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

Former Manchester United winger Nani is adamant the disciplinary issues which current head coach Ruben Amorim is having to combat at the club would never have occurred under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was able to maintain order in the Red Devils dressing room by famously using the ‘hairdryer treatment’ when he felt a certain player had stepped out of line back in the day.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has pinpointed why the Blues are unlikely to win the Premier League title this season, as he also reflected on his "worst 48 hours" remarks following the win over Everton on December 13. After the victory over the Toffees, the Italian manager stated he just endured the "worst 48 hours" since he moved to Stamford Bridge in 2024.

Lionel Messi has been a sporting sensation in the United States, with the history books being rewritten by the Argentine at Inter Miami, but MLS has been told that Cristiano Ronaldo would have made an even greater impact than his “very quiet” eternal rival. Portuguese GOAT CR7 favoured a Saudi Arabian adventure over pursuit of the American dream.

Lionel Messi’s sister, Maria Sol, has reportedly been injured in a road traffic accident. The 32-year-old is said to be “out of danger”, as she begins her recovery, but has been left nursing broken bones and burns. Maria Sol had been due to marry a member of Inter Miami’s coaching staff in the new year, but those January nuptials have been postponed indefinitely.

GOAL grades MLS coaching hires, from Michael Bradley’s Red Bulls promotion to Tata Martino’s Atlanta return and Yoann Damet’s rebuild in St. Louis.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major transfer boost in their pursuit of €50m-rated Brazilian wonderkid Rayan as the teenager has broken ties with his agent ahead of the January transfer window. Rayan has emerged as one of South America’s most coveted prospects this season, and interest from Europe’s elite is now beginning to crystallise into concrete plans.

Manchester United target Carlos Baleba has outlined his ambition to become the "best midfielder in the world" as he looks to help lead Cameroon to glory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Brighton and Hove Albion ace has named several stars who he is studying closely in his attempts to be regarded as one of the greatest players in his position.

Ruben Amorim has reiterated Manchester United must avoid repeating past "mistakes" in the upcoming January transfer window by only signing players who they "know" want to play for the club. The Portuguese manager previously confirmed the Red Devils are prepared to enter the winter market if the "perfect" additions for the long term become available.

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of former Juventus boss Rita Guarino as their new women’s head coach, handing the highly decorated Italian an 18-month contract. The 54-year-old arrives in east London with a glittering trophy haul and will take charge of her first match in the Women's Super League against Chelsea in January after the end of the winter break.

Liverpool were humiliated as they fell to a disastrous 9-1 loss to reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea in the Women's League Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored a hat-trick, while Matildas star Sam Kerr contributed with a brace as the Blues comfortably reached the competition's last-four stage.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has picked up the Coach of the Year award at the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony following another Euros success for England. Wiegman finished top of the pile in the voting for the award after guiding England to a second straight European Championship victory in Switzerland last summer. Michelle Agyemang was also celebrating after being named the Young Sports Personality of the Year.