Ben Jacobs

🚨 Exclusive: The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card. FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee. FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel.

Exclusive: Saudi international Khalid Al-Ghannam is in advanced talks to join Al-Ittihad. Ittihad able to negotiate the price from $15m to $10m. Ettifaq have also agreed to the fee being paid in instalments. Deal not done yet, but talks positive. Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli also interested. Ettifaq want $10m as the sale will facilitate the arrival of Copenhagen’s Jordan Larsson. $1.5m fee already agreed between clubs but the deal is waiting league sign off.🇸🇦

Hull City set to sign Swedish international Elliot Stroud from Mjällby for a fee of around £3m, as @sachatavolieri called. 24-year-old has chosen Hull over an offer from Genoa.🇸🇪 🤝 @alex_crook

Alex Jimenez set to join Fiorentina on a loan with a €20m option to buy, including bonuses. Also a 30% sell-on should the deal be made permanent. Jimenez is still part of an ongoing external investigation following posts that circulated on social media. No verdict reached yet.

Chelsea value Alejandro Garnacho at €50m and want a permanent exit. There have been talks with Roma, but the Serie A side want a loan formula. Chelsea are only looking at a permanent sale. Garnacho is drawing interest from England, Italy and Saudi. Like Andrey Santos, he wants to be a regular starter, and Chelsea can’t offer that. Club and player working together to find a solution. Garnacho is yet to report for training as all parties are focused on an exit. Progress being made and it is hoped an exit can be facilitated in the next two weeks.🇦🇷

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has sadly died aged 25. Adams played in all three of South Africa's World Cup group games. Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's of Sports, Arts and Culture: "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international." Thoughts and prayers with Jayden's family and friends.🙏

Understand Al-Qadsiah forward Julián Quiñones is viewed as not for sale. Chelsea have not placed a bid despite reports.❌

Atletico Madrid confirm Morten Hjulmand has joined from Sporting on a five-year contract.✍️

Jurgen Klopp has verbally agreed a deal to become Germany coach on a four-year contract. Parties now expected to formalise next week, including an exit package with Red Bull. Pep Lijnders also set to join at Klopp's assistant.🇩🇪 🗣️ DFB Statement: "DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth talks with Jürgen Klopp yesterday in New York regarding his potential appointment as national team coach. During the constructive exchange, an agreement was reached on the key points of a potential contract. Talks will continue next week. "Both sides are confident that the negotiations – subject to an agreement with Klopp's current employer, Red Bull – can ultimately be successfully concluded. Any potential contract must be finalised in a joint meeting of the supervisory board and shareholders' meeting of DFB GmbH & Co. KG."

Manchester City confirm Jeremy Monga has joined from Leicester City. Fee is £10m+£2.5m. Leicester informed all suitors they weren't prepared to sell for a package of under £10m. Enzo Maresca key to the deal. Monga has signed a five-year contract.👕

Former Chelsea chairman and Leeds owner Ken Bates has sadly died aged 94. Chelsea Statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends. "Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten." Thought with Suzannah and Ken's family and friends.🙏

Manchester City’s Sverre Nypan has joined Belgian side Lommel SK on a season-long loan.🤝

Thanks a lot! It doesn’t sound too positive that’s for sure, and I can hopefully provide more clarity in the next 24-48 hours. With medical info, different sources can be comfortable confirming info at different points and my process is to ensure both clubs are on the same page before adding more as it’s so sensitive. That is in no way to undermine other journalists’ info, but when I have more to say on this I will!

@JacobsBen @AhabwePaul256 @_TheSuper7_ You are receiving a lot of pressing there Ben. People are impatient. I'm appreciative of your work and think you conduct yourself impeccably.

As alluded to here, Ederson deal in doubt. Further clarity soon. No confirmation yet on a final decision from #MUFC following further medical exams.⬇️

🗣️ Kevin De Bruyne on whether it’s his last World Cup. “Oh guys, let me just get on holiday and take a break. It’s been a tough year. I had a big surgery. I am proud of what I have done. I worked really hard. That’s it.” m.youtube.com/watch?v=kaIk0z…

🗣️ Lamine Yamal: “I am looking forward to playing France. We don’t fear France. Perhaps they should fear us. We knocked them out before in two semi-finals [at Euro 2024 and the 2025 Nations League].”

@AhabwePaul256 @_TheSuper7_ I am just always cautious reporting on medical-related issues, especially when you also have to consider the player in all this, but will update you further soon.

@JacobsBen @_TheSuper7_ Thank you @JacobsBen for the clarity. I believe you lets just wait

@AhabwePaul256 @_TheSuper7_ It might well be, but these kind of stories are very sensitive and at the moment all sides need to make a final call. Sure it will come soon.

@JacobsBen @_TheSuper7_ But Fabrizio says deal off who can we believe now ?

Mikel Merino sends Spain into the World Cup semi-finals after a late 2-1 win over Belgium. Spain will now face France for a place in the final.🇪🇸