Pep Guardiola has admitted he would prefer Manchester City to be top of the Premier League rather than chasing down Christmas leaders Arsenal. The Cityzens have assumed the role of hunting down the early pace-setters, with a current two-point deficit which they will hope to overturn in the coming weeks. But Guardiola has revealed that he would find it easier if his side were "ten points clear of everyone".

Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstar’s agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-old’s immediate future may lie.

We’ve got our Premier League predictions for Matchday 18 ahead of this week’s festive fixtures.

Robert Lewandowski has reportedly moved a step closer to leaving Barcelona as his representatives prepare to hold a fresh round of talks with the Saudi Pro League over a lucrative move to the Middle East. The Poland international is also being courted by Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.

Lionel Messi’s traditional Christmas return to Argentina has been overshadowed by a serious family setback after his sister, María Sol Messi, was forced to postpone her wedding following a road accident in Miami. The ceremony, scheduled to take place in Rosario on January 3, has now been cancelled as she begins a lengthy period of recovery from multiple injuries.

Facundo Mura has opted for a new challenge abroad. After weighing interest from Racing and River Plate, the right-back has reportedly agreed terms with Inter Miami, ending a four-year spell in Avellaneda and marking his first move outside Argentina. He is set to join Lionel Messi and a growing Argentine core on a deal through December 2029.

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

Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock move for their former midfielder James Garner as they look to bolster their depleted options in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are weighing up whether to swoop for the Everton man as Ruben Amorim plots a midfield revamp which also includes breakout England star Elliot Anderson.

Manchester United will only allow players to leave in the January transfer window if replacements can be found, says head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese has delivered the update ahead of the winter market opening on New Year’s Day, with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee believed to be keen on departing Old Trafford in search of more playing time.

GOAL reviews the top USWNT Abroad performances as Girma helped Chelsea get a big Champions League win, and Yohannes and Tullis-Joyce impressed over the weekend.

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.