Richie Mills

Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement with Morgan Rogers over a new long-term contract. The 23-year-old's deal was set to expire in 2030, so Unai Emery's team are in a strong position when it comes to resisting interest from potential suitors in the coming months. Now, the attacking midfielder is said to be nearing a contract extension at Villa Park.

Premier League legend Rory Delap has revealed that his son Liam was reduced to tears as a child as overzealous parents accused him of "ruining the game" with his long throws. The 49-year-old was the long throw-in king during his playing days, and as a result, his offspring appear to find it hard not to be tarred with that same brush. And when Liam was at primary school, one incident stung the Delap family.

Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been found guilty of sending "grossly offensive" social media posts. The 43-year-old called broadcaster Jeremy Vine a "bike nonce" and compared pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko to serial killer couple Fred and Rose West on X. Now, jurors have accepted the prosecution's argument that Barton "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" on six counts.

Liverpool have reportedly identified a new centre-back target following the injury of summer signing Giovanni Leoni. The Reds are short of defensive options after the 18-year-old suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, leading to links with Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. However, another player is said to have come on their radar ahead of the January transfer window.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was visibly taken aback when a journalist praised him for the work he is doing at Premier League-chasing Coventry City. The former England international took over the Sky Blues just under a year ago when they were hovering above the Championship relegation zone; but now, they are top of the division. And when it was put to him what a great job he was doing, Lampard was touched.

A Champions League record long held by Manchester United legend David Beckham has been taken by Club Brugge star Carlos Forbs following his sparkling goalscoring display against Barcelona. The 21-year-old scored twice and bagged an assist as the Belgian side held the Spanish giants to a 3-3 draw in a thrilling encounter. And he notched a bit of history along the way, too.

Stunning headers from Joelinton and Dan Burn in particular secured Newcastle a comfortable 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the Champions League. Goals in either half from their experienced campaigners helped the Magpies climb to sixth in the league phase table, with Eddie Howe's men now inching closer to the knockout stages after a third straight European victory.

Alejandro Garnacho broke new ground for English clubs in the Champions League with his goal for Chelsea against Qarabag. The Argentina international came off the bench when his side were 2-1 down but grabbed a crucial equaliser soon after his introduction. And in doing so, the former Manchester United star created a little bit of history for himself.

Super-sub Alejandro Garnacho saved Chelsea's blushes against Champions League surprise package Qarabag while Estevao enhanced his burgeoning reputation in a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday. However, young defender Jorrel Hato had a night to forget in Azerbaijan as his calamitous display almost proved the undoing of Enzo Maresca's side, who survived a real scare.

Lamine Yamal's father has announced his engagement to a woman just five years older than his 18-year-old Barcelona star son. Mounir Nasraoui, 35, has been dating a 23-year-old called Khristina but it appears they have taken their relationship to the next level with this engagement. That means the Spanish teenager could have a very young new stepmother.

A memorial service has taken place in Serbia to honour football manager Mladen Zizovic, who died aged 44 after collapsing on the touchline during a match. Radnicki 1923's coach was rushed to hospital as his side's match against Mladost was initially suspended and then restarted on Monday. But following news of his death, the game was abandoned, and now his team are mourning his passing.

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo has revealed the inspiration behind his new goal celebration that pays tribute to legendary cartoon character Homer Simpson. In the immediate aftermath of his goals against Brighton last month, the Cameroon international teamed up with team-mate Amad Diallo for a special celebration. Now, the winger has explained why they are channelling the character from The Simpsons.

England legend Ellen White has suggested that Mary Earps broke an "unwritten oath" when she criticised Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman and fellow goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in her upcoming book. Earps has been under fire for saying Wiegman rewarded "bad behaviour" when Hampton was recalled to the national squad after previously getting dropped for allegedly being "disruptive and unreliable". Now, White has had her say.

Tottenham ace James Maddison has announced the birth of his second set of twins alongside partner Kennedy Alexa. The couple had their first child, Leo, in 2021 and in the summer of 2023, twins Delilah and Rome were born. Now, the England international and Kennedy have their fourth and fifth kids, with Maddison saying their five-a-side team is now "complete".

PUMA have unveiled a special edition 'Black Panther' Portugal kit celebrating the legendary Eusebio ahead of their latest set of World Cup qualifiers. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates will don the black and gold shirt for their upcoming clash with Armenia later this month on a date that will mark the 60th anniversary of Eusebio's 1965 Ballon d'Or triumph.

Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne says the surgery on his thigh went "perfectly," but admitted he will be out for a lengthy spell. The 34-year-old sustained the injury while scoring a penalty against Inter Milan late last month and went under the knife shortly after. The Belgian playmaker is staying positive but it may be quite some time before he is back playing for the Italian champions.

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says it is just a "matter of time" before Florian Wirtz delivers for Liverpool after a tough start to life at Anfield. The Germany international swapped Bayer Leverkusen for the Reds in a £116 million deal in the summer but so far he has flattered to deceive for Arne Slot's team. Ahead of a reunion with ex-Leverkusen boss Alonso, the Spaniard has backed the 22-year-old to come good.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says star duo Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have apologised to him after snubbing the head coach following Saturday's loss to Chelsea. In the wake of the 1-0 defeat, Frank encouraged his players to do a lap of the pitch and thank the fans but Van de Ven and Spence were captured on film giving the Dane the cold shoulder. Now, they have shown remorse for their actions.