Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.. Enjoy your Stay!

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.

Welcome to InviteHawk..

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.. Enjoy your Stay!

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.

Welcome to InviteHawk.

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.. Enjoy your Stay!

Welcome to InviteHawk..

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.. Enjoy your Stay!

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.

Welcome to InviteHawk..

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.

Welcome to InviteHawk.. A great place to be.. Enjoy your Stay!

SHANE van Gisbergen got the better of Scott McLaughlin in a game of pit stop cat-and-mouse to score a narrow win in Sunday’s Ipswich SuperSprint. First the Red Bull Holden Racing driver beat pole sitter McLaughlin off the start, and then he played the long game with his stops which proved the difference when the chequered flag was waved. Van Gisbergen cut McLaughlin’s Supercars championship lead to 131 points after the DJR/Team Penske man took out Saturday’s race. The victory gave van Gisbergen a 300-point gap to the rest of the chasing pack of Holdens — teammate Jamie Whincup, David Reynolds and Craig Lowndes. Queensland has proved a happy hunting ground for van Gisbergen, who backed up his last-round victory in Townsville with Sunday’s win at Queensland Raceway. “That was awesome,’’ van Gisbergen said. “It was another great battle with Scotty and I was able to get him in the end. It is a great result for the team and I am very stoked with that. “Scott is very consistent as well,’’ van Gisbergen said. “That team is consistent and I am really enjoying the fight upfront. I am just loving it.’’ McLaughlin, still just 25, created a piece of history when he beat van Gisbergen in qualifying by just 0.04 of a second to claim the third-most pole positions in the history of the sport. McLaughlin scored his 42nd qualifying win to surpass Lowndes and now sits behind only Whincup (75) and Peter Brock (57) on the all-time list. McLaughlin was all business following the milestone. “The car was a bit loose today,’’ McLaughlin said. “It was a bit harder, we’ve got to work on that but I’m so stoked for everyone not only here, but at the workshop.” Van Gisbergen charged to finish second fastest in a major improvement after qualifying for race one in eighth. “I think we made some progress overnight,’’ van Gisbergen said. “We studied hard and did what we could, so hopefully we can take the fight to them today. “I’ll probably stuff up the start today after getting such a good start yesterday.’’ He didn’t. In almost a carbon copy of the line launch that allowed him to steal five places in race one, van Gisbergen took the lead from McLaughlin at the start. McLaughlin chased hard and closed the gap before electing to take the undercut by pitting after just 11 laps. Van Gisbergen continued to run long and rejoined the race three spots behind McLaughlin on lap 21. On fresh rubber and with more fuel, the Red Bull driver floored his way past Fabian Coulthard, Whincup and Chaz Mostert to set up another down to the wire fight with McLaughlin. The Kiwi won out in the strategy fight following the second round of stops when he emerged to lead McLaughlin by just over a second. And he could not be caught. “Overall it was a good weekend,’’ McLaughlin said. “I had a bit of a tussle with Shane in the middle but at the end of the day they were two fast.’’ Mostert survived a late attack from Whincup to score a drought-breaking podium. “Getting third feels like I have won the race,’’ Mostert said. “It has been a real tough year and to get a trophy get the monkey of my back.’’

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has been reprimanded by stewards but escaped a sanction that would have stripped him of a stunning German Grand Prix victory. The decision was announced after the Briton was summoned by Hockenheim stewards for a possible pit-lane infringement. The Mercedes driver, who won from 14th on the grid, was suspected of having illegally crossed a line separating the entry from the track when he hurriedly changed his mind about pitting during a safety car period. Hamilton finished 4.5 seconds ahead of Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, and 6.7 clear of Ferrari’s third-placed Kimi Raikkonen, but a time penalty would have demoted him down the order. Stewards took into consideration the fact that the incident happened when the safety car was deployed and at a time of confusion on the pit wall. They also found that “at no time was there any danger to any other competitor and the change in direction was executed in a safe way.” The summons came more than an hour after the end of the race at Hockenheim, after the podium presentations and news conferences. Hamilton’s victory had catapulted him 17 points clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, the home favourite who crashed out while leading on a wet and slippery track. “I started turning in, then they asked me to box and then I said ‘Kimi is pitting’ and then they said ‘Stay out’ and I was already in the lane,” Hamilton told reporters after the race when asked what had happened. “So I started turning out and trying to go over the grass and then they said ‘no, stay in!’ and I was already back on track. “It was really confusing because they were all panicking on the pit wall, I was probably the only relaxed one,” he said. “They were shouting ‘yes, no, come in, don’t come in’. It was exciting.” Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo retired on Lap 28 after reporting loss of power, compounding a miserable weekend which saw him start at the back of the grid due to power unit penalties. It was the 66th win of his F1 career and minutes after the finish, the heavens opened with an array of thunder and lightning and a fierce downpour that would have stopped any race. “Miracles do happen, mate,” Hamilton’s race engineer Pete Bonnington told him over the radio after a slow-burner that turned into one of the great comebacks of the Briton’s already stellar career. Hamilton, who threw himself across the pitlane wall into the arms of his mechanics and also got a bear-hug from delighted Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche, seemed about as stunned as anyone. “The rain has come down and washed away all the negativity and its a glorious day,” Hamilton said. “It couldn’t be a better day.” Beaten by Vettel in his home British Grand Prix two weeks ago, where he went from pole to the back of the field and up to second, he had turned the tables completely. For Vettel, it was simply a nightmare -- the chance to make big gains slipping through his hands in an instant. He now has 171 points to Hamilton’s 188. He pummelled the steering wheel angrily after the car crumpled against the tyre wall, the lap 52 incident bringing out the safety car. “I had it in my hands -- small mistake, big disappointment,” said the German. “I threw it away. It was my mistake. We had the pace and we controlled the race for most of it. “We had the race in the bag.” Vettel, who made key mistakes last season as Hamilton secured the title, seemed keen to use the rain as a factor for his crash on Sunday. “It’s not like tonight I’ll have difficulties to fall asleep, because of what I’ve done wrong. We didn’t need the rain,” he said. “It was a small mistake but a big impact on the race. A tiny bit too late on the brakes, I locked the rears and I couldn’t turn. It wasn’t the biggest mistake I’ve done, but one of the mostly costly ones.” THE FIA’S RULING IN FULL “The stewards reviewed video and audio evidence, heard from the driver of car 44 (Lewis Hamilton) and the team representative. It was clear that there was an infringement of the above mentioned rule - the driver clearly crossed the line separating the pit entry from the track. “In deciding on the penalty for the infringement, we took into account the following mitigating factors. “i) The driver and the team candidly admitted the mistake and the fact that there was confusion within the team as to whether to stay out or to enter the pits and that led to the infringement. “ii) The fact that the infringement took place during a safety car period “iii) At no time was there any danger to any other competitor and the change in direction was executed in a safe way.” RESULTS 1. (14) Lewis Hamilton, Britain, Mercedes GP, 67 laps, 1:32:29.845, 25. 2. (2) Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes GP, 67, +4.535, 18. 3. (3) Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Ferrari, 67, +6.732, 15. 4. (4) Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull, 67, +7.654, 12. 5. (7) Nico Hulkenberg, Germany, Renault, 67, +26.609, 10. 6. (6) Romain Grosjean, France, Haas F1, 67, +28.871, 8. 7. (10) Sergio Perez, Mexico, Force India, 67, +30.556, 6. 8. (16) Esteban Ocon, France, Force India, 67, +31.750, 4. 9. (13) Marcus Ericsson, Sweden, Sauber-Ferrari, 67, +32.362, 2. 10. (18) Brendon Hartley, New Zealand, Scuderia Toro Rosso, 67, +34.197, 1. 11. (5) Kevin Magnussen, Denmark, Haas F1, 67, +34.919. 12. (8) x-Carlos Sainz, Spain, Renault, 67, +43.069. 13. (20) Stoffel Vandoorne, Belgium, McLaren, 67, +46.617. 14. (17) Pierre Gasly, France, Scuderia Toro Rosso, 66, +1 lap. 15. (9) Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Sauber-Ferrari, 66, +1 lap. 16. (11) Fernando Alonso, Spain, McLaren, 65, DNF. 17. (19) Lance Stroll, Canada, Williams, 53, DNF. 18. (1) Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Ferrari, 51, DNF. 19. (12) Sergey Sirotkin, Russia, Williams, 51, DNF. 20. (15) Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Red Bull, 27, DNF. x-Finished the race in 10th place, received a 10-second time penalty for overtaking under Safety Car conditions. STANDINGS 1. Lewis Hamilton, 188 2. Sebastian Vettel, 171 3. Kimi Raikkonen, 131 4. Valtteri Bottas, 122 5. Daniel Ricciardo, 106 6. Max Verstappen, 105 7. Nico Hulkenberg, 52 8. Fernando Alonso, 40 9. Kevin Magnussen, 39 10. Sergio Perez, 30 11. Esteban Ocon, 29 12. Carlos Sainz, 28 13. Romain Grosjean, 20 14. Pierre Gasly, 18 15. Charles Leclerc, 13 16. Stoffel Vandoorne, 8 17. Marcus Ericsson, 5 18. Lance Stroll, 4 19. Brendon Hartley, 2 1. Mercedes GP, 310 2. Ferrari, 302 3. Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer, 211 4. Renault, 80 5. Force India Mercedes, 59 6. Haas Ferrari, 59 7. McLaren Renault, 48 8. Scuderia Toro Rosso Honda, 20 9. Sauber Ferrari, 18 10. Williams Mercedes, 4

AFTER producing their second biggest comeback in Super Rugby history, the Waratahs are through to the final four. Daryl Gibson’s side overcame a 23-6 halftime deficit on Saturday and ran in 24 unanswered points to take down the Highlanders. The Waratahs have now crossed the Indian Ocean and will play the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday (11.05pm AEST) for a spot in the final. But first, let’s reflect on the five key moments which proved pivotal in NSW’s 30-23 triumph at Allianz Stadium. 1) WHO DARES WINS Waisake Naholo’s yellow card is the obvious answer. After all, the Waratahs scored 21 points with Naholo off the field to storm into a lead they would not relinquish. But an intercept from big winger Taqele Naiyaravoro set up that match turning moment. With NSW under the pump on their own line, Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith spotted a four on two overlap to his right. Smith cut out Lima Sopoaga and Ben Smith with a trademark flat pass hoping to find either Rob Thompson or Waisake Naholo for a dagger try. But Naiyaravoro — whose defence is often questioned — sensed the danger and took a massive gamble which paid off as he intercepted and took off for a 50m gallop to completely swing the momentum. With the defence backpedalling, prop Sekope Kepu charged forward as a desperate Naholo made two reckless tackle attempts and got his marching orders from Angus Gardner. Had the Highlanders scored, it would surely have been game, set, match. 2) TAKING YOUR CHANCES Throughout the Super Rugby season, Australian teams have largely struggled to capitalise on numerical advantages with opposition players in the bin or sent off. The Brumbies were perhaps most guilty against the Jaguares and Crusaders as they failed to hold onto the ball and build pressure. The Waratahs, on the other hand, were ruthless in both of their wins against the Highlanders. They ran riot when Tevita Nabura was sent off in May and again with Naholo off the field on Saturday. Experienced playmaker Kurtley Beale was crucial to this, as the inside centre squared the attack and threw try assists to Bernard Foley and Israel Folau. Up until then, Waratahs had been guilty of playing too lateral. But the light flicked when Naholo went off, as Beale began to run the ball from first receiver. It didn’t pay off the first time but he persisted and was richly rewarded. 3) WHO WANTS IT MORE? Anyone who wonders why Nick Phipps has played 64 Tests should take a look at the feisty halfback’s effort in the 56th minute. Highlanders lock Tom Franklin’s lineout tap went astray and Phipps showed the most urgency to beat his opponents to the ball on halfway. From the turnover, the Waratahs spread the ball immediately to Beale who burnt the defence on the outside before hitting Folau with a pinpoint pass and the fullback showed his excellent finishing ability to score. It triggered memories of Ireland coach Joe Schmidt’s quote from June when he marvelled at Phipps’ desire in making a trysaving tackle on Keith Earls in Melbourne. “Another one of those Nick Phipps specials,” Schmidt said. Waratahs captain and longtime halves partner Bernard Foley was equally impressed with his desire against the Highlanders. “I think the turning point was probably Nick diving on that ball,” Foley said. “There was a couple of loose balls over the back of the lineout. “Nick showed some great intent there and sort of swung the momentum.” 4) MILLER TIME ON THE BALL Those three quickfire tries gave them the lead, but equally it was the Waratahs defence that won them the game. There were a number of huge, one on one, trysaving tackles, including a beauty from Foley on Naholo five metres out. Another big play was Will Miller’s breakdown penalty in the 65th minute. After 18 phases, veteran lock Rob Simmons had made a tackle on Elliot Dixon. Miller, the former dairy farmer and Northern Suburbs captain, swooped over the ball and won his side a penalty as Dixon failed to release. It typified the Waratahs determination in the second half. NSW would of course love to have injured skipper Michael Hooper on the field. But Miller is proving an excellent replacement in the No 7 jersey as Hooper’s hamstring continues to heal. 5) THE BACKBONE OF THE TAHS SUCCESS There was a poignant moment in the 74th minute as Sekope Kepu jogged back out onto the park. The veteran tighthead was required for one last push after Paddy Ryan had been sinbinned for a professional four and a small but vocal crowd expressed their appreciation. Few players have worn the Waratahs jersey with as much distinction as Kepu. And as the Highlanders tried to barge their way over the line, NSW’s scrum stood firm despite packing down with seven on some occasions and winger Alex Newsome on the flank on others. Tolu Latu’s ability also deserves a mention and the celebrations started after they secured their own scrum ball to allow Jake Gordon to kick to touch and seal a crazy comeback win.

NEW ZEALAND are on top of the world after smashing England 33-12 to win the Rugby Sevens World Cup final and lift the Melrose Cup at San Francisco’s AT&T Park. The 21-point victory meant the All Blacks retained the Melrose Cup after taking out the tournament five years earlier in Moscow. It didn’t take long for the celebrations to start, and things got weird quickly with star playmaker Kurt Baker posing naked in a team photo while sitting on the shoulders of teammate, Trael Joass. Baker has form, too. The 29-year-old from Palmerston North on New Zealand’s North Island regularly posts photos of himself naked with silverware on Instagram. The All Blacks raced to a 14-0 lead after Sione Molia scored a first half brace, before Mike Ellery hit back for England on the stroke of half time. But a blistering sprint down the left-hand touchline by Joe Ravouvou — named player of the World Cup — took the lead out to 19-7. Ruaridh McConnochie hit back soon after with a superb individual try of his own, as he showed strength and pace to score out wide for England. But tries to replacements Akuila Rokolisoa and Joass sealed a comprehensive victory. “We knew coming into this it was going to be tough. We were tested against France, we almost got knocked out, and we really rose against Fiji. We did well to beat an awesome England team, which we thought were the form team since the Commonwealth Games,” All Blacks captain Tim Mikkelson said. Their win over England meant the New Zealand men matched the women’s efforts after they beat France on day two. “It’s huge (for both the men and women to win),” Mikkelson said. “Both teams train at the same place, and they put pressure on us again by winning their final and we had to step up and win ours.” New Zealand’s Both nations progressed to the final after upset semi-final wins. England crushed South Africa 29-7 while New Zealand edged out World Series and Olympic champions Fiji 22-17. South Africa took out the bronze medal after beating Fiji 24-19. Earlier, Australia lost their Challenge Cup Final against Ireland, losing 24-14, to finish in 10th place. Tim Walsh’s Australian side lost their opening match of the tournament against France 22-17 to be knocked out of the finals competition. Meanwhile, Australia’s women took out the bronze medal after earlier being surprised by France in their semi-final.

WHAT’S social media without a bit of banter? It’s long been said Cameron Smith has an influence over the NRL’s referees in the way he’s been able to largely avoid penalties and win 50-50 calls. It’s led to the Melbourne captain being dubbed “Referee Smith”. On Sunday at Mt Smart, we may have seen another such example when Smith wasn’t penalised for an apparent high tackle on Warriors winger Ken Maumalo. Maumalo tried to get a quick play-the-ball after the hit but was forced off his mark, with Smith coming up with it after a second tackle attempt. The on-field officials ruled a Warriors knock on with the Storm awarded a scrum. The home side were clearly frustrated with the decision and their official team Twitter account couldn’t help themselves. They first posted “High tackle”, before retweeting it to add: “Oh wait, it’s Cam Smith”.

THE day will surely come when clubs will consider their legal options over the more costly refereeing mistakes. The NRL is a business as much as a sport. Winning is everything. As a result of Friday night’s refereeing, the Raiders are officially out of the running for the finals. It will cost them around 3000 fans at their next home game. It could cost them sponsorship bonuses and merchandise sales. Even membership sales for 2019. Potentially it could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

IT’s the NRL issue that won’t go away. With referees again in the spotlight at the weekend, following a pair of contentious calls in Canberra’s controversial loss to Cronulla, the Monday Bunker discussed the hottest topic in rugby league. “It’s now reached crisis point, it’s gone beyond a joke,” host Paul Crawley said. Phil “Buzz” Rothfield joined the Monday Bunker to voice his concerns with refereeing standards in the NRL - and the impact it had on supporters. “I’ve never ever had more emails from disgruntled fans who are telling me rugby league has lost them,” Rothfield said. “They couldn’t even watch the second game on Friday night, they were that angry about what happened.” Rothfield went further, saying the NRL’s football department needed to be overhauled. “The NRL has to do a full review of the refereeing in that game and particularly those two incidents,” he said. “And it has to be an independent review, Bernard Sutton can have nothing to do with it because his brother is involved. “I don’t want to keep carrying on about nepotism and favourites in refereeing appointments but it’s been going on all year. “Under Matt Cecchin we saw three of the greatest grand finals we’ve ever seen with Souths winning, with the Cowboys winning, and with the Cronulla Sharks winning. “We saw great Origin matches. “You know what they did to him this year? They made him Henry Perenara’s assistant. This is a scandal.”

ENGLAND international Josh Hodgson has revealed he knocked back an approach from the Sydney Roosters 12 months before signing with Canberra. Aside from the ACL injury which kept him sidelined for a chunk of this season, Hodgson has enjoyed a stellar NRL career with the Raiders to date and has evolved into one of the most dominant hookers in the game. The 28-year-old played six seasons in the Super League — one with Hull FC and five with Hull KR — before agreeing to make the move Down Under in 2015. But his stint in the NRL could’ve started sooner. “I nearly came over the year before with the Roosters, but it just wasn’t meant to be,” Hodgson told Sunday Night with Matty Johns. “They had Jake Friend who’s such a great player, he had a great game (against the Sea Eagles on Sunday). “If I came to the Roosters I was going to play more NSW Cup than anything. “In my eyes I’d worked so hard to get a starting spot at Hull KR, so I’d find it hard to come here and not really play, so I said no to that. “The next year I got offered a starting spot at the Raiders and everything else panned out from there.” Growing up as a huge footy fan, Hodgson said he always wanted to test himself in the NRL where he’s likely to play out the rest of his career having recently re-signed with the Green Machine until 2022. “I always used to watch the comp growing up and I was rugby league mad so any game I could watch I’d sit down and watch it,” Hodgson said. “Your career’s so short, it was just one of my things that I knew I’d regret if I retired and didn’t at least try to come over. “Once the opportunity came to get a crack and come down to Canberra, I was really open to it.”

LUKE Travers was among Australia’s best performers at the FIBA U17 World Cup in July, and he carried that momentum into the NBA Academy Games and BA Prospects Camp in Canberra, later in the month. The 6’6 wing out of Western Australia showed glimpses of why he’s considered among the most talented, and potential-laden, young athletes in the country, and relished the unique opportunity to go up against a wide array of his fellow prospects. “It’s been good. Just another tough challenge, like Argentina,” Travers told foxsports.com.au, comparing the Canberra event to the FIBA U17 World Cup. “I think we’re going well. Everybody from the Prospects team has been going well against the bigger boys, from Africa and India and all that. I think it’s been a good challenge for everyone.” Travers suited up for the BA Prospects E team during the event, exhibiting flashes of his ability to score around the rim, as well as his versatility for his position. That rounded game, Travers said, is what he tried to show the 30-plus college coaches and NBA executives in attendance. “I think I did alright,” he said. “I could’ve done a little bit better, but it’s another challenge I always look forward to. Coming up against the bigger guys is always good. I’m trying to show my versatility. Coming off on-balls, using my dribble moves to get to the whole; it’s something I’m trying to show everyone. “I’m trying to do that here as much as I can, to see if they can put their eye on that.” The plan for Travers is to attend college, with TCU leading the recruitment effort for the native of Western Australia. Travers also said that coaches from the University of California, Berkeley have spoken to his parents, but no visits have officially been planned. “TCU is pretty intense right now. Looking forward to that,” he said. “No visits. Not yet. I might have a visit at TCU, but we’ll see what happens.” ***

YOU don’t need much more indication of the strength and future of women’s sport than an English Premier League club electing to use their ladies side to launch the 2018/19 away strip. Everton Football Club last week launched their marketing campaign for the new strip, which is for the women’s, men’s and under-23s teams, and Everton Ladies are the face of it. It’s a continuation of Everton’s ‘Go On’ campaign, which celebrates the spirit of the club and city that launched with the debut of the club’s home kit earlier in the year. It was also the club’s pledge in Women in Football’s ‘What If?’ campaign. Women in Football, a network of females working in the industry in the UK, started #WhatIf in May and asked organisations, celebrities and the public to identify one way they could take action to improve things for women and girls within the football industry, whatever it may be. Everton’s pledge was ‘#WhatIf Everton became the first Premier League club to use their Ladies team to launch a kit?” They’ve done it. The promo video for the new away strip is narrated by Everton fan and MMA fighter Molly ‘Meatball’ McCann and starts with her saying “I’m telling you, we won’t stop, we’ll never stand still” over images of the ladies team training, city shots both historical and current and to a marching beat that’s simply inspiring. “Yeah, we know our history, but right now, we’re creating our future. Moving forward. Advancing. Improving. Restless. Just like our city.” It’s as much about the progress of women’s sport as it is about the club and city itself. “I’m telling you, there’s going to be progress. There’s going to be more. There’s going to be a show.” Everton Ladies captain Danielle Turner told the club’s website that it was a monumental campaign to be part of. “I am delighted to be a part of this groundbreaking and inspirational campaign,” she said. “This is a kit that any Evertonian would be proud to wear. “To have the chance to not only debut it alongside my teammates, but to be the first women’s team to be given this opportunity, is a real reflection of Everton’s one club philosophy and their commitment to growing the profile of the women’s game.” The kit was worn for the first time by the women last weekend, on Sunday, July 22, during a pre-season friendly against Liverpool and also against FC Porto in the Algarve Football Cup on the same day. You can see the kit here.

MANCHESTER United may not want him, but Chelsea, Bayern and Dortmund all have their eye on Anthony Martial! Staying in Manchester, Jose Mourinho has realised that he may have to boot one of his existing defenders if he wants to free up spending for Harry Maguire. Meanwhile, noisy north west neighbours Liverpool are looking to bring a World Cup star to Merseyside. CHELSEA AND BAYERN WANT MARTIAL! According to Sky Sports, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing Manchester United’s Anthony Martial this summer. Martial, currently in the United States on United’s pre-season tour, has a year remaining on his contract, and has apparently told United boss Jose Mourinho he wants to leave the club. It is understood United’s hierarchy are not interested in selling the France international forward, and could trigger the extra year option in his contract until 2020. VILLA SET PREMIUM PRICE FOR GREALISH Steve Bruce says Aston Villa should now be able to “name their price” on midfielder Jack Grealish after investment into the club was revealed. Egyptian billionaire Nassef Sawiris and American businessman Wes Edens are set to take charge at Villa Park after making what is reported to be a “significant investment” in the Sky Bet Championship club. Sky Sports understands Villa and Tottenham have held talks over a deal for the 22-year-old, whose position as one of Villa’s highest earners has made him most vulnerable in a potential cost-cutting position. The Telegraph in the UK reports that Grealish is set to inform the new owners that he wants join Spurs and pursue his dream of playing in the Champions League. REDS OFFICIALS CLOSE-IN ON VIDA Liverpool officials are expected to fly over to Turkey to hold talks with Besiktas over a £27 million (AU$48 million) bid for Domagoj Vida. Croatia’s star centre-back helped his country reach the World Cup final, and ultimately caught the attention of Premier League clubs doing so, with West Ham, Everton and now Liverpool all being linked to the 29-year-old. According to the Daily Star, Reds representatives are expected to land in Istanbul within the next few days. NAPOLI EXPRESS INTEREST IN DARMIAN Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian is one of a number of fullback options Napoli are considering moving for this summer, confirmed the club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis. The Italian international is entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and has outlined a desire to play more regularly next season. De Laurentiis has confirmed Napoli are looking to sign a right fullback, with PSV Eindhoven’s Colombian international Santiago Arias one of a number of options they are looking at in addition to Darmian. OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW AT UNITED In a bid to clear the way for a £65 million (AU$115 million) move for Harry Maguire, Jose Mourinho must first offload one of his other central defenders. Maguire is a highly sought-after target by Mourinho, and are United ready to launch another bid for the 25-year-old, according to The Mirror. But Mourinho has been made aware he must free up some more funding by letting one of his existing defenders go, with Marcos Rojo the likely fall-guy. REINA SIGNS FOR AC MILAN Pepe Reina has officially joined AC Milan - after returning from his post-World Cup break. The Spanish goalkeeper signed for the Rossoneri after three years at Napoli. The club announced the arrival of the 35-year-old shot-stopper on Twitter, with the ex-Liverpool ace now heading to USA with his new teammates.

THE younger sister of canoe slalom star and multiple Olympian Jessica Fox is now making her own splash in the sport. Noemie Fox has won Australia’s first medal of the world under 23 championships in Italy with a bronze in the C1 racing despite incurring a time penalty for a gate touch. The 21-year-old’s success follows on from older sister Jessica winning three straight K1 and C1 crowns at World Cup events across Europe this month. Noemie Fox won a silver medal with her sister at last year canoe slalom world championship in the C1 team’s event. Fox, who missed making the K1 final in Italy, on Monday ensured she was in the mix for medals in the C1 by qualifying on her second run and then producing a podium performance in the final. “I’m super happy, it’s been a long and tough week,” Fox said. “To finish with a solid run, where I felt really good, it’s a shame about the touch, but I’m really happy. “It’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I think I had a good preparation, I would have loved to have a go in kayak, but I’m just glad I paddled to my potential and my ability today.”