Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Real Madrid prepare contingency plan with Haaland

Gerrard close to joining Rangers head coach

Per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is very close to joining Rangers as their head coach. Gerrard has been without a job since parting ways with Saudi side Al-Shabab in January. Rangers, on the other hand, recently sacked Russell Martin from the manager's role. The report adds that the Rangers hierarchy has held initial discussions and are now planning to meet the England icon to discuss further details.

Amorim safe as Ratcliffe gives him THREE YEARS to prove himself

Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has massively eased the pressure on under-fire head coach Ruben Amorim, revealing he has three years to get things right at Old Trafford.

The INEOS chief told The Business podcast: "He has not had the best of seasons. Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That's where I would be. The press, sometimes I don't understand. They want overnight success. They think it's a light switch. You know, you flick a switch and it's all going to be roses tomorrow. You can't run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions to some journalist who goes off on one every week."

Orlando reportedly tried to sign Richarlison in summer window

Orlando City reportedly attempted to sign Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison last summer, but their pursuit stalled after being quoted a transfer fee at $46.4 million, according to ESPN. The MLS club viewed the 28-year-old as a potential face of the franchise ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Richarlison remains under contract with Spurs until 2027.

Rabiot warns Leao of wasting his potential

Adrien Rabiot didn't hold back while speaking about his AC Milan team-mate Rafael Leao, stating that "it would be a shame if he were to remain just a potentially great player" amid the Portuguese's middling performances for the Rossoneri.

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rabiot said: "I know there's a lot of talk about him. He's a player with potential, but at 26, you're no longer young. At his age, there's no time to waste. Time flies. It would be a shame if he remained just a potentially great player. I hope he realises he has the means to compete with the best. But maybe he doesn't have the willpower or passion of a Luka Modric. Leao needs to ask himself where he wants to go, or if he's content with what he's doing, or if his goal is to become what he can be. It would be a shame for us, because it would be a waste if he didn't reach his full potential and focus 100% on his work. Allegri knows how to get the best out of players. I hope it has a positive impact on him too. Maybe this is the right opportunity for Leao."

Man City boss Guardiola urged to 'look for a new project'

Pep Guardiola has been urged to leave Manchester City and seek a new challenge by one of his most trusted confidants.

In an interview with Spanish publication SPORT, Carles Planchart said: "It's a personal decision he'll (Guardiola) have to make. I think a project should last five or six years, no more. But not for him, for everyone. Afterwards, you have to regenerate. As a friend, I would tell him to look for a new project because he still has a long way to go."

Dortmund ready to bring Ecuadorian teen straight into Kovac's team

Borussia Dortmund have been keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Lerma since striking a deal to sign the teenager back in 2024.

Bild reports that Dortmund staff made multiple trips to Ecuador to ensure the player felt integrated even before his arrival. Head coach Niko Kovac is expected to include Lerma in first-team training next summer, giving him time to adapt before making his Bundesliga debut. Lerma has already visited the Dortmund facilities on several occasions, too, and has been impressed by the atmosphere.

Real Madrid prepare contingency plan with Haaland

According to Diario Sport, Real Madrid are considering a bold move for Erling Haaland should ongoing negotiations with Vinícius Junior fail to result in a new contract. The Brazilian winger, 25, is demanding a five-year agreement worth around €25 million per season, a figure the club has so far declined to meet. If no progress is made by next summer, Madrid are prepared to place Vinícius on the transfer market, opening the door for alternative signings. Among the preferred replacements is Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, also 25, who has long been admired by club president Florentino Perez.

Huge injury blow for England as Kane misses training

Harry Kane has reportedly missed training ahead of England's friendly clash with Wales as he struggles with an ankle injury. The Three Lions captain picked up the knock during Bayern Munich's 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Now his participation against Wales has been thrown into uncertainty.

Man City 115 charges verdict expected THIS MONTH

Manchester City could learn the outcome of the hearing into the 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules against them this month. A new report claims senior officials across the Premier League are now "bracing themselves" amid growing whispers of an impending decision, with the hearing into the charges having taken place between September and December 2024.

Bayern take huge risk on Kane contract amid intensifying PL links

Bayern Munich have reportedly decided to take a risk on Harry Kane's contract extension amid intensifying Premier League and MLS transfer links. Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, has a €65 million (£57m/$75m) release clause embedded in his contract that would allow him to leave the German club next summer. Kane has until the end of the January transfer window to trigger that option if another club comes in with an offer.