Birmingham City have reportedly moved into pole position to sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Jeremy Sarmiento, dealing a significant blow to ambitious rivals Wrexham. The Championship club are closing in on a permanent deal for the Ecuador international, with Blues owner Tom Brady seemingly getting one over on Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac in the battle of the high-profile American owners.

Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri is set to join Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season after the two clubs reached a full agreement on terms. The 18-year-old midfielder will link up with Roberto De Zerbi in Ligue 1, a move heavily influenced by Mikel Arteta to aid his development. The deal involves a substantial loan fee which could rise to roughly €4 million depending on playing time.

Dominik Szoboszlai has revealed he spoke to Mohamed Salah "almost every day" during the Africa Cup of Nations but refused to clarify the forward's future following his explosive interview about Arne Slot. The midfielder insisted the ongoing saga regarding the Egyptian's broken relationship with his head coach is strictly "between the manager and the club," as uncertainty around the star's situation lingers.

World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

Jack Grealish has been told he would be "perfect" in Major League Soccer despite impressing on loan at Everton. The winger's career looked to be on the decline as he struggled for game time at Manchester City but he has looked rejuvenated this season at the Toffees. Amid speculation over whether or not he will join David Moyes' side permanently, the England international has been backed to head to North America.

Raheem Sterling is reportedly ready to snub interest from Italian champions Napoli as he pushes for a move to a Premier League rival. The Chelsea outcast, who has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to remain in the capital for personal reasons and has identified Fulham as his preferred destination.

Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has reportedly held “positive” talks regarding a loan move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The talented 18-year-old playmaker is eager to find regular game time early in 2026, with fierce competition for places being faced at Emirates Stadium. Any switch to France would see the youngster link up with ex-Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood and former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Manchester United have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac as they explore potential long-term successors in the dugout. The 54-year-old, who famously rejected Tottenham Hotspur years ago, is understood to be high on the Red Devils' shortlist. With close links to United executive Christopher Vivell, the Bundesliga manager is said to be open to a future Premier League move.

Long-time U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Rose Lavelle has been voted U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after a year packed with adversity.

Defending champions Chelsea opened up their Women’s FA Cup campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The free-scoring Blues booked their place in the fifth round thanks to a brace from Sam Kerr and goals from Millie Bright, Guro Reiten and Alyssa Thompson, with Sonia Bompastor's side a class above their WSL 2 opponents at Kingsmeadow.

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a deal for Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway, who will be a free agent this summer. The England international has spent nearly four years at the German giants but earlier this month, the midfielder announced that this season would be her last there. Now, clubs are clamouring for her signature, but it is not yet certain where she is heading next.