Peter McVitie

Joan Laporta has launched a scathing critique of Kylian Mbappe following the Real Madrid star's controversial refusal to engage in a guard of honour after the Spanish Super Cup final. The Barcelona president branded the Frenchman's decision to urge his team-mates to leave the pitch as "surprising" and lacking in sportsmanship, suggesting the dramatic 3-2 defeat in Saudi Arabia left Los Blancos "really upset" as they came to terms with their rivals' superiority.

Marcus Rashford has poured cold water on speculation linking him with a shock return to Manchester United following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, insisting his focus remains firmly on winning more silverware with Barcelona. The England international, who lifted his first trophy for the Catalan giants on Sunday night, admitted he "hopes not" to see his time in Spain cut short as he revels in a "perfect" new lease of life.

Real Madrid’s misery in Saudi Arabia was compounded by a moment of viral humiliation for Arda Guler, who was left red-faced after a furious attempt to kick a water bottle backfired spectacularly following the 3-2 Supercopa de Espana defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona. The Turkish playmaker, who had endured a difficult cameo off the bench, became the subject of social media ridicule as footage emerged of him slipping and landing on his back while his opponents celebrated their trophy triumph.

Danny Welbeck has joked that revealing the secrets behind his incredible longevity might attract the attention of "drug testers" after he returned to haunt Manchester United once again. The 35-year-old striker rolled back the years to score a stunner as Brighton dumped his former club out of the FA Cup, sparking fresh talk of a shock England World Cup recall.

Rui Faria, the long-time assistant coach to Jose Mourinho, has posted a scathing critique of modern football club structures just days after Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim. In a social media post featuring a Manchester United background, Faria argued that managers are now powerless scapegoats for business-oriented hierarchies.

Jobe Bellingham’s high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund has threatened to spiral into a nightmare, but reports from Germany suggest the former Sunderland star is fighting back to save his Bundesliga career. The 20-year-old, who followed in his brother Jude’s footsteps by swapping the Championship for the Signal Iduna Park last summer, has been branded a "training champion" by club staff as he undergoes a radical physical transformation to rediscover his best form.

Liverpool have reportedly slapped a €10 million price tag on Federico Chiesa as Juventus consider a shock move to bring the winger back to Turin. The Italian international has struggled for consistent minutes at Anfield and is keen to secure regular football ahead of the World Cup, with the Reds open to a permanent sale to avoid a capital loss on their investment.

West Ham United officials have been left furious with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following his conduct after the damaging defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Hammers hierarchy are rapidly losing faith in the Portuguese coach, with his decision to embrace and smile with opposition players immediately after the final whistle causing dismay as the club stares down the barrel of relegation.

Aston Villa have struck a stunning agreement to sign 16-year-old Metz prodigy Brian Madjo in a deal worth a reported £10.4 million. The highly-coveted forward has arrived in the West Midlands to undergo his medical after club chiefs orchestrated a surprise move behind the scenes, beating top European rivals to secure the teenager on a long-term five-year contract.

Xavi Hernandez is "ready" to return to management and has his sights set on the Premier League, but reports claiming a deal with Manchester United is imminent have been played down. While the Barcelona legend is a candidate to replace the sacked Ruben Amorim, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has clarified the current state of play.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has avoided the threat of a retrospective ban from the Football Association following a controversial incident involving Liverpool defender Conor Bradley. The Brazilian was at the centre of a flashpoint during the heated 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium, but because the referee dealt with the matter on the pitch, no further disciplinary action will be taken.

Raheem Sterling is seriously considering ending his nightmare spell at Chelsea as he looks to escape a lucrative contract that has become a "prison." The 31-year-old winger has emerged as a potential target for Napoli, who are scouring the market for offensive reinforcements amidst a strict "zero balance" financial policy.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that Cristian Romero will face no financial punishment and will remain club captain, despite the defender launching a scathing public attack on the club’s hierarchy following the midweek defeat to Bournemouth.

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.