The footballing world remains in a state of mourning following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and the void can be felt deeply within the Portugal national team dressing room. AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao has now spoken candidly about the "devastating" impact the loss has had on the squad as they prepare for life without the forward. Jota, who had recently secured the Premier League title with Liverpool, passed away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother, after a tyre blowout caused their vehicle to veer off the road.

Florian Wirtz's agent has revealed that he called Xabi Alonso and asked him to take the Germany star with him to Real Madrid before he signed for Liverpool. Wirtz ended up joining the Reds instead in a deal worth £116 million ($156m). Alonso has since departed the Santiago Bernabeu, and been replaced by Alvaro Arbeloa, but the player's agent is still hoping he can go on and play for Los Blancos in the future.

Barcelona’s recruitment drive continues at a relentless pace despite the looming presidential elections. Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick have already reached a consensus on which positions need strengthening for next season, and the acquisition of a marquee centre-forward has been marked as the club's top strategic priority. While the Blaugrana hierarchy are fully aware that the market for elite 'number nines' will be incredibly tight this summer due to a lack of available talent and inflated price tags, they remain determined to find the right profile to lead their line.

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has revealed he has had conversations with club legend Lionel Messi over a potential return to Camp Nou if he wins next month's elections. Font says he wants to give Messi the chance to say goodbye to Barcelona "in whatever way he chooses" and is also willing to offer him the role of honorary president at the club.

Robert Lewandowski is reluctant to leave Barcelona as a free agent and has reportedly set a goal target that will help him to earn a contract extension. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, is said to have a “very good” offer on the table from MLS side the Chicago Fire. He is ready to delay any move to the United States and remain in Catalunya.

Orlando City are reportedly in talks to sign Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Antoine Griezmann, according to The Athletic. The former France captain has a long-standing interest in Major League Soccer, and the Florida club is eager to sign the former France captain before the primary transfer window shuts on March 26. Griezmann has six goals in La Liga this season.

The curtain appears to be falling on Antoine Griezmann's second act at Atletico Madrid, as speculation regarding a move to Major League Soccer reaches a fever pitch. Despite being in a rich vein of form for the Colchoneros, the French World Cup winner is increasingly expected to call time on his career in the Spanish capital at the end of the current campaign. While his existing contract at the Metropolitano is technically valid until 2027, there is a growing sense within the club and the wider footballing world that his departure this summer is becoming an inevitability.

Andre Onana reportedly wants to return to Manchester United and fight for the No.1 spot at the club once his loan deal with Trabzonspor expires at the end of the season. The goalkeeper was shipped out on loan after an error-prone time with the Red Devils and is facing an uncertain future. United have since brought in Belgian shot-stopper Senne Lammens, who has impressed between the sticks at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in exploring a move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils could look to trigger the £60 million release clause in the England international's contract, which he signed after a transfer saga involving Tottenham Hotspur.

Lionesses icon Mary Earps has "apologised for the hurt" her controversial autobiography caused last year as she grabbed headlines for comments about England boss Sarina Wiegman and team-mate Hannah Hampton. Earps has since met with Wiegman to talk about the situation and has opened up on what she described as her "first experience of cancel culture".

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has warned that she would "never" rule out the potential of strike action in order to get a message across regarding players' concerns over the football schedule. It's been a hot topic in women's and men's football in recent years, one the Arsenal star herself has not shied away from discussing, and she has made her feelings clear about the issue again this week.

Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible, overcoming a stubborn London City Lionesses side in a marathon penalty shootout on Monday night. After a 2-2 draw at Hayes Lane that saw Spurs rescue themselves with a 95th-minute penalty, the north London outfit eventually triumphed 9-8 in a shootout that saw 17 consecutive successful spot-kicks before a final hero emerged.