Chris Burton

Chelsea’s search for a new manager continues to be narrowed down, with three more potential candidates to succeed Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge being ruled out of the running. It is being claimed that former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas, current Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and highly-rated Porto boss Francesco Farioli are not being considered in west London.

Jesse Lingard still believes that he could have revived his Manchester United if given a proper chance to do so following a productive loan spell at West Ham. The 33-year-old midfielder finds himself back in the free agent pool at present, following a stint in South Korea, but continues to mull over what could have been for him at Old Trafford.

Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos is reportedly lining up a consortium that could see him rekindle his professional relationship with La Liga giants Sevilla. The World Cup winner has taken in two spells with his boyhood club as a player but, while waiting on offers to continue his career on the field, is now exploring the possibility of becoming part of an ownership group.

Manchester City have reportedly taken another huge stride towards completing a big-money transfer for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The Ghana international is expected to be on the move in the January window as there is a £65 million ($87m) clause in his contract with the Cherries that can be triggered by any of his many suitors. He could soon be heading to the Etihad Stadium.

It has been revealed that Enzo Maresca informed Chelsea of his desire to quit as manager immediately after the disappointing draw with Bournemouth. That match, which finished 2-2, proved to be the Italian’s final game at the helm. He did not, however, get to walk away on his own terms. Instead, it was announced on New Year’s Day that he had been sacked by the Blues.

Gianluigi Donnarumma lost his cool at the end of Manchester City’s frustrating goalless draw at Sunderland, with the towering Italian goalkeeper becoming caught up in an ugly post-game spat. City manager Pep Guardiola was among those to step in as peacemaker after seeing his first-choice shot-stopper clash with combative Black Cats star Luke O’Nien.

Chelsea’s stance on appointing a big-name successor to Enzo Maresca, such as Jurgen Klopp or Zinedine Zidane, has been revealed. The Blues find themselves back in the market for a new boss after making another change in the dugout at the start of 2026. Rather than move for a proven winner, the Premier League heavyweights are expected to stick with their approach of bringing in a more youthful coach who could build towards a brighter future.

Tottenham fans continue to vent their anger in the direction of head coach Thomas Frank, with disgruntled supporters chanting “we want our money back” during a “boring” goalless draw with Brentford. Frank took a point off his former employers, when returning to familiar surroundings, but is facing plenty of uncomfortable questions regarding his tenure in north London.

Chelsea are back in the hunt for a new manager, after taking the decision to part with Enzo Maresca, and reports in France claim the Premier League giants “couldn’t care less” about who they impact when bringing in a new boss. It has been suggested that Liam Rosenior, who is calling the shots at the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg, is being lined up for a return to England.

A rocket from Ollie Rathbone and an impressive finish from Sam Smith saw Wrexham to a 2-0 victory away at Blackburn. It proved to be a happy New Year for the Red Dragons at Ewood Park as they opened 2026 in style. Phil Parkinson’s side have taken maximum points from their last three fixtures in the Championship and remain within sight of the play-off places.

AC Milan have been warned that ‘Captain America’ Christian Pulisic “can’t always save” them, with the Rossoneri becoming “too dependent” on their USMNT star. That is the opinion of legendary coach Fabio Capello, who continues to keep an eye across events at San Siro. He is not convinced that Pulisic can deliver Serie A title glory with Golden Boot-winning exploits.

Enzo Maresca, who has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge, revealed to Chelsea on three occasions prior to his New Year’s Day dismissal that he has held talks with officials at Manchester City regarding a potential opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician is now out of work and waiting on enticing offers.

Chelsea have taken the decision to part company with head coach Enzo Maresca. The Italian tactician leaves Stamford Bridge with immediate effect, with speculation regarding his future having raged for some time. He severs ties with the Blues after less than two years at the helm, with Premier League giants in west London opening 2026 with another managerial search.

Real Madrid legend Raul has put club allegiance to one side and explained why Barcelona great Lionel Messi ranks above Blancos icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. Many with strong ties to Santiago Bernabeu have sided with CR7 in the long-running GOAT debate, but Raul is happy to concede that he favours Argentine magic over Portuguese passion.

Chelsea reportedly have a shock candidate in mind to replace Enzo Maresca, with the Blues searching for a new head coach after parting ways with the Italian. The west Londoners announced on New Year's Day that Maresca had left his post with immediate effect, and it is being suggested that highly-rated Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior could now be lured back to English football.

AC Milan have reportedly set a date for further contract talks with USMNT star Christian Pulisic. The American forward, who has become a talismanic figure at San Siro, has delayed committing his future to the Serie A giants. They are, however, in title contention this season and remain confident that the 27-year-old can be persuaded to extend his association with the club.

Roma reportedly have two Premier League defenders on their recruitment radar for the January transfer window, with raids on Chelsea and Tottenham being planned. The Serie A giants are eager to reinforce at the back and believe that Axel Disasi and Radu Dragusin, who have been enduring tough times in London, could be shrewd additions at Stadio Olimpico.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk paid an emotional tribute to former team-mate Diogo Jota when delivering a New Year’s Eve wrap of his 2025. The Dutch defender experienced wild swings in emotion across the last 12 months, with Premier League title glory being followed by the tragic passing of a close friend and club colleague. Van Dijk admits that the loss of Jota has “changed” Liverpool “forever.”