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With his AC Milan contract expiring next summer, goalkeeper Mike Maignan is set to become one of the world's most sought-after free agents. Italian rivals Juventus are positioning themselves to make a move, but face a huge battle with deep-pocketed European rivals Chelsea and Bayern Munich for the France No. 1's signature after the World Cup.

Thomas Zilliacus, a former interested party when it comes to takeovers at Manchester United, claims that he would be happy to return to the negotiating table if the Glazer family opened themselves up to a sale. He is prepared to work alongside another investor, be that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or somebody else, with the Finnish entrepreneur stating that he wants to look after the best interests of Premier League heavyweights.

Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi has praised Lamine Yamal’s meteoric rise from La Masia to the first team, revealing the winger’s potential was obvious from a young age. Despite recent injuries and criticism, Yamal continues to show maturity beyond his years as Barcelona prepare for a crucial stretch after the international break.

Paul Pogba's long-awaited return to football has hit another snag after the midfielder suffered a minor thigh strain in training. Having not played an official game since 2023 due to a doping ban, the plan for the 32-year-old to make his Monaco debut this month is now in serious doubt, adding to his frustrating comeback trail as he targets a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Manchester United are set to make Juventus star Kenan Yildiz their top summer 2026 target, with the Red Devils willing to pay up to €90 million (£76m/$98m). Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested, but Juve are determined to keep their 20-year-old star, who has impressed with over 90 senior appearances and 18 goals in Italy.

Former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle believes Bayern Munich are still sulking after missing out on the signing of Nick Woltemade. The 64-year-old says the German giants are showing 'a little bit of sour grapes' after the 23-year-old striker joined Newcastle in a record £69 million ($93m) deal despite a personal agreement to join Vincent Kompany's team.

Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury and Liam Gallagher were among the mourners at Ricky Hatton's funeral, with a huge turnout attracted in Manchester as respects were paid to the former boxing world champion. Hatton tragically passed away at his home in Hyde on September 14. The Manchester City-supporting fighting legend, who thrilled and inspired millions around the world, was just 46 years of age.

AC Milan consultant Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit back at fierce criticism of Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, hailing him as "magic" and an undisputed world-class talent in world football. In a passionate defence, Ibrahimovic dismissed concerns over the 26-year-old's form and attitude, reminding critics that Leao "won a Scudetto all by himself."

Winning trophies and top-scoring awards might be routine to Erling Haaland but this week the striker stands on the brink of what could be a once-in-lifetime opportunity: to qualify for the World Cup with Norway. Since Haaland was born in 2000, Norway have never competed on the world's biggest stage. Their six attempts fell flat, only reaching the play-offs on one occasion.

Ruben Amorim's secret message to Manchester United players has been revealed after they managed to pick up a vital win before the international break. The Portuguese manager is said to have drawn a bold line in the sand at Carrington, demanding 'no more heart attacks' from his players after finally seeing his team deliver a composed, professional performance in their 2-0 victory over Sunderland.

Dele Alli is taking inspiration from the "I want what's coming to me" mentality adopted by Tony Montana in the iconic Al Pacino film 'Scarface', with the former Tottenham, Everton and Como midfielder working through his latest comeback bid. The 29-year-old finds himself without a club and back in the free agent pool after seeing a forgettable stint in Italian football cut surprisingly short.

AC Milan are still struggling to part ways with Divock Origi, whose €4 million-a-year contract continues to weigh heavily on the club. Despite not featuring for the Rossoneri since May 2023, the former Liverpool forward earns more than Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, a financial headache Milan are desperate to end before his deal expires in 2026.

Arsenal are preparing for a major financial windfall as they line up a new, lucrative deal for food and drink rights at the Emirates Stadium and explore ambitious plans for expansion. The Gunners are expected to earn an extra £10 million per season from new matchday partnerships, while long-term proposals could see the team temporarily relocate to Wembley for two years.

Lazio and AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta has revealed that joining the Rossoneri was never part of his plan. The former Italy defender recalled that his 2002 move from Lazio to Milan only materialised after Inter pulled out of a deal at the last moment, leaving him with little choice but to make the switch, a decision that would later define his career.

Arsenal have received a fine of £500,000 ($665,000) from the Professional Game Board (PGB) for breaching FA Cup rules during last season's third-round tie against Manchester United in January. The breach concerned FA Cup Rule 192, which stipulates that for matches other than a semi-final or the final, the away club is entitled to claim 15 per cent of the tickets issued.

Football legend Michel Platini believes Juventus star Kenan Yildiz is being played out of position. The former Juventus midfielder says the young Turkish talent, who now wears the club’s iconic No. 10 shirt, should be operating through the middle rather than on the wing. Platini says it is a common issue in modern football that doesn't just apply to Yildiz.

Cristhian Mosquera has revealed that Mikel Arteta’s personal touch convinced him to join Arsenal this summer despite the fierce competition posed by defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. The £13 million signing from Valencia has already made an impression in north London, proving to be one of the Gunners’ shrewdest recruits this summer.

The financial benefits of Manchester United moving to a new multi-purpose stadium are becoming clear with a new forecast predicting a £100 million ($133.4m) windfall if they sign a lucrative deal with the NFL. United have recently announced plan for a state-of-the-art 100,000-seater ‘New Trafford’ which would be located next to the famous current ground, but plans are still in the very early stages.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may not have been entirely truthful when insisting Manchester United had no plans to sack under-fire boss Ruben Amorim, according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman. The INEOS chief’s gestures and expressions reportedly revealed “tension” and “secrecy” during a recent interview, hinting that the club’s stance on Amorim’s future may not be as clear-cut as suggested.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has opened up about feeling vulnerable to mark World Mental Health day. Bellingham has revealed that he used to search for his name on social media during his time at Birmingham but has hope that one day football fans can overcome an old fashioned outlook about mental health as the England international admits he has learned to brush off criticism.

Manchester United title winner Michael Owen has taken aim at club legends Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville. The duo have criticised United boss Ruben Amorim for his stubbornness not to ditch the 3-4-2-1 setup, which has caused division among the fanbase. Owen though feels it is embarrassing to place the blame for United's poor season on the formation which Amorim used during his Sporting days.

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes that Arne Slot is 'lucky' to have inherited this title-winning Liverpool squad. Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp as Reds boss last year and won the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield. By comparison, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has had to build his squad as the north London side look to pip the Reds to first this season.

Luis Ángel Malagón and Raúl Rangel have been the goalkeepers most often called up by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre since he took over last year. Both are vying for the starting spot at the 2026 World Cup — but Aguirre had a clear warning: don’t get too comfortable. The list of contenders keeps growing, and legend Guillermo Ochoa won’t be guaranteed anything at that position.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has launched a passionate defence of Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal. There has been increased media attention on the teenage winger, who only turned 18 in July, and Mbappe has urged critics to leave the Barca star alone as he continues his establish himself as one of the best footballers in the world.

Ivan Toney could make a sensational return to the Premier League in a last-gasp bid to be included in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans. Toney left Brentford last year to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, but has dropped down the Three Lions’ pecking order and could make a dramatic move to force his way back in.

AC Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini has praised Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez, crediting the Mexico forward for positively impacting the USMNT star's form. Ambrosini, who won multiple titles with Milan from 1995 to 2013, said both have impressed since joining the club. Pulisic has scored 38 goals in 108 appearances, while Giménez has netted seven in 27.

Manchester United are heading for a stormy few weeks behind closed doors, with reports claiming that crunch transfer talks have been scheduled with Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the January window. Both players are said to be growing deeply frustrated by their limited minutes under boss Ruben Amorim, and are now demanding clarity on their futures before the turn of the year.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has admitted he hasn't spoken to former boss Eddie Howe following his Newcastle exit. Isak left the Magpies for the Premier League champions as a long-running summer saga drew to a close on deadline day. The Swede, though, doesn't want to dwell on the past as he looks to move on from the controversy surrounding his big money move to Anfield.

Real Madrid have been urged to give up their hopes of forming a breakaway European league and told they will be welcomed back by the “football family” after years of conflict with governing body UEFA. The proposed European Super League (ESL) of 12 clubs collapsed within hours of its announcement in 2021 and Real are now alone in continuing to pursue the idea.