Peter McVitie

Manchester United have suffered a major transfer setback as long-term target Ruben Neves is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with Al-Hilal. Despite holding talks with the Red Devils in December, the midfielder is in advanced negotiations to remain in Saudi Arabia, ending Michael Carrick's hopes of a January reinforcement.

Danny Murphy has hailed Declan Rice as the "most complete midfielder in Europe" but warned the Arsenal star he still has one final hurdle to clear before he can be compared to Premier League icons Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. The former Liverpool man believes the £105 million ace needs to start producing "magic moments" in major finals to cement his legacy.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly withdrawn their interest in signing Raheem Sterling, dealing a blow to the England international’s hopes of a swift return to Premier League action in London. Despite being available as a free agent following his dramatic release by Chelsea, Spurs hierarchy have decided against pursuing the 31-year-old, citing concerns over his substantial wage demands which do not align with the club's current financial structure.

Aston Villa’s Premier League title charge has been dealt a potential hammer blow after star striker Ollie Watkins limped off with a hamstring injury during Thursday's Europa League tie. Manager Unai Emery is facing intense scrutiny for risking his talisman in a 'dead rubber' against RB Salzburg, with pundits questioning why the England international was not rested ahead of a crucial run of domestic fixtures.

Roy Keane has admitted he "hopes" Michael Carrick is handed the permanent Manchester United job, marking a surprise softening of his stance on the interim boss. While the former captain remains skeptical about whether Carrick can deliver a league title, he conceded his former teammate has "took advantage" of the role. However, Keane urged caution, warning fans that recent wins do not solve the club's long term issues.

Harry Maguire has jokingly admitted that interim manager Michael Carrick is still putting the Manchester United squad to shame in training, claiming the 44-year-old remains the best passer at the club. The defender opened up about the new coaching setup at Carrington, praising the "hands-on" approach of Carrick and his assistant Steve Holland, while admitting he has been unsurprised by the seamless transition the 44-year-old has made into the dugout.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a blockbuster deal to sign Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a move that may trigger a major transfer merry-go-round in the Premier League. The Eagles have moved ahead of Leeds in the race for the Norwegian, paving the way for Jean-Philippe Mateta to leave Selhurst Park before the window shuts.

Raheem Sterling's hopes of a swift return to elite European football have hit an early stumbling block after Napoli's sporting director cast doubt on a potential move. The England international is searching for a new club after ending his three-year spell at Chelsea by mutual consent, but his "significant financial expectations" could prove a major hurdle for suitors in Serie A.

Chelsea’s dramatic Champions League resurgence could have a sting in the tail as the club faces the bizarre prospect of surrendering their home advantage due to a logistical clash with their London rivals. Liam Rosenior’s side fought hard to secure a top-eight finish, but a little-known UEFA regulation regarding city-based fixture congestion now threatens to force the Blues into a neutral venue or a fixture reversal to accommodate Arsenal and Tottenham.

Manchester United have decisively ended speculation linking them with a record-breaking swoop for Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer, with Old Trafford chiefs deeming the move financially unviable. Despite reports suggesting the England international is unsettled in the capital, the Red Devils have ruled out a summer approach, opting instead to prioritise a replacement for Casemiro over another marquee addition to their forward line.

Joe Cole has hailed Liam Rosenior’s immediate impact at Stamford Bridge as "superb" after the new Chelsea boss guided his side to a dramatic Champions League victory over Napoli. The former Blues midfielder believes the 41-year-old has rapidly transformed the squad's mentality, pointing to a run of five wins in six games as proof that the decision to replace Enzo Maresca is already paying huge dividends.

The Premier League is firmly on course to gain a fifth Champions League place for next season after a dominant display in Europe. With five English clubs storming into the last 16 and all nine representatives still active across the three competitions, the coefficient rankings show England miles clear of rivals Italy and Spain, sparking a frantic domestic battle for the lucrative extra berth.

Antonio Conte launched a scathing attack on football’s "genius" fixture schedulers after his injury-ravaged Napoli side were dumped out of the Champions League by his former club, Chelsea. The Italian giants surrendered a half-time lead to lose 3-2 in Naples, a result that sees the reigning Serie A champions finish 30th in the table and exit Europe completely.

Chelsea have reached a full agreement to send teenage sensation Kendry Paez on loan to River Plate after cutting short his spell in Ligue 1. The 18-year-old has been recalled from Strasbourg to join the Argentine giants immediately, with the Blues sanctioning the move to ensure their prized asset secures regular first-team football under Marcelo Gallardo.

A total of five Premier League clubs secured automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City all finishing in the top eight while Newcastle United missed out. The Magpies must now navigate a treacherous play-off round alongside giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after a chaotic final matchday.

Manchester United have identified AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao as a primary target for the left wing as INEOS chiefs accelerate their plans for a major summer overhaul. The Portuguese international features on a three-man shortlist alongside Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Chelsea teenager Tyrique George, while the club is also locked in a fierce battle with Manchester City for their "absolute top priority" midfield target ahead of the World Cup.

Gary McAllister believes Mohamed Salah is suffering from a "year of inconsistency" at Anfield, pinpointing the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the primary cause for the Egyptian's dip in form. However, the former Reds midfielder insists the 33-year-old still has plenty to offer at the highest level and has urged him to reject the overtures of the Saudi Pro League.

Ex-Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs has mounted a passionate defence of struggling striker Viktor Gyokeres, insisting it is far too early to write off the summer signing. The Swede has endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates, failing to score from open play in the Premier League since September, but Gibbs believes tactical adjustments are to blame rather than a lack of quality.