Chris Burton

Ryan Reynolds has helped the third club in his footballing portfolio to deliver an exciting rebrand, with the Hollywood actor starring in a hilarious reveal of the team’s new kit and badge. Reynolds, who has overseen considerable success at Wrexham alongside co-owner Rob Mac, is looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for Colombian outfit Inter Bogota.

Manchester United are being urged to explore potential routes into the exciting new NBA Europe project that could be worth around $50 billion (£37bn). A potentially lucrative venture is being pitched by the National Basketball Association, with the plan being to create 12 franchises - and four teams that qualify without owning equity - which would be valued at up to $1 billion (£743m) each. Premier League giants United have been advised to join discussions regarding a crossover enterprise.

Barcelona still consider Robert Lewandowski’s future to be “open”, with the door to an extended stay at Camp Nou not being “completely closed” as yet. The prolific Polish striker, who is now 37 years of age, has entered the final few months of his contract. With free agency beckoning in the summer, it has been suggested that the veteran frontman could head to MLS or the Saudi Pro League.

Kylian Mbappe played no part in Real Madrid’s first training session since taking the decision to part with head coach Xabi Alonso. He was relieved of his duties in the wake of a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, with the axe falling within 24 hours of that setback in Saudi Arabia being suffered. Reins have been passed to Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, but he is not yet working with French superstar Mbappe.

USMNT star Josh Sargent is considered to have gone from “hero to zero in one text message” at Norwich, with the highly-rated striker pushing for a transfer away from Carrow Road in the January window. With 2026 World Cup dreams in the back of his mind, the 25-year-old has taken to removing himself from contention for selection by the Canaries.

Ruben Amorim is being backed to make a sensational return to the Premier League a matter of days after his departure from Manchester United was announced. The Portuguese lasted just 14 months at Old Trafford, as he refused to change his tactical approach, but is being mooted by Sol Campbell as a potential Tottenham manager of the not too distant future.

Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation suggesting that he could be a contender to succeed Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid. The Blancos have made another change in their dugout early in 2026. Klopp is “genuinely surprised” that the Liga giants wielded the axe at this stage, with the former Liverpool boss seeking to distance himself from a now vacant post.

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Michael Carrick that will see him take over as the club’s interim boss through to the end of the 2025-26 campaign. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been in the running to fill that post, but the Norwegian will not be returning for a second spell at the Old Trafford helm. Carrick should be in charge for a derby date with Manchester City on Saturday.

Despite only linking up with Lyon at the start of the January transfer window, it has been revealed that Endrick could be returned to parent club Real Madrid within a matter of days. The Blancos have parted company with head coach Xabi Alonso, meaning that clean slates are on offer at Santiago Bernabeu, and they hold a recall option when it comes to Endrick.

Kylian Mbappe was the first high-profile Real Madrid star to address Xabi Alonso’s sudden departure as the club’s manager. It was announced on January 12, less than 24 hours after a Super Cup defeat to Clasico rivals Barcelona, that a change in the dugout was being made at Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe, who is said to have clashed with Alonso, has posted a message on social media.

Harry Kane remains an almost unstoppable force for Bayern Munich, with remarkable individual standards being maintained by the prolific striker. The England captain scored another stunning goal for the German title holders as they crushed Wolfsburg 8-1 last time out. That effort took him to 20 league goals for the season and saw a Bundesliga record matched that has stood for almost 60 years.

Lucas Paqueta asked not to be selected by West Ham in their FA Cup clash with Queens Park Rangers and is reportedly pushing for a transfer away from the Premier League club. The Brazilian playmaker is said to still be feeling "disillusioned" after the spot-betting scandal that dominated two years of his life, and he is now ready to leave England and head home.

Vinicius Junior’s moment of magic for Real Madrid in their Super Cup clash with Clasico rivals Barcelona counted for little in the grand scheme of things, as they suffered a 3-2 defeat, but it did see him match a notable record. The Brazilian forward now sits level with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Ferenc Puskas when it comes to goal contributions in major finals.

Arne Slot has vowed that he will not be making the same mistake twice at Liverpool, with the Reds boss taking valuable lessons from an FA Cup giant-killing in 2025. Some 12 months ago, the then-runaway Premier League leaders suffered a humbling third-round defeat to Plymouth - who were bottom of the Championship at the time. They are now preparing to face Barnsley in 2026 and will avoid any sweeping changes.

Real Madrid’s stance when it comes to the future of under-fire manager Xabi Alonso has been revealed. The World Cup-winning former Los Blancos midfielder only returned to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2025 as he succeeded legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. He has endured a baptism of fire in the Spanish capital, leading to inevitable sack speculation being generated.

Manchester United wonderkid Shea Lacey has apologised for the petulant red card that he picked up in an FA Cup clash with Brighton. The talented teenager feels as though he "let everybody down" when being dismissed towards the end of a forgettable 2-1 defeat for the Red Devils that has seen them hit a 111-year low. Lacey picked up two yellow cards in the space of three minutes.

Manchester United legend Nani delivered his trademark celebration after finding the back of the net during a Baller League UK appearance. The former Portugal international, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for club and country, was back in England for an outing in six-a-side competition. He showed that he has lost none of his finishing ability, or acrobatic prowess.

Lamine Yamal chose to brutally snub Real Madrid’s players when Barcelona lined up for a guard of honour at the end of their Spanish Super Cup win over Clasico rivals. The Blaugrana prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling encounter that was staged in Saudi Arabia, with Hansi Flick’s side getting their hands on major silverware. Yamal was reluctant to give any credit to Los Blancos at the final whistle.