Premier League news

Kazakhstan isn't a nation known for its love of football. That doesn't mean it's non-existent, however, and with a new teenage sensation emerging as one of the country's best players already, the nation sandwiched between Europe and Asia could be on the verge of a golden generation.

Manchester United’s shortlist of four transfer targets to replace departing Brazilian star Casemiro has been revealed. The Red Devils will be bidding farewell to a Champions League-winning former Real Madrid midfielder when his contract expires in the summer. A number of England internationals are said to be on the recruitment radar at Old Trafford.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has a very cold, analytical approach to his role - so much so, in fact, that he was once described as "robot" by an agent who had dealt with him. Of course, being devoid of emotion probably wouldn't be such a bad thing for Hughes, given the nature of his job and the potential for being adversely affected by the wildly differing views on the work he's doing at Anfield.

Arsenal are enjoying their best season in 22 years under Mikel Arteta, having established a seven-point lead at the Premier League summit while also winning all of their seven Champions League fixtures to top the league phase table. The Gunners also have one foot in the final of the Carabao Cup, and will be expected to reach the latter stages of the FA Cup.

A retirement plan for Cristiano Ronaldo has been teased as Saudi Pro League officials reportedly line up 50 big-name players to join CR7 in the Middle East before the day comes for him to hang up his boots. More high-profile additions, such as Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, will help the division to retain interest heading towards the 2034 World Cup.

Which teams make up England's top-flight elite club? GOAL brings you the history behind the designation.

Forgotten Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips may be offered an escape route in the January transfer window with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly keen to sign the midfielder. The 30-year-old - once a mainstay in the England setup - remains on the periphery at the Etihad Stadium, having made just one appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

Unai Emery raised eyebrows after becoming embroiled in a heated clash with Youri Tielemans in Aston Villa’s Europa League win over Fenerbahce, with the Spaniard shoving the midfielder after he was substituted on Thursday. The pair were involved in the bizarre incident as the Villans sealed their place in the last 16 of the competition thanks to a 1-0 victory in Turkey.

Crystal Palace are reportedly prioritising signing a replacement for Marc Guehi in the final 11 days of the transfer window, but fans who are hoping to see a big-name defender arrive at Selhurst Park are set to be disappointed. The Eagles are short of options at centre-back following the England international’s move to Manchester City, while they are also reeling from wantaway striker Jean-Philippe Mateta's bombshell admission.

Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur are set to receive another huge injury blow with Lucas Bergvall reportedly set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Sweden international is expected to join a host of long-term absentees on the treatment table after sustaining an ankle injury in Spurs’ Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Tottenham have announced the signing of left-back Souza from Santos, with the Brazilian wonderkid signing a long-term contract with the club. The 19-year-old arrives at a time when the north London club are languishing in 14th in the Premier League table, as Thomas Frank attempts to save his own job.

Jose Mourinho has aimed a thinly-veiled jibe at former club Manchester United after they named Michael Carrick as their new interim head coach until the end of the season. The Benfica boss has expressed his “surprise” at the appointment of the former Middlesbrough manager, who was part of the Portuguese’s coaching staff during his period in charge of the Red Devils.

Chelsea are reportedly plotting a surprise move to sign Douglas Luiz on loan for the rest of the season. The Blues are believed to be keen to bolster their midfield ranks in the January transfer window and have identified the Brazil international as a target, despite the 27-year-old having played just 13 times for Nottingham Forest since joining on a season-long loan from Juventus.

Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, the midfielder and the club have confirmed. The 33-year-old has remained a key member of the Old Trafford squad this season but will seek pastures new this summer.

Joe Cole has urged Manchester City to raid Crystal Palace for a second time this year, tipping the Premier League champions to move for Adam Wharton as concerns grow over Rodri’s fitness. The former England star believes the Eagles midfielder is the perfect cover for the Spaniard, who looked "lightweight" in the shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and claims Wharton could soon have his "pick of the bunch" of top clubs.

Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has returned to football in a new capacity following his dismissals from Spurs and Nottingham Forest. The Greek-Australian coach has been appointed as a UEFA Technical Observer and was immediately tasked with analysing Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 Champions League victory over Inter, where he singled out Gabriel Jesus for special praise.

Virgil van Dijk says it was “disrespectful” for Arne Slot to be asked about speculation linking Xabi Alonso with his job as Liverpool manager. The Reds boss laughed off what he described as “one of the weirdest questions” in the build up to his side’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday - but his compatriot has now criticised the journalist who asked it.