Peter McVitie

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent has dropped a stunning transfer bombshell, admitting that the Italy captain would jump at the chance to return to Serie A despite only joining Manchester City six months ago. While Enzo Raiola insists his client is currently finding "serenity" in England, he revealed that they would "seize" the opportunity to head home if a suitable offer arose, putting long-term admirers Juventus and Inter on red alert regarding the goalkeeper's future.

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.

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.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed disciplinary proceedings against Senegal following their dramatic AFCON victory. The Lions of Teranga staged a controversial walk-off protesting a late penalty for Morocco, delaying the conclusion of the final by 14 minutes. Despite returning to win, the governing body and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have condemned the "unacceptable" scenes in Rabat.

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.

Jurgen Klopp has firmly shut down speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal. The former Liverpool manager, now Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer, insists he is "completely at peace" with his new strategic role. One year into the job, Klopp is focused on mentoring coaches and reshaping the Red Bull network, ruling out a return to the dugout anytime soon.

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.

The Africa Cup of Nations final ended in acrimony and confusion well after the final whistle as Senegal boss Pape Thiaw stormed out of his press conference following a hostile reception from the media. On a night of high drama where his side claimed victory after initially walking off the pitch over a controversial penalty decision, Morocco manager Walid Regragui also faced the wrath of the local press, with furious journalists urging him to resign after the hosts’ 50-year wait for the trophy was extended in heartbreaking fashion.

After weeks of intense speculation, Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is on the verge of a January exit. The German goalkeeper has reportedly agreed to a loan move to Catalan neighbours Girona until the end of the season. In a desperate bid to secure regular football ahead of the World Cup, the 33-year-old has accepted a significant pay cut, sacrificing the bulk of his salary to facilitate a deal that ends his spell on the Camp Nou bench.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has etched his name into Leeds United folklore by winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for December. The in-form striker becomes the first Whites player to claim the accolade since Rio Ferdinand in October 2001, ending a staggering 24-year wait for the Elland Road club. His remarkable six-game scoring streak saw him fend off competition to secure the prize.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that the club’s hierarchy is "aligned" on the challenges facing his squad following the devastating injury to Conor Bradley. The Northern Irish defender faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a controversial incident involving Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli during the heated 0-0 draw at the Emirates. With the January window open, Slot has addressed the growing clamour for defensive reinforcements as his side prepares to face Burnley.

Crystal Palace have discovered their fate in the UEFA Conference League play-off round, where they will face Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar. The Eagles were forced into this extra hurdle after a shock 10th-place finish in the league phase denied them automatic progression. Oliver Glasner’s men must now navigate a tricky two-legged tie in February to keep their European dreams alive and reach the last 16.

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has officially secured a prestigious return to international coaching. Following his departure from Old Trafford and a recent managerial stint at Leicester City, the former prolific striker joins Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands backroom staff. He aims to bolster the Oranje attack ahead of the World Cup this summer, marking his third spell with the national side as they prepare for the global stage.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has thrown his weight behind radical rule changes in football, confirming he is open to the introduction of an 'orange card' system. The Spaniard believes the sport must evolve to remain attractive, even suggesting he would consider Michel Platini's controversial idea of reducing teams to 10 players to create more space on the pitch.

Vincent Kompany has confirmed that Jamal Musiala is finally ready to return for Bayern Munich after his long period on the sidelines. The German sensation has spent seven months out of action following a horrific injury but is set to feature this weekend, with the coach describing the playmaker's arduous journey out of a "dark tunnel" and back to the first-team fold.

Barcelona stars were queuing up to praise goalkeeper Joan Garcia after his stoppage-time heroics saved the Catalan giants from a potential Copa del Rey disaster against Racing Santander. The Spanish champions scraped through to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory, but the scoreline masked a nervy evening where only the brilliance of their shot-stopper prevented them from suffering the same humiliating fate as arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Second-division side Albacete have issued an apology to Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior after their historic Copa del Rey victory was overshadowed by vile racist abuse. The club expressed their deep "shame" after a banana was thrown at the Brazilian star during the 3-2 shock, while "disgusting xenophobic chants" were also reported outside the Carlos Belmonte stadium.