Ritabrata Banerjee

Germany's new star forward Nick Woltemade finally broke his silence on the 'idiots' Newcastle claim made by Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bundesliga champions lost the transfer race to sign the striker from Stuttgart for £65m. After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day, the Magpies brought Woltemade as the Swede's replacement.

Ibrahima Konate has revealed that a final decision on his future at Liverpool will be made soon amid strong interest from Real Madrid. The French centre-back has entered the final part of his five-year contract with the English champions that he signed in 2021. The Reds are yet to agree a new deal with the defender, with only weeks left before he can initiate pre-contract talks with foreign clubs.

Real Madrid's iconic Bernabeu stadium is gearing up to host its first-ever NFL match as Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders are set to lock horns in the Spanish capital on Sunday. The event marks a major step in the NFL's expansion into Europe as the Bernabeu follows in the footsteps of Wembley Stadium, which first held an NFL encounter in 2007.

Legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson heaped praise on new Manchester United signing Senne Lammens as he also shared valuable advice for manager Ruben Amorim, amid the club's unbeaten run in the Premier League. After a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign, the Red Devils have endured a brilliant unbeaten run, including a three-game winning streak, since October.

Former Manchester United attacker Mason Greenwood still believes that he can play for the England national team, even though he has been blacklisted by the FA and head coach Thomas Tuchel from selection. Greenwood's last - and only - appearance for the Three Lions came in 2020 in a Nations League clash against Iceland. After that, he was charged with serious criminal allegations, which marked the end of his journey with Three Lions.

Albania manager Sylvinho heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England as the Three Lions near a perfect World Cup qualifying record. Having already booked their berth in the flagship competition next year, the Three Lions are now aiming to maintain their 100 per cent win record in the qualifying rounds. England will meet Albania in their last group game on Sunday in Tirana.

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea that they are 'lucky' to have a player like Estevao Willian after the teenager dazzled with a goal in the Selecao's 2-0 win over Senegal in an international friendly on Saturday. The Blues wonderkid and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro were on target as the five-time world champions secured the victory.

Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has revealed that he gets calls from compatriot Kylian Mbappe every two hours to sign for Real Madrid. The French defender is into the final year of his contract and from January he will be able to hold pre-contract talks with clubs abroad. The Reds, on the other hand, are determined to offer him a new deal to avoid another situation like Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Julian Nagelsmann revealed that he did not shout at his players after a lacklustre first-half performance against Luxembourg, as the manager claimed that the squad could not have handled being attacked at that point. Germany eventually clinched the tie 2-0 thanks to a brace from Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade as they continued to remain favourites to seal a direct World Cup berth from Group A.

Despite their financial constraints, Barcelona remain confident of signing a new world-class No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski, with Bayern Munich star Harry Kane one of the options being considered. Lewandowski is in the final few months of his existing contract and is expected to leave the club as a free agent next summer as the Catalan giants are unlikely to offer him a new deal.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis lashed out at FIFA and UEFA over the number of players picking up injuries on international duty as he called for extra transfer windows and compensation for clubs. The debate of releasing players for international duties has intensified in recent years with many arguing that clubs are being unfairly impacted by the number of games players are being forced to endure.

Samuel Umtiti slammed Barcelona as he opened up about his 'rift' with the Catalan club and his 'bouts of depression' during long injury spells in Spain. The French defender, who joined Lille in 2023 after seeing his Blaugrana contract mutually terminated, retired from professional football this summer at the age of just 31 after years of knee problems.

Leroy Sane earned praise from Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann after starring in the four-time world champions' hard-fought 2-0 win over Luxembourg in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Friday. Nagelsmann had earlier issued a public warning to former Bayern Munich and Manchester City winger that he could lose his place in the national if he did not perform consistently.

Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen lashed out at being constantly asked about his fitness as the Denmark international claimed that he has been fit all season. After spending the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to serious concerns, Christensen has managed to accumulate just 342 minutes on the in the 10 matches he has played for the Catalan giants this season.

Florian Wirtz has been compared to Luka Modric, with Liverpool's struggling £116m signing being backed to silence his doubters just as the former Real Madrid midfielder did. Wirtz was considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the world at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Germany international has experienced a major dip in form since moving to the Premier League.

Kylian Mbappe has hailed Rayan Cherki as a "spectacular talent" after seeing his France team-mate "integrate very well" into Manchester City's team. After starring for Lyon with 13 goals and 21 assists across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, Cherki was signed by City in the summer transfer window, while Didier Deschamps handed him his France debut in June.

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has convinced "very dangerous" Vinicius Junior to take up a surprise new role in the national team. With only a few months left until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, the veteran Italian coach is trying to find the best possible attacking combination in the Selecao squad as he aims to deliver the country's record-extending sixth global crown.

Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has explained why new signing Nick Woltemade is a "problem" for the Magpies and delivered his verdict on Eddie Howe amid talk of the manager facing the sack. Newcastle have made a nightmare start to the 2025-26 campaign, falling to 14th in the Premier League table with only three wins from 11 matches, and now sit just two points above the relegation zone.