Paris Saint-Germain linked with Barcelona star Jules Kounde

Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Jules Kounde from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to . The report has claimed that PSG, who have won the Ligue 1 title last season, view Kounde as a key addition to strengthen their defence for next season and beyond.

Kounde is one of the best defenders in La Liga and has been superb for Barcelona since his move from Sevilla in 2022. The 25-year-old France international is a versatile defender who can operate as a centre-back or as a right-back and has his best years ahead of him.

The defender has made 28 starts and three substitute appearances in La Liga for Barcelona this season. He has scored one goal and given two assists in those games. Kounde made 28 starts and one substitute appearance in the league…

Arsenal aim to make Ben White the next player to commit his future to the club

Arsenal have approached Ben White to begin talks over extending the defender’s contract at the Emirates Stadium.

White, 26, joined the Gunners from Brighton for £50million in 2021 and has since established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back.

The England international has made 103 appearances for Arsenal and returned from injury off the bench in Wednesday’s 6-0 Champions League win over Lens.

The PA news agency understands sporting director Edu has led the decision to drive negotiations with White as a reward for his form, despite the fact the former Leeds loanee has two and a half years remaining on his contract.

If a new deal is agreed, White would become the latest of Arteta’s major names to extend his stay in north London.

England’s Claire Stancliffe savours Steven Gerrard support for deaf women’s team

England Deaf Women defender Claire Stancliffe says it “really hits me deep” that her “hero” Steven Gerrard has donated £5,000 to the fundraising effort aiming to get the team to September’s World Cup in Malaysia.

The campaign has been launched after the Football Association last month announced it was switching focus and funding for the national deaf women’s team from the 11-a-side format to futsal.

The overall target is £100,000, with half of that required by the end of June. A fundraising page has been set up by the Deaf Sports and Football Foundation and more than £13,000 has been raised so far, including donations of £5,000 each from ex-England and Liverpool captain Gerrard and former international team-mate and Manchester United defender Gary Neville…