EPL: Man United Near £60m-Plus Deal for Brighton Midfielder Baleba

  Manchester United are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba as the club steps up efforts to bolster its midfield ahead of the new season. United attempted to sign the Cameroon international last summer but were put off by Brighton’s valuation, which was in excess of £100 million. However, Baleba’s price has reduced significantly and, after failing in their pursuit of Matheus Fernandes earlier this summer, United have decided to revisit the midfielder. As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Red Devils have submitted an initial £60 million offer, which remains below Brighton’s valuation, but negotiations are continuing. United have already strengthened their midfield this summer with the arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans, who joined from Aston Villa for £35 million in July. Mason Mount impressed alongside Santos during United’s first three pre-season games but has since been struggling with a foot problem suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. Baleba, meanwhile, is expected to be sidelined for another two to three weeks after suffering an ankle injury during a pre-season training camp in Austria. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler’s squad are due to fly to Norway on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off first-leg match against Tromso. Baleba made 35 appearances for Brighton last season, receiving seven yellow cards while operating primarily as a defensive midfielder. The move makes sense for United, who tried to sign Baleba 12 months ago and are therefore fully aware of his qualities. The Cameroon international is the type of box-to-box midfielder United lack despite the arrivals of Santos and Tielemans. Baleba also wants to make the move, while the eventual fee is expected to be significantly lower than the £100 million Brighton demanded previously. However, the reduction in his valuation is partly due to the underwhelming form he showed last season. Baleba made 31 Premier League starts and three substitute appearances in 2024-25, compared with 23 starts and eight substitute appearances in 2025-26. The figures highlight a decline in his form and importance to Hurzeler during a campaign in which Brighton secured European football for only the second time in their history. There was speculation that Baleba’s head had been turned by United’s interest, but Brighton sources last season said they did not believe that was the case. With the transfer deadline approaching, United have now made their move. Manager Michael Carrick will hope the club can secure the 2024-25 version of Baleba as they look to add further strength and energy to their midfield.

Oyo Declares August 20 Public Holiday For Isese Day Celebration•••Makinde Calls For Prayers For Peace, Unity, Stability

  The Oyo State Government has announced Thursday, August 20, 2026, as a work-free day across the state to commemorate this year’s Isese Day celebration. The declaration was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, on Wednesday. According to the statement, Governor Seyi Makinde graciously approved the work-free day to enable residents to commemorate the traditional festival. The government urged residents to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity and stability in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. The statement quoted the governor as requesting that the celebration be used as an opportunity to pray for the continued peace and progress of the state, as well as the country.

US Tightens Green Card Rules, Introduces Stricter Public Charge Test

  The United States will implement stricter public charge assessments for certain green card applicants starting September 18, 2026, under new guidance issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The updated guidance published on USCIS’ website and sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday explains how USCIS officers will determine whether an immigrant applying to adjust status to lawful permanent residence is likely at any time to become a public charge. A public charge generally refers to an immigrant who is considered likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance for support. Under the new policy, officers will consider five statutory factors: the applicant’s age, health, family status, assets, resources and financial status, as well as education and skills. “USCIS will review all relevant evidence in an alien’s record and make case-by-case decisions in the totality of the alien’s circumstances,” the agency said. USCIS said officers may also consider other relevant factors, including an applicant’s receipt of means-tested public benefits. For benefits received before September 18, 2026, USCIS said it will consider public cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalisation at government expense. For benefits received on or after September 18, the agency said it will consider a broader range of means-tested benefits. The changes follow a Department of Homeland Security final rule that rescinds the 2022 public charge regulation. The rule was published in the Federal Register on July 20 and is scheduled to take effect on September 18. USCIS said the updated approach is intended to reflect congressional intent that immigrants in the United States remain self-sufficient and do not depend on taxpayer-funded government benefits. However, not all green card applicants will be affected by the public charge requirement. USCIS maintains exemptions for several categories, including refugees and asylees, certain victims of human trafficking and qualifying criminal activity, special immigrant juveniles and certain Violence Against Women Act self-petitioners. The agency will also continue its public charge bond process. Where an officer finds an applicant inadmissible solely because the person is likely to become a public charge, USCIS may invite the applicant to post a financial bond. USCIS said the amount of the bond will take into account the government assistance the applicant may be eligible for and potentially receive over the following five years. The agency stressed that a public charge determination is not based on a single factor but on the applicant’s overall circumstances. The new guidance will apply to Form I-485 applications subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility that are postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026.

Man Found Dead Inside London Football Club’s Stadium

  London-based football club Charlton Athletic is assisting police with an investigation after a man was found dead at The Valley stadium on Tuesday morning. Police were called to the London stadium following an incident that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, with the man pronounced dead at the scene, the Championship club said in a statement on Tuesday evening. “The death remains under investigation,” Charlton said. The club added that anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident should contact police on 101, quoting reference 2809/18AUG. Charlton expressed its condolences to the deceased man’s family, friends and loved ones. “Everyone at Charlton Athletic would like to express their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” the club said. The club said it would continue assisting authorities with their enquiries and asked that the privacy of those affected be respected. “There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the club,” Charlton said. The club also thanked its staff for their response to the incident. “Charlton Athletic would also like to thank its staff for the professionalism they have shown while dealing with a particularly difficult and distressing situation,” the statement said.

Circular Road Will Boost Development Across Six LGs — Oyo Acting Governor; Gives Update on Compensation, Commissioning

  Acting Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has said the ongoing circular road project will drive development across six local government areas in the Ibadan metropolis, including Oluyole, Ido, Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Lagelu and Akinyele. He stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after inspecting the ongoing Phase 2 of the 110-kilometre Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan. Barr. Lawal said the inspection was to assess the pace and quality of work to ensure the project meets approved specifications. According to him, about 32km of dual carriageway has been completed and asphalted, with streetlights and toll gates already installed. He said: “This is still an ongoing project. We are doing a 110km road, and with dualization, that’s 220km. By the grace of God, we will complete it before the exit of this administration. “The whole essence of this inspection is to let our people know that the circular road is a mega project this state has not witnessed in a long time, both in old and present Oyo State. “People must know that the circular road is about the development of Oyo State, not the speculation that Governor Seyi Makinde is taking people’s land. I have come to establish the fact that this project is not about taking anybody’s land. It’s about the development of this city.” The Acting Governor however assured that arrangements have been made for compensation for affected landowners who have registered. According to him, no inch of land acquired through this project will be left uncompensated. As long as our people get registered, all lands affected by the project will be compensated. He added that funds for compensation would be released very soon once cost figures are collated and submitted. While urging residents to get proper information about the project instead of spreading falsehoods, the Acting Governor stated, “It is important for our people to go round and see the project for themselves. It speaks for itself,”. He noted that the circular road now covers six LGAs previously referred to as “less city” but now part of a “greater city” due to the Makinde administration’s infrastructure drive. “This is good for development, investment and social cohesion,” he said. Barr. Lawal disclosed that contractors have assured that the 32km section at Badeku will be completed by the end of September and ready for commissioning. Adding that Work on hydraulic bridges has also been completed, while clearance is ongoing for the next stage, the Acting Governor said: “The goal is that before the exit of this administration, we would have completed Phase 2”. He equally described the circular road as a world-class project equipped with facilities including lay-bys, toll gates, and a medical bay. The Acting Governor also inspected ongoing projects at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, which are expected to be completed by November. He was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Magbonjubola Jagaban’, and other government officials.

Bayern’s Musiala Collapses Again on the Pitch, Three Days After First Incident

  Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala was forced to leave the pitch after collapsing during a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, just three days after experiencing a similar incident in Munich. The 23-year-old fell to the turf just minutes after coming on late into the match at second-division Heidenheim. Musiala appeared dazed as he received medical treatment and was helped off the pitch. After the match, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said Musiala would make a comment on the situation soon. “Jamal will speak about this in the near future. We knew about it, and we are aware of the situation,” Eberl said. “Jamal will speak out. He’s in the dressing room, getting changed and taking a shower.” On Saturday, the Germany international fell to the pitch against RB Leipzig and required medical attention in hot conditions in the Bavarian capital, with temperatures well over 30°C. Musiala missed the first six months of last season due to a broken ankle sustained at the Club World Cup, but he returned in the second half of the campaign and played for Germany at the 2026 World Cup. AFP

La Liga: Barcelona Sign Rodri from Manchester City

  Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, Rodri, has expressed his eagerness to “feel that excitement again” after officially completing his transfer from Premier League giants Manchester City to Barcelona on Tuesday. In a statement on their website, the La Liga champions said the 30-year-old has signed a deal that will run until 2030, bringing an end to one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer. After two failed bids, Barca and Man City reached a deal on Sunday, which a source from the English club told AFP would go up to 76.5 million euros ($88.6 million), including bonuses. Rodri then arrived in the Catalan capital the following day to thresh out personal terms with his new club. “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career,” Rodri said during his unveiling on Tuesday. “It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.” After seven trophy-laden years at Man City, the former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal player was reported to be close to joining Real Madrid, before finally opting for their arch-rivals. The midfielder has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but shone as Spain won their second World Cup in North America last month. Despite Barca’s recent dominance of La Liga, they have failed to lift European club football’s biggest trophy since 2015, when the club’s star-studded attack of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez fired them to their fifth Champions League title. “It’s a pleasure to be at Barca. I’ll give 100 percent of everything I have,” Rodri said. “I’m here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League. “I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.” To help him achieve these goals is a Camp Nou dressing room replete with familiar faces from Rodri’s Euro 2024 and World Cup successes with Spain, including Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Dani Olmo. He will also join up with new teammates, widemen Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, after the pair joined Barcelona earlier in the close season. One of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants at City, Rodri said he believed his new coach at Barcelona, Hansi Flick, would “bring a lot to my career”. “(Flick has) a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player,” he added. Rodri was a vital figure for Guardiola during their time together at the Etihad Stadium, leading City to the 2023 Champions League and four Premier League titles among 12 major trophies. “I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories,” Rodri said in a statement on City’s website. “What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.” AFP

Doctor Explains Palliative Care After Ogogo’s Daughters Alleged Hospitals Denied Treatment

  Doctor Olusina Ajidahun has addressed claims by the daughters of veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, that hospitals have stopped treating their father, who is reportedly battling stage-four cancer. The doctor, identified on X as The Bearded Dr Sina, said the daughters’ description of their father’s treatment could be misunderstood, particularly their claim that hospitals had refused to treat him. Reacting to the development on Monday, he explained that patients with stage-four cancer may be moved to palliative care after chemotherapy and other available therapies have been explored. He wrote, “They don’t want to treat my father again. This is a dangerous statement and can set the tide against the medical team treating her Dad. “When patients have stage 4 cancer and chemo and/or other therapies have been explored. There is a form of care called PALLIATIVE CARE.. which is end-of-life care and care for terminal diseases because at the point of the disease you cannot treat it, but you can manage associated symptoms and give the person a good quality of life before death.” According to him, describing the situation as hospitals refusing to treat the actor could create a negative perception of healthcare workers and potentially trigger hostility against medical professionals. “Saying they don’t want to treat my father makes it look like they are intentionally rejecting him, and in the context of recent happenings in the health sector, it can trigger an insurrection and put a bad label on health care workers,” he said. He also expressed sympathy for Ogogo’s family and said he hoped they would work closely with the medical team treating the actor. “I do hope Ogogo’s daughter and family see this. Wishing the family all the best throughout the trying times,” he added. The doctor clarified that he was not involved in Ogogo’s medical care and was commenting independently on the daughters’ videos. Ogogo’s daughters, Lima and Kira Taiwo, separately appealed for help on Instagram over their father’s health condition. In a video posted on her Instagram page on Monday, Lima said the actor’s condition had deteriorated and claimed that hospitals had refused to treat him. “Hello everybody, good evening. I’m here to ask for help from my daddy. He has cancer and it’s really, really bad. “And the hospitals are refusing to treat him. At least, please, give this man a chance. Nobody wants to do anything,” she said. Lima said the family only discovered the extent of the actor’s condition about three weeks earlier, adding that his outward appearance had not reflected the severity of his illness. “You see him, you can’t even know that. Something is wrong that bad. It’s just starting to show. We didn’t even know until like three weeks ago,” she said. She reiterated that the family was seeking medical assistance and not financial donations, appealing to anyone with connections to healthcare providers who could take on her father’s case. “Please, I’m begging you. If you know somebody that knows somebody that will be willing to treat him, anything, we’re willing to try anything. We’re not here to ask for money. Nobody’s here to ask for money,” she said. Lima also acknowledged the support the family had received from a relative during the crisis. “My big uncle has helped a lot. He has been of great help. Like, nobody even knew that he would show up for us this way,” she said. The actress’ daughter ended her video with an emotional appeal, saying she could not bear to watch her father die. “But if he’s willing to do anything, please, if you know somebody that knows somebody that will be willing to treat him, would you really appreciate it? Please, I can’t watch my daddy die. I can’t. I can’t. Please. Please, I’m begging you. Please. Please,” she said. In a separate Instagram video, Kira also appealed for help, disclosing that her father’s cancer was at stage four. “Hello everyone, I’m here for my daddy. He has cancer and is in stage 4. The hospital is saying that they cannot treat him again, like they can’t give him chemo again,” she said. Kira appealed to anyone who could provide cancer treatment for the actor, including chemotherapy, to contact the family. She stressed that the family was not seeking money but medical intervention that could give their father another chance. “What I’m here for, what I’m here for is that if you can treat my daddy, if you can start chemo for him, whether it’s medical or herbs, please, I’m begging you, guys, I’m begging you, any help, anything, anybody that you know that can treat cancer, please, please, I’m begging you,” she said. She urged anyone who knew a medical professional or facility capable of treating cancer to contact her, her sister or the actor directly. “Please, please, if you can treat my daddy, please send me a DM. I’ll be checking my phone. Please, I don’t want my daddy to die,” Kira said. She became emotional while speaking about her father’s condition, saying she had never seen him in such pain. “God, give me strength. I’m suffering so bad. There’s no money, but if you know anybody that can treat my daddy, Andrew, please,” she said. Kira added that her father had expressed his fear of dying. “He’s saying that he doesn’t want to die. Please, I’ve never seen my daddy in that kind of pain before,” she said. Hassan, 66, is a veteran of the Nigerian film industry whose career spans more than four decades. He has featured in more than 300 films and is one of the most recognisable faces in Yoruba cinema.

Osun Poll: I Had No Agreement With ADC,Says Adeleke

  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected claims attributed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party played a role in securing his victory in last Saturday’s governorship re-election. Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, declared that he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during and after the governorship election. The governor, however, credited God and the Osun people for his re-election win, saying the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed and supported his battle for last Saturday’s election. He commended political partners who sacrificed to make his re-election a reality The statement read further, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied reports from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it helped the Osun governor to win re-election, declaring that he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during and after the governorship election. “Governor Adeleke, who again credited God and Osun people for his re-election win, said ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed and supported his battle for last Saturday’s election, commending political partners who sacrificed to make the aspirations of Osun people a reality.” Quoting the governor, the statement further read, “I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. But we must clarify for the sake of history that ADC was never part of the alliance. “Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people irrespective of political groups, religion or race.” Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Najeem Salaam, has commended members of the party for the courage they displayed during the journey that climaxed with the governorship poll. Salaam, in a statement he personally signed and obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday, also lauded the support of ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Osun people, saying that despite the outcome of the poll, his love for the state and commitment to its development will continue. The statement read, “I sincerely appreciate every one of you for your courage, steadfastness and unwavering belief throughout this journey. Against all odds, we walked, we talked, and we stood together. We did so not merely for political power, but because we genuinely believe in the development, progress and future of Osun State. “To the good people of Osun State, I deeply appreciate you for coming out to exercise your democratic right. I thank you for listening to our message, engaging with us and giving us the opportunity to present our vision for a better Osun. Your voices and choices must always be respected, because democracy ultimately belongs to the people. “I also express my profound gratitude to our leader, @raufaregbesola, a great political strategist, mobiliser and courageous leader whose experience, wisdom and commitment added immense strength to our journey. His presence reminded us that politics can be about ideas, service and the people.” The PUNCH reports that Adeleke was returned elected by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday, Prof Joshua Ogunwole. Adeleke won the governorship poll with a total of 511,067, to defeat Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress who polled 444, 815 votes.

Osun Poll: ‘Adeleke Is Different From Fubara,’ Says Dele Momodu

  Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, Dele Momodu, has warned against drawing comparisons between Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara. Momodu, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, stated this via his X handle on Tuesday while reacting to an online publication titled ‘Wike: I’d have been in Osun if Tinubu wanted APC victory at all cost.’ “Osun people would have demystified you mercilessly. Adeleke is not Fubara!! My kobo advice, stop equating yourself to God,” Momodu wrote. According to the publication which Momodu reacted to, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the ruling All Progressives Congress wouldn’t have lost the Osun State governorship election if President Bola Tinubu had “wanted to win the Osun State election at all costs.” “I would have been there, and we would have won it, and there’s nothing the governor can do,” Wike stressed. The PUNCH Online reports that Adeleke, contesting on the platform of the Accord Party, won a re-election into office for a second term, having polled 511,067 votes against the APC’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who had 444,815 votes. In his first tenure in office, Adeleke, then a PDP governorship candidate, defeated former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, in the 2022 governorship election. The publication, as earlier referenced, noted that Wike made the statement on Tuesday while responding to questions on the outcome of the Osun governorship election, as he addressed journalists during an inspection of flood-prone areas in Maitama, Abuja. “Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been a prominent member of the G5 group of PDP governors who opposed the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. Since Tinubu appointed him FCT minister, Wike has maintained his membership of the PDP while publicly supporting the President and some policies of his administration. “His latest comment underscores his claim that the APC could have secured victory in Osun had the President chosen to deploy greater political effort towards the election. “Wike has also remained politically active despite serving in an APC-led federal administration, maintaining that his support for Tinubu does not amount to abandoning the PDP,” the publication read. On August 11, 2026, Momodu revealed his support for Adeleke of the Accord Party in Osun State for a second term, despite being a member of a rival opposition party. Momodu insisted that opposition parties must set aside individual interests and align behind Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state. The former presidential aspirant said he remained a proud member of the ADC, saying that he joined the party on the basis that prominent opposition figures decided to form a broad coalition against what he described as the “APC cankerworm.” “I joined ADC on the basis that prominent members of opposition parties in Nigeria decided to form a broad coalition of forces against the APC cankerworm that has almost destroyed our economy, social cohesion, religious tolerance and democratic institutions and separation of powers. It would be foolhardy not to see that with the manner APC has turned Osun State into a theatre of war, the only sensible strategy is for all opposition parties to align immediately and back the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke. “I make this declaration without equivocation, or any fear of contradiction,” the statement partly read.