FOOTBALL

Leeds line up €20m move for Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas

Ruben Vargas
December 2025

Leeds United are weighing up a €20m January bid for Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas as they look to add more end product after a stuttering return to the Premier League. The Swiss wide man has become a key starter in Matias Almeyda’s evolving side. Vargas has three goals and four assists in 13 games this season, but a recent hamstring issue has not cooled interest from England, with Leeds ready to test Sevilla’s resolve as they seek extra creativity and depth to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight.

Newcastle rocked as Dan Burn suffers punctured lung and broken rib

Dan Burn
December 2025

Newcastle vice-captain Dan Burn has been ruled out for at least six weeks after scans revealed a punctured lung and fractured rib suffered in the derby loss to Sunderland, meaning he will miss the entire festive schedule and likely around ten matches. Burn initially tried to play on after being caught in the ribs by Nordi Mukiele’s knee during a sliding challenge, but was withdrawn before half-time and later rushed to hospital after struggling to breathe, deepening an already severe defensive injury crisis for Eddie Howe.

Van de Ven still backs Postecoglou’s ‘system’ after shock Tottenham sacking

Micky van de Ven
December 2025

Micky van de Ven says he was stunned by Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from Tottenham after delivering Europa League glory, insisting he still believes in the much-criticised system and revealing players had pushed for small tactical tweaks as the pressure and media noise around the manager intensified. Signed by Postecoglou in 2023, Van de Ven recalls discussing adaptations with the staff during the Europa League run, then being shocked to learn of the sacking despite long-awaited silverware, texting the Australian to thank him for two years together and branding the club’s decision something he “never expected”.

Neville hails Amorim’s “stunning” United as Old Trafford entertainment returns

Ruben Amorim
December 2025

Gary Neville praised Ruben Amorim for restoring adventure and entertainment at Manchester United after a chaotic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, comparing the spectacle to classic Sir Alex Ferguson eras and insisting he can “live with” dropped points when performances are that front-foot and fearless. Highlighting United’s 17 first-half shots and Amorim’s bold switch to 4-4-2 when trailing, Neville said the tempo, intent and constant forward passes finally matched the club’s identity, noting fans stayed to applaud at full time instead of booing, valuing excitement even amid defensive flaws and missed chances.

Bruno Fernandes ‘hurt’ after feeling United were ready to cash in with Saudi exit

Bruno Fernandes
December 2025

Bruno Fernandes admits he felt hurt and sad when Manchester United signalled it would not be “so bad” if he left for a lucrative Saudi Pro League move, despite his loyalty, availability and longstanding impact as captain and chief creator across more than 300 appearances. Still under contract until at least 2027, Fernandes says family reasons, love for the club and talks with Amorim convinced him to stay, yet he resents feeling less valued than team-mates he believes defend the club less, arguing loyalty is no longer viewed with the same respect.

Mason Greenwood braced for Juventus raid on Marseille midfield linchpin Hojbjerg

Mason Greenwood
December 2025

Mason Greenwood’s revival at Marseille is under threat as Juventus prepare a move for midfield general Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, whose controlling displays and defensive balance have underpinned the club’s Ligue 1 title charge and allowed the English forward to thrive in attack. La Gazzetta dello Sport report Juve see Hojbjerg as the ideal deep-lying organiser for Spalletti’s system despite already having Manuel Locatelli, targeting his blend of physical presence, leadership and vertical passing as a “Christmas gift” signing, leaving De Zerbi battling to protect his core spine.

United Block January Sale As Mainoo Future Put On Hold

Kobbie Mainoo
December 2025

Manchester United have decided not to entertain permanent offers for Kobbie Mainoo in January despite his lack of league starts, reaffirming their belief in the 20-year-old’s long-term potential while remaining open to a possible loan if circumstances demand game time elsewhere. Ruben Amorim insists Mainoo can still change his mind through training performances, hinting at a future deeper role if United switch to three midfielders, while citing Casemiro’s resurgence as proof that patience and persistence can restore status within his merit-based selection approach.

Jobe Bellingham Handed Two-Match Ban After Freiburg Red

Jobe Bellingham
December 2025

Jobe Bellingham’s difficult start at Borussia Dortmund worsened as the midfielder received a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 1-1 draw at Freiburg, earning a two-match Bundesliga suspension from the DFB sports court. Signed from Sunderland after a breakout Championship season, Bellingham initially started regularly but lost his place after poor form and now faces further disruption, missing upcoming league games against Borussia Monchengladbach and Eintracht Frankfurt as Dortmund continue to search for consistency under Niko Kovac.

United Fans Outraged As Semenyo Avoids Red For Dalot Flashpoint

Antoine Semenyo
December 2025

Manchester United supporters erupted online after Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo escaped a red card for appearing to put his hand around Diogo Dalot’s throat during a heated confrontation, with VAR and the on-field referee settling on a yellow despite furious protests. The flashpoint came with the score at 1-1 as players from both sides piled in and Bruno Fernandes intervened, prompting claims of double standards from United fans on social media, who labelled the decision “pathetic” and argued similar incidents had previously brought dismissals.

Carragher Tips Maresca For Chelsea Exit After Board Blast

Enzo Maresca
December 2025

Jamie Carragher warned Enzo Maresca he is risking his Chelsea job after the Italian used Saturday’s win over Everton to complain about a lack of support during his “worst 48 hours” at the club and then refused to row back on those comments. Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher argued Maresca’s remarks were clearly aimed at Chelsea’s owners and sporting directors, stressing that publicly challenging billionaire bosses rarely ends well and urging the coach to stay quiet, value the opportunity and avoid another Stamford Bridge sacking cycle.