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July 8, 2025

Newcastle agree £55m fee for Forest winger Elanga

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Sami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent

21 minutes ago

53 Comments

Newcastle United have agreed a £55m fee with Nottingham Forest for Sweden winger Anthony Elanga.

Sources have told BBC Sport the deal could be completed this week.

Newcastle are seeking to strengthen their attacking options as they prepare for their return to the Champions League following a fifth-placed Premier League finish last season.

The 23-year-old scored six goals and produced 11 assists for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side during their successful 2024-25 Premier League season.

Newcastle have yet to pay a fee for a player this summer, with 18-year-old Spanish winger Antonio Cordero the only new arrival on a free transfer from Malaga.

Forest are believed to have paid £15m to sign Elanga from Manchester United on a five-year-deal in 2023.

Why is Elanga in demand?

Karan Vinod

BBC Sport journalist

Newcastle’s pursuit of Elanga underlines just how far his stock has risen after a stellar campaign with Forest.

His statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics.

The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

Being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means he outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure.

Elanga’s crossing ability sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery.

For comparison, none of Newcastle’s wingers – Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes or Anthony Gordon – averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, while Elanga averages 6.65.

His progressive carries – how frequently he moves the ball towards goal – highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, which added dynamism to Forest’s attack.

Even his goals-per-shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is rare among wingers.

For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third.

The matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kris Jenner, showed off her new look in France’s capital as she enjoyed a date with longterm boyfriend Corey Gamble

Kris Jenner has moved away from her usual look(Image: Hulu)

Kris Jenner stepped out in Paris on Monday sporting a brand new style. The Kardashian-Jenner family matriarch, 69, has opted to switch up her look, shifting away from her usual pixie cut.

Kris was in the French capital with her boyfriend Corey Gamble when she showed off her longer fringed bob look. Giving 70s vibes, the new style complemented the reality star’s new facelift.

Wearing a fitted long-sleeved black dress with a statement collar, Kris held on to a small black Hermès handbag for her trip out. She paired the looked with open-toed black heels, while her man also opted for a black outfit of his own.

Kris Jenner’s new look(Image: Aissaoui Nacer / SplashNews.com)

#The outing comes after she publicly thanked her surgeon a decade after having a facelift. She followed daughter Kylie Jenner in admitting her surgery. While Kylie has opened up about her boob job op in 2018, mum Kris quickly thanked the surgeon for his work on her too.

Following Kylie’s endorsement on Instagram, Dr Garth Fisher thanked the star. He wrote: “I’m honoured to be acknowledged by Kylie—her kind words were unexpected but truly appreciated.

“Patient confidentiality has always been the foundation of my practice. Over 3 decades, we’ve never had a single breach. My entire team is thoroughly trained and bound by strict NDAs and confidentiality agreements. This is more than policy—it’s our culture.”

Kris Jenner revealed she had a facelift(Image: garthfishermd /Instagram)

He went on to reference HIPAA (patient privacy) laws and why he will never discuss a client’s procedures without their permission, adding: “Every patient is unique. This isn’t ‘cookbook’ surgery—it’s thoughtful, personalised care.”

And in the comments section to his message of thanks, Kris also said: “”Garth you are such a superstar class act. You did my first facelift in 2011… 14 years ago!!! and made it the most amazing experience ever and even gave us access to film so that others could get a peek inside what it’s like and not be afraid…

“You have taken great care of us always and remain such a close and treasured friend!! Such an incredible talent!!”

And the latest of the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star’s procedures is said to have been “riskier” than others. The momager’s rep had confirmed to Page Six that she underwent aesthetic enhancements from a plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Levine, before her 70th birthday.

While it wasn’t confirmed exactly what procedures she underwent, some have claimed she underwent a deep place facelift. Others, though, think it could be a regular SMAS procedure. Dr Norman Rowe recently explained the differences between the two procedures, saying how they can range from five to six figure sums to complete.

Speaking about the risks, he said to The Sun: “I think, honestly, still, the majority of people out there doing facelifts are probably doing SMAS. It’s still kind of like the go-to technique.

“It ultimately depends on the surgeon’s comfort in doing that deep plane to that point. I’ll be honest, it is a little bit more risky than, say, a SMAS.”

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He added to the publication: “The only way to know [what Kris had done] is to look at her five or 10 years from now. If she still looks good, it’s probably a deep plane … if she starts to show little signs of aging. Probably wasn’t.”

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July 8, 2025

Maura Higgins mistaken for Kardashians star as she shows off bold new look

By 234Radio in Entertainment News, News

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Former Love Island star Maura Higgins turned heads with her striking new look as she posed for snaps in a leather outfit at the weekend’s British Gran Prix in Silverstone

Maura Higgins(Image: Maura Higgins/Instagram)

Maura Higgins has shown off her fantastic new look – but it has got people confusing her with other famous faces. The former Love Island star, 34, took to Instagram to showcase he bold new appearance and was met with an influx of positivity.

She was attending the British Grand Prix at the weekend at Silverstone when she surprised with her dramatic change. She posed trackside at the event as she looked to have revealed she had chopped off her dock locks.

Unveiling her new striking style, Maura sported an edgy short hair cut as she beamed for the snaps. Taking to social media, Maura said she was “back on the grid” as she uploaded images of her in leathers.

In one black-and-white shot, she was looking to towards the track as she fully showed off the new style and gripped to a racing helmet. Another saw her waving a chequered flag while beaming and a third saw her strike a pose with the track in the background.

Maura showed off her new look(Image: Instagram)

The I’m A Celebrity alum also shared a video of her from the day. However, it turned out the look was in fact a wig as she joined forces with hair brand TRESemmé. But that didn’t stop her followers commenting with delight on the new look.

Among them was fellow former Islander Faye Winter, who wrote: “Wow my favourite look of ALL TIME”. American reality TV star Colton Underwood also shared his appreciation with three flame emojis.

Maura was compared to Kris Jenner(Image: Getty Images)

“I thought it was Kris Jenner at first glance”, wrote another follower. And many seemed to agree as they liked the user’s comment. “Looking really beautiful Maura”, gushed another alongside a number of love heart emojis.

Her new look wasn’t the first time Maura has experimented with wigs. Earlier this year at Coachella the Irish beauty wore a bold dark red fringed wig.

At the same festival she also changed things up with another striking style, too. She changed into a long straight blonde wig as she opted for a western themed look.

Maura at Silverstone(Image: Instagram)

Since finding fame on Love Island, Maura continued to make a name for herself on television. As well as her appearances on UK television, Maura became the host of Love Island US.

And in her bid to fully break into the United States, Maura has landed a major new show. She is set to take part in the upcoming series of The Traitors USA and will join the likes of Real Housewives Lisa Rinna, Porsha Williams, Dorinda Medley and Candiace Bassett.

Maura will also rub shoulders with Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce’s mum Donna, while Big Brother stars Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell will also appear. Survivor’s Rob Cesternino and Yam Yam Arocho have been named to take part alongside The Amazing Race winner Natalie Anderson too.

Others on the list include The Bachelor’s Colton Underwood, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas, RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Monét X Change, figure skater Johnny Weir and singer Eric Nam.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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July 8, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne meets his own personal legend as he sends touching message

By 234Radio in Entertainment News, News

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Black Sabbath icon Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show over the weekend as the world’s biggest rock and metal stars got together for the Back to the Beginning super show

Ozzy Osbourne meets ‘legend’ for first time ever as he sends touching message(Image: Instagram)

The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, met Guns N’ Roses icon Axl Rose for the first time during the epic Back to the Beginning super show in Birmingham over the weekend, which saw the world’s biggest rockers and metal stars unite for Ozzy’s final-ever show with Black Sabbath.

During the show, Ozzy, 76, had the opportunity to meet ‘legend’ Axl backstage. He took to his Instagram page to reveal how it went as she shared a snap of them shaking hands. He wrote: “My first time meeting Axl Rose, at my age you don’t get to meet many legends, seriously an utter gentleman.”

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Ozzy and Axl never met before(Image: X)

Ozzy also posed with Axl and Slash for another epic photo, which delighted fans in the comment section.

Axl also took to his social media to share his excitement over the entire event. He wrote: “Wow!! What an EVENT!! Extremely overwhelming!! Really great crowd!! Was very emotional for everyone!! MET OZZY!! (Crazy we’d never met b4!!) He was really great!! Was great to meet Sabbath! !

” Was hard as I imagine for anyone to watch his struggles while at the same time everyone was rooting for him n ‘ massively respecting the challenges he took head on n ‘ HE DID IT!!!! “

Fans were divided over his frail state on Saturday

The 63-year-old continued:” Was great to meet Ozzy’s family n ‘ see friends n ‘ peeps in all the bands n ‘ the business. A HUGE THANK YOU again to Ozzy, Sharon, Black Sabbath n ‘ all the fans for having us!! “

During their set, Guns N ‘ Roses paid tribute to Black Sabbath by covering a few of their classic before performing their own hit tracks, Welcome to the Jungle and Paradise City.

Ozzy’s fans have declared the show as an end of an era as he performed his final show. His health issues became clear to fans as they helped him get through the set.

It left Rakkan, from Saudi Arabia but travelled from London, saying:” I’m conflicted. He’s obviously enjoying himself but it’s sad to see him in this physical state. It feels like an end of an era. “

Over on Twitter, one fan wrote:” Feel a bit sorry for Ozzy being wheeled out like that. He clearly isn’t fit and well. “” I feel bad for Ozzy. Yeah it’s his last ever live show but it’s kinda gross how a visibly unwell man is being wheeled out like this by Sharon, “another mused.

A third wrote:” Very sad, Ozzy in a goth wheel chair. “However, some loved it.

” As much as I am against this final Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath show, the videos I’ve seen on Twitter and Youtube, Ozzy sounds a lot better than I expected, “one declared online.

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July 8, 2025

Why was Piastri penalised but Russell wasn’t?

By 234Radio in News, Sports News

A graphic of, from left to right, Alex Albon, George Russell, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Fernando Alonso and Oliver Bearman. It is on a blue background with 'Fan Q&A' below the drivers

30 minutes ago

Lando Norris led a McLaren one-two to win his first home race at the British Grand Prix.

His team-mate Oscar Piastri was leading before he was handed a 10-second penalty for driving erratically behind the safety car.

There is now a three-week break before Formula 1 heads to round 13 at the Belgian Grand Prix from 25-27 July.

Why was Oscar Piastri penalised at Silverstone when George Russell wasn’t for his actions behind the safety car in Canada? Is the difference that one was in the wet and therefore visibility limited? – Nick

This is a question Piastri was clearly asking himself after the British Grand Prix, even if he did not say so in quite so many words.

Consistency of stewards ‘ opinions is something teams and drivers are constantly asking for, and on the face of it this does look like a contradiction.

The two incidents were very similar. In Canada, Russell braked and Max Verstappen passed him. At Silverstone, Piastri did the same with the same result.

In Canada, the stewards took no action, and rejected a post-race protest from Red Bull. At Silverstone, Piastri lost the win as a consequence of a 10-second penalty.

There were some differences, however. The brake pressure Piastri applied, while perfectly normal for a braking event behind a safety car, was more than double Russell’s. And the conditions were different – wet rather than dry – with the reduced visibility that came from that.

Verstappen made it clear he did not view the incidents that differently, however.

After Sunday’s race, he was asked if he thought Piastri deserved a penalty.

“The thing is that it happened to me now a few times, this kind of scenario”, Verstappen said. “I just find it strange that suddenly now Oscar is the first one to receive 10 seconds”.

Because there was no difference to what Russell did in Canada?

“Well, to the stewards, yes”, Verstappen replied.

Piastri said he felt he had done everything within the rules, and implied he had been unlucky to be braking at the same time the safety car lights went out to indicate a restart – the time after which drivers are not allowed “erratic braking nor any other manoeuvre which is likely to endanger other drivers”.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “I wasn’t surprised to see him get a penalty. That was what you would expect”.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said he felt the penalty was “very harsh” and he would discuss it with the stewards.

He said McLaren had made the point during the race it should be looked at afterwards.

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If no-one has crashed, or even gone on to wet tyres, then by what definition is the track unsafe? Is F1 a fair-weather sport now? – Martin

The question does not make it clear which particular part of the British Grand Prix it is referring to, but all three times the safety car or virtual safety car was deployed, it was because of a safety-related situation.

The virtual safety car was when Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto crashed and then pulled off the track.

The first full safety car was deployed when conditions were at their absolute worst. No-one had gone off, but the rain was extremely heavy and visibility was almost non-existent.

These days, it is visibility that usually defines whether officials – and drivers – consider conditions too dangerous for racing.

And the second full safety car, which followed very soon after the restart, was because of a crash. Racing Bulls ‘ Isack Hadjar had crashed into the back of Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes – completely unsighted in the spray – and gone off at Copse.

Charles Leclerc is often called the fastest man in F1 over a single lap, but his race results haven’t generally lived up to that level for some time. Is it just that Ferrari have been unable to give him a car to regularly compete since he has been with the team, or is it time for an uncomfortable conversation about his racecraft? – Tom

When you look through the data on the offset between Leclerc’s conversion rate of poles to wins, almost every time he has failed to do so it has been because of an issue to do with the car or team.

Of course there are a couple of exceptions, where there has been a driver error, but they are a very small minority.

Leclerc is not as rounded a driver as Max Verstappen – few are – but there is no concern about his ability in races.

It’s very clear his exceptional qualifying form is down to his remarkable ability over one lap, and that quite often puts him in grid positions that are impossible to sustain in a race, where the average car performance is harder to disguise.

On Sunday, yes, he made the wrong choice in pitting for slick tyres at the end of the formation lap, but so did three other drivers, including George Russell.

Oscar Piastri ahead of Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix

Great to see the re-emergence of McLaren – how on earth did they find the way back to the glory days? An exercise in patience, finance or engineering excellence? – Chris

We have explored this story in depth before, and you can read about it here.

The short version is the revival started with Zak Brown’s appointment in late 2016 as executive director. He was made chief executive officer of McLaren Racing in early 2018.

He started the restructuring of the team, beginning with sorting out its commercial footing.

There was a time when the team was in serious financial plight. Brown has done a remarkable job compiling an impressive range of financial backers. The team has gone through a few phases of technical restructure, and the infrastructure has been built up over a few years, including a new wind tunnel that came on stream last year.

But the key change Brown made was making Andrea Stella team principal at the end of 2022 – a decision he made when he allowed his predecessor Andreas Seidl to go to Sauber/Audi.

Stella – with Brown as sounding board – decided on another restructure, one of the key parts of which was returning Peter Prodromou to his position as technical director responsible for aerodynamics. Prodromou – a former key lieutenant of Adrian Newey – had been sidelined previously.

McLaren started the 2023 season with a car that was the product of the previous leadership and were close to the back.

Within six months, an upgrade had been put on the car that made it Red Bull’s closest rival. It was one of the most remarkable turnarounds ever seen in F1 and, since then, they have gone from strength to strength.

Two more key upgrades followed – in Singapore in 2023 and Miami in 2024 – since when McLaren have been the most consistently fast team.

The recruitment of Rob Marshall – also a former colleague of Newey – from Red Bull for the start of 2024 was another crucial move.

And Stella’s wise, considered, calm, erudite, thoughtful leadership has had a powerful effect on the team in a number of ways, including its inclusive culture.

Now, the technical leadership of Prodromou and his fellow technical directors Mark Preston (performance) and Neil Houldey (engineering), along with Marshall, twinned with the incisive leadership of Brown and Stella – two very different characters, who complement each other extremely well – has them flying.

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Maura Higgins mistaken for Kardashians star as she shows off bold new look

Former Love Island star Maura Higgins turned heads with her striking new look as she posed for snaps in a leather outfit at the weekend’s British Gran Prix in Silverstone

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Black Sabbath icon Ozzy Osbourne performed his final show over the weekend as the world’s biggest rock and metal stars got together for the Back to the Beginning super show

Why was Piastri penalised but Russell wasn’t?

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