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The former Esperance coach has been under massive pressure owing to Masandawana's struggles, especially in the Premier Soccer League as well as the other domestic competitions. 'Jingles' has been heavily linked with a return to the Brazilians to help in shaping the squad, but the Portuguese tactician has rubbished the speculation.

Raheem Sterling is reportedly ready to snub interest from Italian champions Napoli as he pushes for a move to a Premier League rival. The Chelsea outcast, who has been frozen out at Stamford Bridge, is desperate to remain in the capital for personal reasons and has identified Fulham as his preferred destination.

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Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri has reportedly held “positive” talks regarding a loan move to Ligue 1 giants Marseille. The talented 18-year-old playmaker is eager to find regular game time early in 2026, with fierce competition for places being faced at Emirates Stadium. Any switch to France would see the youngster link up with ex-Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood and former Gunners striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Hansi Flick has been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of Barcelona's critical Champions League trip to Slavia Prague, with Ferran Torres ruled out for approximately 10 days with a hamstring issue. The Spaniard joins the suspended Lamine Yamal on the sidelines, leaving the Catalans short in attack. However, there is positive news for the Blaugrana as Raphinha returns to the squad, providing a timely boost as the club chases a top-eight finish to avoid the dreaded play-off round.

Coleen Rooney is said to have raised girlfriend concerns with son Kai, as the eldest child of Manchester United legend Wayne seeks to forge his own career as a footballer. The 16-year-old is considered to be a hot prospect, but has plenty of distractions to contend with. He has been linked with model Rosa Jackson, with “young love” considered to be a “dangerous” thing.

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has been subjected to a withering attack by Jerome Rothen following his disastrous Panenka penalty in the African Cup Of Nations final. The former Paris Saint-Germain winger accused Diaz of "wanting to humiliate" Senegal and claimed the "scandalous" attempt showed a total lack of respect for the Moroccan people's 50-year wait for silverware.

The new men in charge at Newell’s Old Boys have reiterated how it remains the club’s “dream” to bring home-town hero Lionel Messi back to his native Argentina. Favio Orsi and Sergio Gomez have taken the reins in Rosario and are preparing for their first season at the helm. Messi will not form part of those plans, as he remains tied to MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, but an emotional return to his roots could be made at some stage.

The Glamour Boys have been blowing hot and cold in the South African top-flight, but they will be aiming to start the year on a high when they face Abafana Bes'thende on Tuesday. It will be a massive opportunity for the players to reward the supporters with a gift after an extended break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has reportedly separated from his wife, Alice Campello, for a second time, marking a sad end to their attempts to salvage their seven-year marriage. The 33-year-old forward has moved out of the family home in Milan just a year after the couple reunited, with reports confirming he is now living in a separate property in an exclusive area of the city.

Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged victorious in his long-running dispute with former employers Juventus regarding wages that initially went unpaid. The Portuguese superstar, along with his team-mates in Turin, agreed to defer certain salary payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has since taken matters to court in a bid to keep £8.5 million ($11m) that was owed to him.

Manchester United have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac as they explore potential long-term successors in the dugout. The 54-year-old, who famously rejected Tottenham Hotspur years ago, is understood to be high on the Red Devils' shortlist. With close links to United executive Christopher Vivell, the Bundesliga manager is said to be open to a future Premier League move.

Before last season, very few casual fans would have been aware of Pafos FC's existence. The Cypriot outfit played in Europe for the first time in their 11-year history, reaching the last 16 of the Conference League, and followed up that impressive run by clinching their maiden league title. The latter achievement earned Pafos a spot in the Champions League qualifying rounds, and helped attract one of the most famous footballers of his generation.

"We’ve known Jobe [Bellingham] for several years, and of course we have followed his progress very closely. He has taken another huge step forward in his development over the last year, and even at the age of 19 he has become a real leader," Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said after Bellingham's £28 million ($37m) transfer from Sunderland in June. "His commanding presence in central midfield is remarkable, and he will improve our team in various systems."

Erling Haaland has already conquered most Champions League records, but Manchester City's trip to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday offers him a chance to break new ground by becoming the first Norwegian player to score against a Norwegian team in the competition's history. Even though Bodo is a 24-hour drive from Haaland's hometown of Bryn and way up in the Arctic circle, this is still a homecoming for the nation's most famous athlete.

This is Legacy, GOAL’s podcast and feature series following the road to the 2026 World Cup. Every week, we dive into the stories and legacies that shaped football’s greatest nations. Today we look at Spain’s search for a new symbol, 16 years after the golden glow of 2010. From Andres Iniesta’s magic in Johannesburg to the rise of a fearless teenager lighting up Barcelona, it’s the story of Lamine Yamal, and how one young prodigy could lead La Roja back to the top of the world...

Manchester United legends Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have snapped back at Lisandro Martinez in their surprising war of words, with the Red Devils defender being advised to “f*cking grow up”. The World Cup-winning Argentine, who has not taken kindly to criticism from former Old Trafford favourites, has also been told that he “shouldn’t be at a big club”.