Sport
Jack Grealish becomes record British signing – penning six-year deal at Manchester City
The Aston Villa midfielder has become the most expensive player in British history with his £100m move to the Etihad.
Jack Grealish has called his move to the Etihad a “dream come true” after putting pen to paper on a record-breaking contract at Manchester City.
The Aston Villa midfielder has become the most expensive British player in history by commanding a £100m transfer fee – trumping the previous record of £89.3m paid for Paul Pogba by Manchester United in 2016.
Grealish has signed a six-year deal at City worth more than £200,000 a week – completing his medical at the club on Thursday (5 August).
He will take the number 10 shirt vacated by record goalscorer Sergio Aguero.
Carrying such a big price tag means the move will come with expectation, but Grealish says the challenge is something “any footballer would want”.
“I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City,” Grealish said.
“City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.
“Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep [Guardiola] coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe. To play for Pep and learn from him is going to be special and it’s something any top footballer would want.
“It was a difficult few months because I have been an Aston Villa fan for my whole life but, when I spoke to the manager here and you see what type of players they have got here … in the end it was something I could not say no to.”
“The facilities are amazing, and I honestly can’t wait to get started, meet everyone and get playing.”
Grealish also said that he would revel in the fact that he would have to fight for his place in the title-winning team.
“That is what you need,” he stated.
“It is something that I thrive off and I think everyone needs to be kept on their toes for competition for places.”
Grealish joined Villa as a six-year-old and graduated through the academy – spending 19 years at the club altogether.
Hype around the player increased after he was named Villa’s player of the season in 2020/21 and made appearances for England at Euro 2020.
Man City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain expressed elation at securing Grealish’s signature, calling him “an incredible talent”.
Begiristain added: “Jack’s development over the past few seasons both for club and country has been plain for everybody to see. His natural talent together with his commitment to improve as a player, has seen him become one of the most exciting attacking players in world football today.
“I am certain that the fans are going to love seeing him in our team. Pep loves the way he plays, and we all feel he is an ideal fit for Manchester City. Our style and his style are a perfect match. I’m excited to watch him over the coming years.”
Featured image: Manchester City
Sport
Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.
The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.
‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.
Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:
The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.
Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.
Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”
Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.
“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”
While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.
As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.
The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.
For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.
As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
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Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)iFL TV (screenshot via YouTube)
Sport
Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy
Danny Jones
Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.
Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.
Following the most recent incident last week, in which the 64-year-old apologised for sharing what has been described as an ‘offensive’ and since-deleted Zionism post, which included an image of a rat.
He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.
As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question
Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.
The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.
Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.
He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.
Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.
Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.
It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.
As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”
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Featured Images — BBC/Gary Lineker (screenshot)
The Manc -
6th August 2021 
