Manchester City Defender Ruben Dias is a target for Inter Milan, as a potential replacement for Yan Bisek.

gazzetta dello sport report Dias is ‘no longer safe’ at the Etihad as Enzo Maresca plans changes to the team he will inherit from Pep Guardiola.

Inter Milan eye a real coup

The newspaper reports that Bayern Munich are interested in Bisek but have not made a move yet. However, Inter are ready to change that, and have a replacement in mind.

The Italian champions will hope to sell Bisek for around €40m. Anything below that and they won’t listen to the offer at all. Such a figure would also allow them to target top-tier replacements.

One name in particular would attract Inter ‘more than any other’: Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.

Signing the Portuguese defender would be a ‘real coup’. It would also need to add a few million to the €40m it would get from selling Bisek. But there is a belief that Manchester City will listen to offers as Maresca reshapes his squad.

kanji example

However, there is precedent for Inter Milan striking a tough deal with City. They signed Manuel Akanji from the Etihad in a ‘highly lucrative’ deal last summer.

It was a loan that was conditional on his buying based on winning Serie A and appearing in more than 50% of his games.

In the end, he cost around €15m including wages. Ruben Dias will cost a lot. He will be worth no less than €50m and earns just over €6m per year. However, it is not impossible for Inter, especially if they get €40 million for Bisek.

For now, the potential deal is in its early stages. But Inter Milan’s interest is a sign of them thinking big. They want to connect youth with experience, and The Manchester City defender would contribute significantly later on.

Sheldon Keefe is safe, but Sunny Mehta is cleaning house. He is serious about improving the New Jersey Devils.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Devils announced that goaltending coach Dave Rogalski has been relieved of his duties.

Additionally, assistant coach Sergei Brylin will take on a new role within the organization.

According to a team source, Braylin will no longer be in a coaching role.

The search for replacements for those roles has begun.

Keefe will return for his third season as head coach with the Devils in 2026–27. Over the course of two seasons, he is 84-70-10. The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to miss the postseason for the first time since a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Keefe described missing the postseason as “embarrassing” in his year-end press conference.

Rogalski moving on shouldn’t be a surprise. In fact, it was long pending.

The Devils signed Jacob Markstrom to a two-year extension in October to secure their crease. However, Markstrom regressed in 2025–26, recording his worst statistical season to date.

In 44 games, Markstrom recorded an .883 save percentage and was 88th out of 98 goaltenders in goals saved above expectation (-11.9).

Braylin began working as a team consultant for the Albany Devils in the New Jersey organization during the 2012–13 season. He was immediately promoted to assistant coach the following season and then became an assistant coach for New Jersey in 2022–23.

Braylin’s role moving forward has not yet been determined.

Rogalski has been in the NHL since 2017-18. He moved from St. Louis to New Jersey in the 2020–21 season. He transitioned from a development coach to a goaltending coach and has been in his role ever since.

There will be no other changes to the Devils’ coaching staff. For the time being, Brad Shaw and Jeremy Colliton will continue in their roles alongside Keefe.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Just four months after starting his tenure, Fabio Paratici has been put forward as an ideal name for Napoli Tottenham Hotspur to an end.

football napoli 24 Report on comments by journalist Massimiliano Gallo in Il Neapolitana regarding the former Tottenham director of football.

napoli change = tottenham reunion

Napoli could be facing a summer change rush as Roma are showing serious interest in their current sporting director Giovanni Manna. While there’s no sign yet that he’s ready to jump ship, questions are being asked about who will replace him.

For Gallo, the answer is simple. Go and get Fabio Paratici, the man he thinks is the best on the market.

“We know that De Laurentiis is very close to Manna; he considers her his discovery,” he said.

“He always talks highly about them. At least from the president’s perspective, there’s no reason for any separation.”

“If he is to accept Roma’s advances, De Laurentiis must waste no time and bring in the best player on the market.”

antonio conte relationship

In fact, he believes there is a precise reason other than the transfer market. Hiring Paratici would provide comfort and security to manager Antonio Conte.

“Paratici has a deep knowledge of football,” he said.

“He would be the ideal man for Napoli. He would be the sporting director that Napoli has never had.”

“Paratici is someone who knows a thing or two; he is not just a sporting director for delicious restaurants; he knows how to buy and sell at any price. And he will also be a point of reference for Antonio Conte at the club. The manager will feel safe.”

mutual respect

It would certainly be an interesting move for the former Tottenham director, who returned to Italy in January to lead Fiorentina.

It was billed as a long-term project, but with security almost secure, would he be tempted to try his hand at another big project?

A reunion with Conte certainly makes sense. The pair worked together again at Tottenham between 2011 and 2014. Conte also admitted in 2021 that there is ‘great mutual respect’ between the pair. He even said, “We speak the same language and I’m not just talking about Italian.”

It suggests that, five years on, he would be willing to work with the former Tottenham director again if the chance arose. It remains to be seen whether Napoli listens to Gallo’s suggestion.

Barcelona have decided to buy Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford at the end of this season.

The La Liga winners joined Manchester United on loan with an option to buy in July 2025.

Manchester United allowed him to spend the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side wanted to retain Rashford, but he was keen to join Barcelona.

Last season, he had 11 goals and nine assists for the Red Devils and Aston Villa, and four goals and six assists for the Villans.

Rashford has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 38 appearances for Hansi Flick. Below are his per game statistics with Barça [first] And both Manchester United and Aston Villa last season.

• expected goal [per season]: 5.84 – 4.77
• expected assistance [per season]: 3.78 – 3.45
• big opportunities were created [per season]: 5 – 8
• Cross: 1 – 0.7
• Successful dribbles: 0.9 – 0.7
• Ground duel won: 2-0 -1.8
• Aerial duel won: 0-2 – 0-2

These figures show that Rashford’s overall performances have improved since moving to the Camp Nou.

Marcus Rashford taking key pay cuts

Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news Marcus Rashford’s agent meets Barca sporting director Deco in Spain.

on weekends, to be a chain Deco was interviewed during the election of Barça, won by President Joan Laporta.

When Barcelona’s sporting director was asked about Rashford, he said: “We know we have a choice. [The purchase option will be exercised] Fair play, depending on the club’s priorities and the player’s performance.”

Wednesday edition of sports world One report is headlined: ‘Rashford will have to push hard for his transfer.’

The newspaper says: ‘Barça have practically secured the signature of Marcus Rashford (28 years old), to the point of having a non-mandatory purchase option for €30m, which will be payable to United in three installments of €10m.’

The Blaugrana have also agreed to a three-year contract with the England international. All that is pending for them is to activate this section.

Rashford would like it to happen quickly, while the Camp Nou team is in no hurry. He starred for Barcelona during Raphinha’s absence due to injury.

With Raphinha already back in action, Rashford will have to prove his worth ‘either as a game-changer from the bench or as a starter to rest the Brazilian’.

He has not done so in recent weeks as the Manchester United player has failed to score or assist since the end of January.

World State: ‘The main thing with Rashford is his salary, which is not low, and the impact of the transfer on the club’s financial fair play, which will not be insignificant. If he has a breakout season, he will be easy to sign. If he struggles his chances will be reduced.

Barça is using local newspapers to apply pressure

The Catalan club has faced problems in recent years managing its wage bill and registering new players. They eventually solved it after making adjustments, but the same issue will continue this summer.

Marcus Rashford has shown willingness to take a pay cut. Now it seems that Barcelona want him to reduce his salary further.

It is possible that Flick’s team are using Mundo Deportivo to take advantage of the player’s recent decline in form to put pressure on him. He wants to use his Manchester United clause but, as usual, is cutting costs.

🇳🇱Mika Godts | Manchester United approach Ajax for star

➡️Want to know the status before attempt
⭐️ Multiple top clubs keen, #MUFC move forward to move forward
📈 At 20, the left winger is on the rise
⚽️ 14 goals + 11 assists this seasonhttps://t.co/8PiZl0IhFR

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 17 March 2026

Why did I switch from PayPal to Apple Pay casino payments when both offer similar processing times and security protocols?

They’re both safe ways to make deposits and withdrawals, but in my experience, Apple Pay provides a better service for mobile users. 

🤔 What is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay is a safe way to make online gambling payments. Specifically, it’s a next-generation eWallet. I say that because it takes what first-generation online wallets such as PayPal started and streamlines the experience. 

I’ll talk more about how to use Apple Pay at the top UK online gambling sites later. For now, here’s a quick overview of what it does:

• Apple Pay is exclusively for iOS users (sorry, Android readers, you’ll need to use Google Pay).
• You set up Apple Pay by linking a debit/credit card or bank account to your Apple account. 
• This turns your mobile phone into a portable payment device that can be used for in-person tap-to-pay transactions or online transactions. 

In essence, Apple Pay is a conduit for financial transactions. This means you can make payments from your bank account without entering any banking details. There are a variety of benefits to this, including efficiency and security, which is why the top UK online gambling sites now offer this payment method. 

🔎 A closer look at the top 3 Apple Pay casinos in the UK

More and more UK online gambling sites are starting to offer Apple Pay, but a few bright sparks got ahead of the curve. Of all the casinos that spotted Apple Pay’s benefits before it was trendy, the following three are my favourites, thanks to their games, promotions and unique features.

1. sport BET

sport BET is more than a sportsbook. Yes, it offers generous odds on the latest Premier League games and boxing matches, but don’t sleep on its slots. The developers quietly added a handful of exclusives to the already impressive gaming lobby at the end of 2024. 

I’d still like a few more casual casino games to be added, particularly in the form of crash games. However, if you’re someone who wants to get the most from Apple Pay, you’ll have plenty of mobile games to choose from.

Age of the Gods: Cash Collect is my favourite progressive jackpot slot, and 10p Roulette is both fun and affordable. If I’m forced to recommend one game for all-round entertainment, I have to go with Vinnie Jones Card Chase.

2. PUB casino

This pub is a hive of entertainment, and there’s not a drink in sight. With plenty of mobile slots and table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker, you won’t be short of ways to wager money. 

I would love a few more digital table games, but the live casino more than makes up for the gaps in this area of the app. For me, the main reason to try Pub Casino is its casual games. Offerings such as Rock, Paper, Scissors and Flipping Fortunes are not only fun but simple enough that even a complete casino newbie can easily ante up. 

When you combine the novice-friendly games lobby with almost instant withdrawals via Apple Pay, it’s hard not to call Pub Casino one of the best gambling sites for newbies.

3. Virgin Games

Rewards and freebies are the two reasons I joined Virgin Games. The fact that real-money players can play selected slots for free every day is hugely impressive. A lot of UK online casinos offer free spins, but none do it on a daily basis, like Virgin Games. 

You’ll notice from my list of pros and cons below that you can’t make withdrawals via Apple Pay. I can’t pretend I’m happy about this. Any casino that offers Apple Pay deposits (as Virgin Games does) should make it a withdrawal option. That being said, you can make almost instant withdrawals using Visa Direct. 

For a final flourish, Virgin Games offers poker and bingo. Again, that’s something of a unique twist on the usual line-up games you’ll see at the top UK gambling sites. So, if you want to try something different while making safe Apple Pay deposits, I recommend Virgin Games.

🤳 The ideal Apple Pay user

The ideal Apple Pay user is, obviously, someone with an iPhone or iPad. Without one of these devices and an associated Apple account, you can’t use this payment method. 

The second requirement is that you’re a registered user with one of my recommended Apple Pay casinos. You can be a member of more than one UK online gambling site, but at least one of them must offer Apple Pay. 

Assuming you’ve got the basics in place, the ideal Apple Pay casino user is someone who wants the following things…

• Instant deposits and withdrawals that take no more than 48 hours. 
• A simple one-touch way to make deposits and withdrawals.
• An easy way to play mobile casino games.
• Enhanced security features such as Touch ID and Face ID. 
• The ability to make payments without entering your credit/debit card details or banking details.

I’m not saying you have to want all or any of these things to use Apple Pay. However, if you’re willing to try new technologies and want easy ways to make mobile gambling payments, Apple Pay is ideal.

Pros and cons of using Apple Pay at online casinos

Some players I’ve spoken to love the convenience of Apple Pay, while some see the ability to make instant mobile payments as a potential problem. I don’t think instant payments are a problem, but I can see why people might think so. 

The fact that you can deposit and withdraw funds with a single tap does pose a risk for people prone to wagering more than they can afford to lose. However, as long as you adhere to the basic tenets of responsible gambling and set sensible deposit limits, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

Based on my experience, this is the main argument against using Apple Pay for online casino transactions, but there are other things to consider. Some of the other pros and cons to think about are:

💛 Pros

• You can verify payments using Touch ID/Face ID security instead of standard passwords.
• Payments can be completed in less than 30 seconds. 
• Funds are processed safely using Apple’s cutting-edge mobile encryption software. 

🛠️ Cons

• This method is only available to iOS users. 
• Not all UK online casinos offer Apple Pay for withdrawals. 

📋 How to make a deposit with Apple Pay

Making Apple Pay casino deposits is easy if you’ve already got an account with one of my top picks. If that’s the case, you can start from step #3 on the list below. For anyone who’s yet to join an Apple Pay online casino, here’s how to do it:

1. Create an account with one of my recommended Apple Pay casinos, such as sport BET.

2. Go to the Apple Store and download your chosen casino’s mobile app. 

5

3. Log into your casino account via the iOS app. 

5

4. Tap “Deposit” and confirm that you acknowledge the company’s fund segregation policy.

5

5. Set your deposit limit (daily, weekly, monthly or no limit).

6. Select Apple Pay from the list of payment options. 

5

7. Enter a deposit amount (£5 or more).

8. Double-click the action button on your iPhone/iPad to initiate the transaction.

5

9. Enter your Apple Pay password or use Touch ID/Face ID to verify the transaction. 

Your funds will be available instantly once you’ve successfully completed the above steps. 

⚖️ Apple Pay method compared to others

Apple Pay stacks up well when it’s compared to other UK online gambling payment options, which is why its popularity is increasing. Let’s take a look at how it compares in four key areas to see if it’s the right payment method for you:

*For clarity, I’ve used sport BET, Pub Casino, and Virgin Games as the basis for withdrawal limits and processing times. 

💡 Tips when using Apple Pay as a preferred payment method

The simplicity of Apple Pay means that it’s almost impossible to mess up transactions. While that’s true, there are some things you can do to get the most out of this innovative payment method. 

With this in mind, here’s how to use Apple Pay responsibly and take full advantage of its features:

• Make sure Apple Pay is connected to a bank account suitable for online gambling transactions. Specifically, the funds in your bank account should be disposable income, i.e. money set aside for gambling. 
• Enable Touch ID/Face ID on your device to provide an additional layer of security to each transaction.
• Set a deposit limit via your casino account. You can do this before your first deposit or within the responsible gambling section of your account page. 
• Only use Apple Pay for deposits if you’re happy to have winnings sent to this method. Online casinos typically require you to withdraw money to your original deposit method. If this isn’t possible, you can use another method. Therefore, if you use Apple Pay for your first deposit, it will be your default withdrawal method if possible. 
• Make small deposits rather than one large deposit. One of Apple Pay’s benefits is the fact that you can make deposits from as little as £5. Use this to your advantage by dividing up your bankroll so you can make small deposits at multiple casinos and claim multiple bonuses. 

🧑🏻‍⚖️ My final verdict

Apple Pay has become my default method for mobile casino payments over the last 12 months. I previously put all my faith in PayPal and, to some extent, still do. However, there’s something about the convenience of Apple Pay that I can’t escape. 

If you’re someone who prefers gaming on the go, Apple Pay is the only viable option, in my opinion. It’s extremely easy to use, transactions are processed swiftly, and there are multiple layers of security. 

Why do I like using Apple Pay at online casinos?

I’m a big fan of mobile slots, and Apple Pay makes it easy to spin the reels of real-money hits such as Starburst and Big Bass Bonanza. 

As well as giving me the necessary funds to play for six-figure prizes, the speed of Apple Pay transactions means I can jump into the slots competition without missing a beat. When you add ongoing promotions to the mix, Apple Pay is an ideal way to get more value from your time online. 

Where could Apple Pay use some improvements?

As much as I rate and recommend Apple Pay for casino players with an iPhone or iPad, I have to be honest and say it’s not perfect. Aside from the fact that it’s not available at every UK online casino, withdrawals could be improved. 

Some UK casino sites only offer Apple Pay deposits. I’d make Apple Pay a default withdrawal method if it’s available for deposits. In line with this, I’d increase the amount you can withdraw using Apple Pay. 

Although I’ve never hit the maximum withdrawal limit, some people might, particularly if they win a progressive jackpot. Most UK online casinos allow you to withdraw between £35,000 and £50,000 via Apple Pay. 

To reiterate, that’s a limit most people, including me, won’t hit in a single transaction. That being said, there may be times you want to withdraw more. Bank transfers are the obvious alternative for transactions over £50,000, but it can take up to 7 days to get your winnings via this method. 

Therefore, if I’m being needlessly critical, I’d say that Apple Pay would be even better if the maximum withdrawal limit was increased to £100,000. What’s more, deposits are often capped at £1,000. This limit could also be increased to ensure Apple Pay is as suitable for high rollers as it is for casual casino players.

❓ FAQ about making Apple Pay transactions at online casinos

1. Are there fees when I use Apple Pay as a payment method?

You won’t pay any fees when you make deposits or withdrawals using Apple Pay. The best online casino absorbs any processing fees levied by third-party processors, including Apple Pay. This means you can make transfers, no matter how big or small, without paying any extra costs. This is particularly important for withdrawals because you get to keep 100% of your winnings. 

2. How long does it take for deposits and withdrawals via Apple Pay to be processed?

Apple Pay online casino deposits are processed instantly, and the average time for withdrawals is 24 hours. The majority of top-rated UK online casinos have security protocols in place for real money withdrawals. These protocols ensure that requests are legitimate and not fraudulent. The quicker a security review is conducted, the sooner you’ll receive your winnings. For example, sport BET typically reviews requests within 24 hours, which means withdrawals are usually completed in a day. 

3. Are there any casino-specific promotions or cashback offers available for using Apple Pay?

Online casino bonuses aren’t linked to specific payment methods such as Apple Pay, but there are ways to get something extra using this payment method. Specifically, the best UK online gambling operators offer mobile casino bonuses. Because Apple Pay is a mobile casino payment method, it’s the ideal way to claim bonuses designed for iOS users. Check out popular UK casino sites such as PUB, Virgin Games, and Casumo for mobile bonus offers.

Read up on other casino payment methods

About the author

Daniel Smyth

Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.

Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to sport. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.