Peter McVitie

England legend John Barnes has leapt to the defence of Jude Bellingham, dismissing recent criticism of the Real Madrid star’s off-pitch lifestyle as "exaggerated" and insisting that the midfielder’s behaviour is not a cause for concern. The former Liverpool winger believes that the scrutiny surrounding Bellingham’s social life is merely a by-product of a dip in form, predicting that the noise will vanish the moment the 22-year-old returns to his prolific best.

Vincent Kompany has jokingly admitted that viral videos of his explosive dressing room tirades have left him on shaky ground as a parent, with his children having watched the X-rated clips on YouTube. The Bayern Munich boss revealed he has tried to tone down his language since moving to Germany, but warned his squad that he is still capable of losing his cool if he detects one specific attitude problem within the camp.

Tottenham have launched a shock move to sign Andy Robertson immediately, abandoning plans to wait for his contract to expire in June. Head coach Thomas Frank is facing a defensive crisis in north London and has pushed to secure the Liverpool veteran now, with amicable negotiations advancing quickly as the Scotland captain seeks regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Jadon Sancho has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at his former Manchester United bosses after finally opening his account for Aston Villa. The winger, who scored the winner against Fenerbahce on Thursday night, heaped praise on Unai Emery for giving him a manager who finally "believes" in him. It comes after a turbulent conclusion to his Old Trafford career where he was frozen out by both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Michael Carrick has wasted no time stamping his authority on Manchester United, implementing six key behind-the-scenes changes that have already highlighted the shortcomings of his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. From matchday routines to academy integration, the interim boss has impressed both players and staff in his first week, culminating in a morale-boosting derby victory over Manchester City and a clear shift in culture at Carrington.

Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has officially swapped goals for grapes, embarking on a surprising new career venture as a winemaker. The 35-year-old former winger, who dazzled the Premier League for seven years with his electrifying dribbling, has teamed up with Italian wine tycoon Fabio Cordella to launch his own signature range of reds and whites. It marks a sophisticated pivot for the Belgian ace, who has largely kept a low profile since hanging up his boots in 2023.

Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal are on the verge of making history and could even surpass Manchester United’s legendary 1999 treble winners. Ahead of the clash at the Emirates, the Liverpool legend claims Mikel Arteta has the tools to win a quadruple, arguing that the Gunners are in a far stronger position now than Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were at this stage of their historic campaign.

Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Ajax, with the Dutch giants reportedly exploring a move for the Dane midway through his first season at the Emirates Stadium. The 31-year-old is featured on a shortlist of experienced midfield options being considered by Ajax director of football Marijn Beuker, who is currently on a scouting mission across Europe to secure a new defensive leader for the Amsterdam club.

Joe Cole has urged Manchester City to raid Crystal Palace for a second time this year, tipping the Premier League champions to move for Adam Wharton as concerns grow over Rodri’s fitness. The former England star believes the Eagles midfielder is the perfect cover for the Spaniard, who looked "lightweight" in the shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt, and claims Wharton could soon have his "pick of the bunch" of top clubs.

Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has returned to football in a new capacity following his dismissals from Spurs and Nottingham Forest. The Greek-Australian coach has been appointed as a UEFA Technical Observer and was immediately tasked with analysing Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 Champions League victory over Inter, where he singled out Gabriel Jesus for special praise.

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is set for an immediate baptism of fire in Ligue 1 after Roberto De Zerbi suggested the teenager could make his Marseille debut as early as Saturday. The 18-year-old is on the verge of completing a loan move to the French giants alongside Quinten Timber, with the Marseille boss confirming both "strong players" are ready to bolster his squad for the weekend clash against Lens.

Former Chelsea favourite David Luiz made an emotional return to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, despite injury ruling him out of the Champions League clash. The Brazilian star used the trip to reconnect with old friends, handing over touching gifts to a current Blues defender and a legendary staff member who served the club for nearly 56 years before retiring in 2024.

Manchester United youngsters Harry Amass and Toby Collyer are set to depart Old Trafford on loan for the remainder of the season, joining Norwich City and Hull City respectively. The duo, who previously faced scrutiny regarding their development paths during Ruben Amorim’s tenure, will look to reignite their campaigns in the Championship after being recalled from previous spells earlier this month.

Chelsea icon Marcel Desailly has issued a stark warning to his former club, suggesting that talisman Cole Palmer could sensationally hand in a transfer request if he does not believe the Blues can win the Premier League within the next two seasons. The French World Cup winner has urged the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to establish a stable system built specifically around the England international, while simultaneously calling on Palmer to show "respect" and "humility" to the club's new management.

Manchester United’s 1958 Group are mobilising for a mass protest ahead of the upcoming Premier League clash against Fulham, with over 6,000 supporters expected to descend on Old Trafford to vent their fury at the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The fan group insists the club has become a "laughing stock" and accuse the INEOS chief of being "complicit" in a decline that has saddled the institution with over £1 billion in debt.

Pafos manager Albert Celades was left baffled during his post-match press conference at Stamford Bridge after being asked to comment on the ongoing family feud involving his former team-mate David Beckham. Following his side's narrow 1-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, the Spaniard was blindsided by a question regarding the "saga" between the Manchester United legend and his son, Brooklyn.

Manchester United have suffered a historic financial blow, falling to eighth in the Deloitte Football Money League and dropping below rivals Liverpool and Arsenal for the first time in the report's history. The data highlights the severe cost of their nightmare 2024-25 campaign where they finished 15th, marking a new low for the club under the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Chelsea are on the verge of completing their first signing under new manager Liam Rosenior, with the Blues set to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United to the signature of teenage sensation Yisa Alao. The 17-year-old Sheffield Wednesday defender has reportedly opted for Stamford Bridge despite heavy interest from Old Trafford, with a structured deal worth potentially over £1 million now close to being finalised between the two clubs.