Manchester United reportedly complained to FIFA after Morocco refused to allow Noussair Mazraoui to play in the club's Premier League game against Bournemouth. The Red Devils believed that the defender should have been eligible under the Africa Cup of Nations release arrangements. FIFA’s regulations state that players selected for AFCON squads must be released seven days before their nation’s opening fixture, with the release period beginning on December 15 - the day of the Bournemouth clash.

GOAL takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from around the world

Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland dressed up as Santa Claus to spread Christmas joy among the kids in Manchester amid his fine festive form for the Cityzens. After an injury-laden 2024-25 campaign, the Norwegian striker is back to his very best as he has already scored 23 goals in 22 matches across all competitions and has kept his side at the top of the table heading into the New Year.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly 'open' to joining MLS side the Chicago Fire on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 37-year-old has held positive talks with the club about a potential move after his contract with Hansi Flick's side expires. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have also been credited with interest in Lewandowski but may now miss out on the goalscoring great.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber addressed two issues central to the league’s long-term direction - the possibility of promotion and relegation and the continued expansion - outlining the financial realities and developmental priorities that continue to shape its approach, even as growth opportunities remain on the horizon.

Luis Suarez is on the verge of signing a new contract to remain at Inter Miami, according to multiple reports. The Uruguayan striker faced an uncertain future after his deal expired at the end of the 2025 season, but a new one-year agreement is now close that would keep him with the club through the 2026 campaign.

Leeds United are eyeing a €20m swoop for in-form Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas in the January transfer window. Vargas completed a permanent transfer to the La Liga side in January 2025 on a five-and-a-half-year contract and has slowly established himself as a key member in Matias Almeyda's starting lineup. Leeds are looking to bolster their squad after a poor start to their 2025-26 campaign.

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.

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has been tipped to make a shock return to Serie A as Reds legend opens up on 'solution' to the Egyptian's transfer saga. After slamming the club and manager Arne Slot publicly for keeping him out of Liverpool's starting lineup following their clash against Leeds, Salah returned to action against Brighton last weekend.

Reigning champions Chelsea, along with Manchester City, Arsenal & Manchester United, have discovered their opponents for the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup after the draw was made on Monday evening. The third round of the cup competition concluded on Sunday as 20 teams progressed to the fourth round, where they will now be joined by 12 top-flight clubs from the Women's Super League.

Lionesses and Arsenal star Chloe Kelly has opened up on the crippling anxiety she experienced before moving to Arsenal from Manchester City earlier this year. Kelly, who started her professional career at Arsenal, returned to the club this January, initially on loan from the Cityzens before completing a permanent transfer back to her childhood club in the summer.

With Washington pushing to retain Rodman, new league mechanisms emerging, and Europe circling, her decision could redefine what comes next for both player and league.