English footballer; striker, Leicester City title winner; now Burnley short-term signing
Littler has defended his Betfred World Matchplay title with an 18-9 victory over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool. He has set a final average of 111.53 and a tournament average of 111.04, breaking Phil Taylor’s previous marks. The 19-year-old remains on track for a calendar-year haul of major titles, while Netflix has announced a reality darts show launching later this year.
Arsenal has given 16-year-old Max Dowman more first-team opportunities after a pre-season showing. Dowman is the youngest Premier League scorer, and his involvement is expected to grow as the 2026-27 season nears.
Liverpool has announced the permanent signing of an 18-year-old forward, with a loan spell at Brest this season. The move follows a flurry of summer activity, including the recruitment of Lucca Brughmans and other prospects as the club lines up its future.
Elversberg has shocked Bayer Leverkusen in their Bundesliga debut, taking a 3-0 lead before Leverkusen fought back; Patrick Schick and Christian Kopané narrowed the gap but could not prevent a historic win for the promoted club from Saarland.
The Guardian, BBC and Independent report that former Premier League referee Michael Dean has defended comments about jokingly delaying whistle blows and staying in the centre circle. Critics challenge the ethics and accuracy of the claims as broadcasters scrutinize his long refereeing career and the integrity of officiating.
Jamie Vardy, 39, has joined Burnley on a contract through the end of the season, after leaving Cremonese. Burnley, relegated from the Premier League, are bottom of the Championship after five games. Vardy says he wants to help the club move in the right direction and embodies a return to form for a club with a storied history.