Tuesday cannon fodder: sketchy opinion crossroads

Premier League/England

Manchester United start rebuilding with Daniel James on summer shopping list | Football | The Guardian
Manchester United are confident of a successful summer in the transfer market, with Swansea’s Daniel James one of their targets.

Beth Mead’s angry side launched her into elite, says Phil Neville | Football | The Guardian
The England coach has praised Beth Mead’s improvement since he put the rocket up his forward with ‘home truths’.

American owners have a sketchy record in British football - can Sunderland afford another one? - Roker Report
Jack Ford looks deep into American ownership of British football clubs to see what is in store for Sunderland.

José Enrique: ‘I couldn’t do anything, couldn’t move, had to sleep at an angle’ | Football | The Guardian
The former Liverpool defender tells Sid Lowe about surviving cancer, sitting with the fans and his excitement at playing in the club shirt again.

Nations League: England drop Kieran Trippier but Harry Kane included - BBC Sport
Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier is left out of England’s 23-man squad for the Nations League finals, but captain Harry Kane is included after injury.

Goodbye, Ashley Cole? If it is, don’t let your personal opinion cloud judgement of how good he really was | FourFourTwo
Animosity towards the full-back has often overshadowed the fact he was one of the best players of his generation.

Newcastle’s Mike Ashley in talks with UAE’s Sheikh Khaled over £350m sale | Football | The Guardian
The Newcastle owner is negotiating a £350m sale to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al-Nehayan of the United Arab Emirates.

Europe

Harry Kane: Tottenham striker ‘ready’ for Champions League final - BBC Sport
Tottenham’s Harry Kane says he is “ready to go” after recovering from an ankle injury in time for Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool.

A stagnating Barcelona and similarities to the crossroads that Real Madrid faced in 1990
At face value, Barcelona have had a successful season, winning LaLiga again. But scratch beneath the veneer and shades of Real Madrid 1990 appear.

Atalanta punch historic Champions League ticket in wild Serie A finale | Paolo Bandini | Football | The Guardian
Gian Piero Gasperini’s great entertainers made club history, while Inter edged Milan to a top-four place too.

Bayern not in ‘human trafficking’ business with James - Football365
Might James be bought for £37m and immediately sold for a quick profit? “That’s not the style of Bayern.”

MLS/Americas

Carli Lloyd calls World Cup sendoff match crowd “incredible” | Pro Soccer USA
A near sell-out at Red Bull Arena sent the USWNT off to the World Cup in style.