Peter McVitie

Jude Bellingham has hit back at critics regarding his goal output this season, insisting his deeper role is necessary to accommodate Kylian Mbappe’s prolific nature at Real Madrid. The England midfielder also offered staunch support for teammate Vinicius Jr, describing the Brazilian as 'electric' despite his struggles under coach Xabi Alonso.

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to her native Australia indefinitely after her mother, Jess, was diagnosed with a terminal and aggressive form of cancer. The 23-year-old will miss the Gunners' upcoming Women’s Super League fixture as she supports her family through what she described as a "world-changing" diagnosis.

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has revealed that the Catalan giants took nearly four years to finally settle his unpaid wages following his dismissal in 2020. The 67-year-old opened up on the staggering delay while also dropping a bombshell regarding a separate, ongoing legal battle with another La Liga club that has left him waiting for a settlement for almost three years.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has admitted he is uncertain about Robert Lewandowski’s future at the club beyond this summer, casting doubt on the veteran striker's long-term status. The comments came after a stunning 5-0 demolition of Athletic Club in the Spanish Super Cup, a match where the Polish international was surprisingly left among the substitutes.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s hopes of a January exit from Barcelona hang in the balance after the goalkeeper suffered a fresh knee injury. The German recently agreed to a loan move to Girona to boost his World Cup chances, but his departure is now complicated by fitness concerns and a significant financial hurdle regarding the percentage of his wages that the Catalan giants must cover.

Paris Saint-Germain have firmly shut down speculation suggesting manager Luis Enrique is planning his departure from the club. Reports originating in Spain claimed the coach had decided to leave upon the expiry of his current deal, but sporting director Luis Campos has branded the stories "fake news" amid separate claims that the French giants are preparing a historic "lifetime" contract offer to keep him.

Bayern Munich are plotting a move to unite the Karl brothers at the Allianz Arena. Following the meteoric rise of teenage sensation Lennart Karl this season, reports indicate that the German giants are now targeting his younger brother, Vincent, from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 17-year-old winger has admitted it would be a "dream" to line up alongside his younger sibling in the future.

West Ham United have reportedly decided to stick with under-fire manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite calls for his head growing louder following a damaging 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Hammers are mired in a relegation battle, sitting 18th in the Premier League and seven points from safety, but the hierarchy is preparing to back their coach in the market rather than show him the exit door.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has responded to Harry Kane's admission that he could extend his stay at the Allianz Arena beyond 2027. The club chief emphasised the striker's value to the side while confirming that fresh talks regarding his future will take place at the "appropriate time" as the Englishman continues to enjoy life in Bavaria.

Ruben Amorim's explosive exit from Manchester United was triggered by a fierce disagreement over transfer strategy, with the Portuguese coach left furious after seven key targets were blocked by the hierarchy. From World Cup winners to teenage sensations, the full list of players denied to the former boss has now been revealed following his sacking.

Roma sporting director Ricky Massara has admitted that the club's pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee has been complicated by the dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The Serie A side had been keen on the Dutch forward, but the sudden change in the dugout at Old Trafford has altered the landscape, potentially offering the player a fresh start in England under new management.

Harry Kane has been urged to reject any potential advances from Barcelona as Dwight Yorke believes the England captain would struggle to replicate his prolific form in Spain. The former Manchester United striker claims the tempo of La Liga makes it a "much more difficult" environment than the Bundesliga, warning that a move at this stage of his career carries significant risk.

Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl has apologised to club chiefs after sparking controversy with comments about his desire to join Real Madrid. The 17-year-old winger was forced to clarify his stance following an interview where he named the Spanish giants as his "dream club", but he put the noise behind him on Tuesday by scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 friendly victory over Red Bull Salzburg.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike faces a late fitness test ahead of Liverpool's showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal. The forward has yet to train fully since missing the recent draw with Fulham, leaving his participation in doubt. The Reds boss admits his side have been too inconsistent this term but believes a win against the "complete package" of the Gunners could spark a revival.

Wayne Rooney has admitted his time in the dugout could well be over after revealing the strict conditions required for him to accept another managerial role. The Manchester United legend, who was sacked by Plymouth Argyle over a year ago, says he is no longer willing to live away from his family, conceding that such a stance makes a return to the touchline highly unlikely given his recent track record.

Ruben Amorim's right-hand man has become the first member of the coaching staff to address the Portuguese manager's departure from Old Trafford. Carlos Fernandes issued a dignified message to the squad and supporters just days after the board pulled the trigger. Meanwhile, reports suggest the sacked boss left the training ground in high spirits as the club narrows its search for an interim replacement down to two club legends.

Barcelona's preparations for the Spanish Super Cup have been thrown into chaos just 24 hours before kick-off. While teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sat out the final training session due to illness, the club has been rocked by the sudden departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The veteran goalkeeper has flown back to Spain after suffering a fresh injury setback, leaving Hansi Flick's squad depleted.

Florian Wirtz finds himself at the centre of a fresh VAR storm after Fulham lodged an official complaint regarding his controversial opener in the recent draw at Craven Cottage. The Cottagers are demanding answers from the refereeing body, convinced that the German international was clearly offside despite the new tolerance rules allowing the strike to stand.