Latest news with #Merseyside
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Liverpool's ambitious move for Isak can keep Man Utd off their perch once and for all… Fergie would have done the same
THREE decades of looking enviously at Manchester United's dominance clearly brought home the critical lessons to Liverpool. Having toppled the Anfield side off their 'perch', Sir Alex Ferguson set about establishing his own empire. 7 7 That meant never resting on their laurels — enjoy the moment, celebrate, then start again, making the changes needed to refresh and improve. If that means upsetting some of your players, so be it. The club comes first. And while Arne Slot won his first Prem crown by just tweaking the framework he had inherited from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's willingness to smash the British transfer record and bring Alexander Isak to Merseyside for £120million is the clearest signal that the Dutchman is looking to create something permanent. The move for Swedish star Isak, 25, is more than an isolated push in a summer of treading water. Instead, it is Slot laying out his cards. Winning the title was great. But it is only the beginning of his ambitions. With nearly a month to go before the start of the new season and Liverpool's team to face Bournemouth on August 15 could show four changes from Slot's first XI last term. Slot's fellow Dutchman Jeremie Frimpong was recruited from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5m to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's decision to move to Real Madrid. But the other transfer targets were about building something even better from a position of strength. Andy Robertson was a Klopp mainstay for seven trophy-stacked seasons but the Scot has started to look increasingly vulnerable. Slot suggested Robertson's disrupted pre-season last summer was a factor but appeared to have signed his immediate replacement, bagging Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m. And while the midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai brought far more control and poise in the engine room than for much of the Klopp era, Slot wanted to upgrade his options. He did that when Liverpool saw off Bayern Munich to lure Frimpong's Leverkusen club-mate Florian Wirtz, with just a little matter of £100m up front, plus up to £16.5m in add-ons. Now, with many inside and outside the club still mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota — something that, naturally, will long cast a shadow over the dressing room — Slot is thinking ahead once more. His interest in Isak has never exactly been hidden, although it appeared Newcastle, desperate to hang on to their attacking talisman, had held off Liverpool's desire to land him. But by making a direct approach now, with Isak all too aware that Liverpool are serious about getting him on board, the Anfield chief is showing he believes the title win was just the beginning. 7 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW It is exactly what Fergie would have done, too. Remember how back-to-back crowns were followed by the shock of losing the title to Blackburn in 1995. Out went stalwarts Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis. In came Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the Neville brothers, the Class of 92. It was a pattern that continued. Win then refresh. A pattern that helped Ferguson secure 13 Prem titles in the space of 21 seasons. All while Liverpool, who had been the ones to beat for so long, were suffering a title drought and only managed to finish second twice. Now, with the boot firmly on the other foot, it is Liverpool who are utilising their advantages — just as they always did in those glory days of the 70s and 80s. There may be more to come, too. Slot's signings are eye-catching but he has brought in nearly £56m from the departures of Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher and Nat Phillips, with more to come if Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz go. With Madrid eyeing a move next summer for potentially out-of-contract Ibrahima Konate, the Reds have not given up on Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace. Isak, though, would be the icing on their cake. A line-leader who would offer a constant goal threat, able to hold the ball up and run in behind, and still not even entering his prime years. Keeping hold of Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah was Slot, making them believe last term was the launchpad. What he has done since is already looking like he could finally put Liverpool right back on that perch. 7 7 7
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Elderly couple in critical condition after suspected arson attack on home
An elderly couple are in a critical condition in hospital after a suspected arson attack on a home in St Helens in the early hours of Tuesday morning (July 15). Police, paramedics and fire crews were called to the scene of a house fire on South John Street at around 12.40am. Two elderly occupants - a man aged in his 70s and a woman aged in her 80s - were rescued from inside the home and taken to hospital for treatment where they remain in a critical condition, Merseyside Police said. READ MORE: 'We're sorry not all parents agree, but the skirt ban is happening' READ MORE: Man dies following crash on M60 Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here A joint investigation with the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is ongoing to establish the cause of the fire, which, from initial inquiries is believed to have been deliberate, police Inspector Steve Byrom, of Merseyside Police, said: "This incident is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing. If you live on or near to South John Street, please check any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage and we will be in the area to speak to residents.'Two residents of this home are in a critical condition and I am sure the community will be appalled at what has happened. Do the right thing and come forward if you hold any information, no matter how small. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE 'An investigation is ongoing to establish how the fire began and we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch as a matter of urgency.'Superintendent Chris Ruane, who leads Local Policing in St Helens, added: 'I understand the impact that such a shocking incident will have on the community. Please be assured that this incident is being taken extremely seriously and there will be more officers in the area to offer reassurance to residents.'We are determined to get answers to what happened. In the meantime, feel free to speak to officers in the area if you have any concerns.'Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via our website: Report a crime | Merseyside Police or call 101 quoting incident reference contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I know the real Helena and the truth about her being a ‘good time girl' – Love Island have set her up to look bad
SHE has been cruelly trolled for letting Harry Cooksley walk all over her in the Love Island villa, for 'being open' and even for laughing too much. The reaction has left those close to Helena Ford shocked and saddened, and determined to clear her name. 5 5 5 One person who thinks Helena has been unfairly treated is her close friend and long time hairdresser, who says: 'She's had a rough time in there - the way that people are portraying her on social media, it's just so unfair.' Natalie Clayton, who owns NCWeave in Merseyside, has been doing Helena's hair for the last four years and did it just before she entered the villa. She has explained why people might think Helena is a 'good time girl', after Harry branded her that. She told us: 'I think she knows what Harry is like, and she's never been in a relationship before, and that's what people are forgetting, because she's just, she's just having fun. 'She doesn't take life too seriously. She is one for just having fun and living her best life.' The 29-year-old has been open about the fact she's never had a relationship before and Natalie thinks she's just embracing it all - rather than being bogged down in the details of relationships. 'Because of her job and her lifestyle, I don't think she's just ever thought about settling down yet,' Natalie told us. 'She loves travelling, she loves going out with her friends. So I think she's just never met that right person where she's wanted to settle down with them.' On Love Island Helena has mostly been coupled up with Harry but has gained the reputation of someone who is very flirty with the opposite sex. Bella Rose Hair & Beauty owner Natalie believes that Helena, who travels three hours just to get her extensions there, has been edited to look a certain way. She said: 'I think maybe the clips that have been heard have made it worse because I do think that Shakira has been worse with her than Helena has with Shakira and I don't understand why people can't see that coming across. 'At the end of the day they've just got a similar type and they've both gone for the same person and then she's been portrayed like she keeps going for her men. 'But you can see Helena was shocked at that because she's not even realised and just been like we've got the same type and she was joking about it. 'And then I think Shakira, from what's been heard, she's been talking about Helena a hell of a lot more.' Natalie said her reaction to laugh at so many things is because she isn't a fan of confrontation. 'She just likes to keep herself to herself in her own little bubble and she just wants to be friends with everyone and get on with everyone,' she told us. 'I know people are saying she said this and that, but you can see by the things that she's done, she just doesn't take life seriously.' And Natalie thinks she has what it takes to win the show, telling us: 'I would absolutely love her to win the show because it has been great TV. 'Whether people have liked her or not liked her, I think if she hadn't been in there it could have been very boring!' Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Holbrough: A model ready to make waves. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. Yasmin Pettet: The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. Emily Moran: Bombshell Welsh brunette from the same town as Love Island 2024 alumni Nicole Samuel. Harrison Solomon: Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Giorgio Russo: The 30-year-old will be spending his summer in the sun, potentially his sister Alessia's successful tournament at the Euros in Switzerland. Yaz Broom: Professional DJ from Manchester who appeared on X Factor 2016 in girl group Four of Diamonds. Andrada Pop: Miss Bikini Ireland 2019 winner who hails from Dublin and works as a nail technician and personal trainer. Emma Munro: Harry Cooksley's ex who entered as a bombshell and works as a hydrogeologist. Departures: Kyle Ashman: Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. Malisha Jordan: A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Shea Mannings: Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. Caprice Alexandra: The 26-year-old bombshell owns a nursery in Romford. Poppy Harrison: The bombshell broke up with her boyfriend after finding out she would be in the villa Will Means: The fourth fittest farmer in the UK according to Farmers' Weekly in 2023 entered the villa as a bombshell Megan Clarke: An Irish actress part of the OG line-up. Remell Mullins: Boasts over 18million likes and 500k followers on TikTok thanks to his sizzling body transformation videos. Alima Gagigo: 23-year-old personal banker from Glasgow who fancies herself as a 'good flirt'.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Wirral girl, 9, taken to hospital after being hit by bus
A nine-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after she was hit by a bus in Police said it happened at about 15:50 BST on New Chester Road, near its junction with Platt Grove, in New Ferry, girl was being assessed for a head injury, the force added.A cordon was put in place and New Chester Road was closed from the junction of Woodward Road to the junction of Dell Grove and motorists were advised to avoid the area. Police have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Shock moment McDonald's worker SMACKS customer across the face as chaotic brawl erupts outside restaurant
THIS is the shocking moment that a McDonald's worker smacks a customer across the face. The video shows a horrifying brawl erupting outside the popular burger chain, as one worker is pinned against a railing. 4 4 4 Footage uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, shows punters and workers bursting out of the restaurant amid chilling screams. A shirtless man in grey shorts can be seen battering a McDonald's worker while holding him against a railing. Meanwhile, a colleague is beaten away by a woman in denim shorts who continually swats at the female McDonald's worker. Hitting back, she charges over to rescue her colleague by slapping the arm of the shirtless man. The shirtless man is then hurled to the ground, where he rolls over. Next, the female McDonald's worker hit the woman in denim shorts in the head - prompting more shouts from the crowd. One voice can be heard saying: 'you stupid little b***h!' Another man says: 'Who the f*** are you touching?' The workers are hurried back inside, while the police finally arrive. Three cop cars can be seen arriving on the scene, with several customers pointing to the shirtless man - who is handcuffed off-camera. McDonald's launches brand-new burger featuring never-before-seen sauce The video appears to have taken place at the Page Moss brand of McDonald's in Merseyside. A spokesperson for McDonald's has said: "We are aware of the incident involving anti-social behaviour from a group of customers that has been circulating on social media. "The group were asked to leave the restaurant due to unacceptable behaviour. "The police were called and we are supporting them with their enquiries. "We are also working with our restaurant team to remind them of the appropriate de-escalation processes we have in place. "At McDonald's, we have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour, and it is completely unacceptable to see anyone behaving in this way.' The news comes as high street shops across the country battle after the rate of shoplifting soared to a record high. A staggering 516,971 incidents were logged in 2024, which is a huge increase from 429,873 incidents just a year earlier. Beloved bakery chain Greggs was forced to put several of its sandwiches and drinks behind counters, after some of its branches were robbed every twenty minutes. The Co-op lost an eyewatering £80 million to shoplifting last year. The chain had spent £200 million on security kit, including body-cams and shielding for staff as well as AI technology to work out which products are being stolen. However, shoplifters are now targeting stores which do not yet have the expensive kit. 4
