And after achieving his lifelong dream, the new champ paid a superb tribute to another man who recently achieved their own global destiny - a certain Lionel Messi. Smith won his first world title by beating van Gerwen in an incredible final Credit: EPA Smith prevailed 7-4 over Michael van Gerwen at Ally Pally in what's been widely regarded as one of the greatest finals ever. Having lost his p...Full Story »

Manchester United are prepared to pay €4 million (£3.5m/$4.2m) to take Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season. WHAT'S HAPPENING? The attacker wants to leave the Spanish side in the January transfer window and United are leading the race to sign him. Relevo reports that as well as the fee, United would pay the Portugal international's wages in full for th...Full Story »

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is willing to accept a pay-cut to stay at Old Trafford. De Gea's contract expires in June and even though United have the option to extend it by 12 months, they have allegedly opted against it. The Telegraph says that is due to the goalkeeper's huge salary. And the Red Devils “will instead enter into discussions" with the Spain international a...Full Story »

USMNT appoint interim head coach The United States men's national team promoted assistant Anthony Hudson to an interim role on Wednesday with Gregg Berhalter's future in doubt. Barcelona tired of waiting for Fati breakthrough (Fichajes) Barcelona are tired of waiting for Ansu Fati to find his groove at Camp Nou and could explore a loan of the talented but often injured 20-year-old, claims F...Full Story »

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch admitted his side cannot play without fear for the full 90 minutes following their 2-2 home Premier League draw against West Ham.Rodrigo’s second-half strike rescued a point for Leeds after Lucas Paqueta’s penalty and Gianluca Scamacca’s effort had cancelled out Wilfried Gnonto’s opener.Leeds remained 14th in the table, two points above the relegat...Full Story »

Antonio Conte expects Harry Kane to “beat every record” after his striker edged closer to Jimmy Greaves’ Tottenham tally with a brace in a 4-0 win at Crystal Palace.Kane broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half at Selhurst Park, then took just five more to bag his brace for his 264th in a Spurs shirt and leave him just two shy of tying Greaves’ club record of...Full Story »

Southampton boss Nathan Jones insisted he will remain “thick-skinned” after his side were loudly booed off following a damaging 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.Disgruntled home fans vented their displeasure following Saints’ sixth successive Premier League defeat, with the full-time jeers followed by chants of “you don’t know what you’re doin...Full Story »

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery backed Leon Bailey after he left the pitch in tears following his horror miss.The forward missed an open goal in stoppage time as Villa grabbed a 1-1 derby draw with Wolves.It denied Villa victory – however fortunate it may have been – after Danny Ings’ leveller snatched a point for the underperforming hosts.Daniel Podence’s opener gave Wolves ...Full Story »

Rodrigo salvaged a point for Leeds as a see-saw battle with fellow Premier League strugglers West Ham ended 2-2 at Elland Road.The Spanish forward rifled home his 10th league goal of the season midway through the second half to deny West Ham a much-needed victory.The Hammers were on course for their first league win since October after quickfire goals either side of the break – via Lucas P...Full Story »

Danny Ings rescued a point for poor Aston Villa to dent Wolves’ bid to climb out of the relegation zone.The striker cancelled out Daniel Podence’s opener as the hosts recovered from a below-par first half to grab a 1-1 draw.Wolves were on course for their first back-to-back away wins in the Premier League for a year but were forced to settle for a point and they remain in the relegat...Full Story »

Harry Kane struck twice as Tottenham turned on the style in the second half to return to form with a 4-0 Premier League win at Crystal Palace.England captain Kane provided the spark after a goalless first half at Selhurst Park by heading the opener on 48 minutes and following up with a well-taken second five minutes later.Matt Doherty and Son Heung-min then put the result beyond doubt as Antonio...Full Story »