Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho admits he has dismissed Memphis Depay from his plans because of the Dutch winger's desire to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old, bought for £25 million ($30 million) from PSV Eindhoven by Louis van Gaal 18 months ago, has been one of the biggest […]

Watford (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Mauricio Pochettino is adamant Tottenham must focus solely on Sunday's trip to Watford rather than the higher-profile meeting with Premier League leaders Chelsea that follows soon after. Wednesday's London derby showdown with Chelsea at White Hart Lane is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season for both sets […]

London (AFP) – Arsene Wenger admits a reunion with old rival Sam Allardyce could pose serious danger to Arsenal's hopes of rekindling their title challenge when Crystal Palace visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Wenger has traded barbs with Allardyce numerous times in the past and the sight of the Palace boss glowering down the […]

London (AFP) – A double by Dwight Gayle propelled Newcastle to a 3-1 win over 10-man Nottingham Forest and back to the top of the second-tier Championship on Friday. Newcastle's cause had been aided by fog forcing the postponement of overnight leaders Brighton's home game with struggling Cardiff. The Magpies — bidding for an immediate […]

Kingston upon Hull (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Everton's mercurial talent Ross Barkley's header secured them a 2-2 draw with struggling Hull in their Premier League clash on Friday. Barkley, who has lost his place in the England squad and been in and out of the Everton first team under manager Ronald Koeman, allowed the visitors […]

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen will be sidelined for around two weeks due to a leg injury, the La Liga giants announced Friday. The 27-year-old Dutchman had already missed three weeks in October due to a right ankle injury suffered on international duty. Cillessen moved to Barcelona last summer but has played […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Veteran Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent flurry of goals has helped power Manchester United's resurgence but he says he is not content because he hasn't created many chances for his team-mates. The 35-year-old, who United manager Jose Mourinho claimed earlier this week is set to sign an extension to his […]

Madrid (AFP) – Former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli resigned as coach of Valencia on Friday, after a poor run that has seen the relegation-threatened team go through several managers in quick succession. "Cesare Prandelli has communicated to Valencia Club de Futbol his irrevocable decision to resign from his position as coach, as of Friday, December […]

London (AFP) – Antonio Conte is adamant Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois won't be allowed to leave despite reports of interest from Real Madrid. Courtois is said to be high on Real's list of potential signings in 2017, but with the transfer window due to reopen on January 1, Blues boss Conte was quick to rule […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has no qualms about unleashing Sergio Aguero against title rivals Liverpool after his suspension, while John Stones could be fit for the Anfield showdown. Aguero is poised to return to City's starting line-up after serving a four-match ban for a dangerous lunge on Chelsea's David Luiz […]

London (AFP) – Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce claims he rejected a lucrative offer from a Chinese club before taking charge of the Premier League strugglers. Chinese Super League teams have been spending big money in a bid to add prestige to their developing league. Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is the latest high-profile […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho insists none of Manchester United's exiled stars will be allowed to leave Old Trafford on loan next month. In the week that Anthony Martial's agent talked up the possibility of the United forward joining Sevilla on loan and Morgan Schneiderlin was linked with a £13 million ($16 million) […]

London (AFP) – The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has urged the English Football Association to ban children under 10 heading balls amid growing fears of brain injuries. A new study from the University of Stirling found heading a ball could cause memory problems for 24 hours and experts want to study the implications for younger […]

London (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says the team that avoids making costly defensive mistakes will win Saturday's showdown with title rivals Manchester City. Klopp's second placed side have scored 45 goals in 18 Premier League matches, while third placed City have hit the back of the net 39 times. But both teams are […]

London (AFP) – Arsene Wenger has labelled Chelsea as 'super-favourites' for the Premier League title after watching the leaders close in on Arsenal's record for consecutive victories. Antonio Conte's side have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table thanks to a superb run of 12 successive wins. Chelsea have been perfect […]