Peter McVitie

Michael Carrick has been named the Premier League Manager of the Month for January, marking a sensational start to his tenure as Manchester United’s interim boss. The former Red Devils midfielder has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, steadying a ship that looked destined to sink just weeks ago.

Bayern Munich have officially secured the long-term future of Dayot Upamecano, confirming that the French international has signed a contract extension until 2030. The 27-year-old was in the final months of his previous deal, sparking intense speculation that he would leave for free. However, the defender has opted to commit his peak years to the Bavarian giants, dealing a massive blow to his high-profile suitors in Spain and France.

Aymeric Laporte has opened up on his decision to turn his back on the Saudi Pro League, admitting that life at Al-Nassr did not align with his professional or personal expectations. The Spain international, who completed a fairytale return to Athletic Club last summer, revealed that his desire to return to his roots outweighed lucrative offers from several other European giants, including Marseille.

Real Madrid have been handed a major boost ahead of their crucial La Liga meeting with Real Sociedad as Kylian Mbappe returned to first-team training on Friday. The Frenchman’s presence on the grass at Valdebebas appears to have cooled the immediate panic following a fresh injury scare that saw him miss two consecutive days of preparation.

Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has opened up on the club's decision to pull the plug on a potentially historic £19 million ($24m) move for teenage sensation Sidiki Cherif during the January transfer window. The Welsh side, backed by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, ultimately decided against the record-breaking outlay to ensure they remained within financial regulations.

Manchester United fans have been left in awe of Bryan Mbeumo's work rate after footage emerged of the winger destroying Adama Traore in a foot race during stoppage time of the Premier League draw with West Ham. The Cameroonian, who joined the Red Devils in the summer, proved he is no slouch by tracking back to deny the West Ham speedster in a moment that has gone viral on social media.

Brazil are on the verge of securing their long-term future as Carlo Ancelotti prepares to put pen to paper on a contract extension. The former Real Madrid boss, who took the reins last summer, has agreed fresh terms that will see him lead the Selecao until the 2030 World Cup, ending speculation over a potential return to Europe this summer.

Tottenham legend Robbie Keane has abruptly stormed out of a post-match interview after being questioned about the vacant managerial role at his former club. The Ferencvaros boss, who is currently among bookmakers' favourites for the Spurs job, delivered a "techy" response to speculation linking him with a return to north London before cutting the media session short.

Real Madrid have been rocked by a fresh injury scare as Kylian Mbappe missed training for the second day running. The Frenchman is struggling with recurring knee discomfort ahead of Saturday’s clash with Real Sociedad. With a massive Champions League tie against Benfica on the horizon, manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a nervous wait to see if his talisman will be fit to lead the line in the capital.

The father of Manchester City midfielder Rodri has provided a crucial update on his son's future at the Etihad Stadium, admitting that negotiations are ongoing while refusing to rule out a potential exit. With Real Madrid reportedly circling, the Ballon d'Or winner is facing a decisive summer as he battles to regain full fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Italian anthem is one of the most popular at tournaments and it has a long, interesting history

Real Madrid have been dealt a potentially crushing blow as reports suggest Jude Bellingham’s hamstring injury is worse than initially diagnosed. The England midfielder, who limped off against Rayo Vallecano, was expected to miss a month, but fresh concerns indicate he could be sidelined for double that time, leaving manager Alvaro Arbeloa short for the Champions League knockouts and crucial La Liga matches.

Endrick has learned his fate following a controversial dismissal during Lyon's narrow victory over Nantes last weekend. The Real Madrid loanee was initially shown a straight red card for lashing out at an opponent, but the LFP Disciplinary Committee has handed the teenager a significant lifeline by downgrading the offence, ensuring he returns to action far sooner than initially feared.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has issued a defiant message to Barcelona, ruling out a summer exit for star forward Julian Alvarez. The Argentine World Cup winner has emerged as a top target for the Catalan giants as they hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor, but the capital club have made it clear that their record signing is not for sale under any circumstances.

Real Madrid’s dressing room crisis has deepened with explosive claims that Arda Guler is being "bullied" by his own teammates. The scout who discovered the Turkish midfielder alleges a clique of stars with "very high egos" are deliberately freezing him out, a toxic dynamic that he believes also contributed to Xabi Alonso’s shock departure from the Bernabeu.

Al-Ittihad have identified Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga as their top target to replace N'Golo Kante following his move to Fenerbahce. The Saudi Pro League side are reportedly preparing a bank-busting offer to lure the France international away from the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to capitalise on his desire for a guaranteed starting role.

Robert Lewandowski is facing a defining moment in his illustrious career as his Barcelona contract nears its expiration. The Polish striker has reportedly received offers from Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, among others, but is holding off on a decision until the club's presidential elections are concluded in March.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain announced his arrival in Scottish football in dramatic fashion, netting a stoppage-time winner on his debut to rescue Celtic’s title hopes. The former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder, who had been training with the Gunners to maintain his fitness before making the move, came off the bench to secure a vital 2-1 victory over Livingston just days after signing a short-term deal.