Kobbie Mainoo has been left out of Manchester United's matchday squad to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. The midfielder was expected to at least be among the substitutes but was a surprise omission from the Red Devils' travelling party. A reason has now been given for his absence as United look to kick off the festive period with a win on the road.

Mohamed Salah continues to generate transfer talk on the back of a sparking a storm at Liverpool, but Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has refuted any suggestion that the superstar forward is in "crisis". Salah was benched for five consecutive Premier League fixtures prior to linking up with his country for Africa Cup of Nations duty, leading to uncertainty being cast over his future.

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

The cost of owning grass graced by Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi has been revealed, with Inter Miami joining the trend of selling turf as they prepare to move into a new stadium. The Herons are bidding farewell to Chase Stadium, having savoured a historic MLS Cup win in that venue, and will be heading to Freedom Park next season. Fans can snap up a piece of the pitch that Messi has trodden since deciding to chase the American dream in 2023.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits the long-running Lionel Messi saga, which started in 2021 when the Argentine GOAT left for Paris Saint-Germain, has made him "sad". He does, however, hope that a crossing of paths will take place at some stage, saying: "Hopefully we meet again." A fitting tribute to Messi, be that an exhibition game or statue, is still being planned.

Selected first overall by D.C. United in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft, the imposing center back joined GOAL Convo to explain why a rebuild doesn’t intimidate him.

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard says he is “open” to new opportunities in the January transfer window as he looks to continue his playing career following an emotional departure from FC Seoul earlier this month. The England international has opened up about the “strong legacy” he has left behind in South Korea following his near-two-year spell in Asia.

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are ready to enter the January transfer market but only if the “perfect” player is available. The Red Devils continue to be linked with a host of central midfielders but the Portuguese head coach has suggested the club are even prepared to strengthen in another area of the pitch, provided the signing is one for the long term.

Brazil international Thiago Silva is a free agent at the age of 41, with the defender agreeing to the early termination of his contract at Fluminense. After spending 18 months at his boyhood club, the center back is reportedly closing in on a move to Porto - a transfer that would represent another European stint following stops at Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

West Ham United Women have parted company with head coach Rehanne Skinner after a difficult run in the Women’s Super League, with just one win from their opening 11 matches of the 2025-26 season. Sitting second from bottom and struggling at both ends of the pitch, the Hammers have opted for a mid-season reset as they search for a new direction in a bid to improve results.

Defending champions Arsenal will face London rivals Chelsea in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals, if they can defeat OH Leuven in the knockout play-offs. The Gunners beat the Belgian minnows 3-0 in the last round of the league phase and will be heavily favoured to do so again, making an all-English quarter-final incredibly likely.

Sophia Wilson will return to the Portland Thorns for the 2026 NWSL season after exercising the player option in her contract. The 25-year-old U.S. women’s national team forward missed the 2025 campaign while on maternity leave, but is set to resume her career with the club where it began after she was selected No. 1 in the 2020 NWSL College Draft, and became a central figure in Portland’s sustained success.