Tom Bellwood

Aston Villa are considering a move for Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, whose future at the club remains uncertain. Martinez, a World Cup winner and key figure in Villa's recent success, has been linked with moves to various European clubs, creating a pressing need for a top-tier successor should he depart.

Another sensational performance from Erling Haaland sent Manchester City to the top of the Premier League courtesy of a dominant 3-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. Haaland bagged two goals to take his tally to 19 in the league this season and also laid on the assist for Tijjani Reijnders in a comfortable win which moves them a point ahead of the Gunners.

There was high drama in the dying seconds of the thrilling match between Newcastle and Chelsea as Harvey Barnes appeared to be pulled down by Reece James, but VAR denied the Magpies' desperate pleas for a penalty at the end of the pulsating clash which ended two-all. And James has spoken after the match, claiming the contact was “too soft” for a spot-kick to be awarded.

Lennart Karl the 17-year-old attacking midfielder, has experienced a remarkably rapid ascent at Bayern Munich, quickly transitioning from the academy to the first team and earning significant praise from superstar team-mate Harry Kane who has hailed the youngster’s positive impact with the Bavarian giants. The England captain has also offered some advice to his young colleague.

Chelsea have been offered some advice on potential signings ahead of the January transfer window. Enzo Maresca's side spent heavily once again in the summer but currently sit down in fourth place in the Premier League table and already eight points behind current leaders Arsenal. The Blues have been told to strengthen their defence and that it may be wise to bring a familiar face back.

Kobbie Mainoo is currently in a challenging situation at Manchester United, grappling with a lack of consistent playing time under head coach Ruben Amorim this season, a dynamic made more public by a controversial t-shirt display from his half-brother. But he has been urged to focus on football and prove everyone wrong, rather than leave the club on loan in January, by club legend Roy Keane.

Leandro Trossard has been in brilliant form for Arsenal this season, establishing himself as a vital and often decisive presence in Mikel Arteta’s team. His intelligence and goal involvements have elevated the team's performances and helped maintain their title challenge, earning him high praise from an Arsenal legend, who has also claimed the Belgium international has more to offer.

Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and Equatoguinean mother, Lamine Yamal has taken world football by storm after rising quickly through Barcelona's famed La Masia youth academy. But while his decision to represent Spain on the international stage has already delivered a European crown for the youngster, one Morocco legend says he made the wrong decision.

Perceived refereeing injustices have been a recurring theme for Manchester United this season, drawing strong reactions from the club's management, players, and pundits. Such is the resentment felt at Old Trafford the club now reportedly plan to formalise their grievances with the head of the referees' governing body PGMOL, Howard Webb in a key meeting.

The Premier League title race is tighter than last year where Liverpool secured the title with four games to spare. Several teams are vying for the top spots, a more protracted three-way battle for the trophy on the cards. Arsenal lead the race, with Manchester City hot on their tail, and Gunners legend Thierry Henry has delivered his verdict on the stars of the season so far.

FIFA have been forced into an embarrassed climbdown over World Cup ticket prices, introducing a new tier of cheaper tickets at £45 ($60) for supporters following widespread outrage and significant pressure from fan groups and national football associations. The initial pricing structure, which included the cheapest final tickets at over £3,000, was described as "laughable" and a "monumental betrayal" for fans.

Unconvincing Chelsea squeezed past Cardiff City to land a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a scrappy 3-1 victory over the League One outfit in South Wales. The Blues were woeful in the first-half, but the introduction of subsitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto proved the difference between the two sides as Enzo Maresca’s side sealed the tie with three second-half goals.

Despite a stellar season with Barcelona, Brazil star Raphinha was not included in the FIFA Men's World XI team announced in Doha. He was on the 11-player shortlist for the main award after an impressive season that saw him score 18 goals and provide 10 assists in La Liga, but didn’t make it into the team for one of the most prestigious awards of the season.

Ousmane Dembele has landed the prestigious FIFA The Best award after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure their first-ever Champions League title and a domestic Treble. Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati was also recognised at the ceremony in Doha, Qatar for another superb year, which included winning a domestic treble with her club and being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2025.

Chelsea have blocked Omari Kellyman from playing for loan club Cardiff City against them in their Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown in South Wales. The Bluebirds made a "tentative verbal request" to Chelsea, hoping to have the influential forward available for the match, but the Premier League side declined to provide the necessary written consent.

Manchester United are firmly in the race to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65 million ($87.3m) clause which can be activated from January 1st. However, United have stiff competition to secure his signing as rivals such as Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool are also vying for his signature.

Japanese international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has officially joined Dutch club Ajax on a short-term contract, seeking to rebuild his career after a challenging period with injuries at Arsenal. The 27-year-old was a free agent after mutually agreeing to terminate his deal with the Gunners in July of this year.

There was a rare snub for Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and Arsenal's midfield general Declan Rice after the FIFA awards for the best goal of the 'year' were announced in Doha. The 2025 Puskas Award and Marta Award winners were announced where Argentine midfielder Santiago Montiel landed the men's award and Mexican forward Lizbeth Ovalle won the inaugural Marta Award for the best goal in women's football.