LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Madrid derby on the transfer market. According to the “Daily Mail,” both Atlético and Real Madrid are reportedly on the trail of Kobbie Mainoo, a talented 20-year-old midfielder from Manchester United who has been struggling to find playing time in these first few games of the season. The two Spanish clubs would like to explore the loan option, but the Red Devils are unlikely to agree, since Mainoo isn’t even on the market.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A major archaeological site in Gozo is under threat from nearby development, prompting urgent appeals from heritage campaigners for government intervention.

The Santa Verna Temple landscape in Xagħra, dating back to around 5000 BC, has recently yielded discoveries described as internationally significant. Among them is a unique Neolithic burial pit containing the remains of children, some arranged with skulls placed inside one another. Experts say the find predates the Ġgantija Temples by some 2,000 years and offers rare insights into prehistoric ritual practices.

Despite its importance, construction machinery has been observed operating in the area almost daily. Two applications currently before the Planning Authority seek approval for 18 houses, swimming pools, and new roads within close proximity of the temple’s buffer zone. Hearings concluded last week with both applications suspended, pending further reports from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage (SCH) and submissions from objectors.

Heritage organisations have raised concerns over official handling of the discoveries. Archaeologist Dawn A. Saliba warned that bulldozing soil in the area risks irretrievable loss of scientific data.

The campaign to safeguard the site has gathered cross-party political backing and more than 800 signatures on a parliamentary petition. Activists are calling for an immediate Conservation Order, expanded protection zones, and independent monitoring to prevent further damage.

Scholars note that the Santa Verna complex, part of Malta’s UNESCO-listed prehistoric temple network, represents evidence of continuous settlement throughout the Neolithic period. Campaigners warn that continued development could result in an “irreversible loss” to both Malta’s cultural heritage and international understanding of prehistory.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Police will soon gain new powers to randomly test drivers for alcohol and drugs under legal reforms announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela and Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri. The measures come after a series of fatal road accidents this summer sparked pressure from professionals and lobby groups for tougher enforcement.

The proposed amendments, to be debated in September as part of the Traffic Regulation Ordinance (Amendment) Bill, will allow police to conduct drug and alcohol checks at random, without requiring “reasonable suspicion.”

Crucially, motorists found guilty of causing a fatal crash while under the influence will face mandatory prison sentences, removing the option of suspended terms.

Fines for driving under the influence will rise, and police will be empowered to request the immediate suspension of a driver’s licence pending court proceedings.

Minister Camilleri noted that road checks have already surged, with 2,000 inspections carried out so far this year, matching last year’s total. The figure is on track to nearly triple the number of checks carried out three years ago.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona is not giving away any discounts. Chelsea are reportedly interested in Fermin Lopez, but the Blaugrana, according to “Mundo Deportivo,” have not yet been contacted and, in any case, will not part with the 22-year-old midfielder unless he receives a monstrous offer: €70 million is the Catalans’ asking price.

Fermin Lopez, a key figure in Barça’s second half of the season, will have to make his decision: Chelsea has reportedly given him 48 hours to decide. If he agrees to a move to London, the Blues will present a concrete offer.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MARSEILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Marseille are having a hectic few days on the transfer front: according to “L’Equipe,” at least four new players are expected to be made available to De Zerbi. The first could be Emerson Palmieri, the 31-year-old Italian-Brazilian full-back on his way out of West Ham, whose arrival is reportedly a matter of hours.

Meanwhile, the hot names at the attacking midfield are Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos and Bournemouth’s Hamed Traorè: both players have expressed their willingness to move, which Marseille would like to finalize on a loan with an option to buy.

Following the row with Rowe, Adrien Rabiot remains on the way out: AC Milan are interested in the former Juventus player, but Tottenham and Aston Villa are also reportedly interested, although “RMC Sport” reports that no club has contacted OM at this time.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIMINI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “This is not about an extension of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which is not possible. The deadline is clear: August 2026. What is possible, as Minister Foti has pointed out, are the financial instruments already provided for within the national recovery and resilience plans across European countries. These do not require expenditure to be identified and completed by August 2026, but only the identification of the final beneficiary before that date. The resources can then be used afterward,” said Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President of the European Commission in charge of Cohesion and Reforms, on the sidelines of the Rimini Meeting.

“I believe I can give a positive assessment,” he continued. “Italy is moving forward on a positive path, achieving results that are plain to see and which will certainly contribute significantly to economic growth. Moreover, the country is making headway on a series of reforms and investments already underway. Italy has secured the disbursement of the seventh installment. As for the eighth, a payment request has been submitted. The Commission has issued a communication outlining guidelines for the final revision of the Plans. In the coming weeks, we expect concrete proposals to further amend the Plans, because flexibility remains a key tool.”

On tariffs, Fitto remarked: “It would be better if the 15% tariff did not exist, but compared to other countries, Europe reached a better agreement. Work must continue in this direction. The agreement reached by the Commission is serious, not easy, but the best possible under the circumstances.”

As for the idea of a European sovereign fund to intervene in companies, Fitto stressed that “this is an issue that requires the clear involvement of Member States. It is not within my direct remit, and at the European level, efforts will focus on strengthening the European business system. We have already done so and continue to do so with various measures, but this too will require strong dialogue and engagement with the Member States,” Fitto concluded.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LEVERKUSEN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Lucas Vazquez is a new player at Bayer Leverkusen. The German club announced the news in a statement, specifying that the 34-year-old Spanish right-back arrives on a free transfer, as his contract with Real Madrid expired at the end of last season. Vazquez has signed a contract until June 30, 2027, and will wear the number 21 shirt.

“I’m looking forward to continuing my career here. Bayer is absolutely win-oriented, hungry, and focused on the most ambitious goals. This attitude matches my expectations, and I’m looking forward to further success with Leverkusen.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – The absence of European matches this season is positive for Manchester United. Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim is convinced of this, speaking on the eve of the League Cup match against Grimsby (League Two team). “We are not equipped to play in Europe, that’s my feeling. We need time to grow as a team,” said Amorim, who will have to make changes to the squad that drew 1-1 against Fulham on Sunday. “Now we have three games in a week and we have quality players, so we need to rotate to try to win every game,” said Amorim.

The goal for the future, however, is to return to playing in UEFA competitions: “Am I happy to have more time to work? Yes. We need time to prepare for each match. The matches are complicated, and we must first build a foundation, to then, in the future, make the leap in quality. There will come a time when we will need Europe to let everyone play,” the coach added.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LEVERKUSEN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – Victor Boniface breaks his silence. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has spoken out again after his failed move to AC Milan, admitting that his knee problems played a decisive role in the collapse of the deal, reports PUNCH Sports Extra. “I’ve had two injuries to my right knee, and the problem has persisted for a long time,” he said.

The 24-year-old had traveled to Italy for a medical with the Rossoneri and underwent four different tests before AC Milan withdrew from the deal. The agreement with Leverkusen was based on a loan deal worth €5 million and a buy-to-buy option of €24 million. Boniface explained how two anterior cruciate ligament injuries early in his career made him reconsider whether to continue playing.

“When others were playing football, I was just working to get back to playing. After my second anterior cruciate ligament injury, I didn’t even want to play anymore because of the pain from the first and what I’d been through during the second. During that time, I also lost my mother…”, explained Boniface. The striker, who has a contract until 2028, now remains under contract with Leverkusen, where he arrived from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise for 20.5 million euros in 2023.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIMINI (ITALPRESS) – “The situation in Gaza remains horrific. Yesterday more journalists were killed, and this is intolerable. We want the killings to end, the suffering to stop, and the hostages to be released. We owe this to all future generations,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola during the Rimini Meeting.
“We must find the courage to take difficult decisions. With courage, obstacles can be overcome, and this must be our message of optimism,” she added.
According to Metsola, Europe has a central role to play but must remain united: “Europe can do a great deal. We must fight for peace. We face many challenges, and we must listen to what people expect from us. That is the response we must give, united around this message.”
Reflecting on the institution she leads, Metsola stressed: “Europe is what we have the courage to make possible. It is not complete, but the future of this unique project depends on each of us. My appeal is to fight for Europe: we cannot give up or underestimate what we can become.”
She acknowledged the shifting global landscape: “We are still at the beginning of our project. It’s true that the world is changing: the United States is more complex than in the past, the war in Ukraine exposed our dependency on Russia, and the terrible situation in Gaza has shown a new generation just how vital it is to have a strong Europe that promotes peace. Economic strength alone is no longer enough to keep Europe a global leader. The status quo means surrender and consigning ourselves to the sidelines.”
Metsola also delivered a pointed critique of European institutions: “Europe has never been a mere spectator, but it must find the courage to make necessary decisions. It’s time to stop seeing Europe only as it is, and start imagining what it can become. There are only two options: courageous change, or a slow and painful slide into irrelevance. I support change, even if it is difficult and requires sacrifices. We must ask ourselves hard questions: can we defend ourselves, do we want to integrate our markets and unlock their potential, will we support our businesses, are we ready to safeguard both free enterprise and social protections? The only possible answer is Europe. Now is the time to build.”
She warned that recent years have revealed just how much Europe must adapt: “Challenges we once thought unthinkable have already arrived. Recent events have shown us that in order to respond to a changing world, Europe itself must change. Otherwise, we risk moving from leaders to followers. The status quo is no longer enough. Too often, everyone says they want change, but too few are willing to make it happen. In recent years the European Parliament has undergone radical reform. If our institutions become shortsighted or weighed down by bureaucracy, citizens will lose faith in Europe’s ability to deliver.”
On the way forward, Metsola outlined priorities for growth: “The first step toward sustainable growth is to simplify rules, strengthen the single market, and expand trade. The European Parliament is not shying away from the decisions needed to move Europe forward. President Mattarella once called us a centre of gravity linking institutions and citizens. This is a responsibility we take seriously. We are making progress on regulatory simplification, but we must also be honest: adopting 13,000 regulations compared with just 3,000 in the United States would hold back anyone from leading the way to the future. We must recognize where we have moved too fast and where not far enough. Less moralizing, more action: we must support our industries, not stifle them.”
Finally, Metsola addressed U.S. tariffs: “On this, I want to be unequivocal: there is no stronger alliance than that between Europe and America. The provisional trade agreement is a step forward for transatlantic relations and trust between our continents. The European Parliament will do its part to support businesses and consumers, but we must also take this as a lesson to look further—to Africa and Latin America for new partnerships. This is the message I will bring to the G7 in Canada next week.”
(ITALPRESS)

 

Foto: Ipa Agency

Source: medNews