Peter McVitie

Arne Slot has expressed his immense satisfaction after Liverpool successfully fended off intense competition from Chelsea to secure a £60 million deal for Rennes starlet Jeremy Jacquet. The 20-year-old centre-back, a France Under-21 international, is set to join the Reds this summer following a season-long stay at his boyhood club. Slot believes the defender is a "very big talent" ready for the top level.

Arne Slot has lauded Florian Wirtz as a 'special' talent following the German's spectacular renaissance at Anfield. After a difficult start to life in the Premier League, the midfielder has silenced critics with six goals and two assists in his last 10 games. Slot believes his star man is now truly ready for the top flight thanks to an improved work ethic and a deeper connection with his Liverpool teammates.

Endrick continues to set French football alight after his latest heroics for Lyon in the Coupe de France. The Real Madrid loanee secured a vital breakthrough against Laval, later admitting the strike allowed him to vent frustrations from previous weeks. With five goals in five games, the Brazilian starlet is quickly becoming the new idol of the Groupama Stadium faithful.

Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has been told that a move to one of Europe’s true heavyweights is the "right step" for his career as Spurs continue to falter under Thomas Frank. Former Dutch star Eljero Elia has backed the lightning-fast defender for a high-profile transfer this summer, with Liverpool and Real Madrid both recently linked with the centre-back’s signature.

Atletico Madrid are ready to test Tottenham’s resolve for Cristian Romero this summer after the Spurs captain’s relationship with the club hit a new low. The Argentine World Cup winner slammed the board’s transfer inactivity as ‘disgraceful’ on social media, prompting Diego Simeone’s side to revive their interest just months after Romero signed a lucrative new contract in London.

Eden Hazard has lifted the lid on his refusal to adopt the ultra-professional lifestyle of Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the pleas of a former manager. The former Chelsea star prioritised personal happiness and a "glass of wine" over the relentless discipline that defined the Portuguese star, insisting he has no regrets about his path.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has provided a hilarious insight into his Premier League picks, pointedly refusing to utter Erling Haaland's name. In a quick-fire Q&A with GOAL, the United coach turned heads by naming summer signing Senne Lammens as the division's premier goalkeeper. Jones also reserved special praise for a rising Carrington star, labelling the youngster a "top, top player" for the future.

Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has issued a resounding vote of confidence in Eddie Howe, dismissing speculation that the head coach’s job is under threat. Despite a lack of January transfer activity and a difficult run of results, Hopkinson insists the club is on the right path as he outlined a plan to win the Premier League by 2030.

Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware has come at a significant cost, with Mikel Arteta’s side facing a brutal fixture pile-up this February. Following their successful progression to the Carabao Cup final, a rescheduled trip to Wolves has been shoehorned into an already congested calendar. The Gunners now face a daunting journey to Molineux just days before a pivotal north London derby.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City will formally write to the football authorities to demand Marc Guehi be deemed eligible for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. The City manager expressed his bewilderment after his £20 million January signing was forced to watch from the stands as his teammates dismantled Newcastle on Wednesday, insisting that the regulations preventing the defender from playing defy logic given the club pays his wages.

Jamie Carragher has jumped to the defence of Arne Slot after the Liverpool manager sparked a heated debate with claims that playing "the nicest football to watch" is worth more than winning major trophies. The former defender insisted that while silverware is the ultimate currency at Anfield, Slot’s desire to be remembered for his style of play is a mark of a coach who wants to leave a lasting legacy.

Didier Deschamps has launched a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappe, insisting the Real Madrid superstar will never run "11 kilometres per match" but remains a "true captain" for his country. The France boss hit back at ongoing criticism of the forward’s work rate, claiming his explosive profile requires a different tactical approach to get the best out of him for Les Bleus.

Flamengo’s sporting director has jokingly suggested that Vinicius Junior is next on his transfer wishlist following the return of Lucas Paqueta. During the playmaker’s official unveiling in Rio, the club chief could not resist a dig at Real Madrid regarding a free transfer for their superstar, hinting that the "project" to reunite the academy graduates is on his mind.

Pep Guardiola has launched a stinging attack on U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration following the deaths of Renee Good and nurse Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents. The Manchester City manager delivered an impassioned defence of human rights during a press conference, breaking his usual silence to condemn "genocide" in Palestine and demand compassion for migrants crossing the English Channel.

Noa Lang has lifted the lid on his abrupt Napoli exit, aiming a dig at Antonio Conte after claiming he was treated unfairly during his brief spell in Italy. The Dutch winger, who has joined Galatasaray on loan to save his World Cup dream, insists his relationship with the fiery manager was non-existent and hit out at the "political behaviour" behind the scenes in Naples that forced him out after just six months.

Raheem Sterling has been urged to consider a sensational move to Wrexham to rediscover his love for football, with former Manchester United defender Wes Brown claiming the Hollywood-backed project could be the perfect remedy for the winger's stalling career. The ambitious Welsh club have also been tipped to make an audacious approach for Sterling's former teammate John Stones, who Brown believes could emulate Granit Xhaka's impact by dropping down a level to dictate play.

Napoli's hierarchy has admitted they are fearful of losing Scott McTominay as rumours of a Premier League return continue to swirl. The former Manchester United midfielder has been a revelation in Italy, but a senior club official has now conceded that the Scottish international "deserves" a move to the "next level" in the future, citing the financial dominance of English clubs as a major hurdle for Serie A sides.

Karim Benzema has ignited a storm in the Saudi Pro League by branding his new club Al-Hilal the "Real Madrid in Asia" immediately after completing a controversial transfer from rivals Al-Ittihad. While the Frenchman eyes more silverware, the move is said to have infuriated Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly attempted to block it.