Manchester United have dealt a blow to Roma’s hopes of signing Joshua Zirkzee, with the Italian club’s director confirming Old Trafford chiefs have issued a firm "no" to any deal. Despite the injured Dutch forward’s desire to leave in search of regular game time to boost his international prospects, United are refusing to sanction an exit, leaving caretaker boss Michael Carrick with an unhappy player as he prepares for a crucial trip to Arsenal.

Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber has launched a scathing attack on manager Robin van Persie, effectively confirming his departure from the club in a furious post-match outburst. Following a derby defeat to Sparta Rotterdam, the 23-year-old accused the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker of failing to protect his squad and challenged him to deliver his criticisms face-to-face, declaring that he has "reached a limit" with the coach’s management.

Chelsea have softened their stance on Enzo Fernandez, with reports indicating the Blues are willing to sanction a blockbuster exit in 2026 for the 'right price'. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are now on red alert, preparing to test the waters for the World Cup winner as they look to capitalise on this unexpected development at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have received a major boost regarding Levi Colwill's recovery from a devastating knee injury, with optimism growing that the defender will return before the season ends. However, the Blues are refusing to stand still, accelerating plans to sign a £60m-rated replacement this month to address the defensive crisis that contributed to Enzo Maresca's mid-season exit.

It has been revealed that Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was rushed to hospital after falling ill during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The 23-year-old had been named among Senegal’s substitutes for a meeting with hosts Morocco. He never made it onto the field and missed post-match celebrations, following a chaotic contest, after requiring medical assistance.

The O2 Arena was packed with Premier League royalty this week as the NBA returned to London for a heavyweight clash between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. Arsenal duo Declan Rice and William Saliba were joined by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk courtside, while legends Thierry Henry and Marcelo added global stardust to a night where football met basketball in the capital.

Hertha Berlin fans haven't had much to cheer about in recent years. Their decade-long stay in the Bundesliga ended after the team slumped to an 18th-placed finish in the 2022-23 season, just four years on from Lars Windhorst's €224 million minority takeover that came with the billionaire's promise to build a "true ‘big-city club’, like those in London or Madrid."

With all the data and all the video footage you could ever hope for, there really shouldn't be many secrets left in the world of youth football. Sure, progress isn't linear and some players' attributes translate better to the adult game than others, but for most teams, picking and finding the best young talent still feels like a bit of a lottery, at least from the outside looking in.

Rennes are no strangers to producing some of the best players around, and Mohamed Kader Meite looks primed to become the next elite talent to step off the conveyor belt after the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Eduardo Camavinga. Still just 18, the towering striker is already said to be turning heads across Europe.

Thomas Frank remains under intense pressure at Tottenham, but the Dane is reportedly set to remain at the helm for a Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Disgruntled supporters have aired their frustration at recent performances, leading to uncomfortable questions being asked of the man in the dugout, but Spurs bosses have no immediate plans to pull the trigger.

All you need to know about booking tickets to see City in European action this season

All you need to know about securing seats to see the Toon Army in European action

One of the best midfielders of his era, perhaps the greatest crosser of a football ever and a free-kick taker to rival the best the game has ever produced, David Beckham was a special player to say the least. And yet due to his off-field impact, one of the sport's great champions of the past 30 years is generally forgotten when it comes to referencing the true legends of the game.

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.

In 1969, at the age of 23, George Best wanted to focus solely on the essentials. Just football, just his job. So he turned his back on his two other great passions, alcohol and women. His sobering conclusion: "It was the worst 20 minutes of my life." A Manchester United legend, that quote sums up Bet's rebellious attitude towards football, and life in general.

Rebel United introduces players who prefer to swim against the tide, such as Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique, who has achieved great significance beyond the pitch thanks to his Catalan pride and innovative spirit...

"La France, c'est vous." Translated as 'France, is you', that was what French president Charles de Gaulle told footballer Rachid Mekhloufi in 1968. Mekhloufi had just led his Saint-Etienne side to the double, and the reward was an audience with the most powerful man in the country. For Mekhloufi, this sentence brought things full circle. Now he was both Algerian and French; 10 years earlier, he had - in a sense - been neither.

On September 15, 2018, N'Golo Kante walked off the Stamford Bridge pitch, satisfied. As was often the case, the Frenchman had just covered every blade of grass over the course of the 90 minutes. And, as was so often the case, he was not one of the major speaking points at full-time. Not right away, at least.

Anyone that manages to carve out a career for themselves in professional football is ridiculously talented. The standard at the highest level is just so high that it is simply impossible to 'fake it 'til you make it'. However, not everyone is as prodigiously gifted as Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal. Your average player will require some time to get to grips with the rigours of the elite game.

Player development in football follows many different paths. Some exceptional talents, such as Lamine Yamal and Estevao, make an impact at the highest level at a very young age. At the same time, countless players need more time before their qualities fully emerge.