• Sage on Doucoure, team spirit and Ipswich

    Sage on Doucoure, team spirit and Ipswich
    Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park (kick-off 15:00 BST).Here are the key lines from his news conference:Midfielder Cheick Doucoure is in contention to be part of this weekend's squad. "Cheick trained yesterday and this morning. All will be good for him. He is a little ill, but he's fine."On Ismaila Sarr: "It's the same situation. He's not with the team for the moment. I thought he could be wit
  • Hughes optimistic after challenging transfer window

    Hughes optimistic after challenging transfer window
    Portsmouth sporting director Richard Hughes has said that he is optimistic about the squad he has helped build following the completion of the transfer window. Over the summer Portsmouth added 12 new players to their ranks as they spent what Hughes had previously revealed was a higher budget to other years.Up-front fees for striker Marko Milovanovic and midfielder Rocco Shein eclipsed their entire transfer budget last summer.Despite the expensive new additions, some of which have already made a
  • Former Real Madrid midfielder explains why Mourinho is perfect fit for the club: ‘He is a cross between army colonel and orchestra conductor’

    Former Real Madrid midfielder explains why Mourinho is perfect fit for the club: ‘He is a cross between army colonel and orchestra conductor’
    Former Real Madrid midfielder explains why Mourinho is perfect fit for the club: ‘He is a cross between army colonel and orchestra conductor’Esteban Granero believes Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid is exactly what the club needs, backing his former manager to succeed during his second spell in charge.Granero, who worked under Mourinho during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, spoke to AS about the Portuguese coach, Real Madrid’s chances this season and the remarkabl
  • Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury boost as Jurrien Timber nears return

    Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury boost as Jurrien Timber nears return
    Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is close to making his return for Arsenal. The right back has not featured for the Gunners since the Champions League final last season but travelled with Arteta’s squad for the 1-0 win at Napoli in midweek. The Netherlands international has continued to train with Arteta’s squad this week and could be available to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday evening. (Getty)Arteta also said that Cristhian Mosquera is doing “r
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  • Real Madrid star raises concern with Mourinho over Vinicius Junior treatment: “It’s not normal”

    Real Madrid star raises concern with Mourinho over Vinicius Junior treatment: “It’s not normal”
    Real Madrid star raises concern with Mourinho over Vinicius Junior treatment: “It’s not normal”Real Madrid have made a relatively good start to the 2026-27 season, winning four of their opening five matches across all competitions. However, the club’s match-going supporters are far from happy, particularly when it comes to certain players.Throughout the previous two campaigns, there has been a lot of discontent at the Bernabeu, with the most targeted player being Vinicius
  • Pochettino’s ‘different’ vow to the US invites unwelcome speculation

    Pochettino’s ‘different’ vow to the US invites unwelcome speculation
    Mauricio Pochettino attended Crystal Palace v Fulham to scout his US players last weekend. Photograph: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty ImagesI hope, in this lifetime, you find someone who loves you the way Mauricio Pochettino loves Tottenham Hotspur. The grip Spurs have on his heart seems the stuff of a literary classic: his imperfect partner who called things off at the first sign of trouble must merely check in on him occasionally to rekindle hopes of a reunion.Perhaps a bit extreme, but this w
  • Courtois reportedly set to stay at Real Madrid through 2028

    Courtois reportedly set to stay at Real Madrid through 2028
    Courtois reportedly set to stay at Real Madrid through 2028Real Madrid have agreed a contract extension with Thibaut Courtois, according to Madrid Voice, which cites Fabrizio Romano as the source of the report. The Belgian goalkeeper’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, but the reported agreement would keep him at the Bernabéu until at least summer 2028.The report lands just days after Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-1 in their opening Champions League g
  • Unbeaten run ends as Blues luck runs out

    Unbeaten run ends as Blues luck runs out
    [BBC][Getty Images]Blues went to Carrow Road as the last undefeated team in the Championship, and with the pundits informing us that Norwich have never lost four consecutive games against us. There is always a bit of foreboding when the stats are waiting to trip you up.You know it's not going to be your night when your team has played the high press well and then gets a perfectly good goal chalked-off. What we thought was going to be Liam Millar's first goal was denied by the offside flag, and c
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  • Phil Thompson praises ‘incredible’ Liverpool star after Atletico Madrid win

    Phil Thompson praises ‘incredible’ Liverpool star after Atletico Madrid win
    Phil Thompson praises ‘incredible’ Liverpool star after Atletico Madrid winFlorian Wirtz pressing display shows his growing Liverpool valueThere are nights when a footballer leaves the ground without the numbers that usually drive the debate, no goal, no assist, no headline moment, and yet his contribution can still tell you plenty. That was the case with Florian Wirtz in Liverpool’s win over Atletico Madrid.The easiest way to judge an attacking player is through goals and assi
  • Capello: Como talent Diao is better than Leao, but I ‘don’t understand’ Fabregas

    Capello: Como talent Diao is better than Leao, but I ‘don’t understand’ Fabregas
    Capello: Como talent Diao is better than Leao, but I ‘don’t understand’ FabregasFormer Milan coach Fabio Capello says Assane Diao is better than Rafael Leao ‘on a technical level,’ and even if he doesn’t understand Cesc Fabregas’ ‘circle’ in central midfield after games, he admits Como are ‘a joy to watch.’Como were the only Serie A club to secure a win in the Champions League Round 1.Capello opens up about Fabregas, Como, and Dia
  • Report: Veteran striker is open to joining Everton on free transfer

    Report: Veteran striker is open to joining Everton on free transfer
    Report: Veteran striker is open to joining Everton on free transferEverton weigh Mauro Icardi transfer as free agent striker optionEverton are assessing whether Mauro Icardi could become a short-term answer to their striker shortage, with TeamTalk reporting that the experienced Argentinian has been offered to the club and would be open to the move.As credited by TeamTalk, the 33-year-old is currently available after leaving Galatasaray, which means Everton could move outside the standard transfe
  • Real Madrid summer signing growing frustrated with lack of playing time under Mourinho – report

    Real Madrid summer signing growing frustrated with lack of playing time under Mourinho – report
    Real Madrid summer signing growing frustrated with lack of playing time under Mourinho – reportYan Diomande is reportedly growing frustrated with his lack of playing time at Real Madrid, despite being the club’s record signing and arriving with expectations of making an immediate impact.The 19-year-old has so far featured in each of Madrid’s five competitive matches this season, but all those appearances have come from the bench. Notably, he has played just 99 minutes acro
  • Liverpool must make U-turn on decision about 'outstanding' star, he's now proven why

    Liverpool must make U-turn on decision about 'outstanding' star, he's now proven why
    Liverpool must make U-turn on decision about 'outstanding' star, he's now proven whyThroughout last season and the summer transfer window, Liverpool had a lot of decisions to make about their squad. Andoni Iraola was appointed as the Reds' new boss and, while people were excited to see how things would go, nobody could have anticipated how quickly they've improved.At the moment, across all competitions, Liverpool are unbeaten.And, a team that lacked direction last term now has a clear goal and a
  • Double injury boost for Arsenal pre-Sunderland clash

    Double injury boost for Arsenal pre-Sunderland clash
    Double injury boost for Arsenal pre-Sunderland clashMikel Arteta has provided a positive update on Arsenal’s injury situation ahead of Saturday’s game against Sunderland, with multiple players on the verge of comebacks.Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty ImagesSpeaking in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, Mikel Arteta had positive updates to give to the media on Friday morning.The Arsenal boss suggested the team have no new issues from Napl
  • Champions League power rankings: All 36 teams ranked after matchday one

    Champions League power rankings: All 36 teams ranked after matchday one
    The Champions League is underway – but who is looking strongest after the first round? The opening week of fixtures saw big wins for holders Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa earned away victories to start with three points. Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid at home while Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 win over the debutants Sabah. Here’s how things stand in our 36-team powe
  • A huge double boost may arrive for Manchester City ahead of this Sunday’s derby

    A huge double boost may arrive for Manchester City ahead of this Sunday’s derby
    A huge double boost may arrive for Manchester City ahead of this Sunday’s derbyUp next for Manchester City is the Manchester derby against arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Enzo Maresca’s side will enter the match off the back of four consecutive wins in all competitions to start the season. The most recent of those wins was City’s impressive 2-0 win over FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão on Tuesday night. Manchester City entered that match with only
  • Newcastle 'a really good place to be' - Hall on new Magpies deal

    Newcastle 'a really good place to be' - Hall on new Magpies deal
    [Getty Images]Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall is "absolutely delighted" to sign a new contract with the club that runs until 2031.Hall, 22, has made 106 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Chelsea in 2023.He said it was a "really proud moment" to extend his stay as a boyhood supporter of the club."It's an absolute pleasure to play for this club and to represent the supporters," Hall said. "I know how much it means to them."The fanbase and the support we get here, whether it's at St James
  • Rival watch: Rayo Vallecano suffer major squad blow ahead of Real Madrid visit

    Rival watch: Rayo Vallecano suffer major squad blow ahead of Real Madrid visit
    Rival watch: Rayo Vallecano suffer major squad blow ahead of Real Madrid visitReal Madrid return to La Liga action against Rayo Vallecano with little room for another slip-up, and their opponents could be without several important players at the Santiago Bernabeu.Los Blancos arrive after opening their Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Inter Milan. Their domestic situation is less comfortable, though, after the defeat to Real Betis left them trailing Barcelona at the to
  • Argentina tensions could allow Inter to rest Lautaro during international break

    Argentina tensions could allow Inter to rest Lautaro during international break
    Argentina tensions could allow Inter to rest Lautaro during international breakAccording to La Gazzetta dello Sport, tensions within the Argentine federation could lead Lionel Scaloni to leave several of the Seleccion’s biggest stars, including Lautaro Martinez, out of the squad, allowing the Inter captain to remain with the Nerazzurri during the international break.Argentina might rest their stars during the upcoming two-week international break.Why Lautaro Martinez might not be included
  • Alejandro Balde’s Barcelona situation takes difficult turn under Hansi Flick; could reconsider future in January

    Alejandro Balde’s Barcelona situation takes difficult turn under Hansi Flick; could reconsider future in January
    Alejandro Balde’s Barcelona situation takes difficult turn under Hansi Flick; could reconsider future in JanuaryAlejandro Balde chose to stay at Barcelona this summer and fight for his place, but the opening weeks of the season have made that decision look increasingly difficult.The left-back had opportunities to leave during the transfer window, yet ultimately decided he could change Hansi Flick’s opinion and reclaim a role in the team. Notably, the Barcelona manager had made h
  • Hartlepool want to achieve success this year – Sheron

    Hartlepool want to achieve success this year – Sheron
    Nathan Sheron made his 100th appearance for Hartlepool United last weekend [Getty Images]Midfielder Nathan Sheron insists Hartlepool United are looking to go on a run after ending their losing streak and is proud to have made his 100th appearance for the club.Pools ended a stretch of three straight defeats with victory over Woking last weekend and travel to the Aggborough Stadium to face Kidderminster Harriers on Friday (19:45 BST), looking to make it back-to-back wins.The 28-year-old said earni
  • Back to Europe? Juan Mata leaves Australia and weighs up future

    Back to Europe? Juan Mata leaves Australia and weighs up future
    Back to Europe? Juan Mata leaves Australia and weighs up futureThe Asturian midfielder Juan Mata has officially confirmed that he will no longer wear the Melbourne Victory shirt. After a single but spectacular season in Australia’s A-League, the veteran footballer has decided to bring his spell on the other side of the world to an end and carefully consider his next professional steps from Europe.At 38 years old, the World Cup winner with Spain wraps up a brilliant stint in the Oceanian le
  • A lot riding on cups for Hibs this season, says Allan

    A lot riding on cups for Hibs this season, says Allan
    Saturday's Premier Sports Cup visit to Ross County is a "huge game" for Hibernian head coach David Gray, says former Easter Road favourite Scott Allan."There's no other way to look at it from a Hibs perspective," Allan told the BBC Scotland Football Podcast as his old team aim for a semi-final place.Gray's side have lost ground in the Premiership after back-to-back defeats to Hearts and St Johnstone, while a late collapse at home to Gent cost them a place in the Conference League."There's a lot
  • Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”

    Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
    Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.Despit
  • Nico Paz explains why he didn’t return to Real Madrid

    Nico Paz explains why he didn’t return to Real Madrid
    Nico Paz explains why he didn’t return to Real MadridDuring the summer, Real Madrid could have re-signed Nico Paz, but in the end, the attacking midfielder ended up continuing at Como. The Bernabeu club triggered the €9m buy-back clause they had from the original deal two years ago, but the Serie A side ultimately coughed up €60m to retain his services.Paz has been a revelation in Italy ever since he joined Como in the summer of 2024. In total, he has racked up 37 goal contributi
  • 🚨 BREAKING: Lewis Hall pens new long-term contract with Newcastle

    🚨 BREAKING: Lewis Hall pens new long-term contract with Newcastle
    🚨 BREAKING: Lewis Hall pens new long-term contract with NewcastleLewis Hall has signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle, committing his future to the club amid reported interest from Manchester United.The exact length of the deal has yet to be revealed by the Magpies but the news will come as a boon to Magpies fans after their bright start to the new campaign.The 22-year-old has established himself as a key member of Newcastle's first-team squad since joining from Chelsea, making
  • Souness urges Rangers to 'put marker down' with derby win

    Souness urges Rangers to 'put marker down' with derby win
    Graeme Souness has urged Rangers to "put down a marker" with victory over Celtic in Sunday's League Cup quarter-final.Last term, each side took five points from their league encounters but Celtic got the better of Rangers in both cup competitions."This is an opportunity for Rangers to put whatever's happened behind them," said Souness."I know they're on a decent run now, put it behind them and give encouragement to their supporters."Beating Celtic, there's no better game to give them that confid
  • Rennes predicted XI v Marseille: Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal benched

    Rennes predicted XI v Marseille: Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal benched
    Rennes predicted XI v Marseille: Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal benchedFollowing a difficult start to the season, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is set to be benched for Stade Rennais’ game against Olympique de Marseille on Friday night. The Moroccan was left out of the matchday squad entirely last week. It came following stinging criticism from Franck Haise, who called on the centre-back to raise his level. It had been an error-strewn start to Ait Boudlal’s campaign. It came amid links to an exit f
  • Manchester City forward Fujino signs new long-term deal

    Manchester City forward Fujino signs new long-term deal
    Manchester City forward Fujino signs new long-term dealManchester City forward Aoba Fujino has signed a new long-term contract with the club until summer 2030.WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Cityzens this morning.The 22-year-old Japanese international joined Manchester City from SOMPO WE League club Tokyo Verdy Beleza in summer 2024. Fujino was a Barclays Women’s Super League and Adobe Women’s FA Cup double-winner with The Cityzens
  • Key reason why Barcelona sporting director addressed Julian Alvarez transfer rumours

    Key reason why Barcelona sporting director addressed Julian Alvarez transfer rumours
    Key reason why Barcelona sporting director addressed Julian Alvarez transfer rumoursBarcelona’s interest in Julian Alvarez created plenty of tension with Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club convinced that Barça had played a role in the Argentine making his desire to leave public.That suspicion became particularly significant after Alvarez admitted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that he wanted to leave Atletico. With Barcelona known to admire the forward, there was speculatio

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