Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Tottenham ramp up Antoine Semenyo interest but Liverpool & Man City also eye Bournemouth star

Kompany plays down Man City links

Vincent Kompany played down links with Manchester City after Bayern Munich chief tipped the Belgian coach to replace Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium in future.

Speaking about the links to his former club, Kompany said: "I've often said, I'm not here to comment on Uli Hoeness' statements. I have huge respect for him. But in football, I can't think that far ahead, my focus is on Bayern and what we can achieve now. I like to just live in the world I have in front of me now, that takes up all my time. I have zero thoughts about other teams, I only see FC Bayern."

Spurs ramp up interest in Semenyo

Tottenham are ready to ramp up their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as the north London club prepare to rival both Liverpool and Manchester City for the winger in January. Semenyo has a release clause worth £65 million ($86m) in his contract, something his suitors are acutely aware of ahead of the reopening of the market.

Chelsea unlikely to sign Maignan

Per Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have not made any progress in their talks with AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan over a free transfer. The Blues are satisfied with Robert Sanchez and are also focusing on young custodian Mike Penders' development.

Man City wanted Cucurella before his Chelsea move

Spain international full-back Marc Cucurella claimed that Manchester City had expressed interest in signing him before he moved from Brighton to Chelsea.

The defender told Informe: "Man City wanted me before I joined Chelsea. They were on fire, one of the best teams in the world. I wanted to go. When they come like they did, when Guardiola asks, you’ll go on your knees if necessary. But the clubs couldn’t reach an agreement."

Alonso opens up on is future at Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has finally opened up about his future at Stamford Bridge, amid talks of mutiny among the squad.

When asked about his future, Alonso said: "I'm thinking about tomorrow, about preparing the team. There's a long way to go, more than a third of the season, everything is tight, there's a lot to play for. Things can change a lot."

Fernandes backed for shock La Liga transfer

A former Barcelona midfielder has urged Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes to join the Catalan giants amid positional restrictions under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Casinostugan, former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta said: "Look at Ilkay Gundogan. He came to Barca also in his thirties, so in terms of age, not too much to worry about if Bruno Fernandes wants the move. Talent-wise, he has all the time that he needs for a player to succeed in La Liga. It's obviously about how he feels about it. He's obviously the captain at Man Utd. Maybe the fact that he's not playing in a position where he would prefer could influence him. I cannot see why he couldn’t go to La Liga, to Barca, especially.

Roma giving up on Zirkzee?! Serie A giants eye Tel swoop

Serie A giants Roma are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Tottenham forward Mathys Tel, who is seen as a potential alternative to Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee.

Il Messaggero report that the Italian club have been in dialogue with the striker’s representatives for weeks. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has categorised Zirkzee as his priority target, and sporting director Frederic Massara has been pushing to arrange an initial loan agreement. However, Zirkzee’s post-match declaration of happiness at United has reportedly unsettled the Serie A club. While his desire for minutes remains known, his public tone of contentment is viewed as a potential obstacle, raising doubts about whether he would push for a mid-season departure. Amorim is also relying on Zirkzee to lead the line while summer signing Benjamin Sesko is out injured, with United's frontline set to be depleted further when Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo head to the AFCON.

'Workaholic' Pochettino could leave USMNT after World Cup

Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

Dani Dyer’s worst nightmare! Huge transfer call for Bowen

Dani Dyer is in danger of seeing her worst nightmare become a reality, with Jarrod Bowen facing a huge transfer call at West Ham. Nigel Winterburn has been discussing the Hammers captain’s future with GOAL, in an exclusive interview, with the England international being likened to Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier when it comes to mulling over personal ambition.

Slot reveals date Salah will join Egypt squad for AFCON

Arne Slot has revealed the date on which Mohamed Salah will join the Egypt squad for AFCON, while admitting that the Liverpool star was "not happy" with his benching at West Ham over the weekend. The Dutchman said that the club, Salah and the Egyptian FA jointly agreed on the final date, following a swirl of rumours that the forward might depart earlier than expected after Egypt arranged a friendly against Nigeria on December 14.

'They're intelligent people' - Frank not worried about Spurs sack

Thomas Frank is not concerned about losing his job at Tottenham, expressing unwavering confidence that the club’s "intelligent" owners will remain patient amid the team's dismal run of form. The Spurs manager cut a composed figure in the wake of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, even as frustration inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium boiled over and supporters turned on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Thiago Silva's son signs first pro contract with Chelsea

Thiago Silva’s son Isago is following in the footsteps of his famous father, with the teenage wonderkid signing his first professional contract with Chelsea. The 17-year-old, who is also a defender, is held in high regard by Premier League giants at Stamford Bridge. They are hoping to see him become another commanding presence at the heart of their back four.

Ronaldo tipped to play for Portugal beyond 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.

Benteke says farewell to D.C. United after club declines option

Christian Benteke has publicly thanked D.C. United and its supporters after the club declined his contract option for 2026, he said in messages to fans. The club had previously indicated it was in talks over a potential new deal, but the 34-year-old Belgian - who has spent three seasons in the nation’s capital - posted a farewell note, signaling his departure.

Man City ace wants January exit just five months after move

Out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford reportedly wants to leave the club, just five months after returning to the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League last season, but he has struggled to gain regular minutes following his summer switch to Pep Guardiola’s side.