Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven has revealed that he has sent an apology to Liverpool striker Alexander Isak after inadvertently injuring the Reds hitman at the weekend. Isak is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines having undergone successful surgery on a leg fracture earlier this week sustained during Liverpool's 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Liverpool are braced for face-to-face showdown talks with the agent of Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah's Liverpool future was thrown into doubt earlier this month in the wake of a spectacular outburst following the Reds' 3-3 draw at Leeds, where the Egyptian forward claimed he'd been "thrown under the bus" by the defending Premier League champions.

Erling Haaland has reunited with former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the Manchester City striker suggested that the Manchester United legend has been giving him advice to continue his scoring form. The Norwegian's relentless pursuit of goals shows no sign of slowing, but even the most prolific striker of his generation is searching for marginal gains as Solskjaer is once again helping to fine-tune his instincts in front of goal.

Lionel Messi has been a sporting sensation in the United States, with the history books being rewritten by the Argentine at Inter Miami, but MLS has been told that Cristiano Ronaldo would have made an even greater impact than his “very quiet” eternal rival. Portuguese GOAT CR7 favoured a Saudi Arabian adventure over pursuit of the American dream.

Lionel Messi’s sister, Maria Sol, has reportedly been injured in a road traffic accident. The 32-year-old is said to be “out of danger”, as she begins her recovery, but has been left nursing broken bones and burns. Maria Sol had been due to marry a member of Inter Miami’s coaching staff in the new year, but those January nuptials have been postponed indefinitely.

A domestic opponent of Lionel Messi in the United States has explained how the Argentine GOAT has a ”nasty side” and enjoys engaging in “verbals” with MLS rivals. The most decorated player of all-time is considered to have a switch that can be turned on whenever moments of inspiration are required, with those qualities making him the “best player ever”.

Manchester City have reportedly emerged as Antoine Semenyo's preferred choice ahead of the opening of the January transfer window after Chelsea dropped out of the race to land the Bournemouth star. The Blues have walked away from a potential deal just hours after making an initial enquiry, leaving Man City to battle it out with Liverpool and Manchester United for the attacker's signature.

GOAL takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from around the world

Real Madrid outcast Endrick has sealed a loan transfer to Ligue 1 side Lyon for the rest of the 2025-26 season. The Brazilian youngster moves in search of regular game time after struggling for minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu under Xabi Alonso. Endrick is clearly thrilled to seal the deal, saying "Christmas has come early" after making the move from the Spanish capital.

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of former Juventus boss Rita Guarino as their new women’s head coach, handing the highly decorated Italian an 18-month contract. The 54-year-old arrives in east London with a glittering trophy haul and will take charge of her first match in the Women's Super League against Chelsea in January after the end of the winter break.

Liverpool were humiliated as they fell to a disastrous 9-1 loss to reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea in the Women's League Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored a hat-trick, while Matildas star Sam Kerr contributed with a brace as the Blues comfortably reached the competition's last-four stage.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has picked up the Coach of the Year award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony following another Euros success for England. Wiegman finished top of the pile in the voting for the award after guiding England to a second straight European Championship victory in Switzerland last summer. Michelle Agyemang was also celebrating after being named the Young Sports Personality of the Year.