Peter McVitie

Real Madrid have received a massive boost ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final as manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Kylian Mbappe is flying to Saudi Arabia. The French superstar missed the semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid due to a knee issue but has trained well and is now in contention to face Barcelona in a blockbuster El Clasico showdown.

Jude Bellingham has passionately defended Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, insisting the squad is with the coach "to the death" while dismissing reports of dressing room fractures as "invented" nonsense. The England star claims the club's current situation is "no disaster" and believes external criticism has been "blown out of proportion" despite recent stumbles.

Real Madrid are set to intensify their efforts to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after suffering a major blow in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano. The Bayern Munich defender was identified as the club's primary target but is now on the verge of signing a new deal in Bavaria, forcing Los Blancos to pivot towards the German international who could cost upwards of €50 million.

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has issued a rallying cry ahead of the Spanish Super Cup, insisting that victory in Saudi Arabia could define their entire campaign. With Kylian Mbappe sidelined by injury, the Brazilian is ready to shoulder the burden against Atletico Madrid, believing that lifting the trophy would "change the whole dynamic" of a turbulent season under Xabi Alonso.

Jude Bellingham has hit back at critics regarding his goal output this season, insisting his deeper role is necessary to accommodate Kylian Mbappe’s prolific nature at Real Madrid. The England midfielder also offered staunch support for teammate Vinicius Jr, describing the Brazilian as 'electric' despite his struggles under coach Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to her native Australia indefinitely after her mother, Jess, was diagnosed with a terminal and aggressive form of cancer. The 23-year-old will miss the Gunners' upcoming Women’s Super League fixture as she supports her family through what she described as a "world-changing" diagnosis.

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has revealed that the Catalan giants took nearly four years to finally settle his unpaid wages following his dismissal in 2020. The 67-year-old opened up on the staggering delay while also dropping a bombshell regarding a separate, ongoing legal battle with another La Liga club that has left him waiting for a settlement for almost three years.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted he is uncertain about Robert Lewandowski’s future at the club beyond this summer, casting doubt on the veteran striker's long-term status. The comments came after a stunning 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup, a match where the Polish international was surprisingly left among the substitutes.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s hopes of a January exit from Barcelona hang in the balance after the goalkeeper suffered a fresh knee injury. The German recently agreed to a loan move to Girona to boost his World Cup chances, but his departure is now complicated by fitness concerns and a significant financial hurdle regarding the percentage of his wages that the Catalan giants must cover.

Bayern Munich are plotting a move to unite the Karl brothers at the Allianz Arena. Following the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lennart Karl this season, reports indicate that the German giants are now targeting his younger brother, Vincent, from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 17-year-old winger has admitted it would be a "dream" to line up alongside his younger sibling in the future.

West Ham United have reportedly decided to stick with under-fire manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite calls for his head growing louder following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Hammers are mired in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the Premier League and seven points from safety, but the hierarchy is preparing to back their coach in the market rather than show him the exit door.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has responded to Harry Kane's admission that he could extend his stay at the Allianz Arena beyond 2027. The club chief emphasised the striker's value to the side while confirming that fresh talks regarding his future will take place at the "appropriate time" as the Englishman continues to enjoy life in Bavaria.

Neymar has flaunted his latest extravagant purchase on social media, revealing a custom-made Batmobile worth £1.3 million that he cannot even drive on the road. The Brazilian superstar, who is a self-confessed superhero fanatic, parked the menacing vehicle alongside his £10m Batman-themed helicopter and £37m private jet to complete a stunning collection worth nearly £50m.

Ruben Amorim's explosive exit from Manchester United was triggered by a fierce disagreement over transfer strategy, with the Portuguese coach left furious after seven key targets were blocked by the hierarchy. From World Cup winners to teenage sensations, the full list of players denied to the former boss has now been revealed following his sacking.

Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has admitted that the club's pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee has been complicated by the dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The Serie A side had been keen on the Dutch forward, but the sudden change in the dugout at Old Trafford has altered the landscape, potentially offering the player a fresh start in England under new management.

Harry Kane has been urged to reject any potential advances from Barcelona as Dwight Yorke believes the England captain would struggle to replicate his prolific form in Spain. The former Manchester United striker claims the tempo of La Liga makes it a "much more difficult" environment than the Bundesliga, warning that a move at this stage of his career carries significant risk.

Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl has apologised to club chiefs after sparking controversy with comments about his desire to join Real Madrid. The 17-year-old winger was forced to clarify his stance following an interview where he named the Spanish giants as his "dream club", but he put the noise behind him on Tuesday by scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 friendly victory over Red Bull Salzburg.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike faces a late fitness test ahead of Liverpool's showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal. The forward has yet to train fully since missing the recent draw with Fulham, leaving his participation in doubt. The Reds boss admits his side have been too inconsistent this term but believes a win against the "complete package" of the Gunners could spark a revival.