care of their mother. Their lives undoubtedly changed forever.”

Sarah was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

Ms Hunter said: “This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a worsening epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

“We are failing women, we are failing children and we are failing to meet this crisis with sufficient urgency, co-ordination and political will that it so greatly requires.

‘SHOCK AND SADNESS’

“Too many women in our communities live in fear, fear in their homes, fear on the streets and fear in their relationships.

“This fear is not imagined. It is real and it is justified.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill told the Stormont Assembly that Ms Montgomery’s death underlines the “epidemic in our society” of violence against women and girls.

DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne said the community in Donaghadee is rallying around Sarah’s heartbroken family.

He said: “Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery.

“There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.”

DEVASTATING FIGURE

Dunne added: “Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

“The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure.

“A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case.

“Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.”

Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday 27 July to contact them.

They are also appealing for anyone who saw a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate between 3.30pm and 4.15pm that afternoon to get in touch.

Anyone who has CCTV or camera footage that could be useful to the investigation is also urged to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Philips said: “Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.”

Crime scene investigators at a murder scene.
Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found dead inside a house in Co Down over the weekend
Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Police car and road closure sign at a crime scene.
A murder investigation has been launched into Sarah’s death
Pacemaker Press

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BBC pundit urges Wimbledon star to retire immediately after emotional talk with his wife

A BBC pundit urged a Wimbledon star to retire immediately – after an emotional chat with his wife.

John McEnroe is working for the Beeb once again this year.

BBC pundit being interviewed, urging Wimbledon star to retire.
John McEnroe reckons one veteran tennis player should retire
X formerly Twitter / @BBCSport
Flavia Pennetta and Fabio Fognini at a Salvatore Ferragamo fashion show.
Getty - Contributor
Fabio Fognini is married to former tennis star Flavia Pennetta[/caption]

And following Fabio Fognini’s defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court, he reckons the Italian should call it a day.

Fiery Fognini, 38, has already revealed this will be his final year on the ATP Tour.

He received a wonderful send-off at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome.

But after his thrilling five-set battle with defending champion Alcaraz as he caused an almighty scare, McEnroe reckons this would be the perfect way to bow out.

The American legend, 66, even revealed he recently had a heartfelt chat with Fognini’s wife – former world No6 and 2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta.

Pennetta, 43, who retired weeks after her Flushing Meadows glory, agrees it is time for her husband to call it a day and stick to family life and help with their three kids.

McEnroe said on the BBC: “This was the perfect ending for Fognini.

“Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.

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“Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there’s a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?

“So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit.

“I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn’t play anymore because I’m not sure he can play any better than that.

“I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French Open and she thinks it’s time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids.

“I think she is ready for her husband to be home more.”

Fognini took in the adulation of the 15,000-strong Centre Court crowd as he waved goodbye to the All England Club one final time.

And although he may opt to play the US Open, the world No138 admitted that could be the last tennis fans see of him on any court.

Fognini – whose match was suspended for 15 minutes due to a fan medical emergency in the crowd – said: “It’s tough for me to speak, believe me.

“But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis.

Wimbledon 2025 LIVE – follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19

“That’s what I’m thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind.”

Alcaraz was glowing in his praise for Fognini after the tough 7-5 6-7 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory.

The Spaniard said: “I don’t know why it is Fabio’s last Wimbledon because of the level – he can still play for three or four years.

“I had to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a great player.

“I’m just a little bit sad it is his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court and locker room with him.”

No2 seed Alcaraz faces British student Oliver Tarvet, the world No733, in the second round – but the St Albans-born star can only claim a fraction of his £99,000 prize money.

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain greets Fabio Fognini of Italy after a Wimbledon tennis match.
Alamy
Carlos Alcaraz needed five sets to get past Fognini[/caption]
Flavia Pennetta of Italy holding the winner's trophy at the US Open.
Pennetta won the US Open in 2015 then retired weeks later
Getty Images - Getty
Illustration of Wimbledon singles prize money for 2024 and 2025.

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Illegal Landfill Crisis in Bang Phli: Residents Demand Action for Environmental Justice

In the heart of Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district, a dire environmental drama is unfolding as the once peaceful Rattanachok 11 Alley morphs into a sprawling, unsanctioned landfill. Stretching over 300 meters, this strip of land now serves as a daily reminder of the unchecked menace of illegal waste dumping, wrapping the area in a miasma of foul odors and polluted waters. Despite a forest of warning signs lining the alley, the pleas and anguish of the local residents echo unanswered. Residents, desperate for relief, are urging for immediate action to counter this mounting crisis. Recent investigations lay bare the grim reality – a sordid tapestry of discarded plastic bags, wood scraps, foam sheets, construction debris, and even insidious industrial waste litter the alley. Over time, this detritus has woven a tapestry of environmental havoc, the repercussions of which are felt keenly by the residents. When night falls, the issue…

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Urgent warning for Irish holidaymakers heading to European sunshine spot over ‘mosquito’ virus

IRISH holidaymakers heading to a European sunshine spot this summer have been warned over new cases of a deadly “mosquito” virus.

Health chiefs in France have reported 583 imported cases of chikungunya – a mosquito-borne disease that causes acute fever and joint pain, and there’s no cure, but it can be fatal.

Close-up of a mosquito feeding on human skin.
Alamy
The tiger mosquito arrived in southern Europe in the first decade of this century[/caption]
Close-up of a woman scratching an itchy rash on her arm.
Getty
It can cause fever and severe joint pain, as well as muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash[/caption]
Map of France showing tiger mosquito colonized communes as of January 1, 2025.
Not known, clear with picture desk
There are 583 cases reported in France as of June 18, 2025[/caption]

According to recent data published by Santé Publique France, international travellers are returning to mainland France infected with various mosquito-transmitted diseases.

As of June 18, 2025, France reported 583 cases of chikungunya over the past six weeks.

And another two unrelated indigenous local cases of chikungunya have also been identified in 2025.

Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the chikungunya virus.

The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes.

It can cause fever and severe joint pain, as well as muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.

Serious complications are not common, but in older people it can contribute to the cause of death.

The name of the disease means “to become contorted” in the African Kimakonde language, as it causes severe muscle and joint pain.

Most patients recover after a few days but in some cases, the joint pain may persist for weeks, months or even longer.

The tiger mosquito, also known as Aedes albopictus, arrived in southern Europe in the first decade of this century.

These are tropical and subtropical mosquitoes found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Asia, the United States and the Mediterranean Basin. 

Known for the black and white stripes along its body and legs, it can transmit several tropical diseases, including chikungunya, dengue and zika.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Health experts say the bug has thrived on the continent in part because of climate change.

Warmer weather conditions have shortened the time it takes to develop, while winters are no longer cold enough to kill off the pests.

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR

THE symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika, making chikungunya easy to misdiagnose.

Here are eight symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Fever
  2. Severe joint pain
  3. Joint swelling
  4. Muscle pain
  5. Headache
  6. Nausea
  7. Fatigue
  8. Rash.

Chikungunya disease onset is typically 4–8 days (range 2–12 days) after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most patients recover fully from the infection; however, occasional cases of eye, heart, and neurological complications have been reported.

Patients at extremes of the age spectrum are at higher risk for severe disease, including newborns infected during delivery to infected mothers or bitten by infected mosquitoes in the weeks after birth.

And older people with underlying medical conditions. Patients with severe disease require hospitalisation because of the risk of organ damage and death.

Health chiefs in France also identified 395 imported cases of dengue fever, and 2 imported cases of Zika.

Dengue fever can also cause severe muscle pain and joint pain in those infected.

About one in 10 of those infected will develop severe dengue, which can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.

They said that the Aedes albopictus mosquito has been established in southern France since 2004 and has been gradually spreading since then.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said that chikungunya is a notifiable disease in Ireland.

CHIKUNGUYA TREATMENT

They added that the treatment for chikungunya involves pain relief and anti-fever medication.

There is currently no vaccine against the Chikungunya virus.

And travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites.

HPSC said: “People who have visited an area affected by chikungunya, and who develop a high fever along with unexplained joint pain in the 12 days after their return are advised to seek medical attention.

“Travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites.

“Pregnant women, immunosuppressed people and people suffering from a severe chronic illness should consult their physicians prior to the travel in order to assess their risk and get recommendations on personal preventive measures.”

Close-up of an Aedes mosquito.
Getty
There is currently no vaccine against the chikungunya virus[/caption]

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Who is tennis star Heather Watson and is she married?

HEATHER WATSON has risen to fame through showing her impressive tennis skills.

The star has returned to the Wimbledon courts for 2025 – and there is one particular face she’ll want to make proud.

Heather Watson practices at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, ahead of the championships which start on Monday. Picture date: Saturday July 1, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story TENNIS Wimbledon. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the AELTC. Still image use only - no moving images to emulate broadcast. No superimposing or removal of sponsor/ad logos.
Heather Watson returned to Wimbledon in 2025 for her 15th appearance at the tennis tournament
John Walton/PA Wire

Who is Heather Watson?

Heather Watson is a British tennis player who was born on May 19, 1992.

She was born in Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands.

Heather, who has a brother called Adam and two sisters, called Stephanie and Julie, began playing tennis when she was just seven years old.

She attended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.

Heather has gone on to win nine titles throughout the course of her career, including the mixed-doubles title at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships with partner Henri Kontinen.

She is ranked the women’s British number six, according to the Lawn Tennis Association, the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain.

Watson has also represented Team GB at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.

Heather was one of a number of athletes who welcomed Wimbledon’s 2023 move to allow female players to wear coloured shorts.

The annual tournament relaxed its strict all-white dress code due to concerns raised by stars about playing while on their period. 

“When Wimbledon announced about the undershorts I was so happy because it makes such a difference,” she told Sky News.

“I speak openly about my period, I don’t think it’s a taboo subject and I would love for people to talk about it more.

“Last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew I had to wear white undershorts and I didn’t want any embarrassment.

“We’re running around sweating, doing the splits on court. This year I knew my period was going to be during Wimbledon again so I’m very happy I won’t have to do the same thing as last year.”

Is Heather Watson married?

Heather is not married but is in a relationship with Shaun Rooney.

The pair are thought to have got together in 2023 and the tennis player often posts the footballer on her social media.

She was last in a relationship with Yeovil Town and Morecambe football player Courtney Duffus.

The pair met in 2019 but split in 2022.

Before that, Heather was in a relationship with fellow tennis player Lloyd Glasspool.

They dated from 2016 to 2018.

What is Heather Watson’s net worth?

Heather has a net worth estimated to be about $5 million.

Around $3.9 million of that amount is thought to have come her prize earnings.

Heather reportedly owns a house near the All England Club where Wimbledon is held.

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