Richie Mills

Barcelona avoided a Copa del Rey upset thanks to second-half goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal in a 2-0 win. A day after bitter rivals Real Madrid were dumped out of the competition by second division side Albacete, Hansi Flick's men overcame a stern examination against similar opposition on Thursday. The cup holders were indebted to substitute Fermin Lopez as they reached the quarter-finals in battling fashion.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a Nottingham Forest star as a potential Harry Maguire replacement. The England centre-back is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer, with the 32-year-old set to become a free agent. As the Red Devils continue to look to sign young talent, they have turned their attention to an in-demand Premier League defender.

Lyon loanee Endrick has delivered his verdict on Xabi Alonso's sacking at Real Madrid. The young Brazilian didn't get much of a look-in under the Spaniard at Los Blancos, hence why he was loaned out to the French side for the second half of the season. Now that the dust is beginning to settle on Alonso's departure, the forward has given his true feelings on the 44-year-old.

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has provided an update on the club's January transfer plans as the Stamford Bridge side try to re-ignite their season. Former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca made no secret of his desire to sign a centre-back in the summer in light of Levi Colwill's serious injury and missing out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Now, Rosenior says the Blues will be in the market but only for the "right player".

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a deal for Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway, who will be a free agent this summer. The England international has spent nearly four years at the German giants but earlier this month, the midfielder announced that this season would be her last there. Now, clubs are clamouring for her signature, but it is not yet certain where she is heading next.

Chelsea have axed one of their summer loan signings after just four months, and now Leeds United will take him for the second half of the season. The Blues have often been parodied for signing so many players, many of whom are then jettisoned to their 'bomb squad' and away from the first team. But now, Daniel Farke's men have taken a certain player off the west London team's hands.

Roy Keane has aimed a savage dig at Michael Carrick's "big mouth" wife following his appointment as Manchester United's new interim head coach. Carrick has been charged with overseeing the Red Devils for the rest of the season after Ruben Amorim's sacking. And as the ex-Middlesbrough boss prepares for this new position, Keane risked re-igniting a feud with Carrick's wife, Lisa, with a brutal put-down.

West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has issued an update on wantaway midfielder Lucas Paqueta's future amid links with Flamengo. The Brazilian reportedly asked not to be selected for West Ham's FA Cup win over Queens Park Rangers last weekend in light of reports he is 'disillusioned' in east London. Ahead of their clash with Tottenham, manager Nuno has spoken about the player's situation.

Xabi Alonso has been bluntly told following his sudden departure why he was never going to succeed as Real Madrid's manager. The Spaniard swapped Bayer Leverkusen for his former club last summer but his time at the Spanish giants was abruptly brought to an end on Monday. Now, a legend of La Liga has given his take on the 44-year-old's short stint at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Tottenham appear primed to hijack Aston Villa's proposed move for Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher. Unai Emery's side have been on the lookout for more strength in depth as they try to keep touch in the Premier League title race, while also competing for cups this season. But it seems Spurs may pip them to the post on one recruit, days after losing to the Villans in the FA Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing another trophy-less season at Al-Nassr after his team threw away a one-goal lead in their 3-1 loss to title rivals Al-Hilal. The Portugal international put his side ahead shortly before half time but a second half to forget may have again ended their hopes of winning the league title. The former Real Madrid man is yet to win any major silverware since moving to the Middle East three years ago and now they are seven points behind Al-Hilal after 14 games.

Carlo Ancelotti's son, Davide, reportedly put his name forward for the Strasbourg managerial role after Liam Rosenior's move to Chelsea. The former Botafogo boss is said to have been keen on the coaching position but was eventually pipped to the post by ex-Wolves manager Gary O'Neil. It seems the 36-year-old does not want to be out in the coaching wilderness for a while.

Macclesfield boss John Rooney is hoping to upset more Premier League opposition after dumping FA Cup holders Crystal Palace out of the competition. The non-league side produced arguably the biggest upset in FA Cup history with their 2-1 win over Oliver Glasner's team at the weekend. The National League North club are 117 places below the Eagles but were more than a match for them, and now Wayne Rooney's brother wants another eye-catching tie in the fourth round.

Real Madrid have announced the departure of manager Xabi Alonso following their Spanish Super Cup final loss to rivals Barcelona. Speculation has not gone away about the ex-midfielder's position at Los Blancos, with reports suggesting the 44-year-old is not an entirely popular figure among the dressing room. Now, Madrid state Alonso has left by "mutual consent".

Joao Cancelo has been spotted arriving in Barcelona ahead of a loan move from Al Hilal. The Portugal international spent the 2023-24 season with the Catalan outfit after falling out of favour at Manchester City. More than two years later, the experienced full-back is temporarily pausing his time in the Middle East to head back to the defending La Liga champions.

Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks to sign United States international Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns. The Women's Super League pacesetters are seeking to end Chelsea's six-year stranglehold on the division, and now they are progressing with an eye-catching move for the midfielder. If they get this deal over the line, this could be a huge boost in their title bid.

Liverpool did a number on Arsenal but missed the injured Hugo Ekitike in attack in a 0-0 draw on Thursday. Arne Slot's side comfortably contained the Premier League leaders with an organised and disciplined performance but never looked like breaking the deadlock themselves, and while the Reds have long been out of the title race, this display will have encouraged many on Merseyside.

Manchester United fans are incensed that Burnley star Kyle Walker did not receive a red card for an apparent stamp on Patrick Dorgu. The former Manchester City full-back appeared to slam his right foot into the Dane's left hamstring without making contact with the ball in the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor on Wednesday. Now, United fans want the Football Association to take action over this "vicious" foul.