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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Nottingham Forest climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone courtesy of a precious 1-0 victory which heaped more misery on bottom club Southampton.Taiwo Awoniyi’s fifth goal of the campaign earned Forest a first top-flight away success of the season to strengthen their survival hopes.Steve Cooper’s resurgent side have now taken 11 points from the last 21 available, having onl...Full Story »

A private jet flew overnight from Rosario, Messi's hometown, to the French capital, landing at 3.15pm on Tuesday. Lionel Messi left Rosario last night Credit: Twitter The Messi family are due back at their home in Paris as dad Lionel returns to PSG Credit: INSTAGRAM More than 4,700 fans were tracking the aircraft on popular website Flightradar24 as it made its way across the Atlantic. Argent...Full Story »

Croatia superfan Ivana Knoll has shot to stardom over the last few weeks after catching the eye in Qatar. Ivana Knoll raised eyebrows with her World Cup Instagram antics Credit: INSTAGRAM The World Cup's 'hottest fan' is continuing to turn heads on Instagram The Croatian's Instagram followers have blown up since the tournament in Qatar Credit: INSTAGRAM Ivana Knoll gained 2.6 million followe...Full Story »

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a loan offer to sign Atalanta’s Ruslan Malinovskyi in order to address their midfield issues. Antonio Conte has only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Yves Bissouma to call upon for the near future following the injury picked up by Rodrigo Bentancur at the World Cup but despite this setback, the Italian coach stills needs another man for the middle of the...Full Story »

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has been linked with a move away from the Premier League club before the January transfer window closes. According to a report from RMCsport, the 22-year-old French goalkeeper is a target for German champions Bayern Munich, who are looking for a long-term replacement for club legend Manuel Neuer. Meanwhile, Premier League sides Newcastle United and Chelse...Full Story »

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk and could thwart Arsenal's attempt to sign the highly rated Ukraine international, sources at Shakhtar have told ESPN. Premier League leaders Arsenal had a €60 million (£53m) bid for Mudryk rejected last week and sources have said that the Gunners have returned with a second offer in an effort to force a ...Full Story »

Manchester United could turn their attentions to Olivier Giroud if they fail to land Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix in the January transfer window. Man Utd need a striker Keen on Joao Felix Olivier Giroud also a target WHAT'S HAPPENING? Man Utd are keen to bring in a striker during the winter window after seeing Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club by mutual consent. The Red Devils are interes...Full Story »

Erik ten Hag said “belief is growing” at Manchester United after Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth but insisted it is still too early to think about a Premier League title challenge.Marcus Rashford scored for a fourth consecutive game to add to earlier strikes from Casemiro and Luke Shaw as United made it four wins in a row in the league, and 13 in the last 16 in all competiti...Full Story »

Mikel Arteta bemoaned two “scandalous” penalty decisions after Premier League leaders Arsenal missed the chance to move 10 points clear following a frustrating goalless draw with Newcastle.The Gunners dominated proceedings at a sold-out Emirates Stadium but were unable to break down the division’s stingiest defence as they dropped points at home for the first time this season.M...Full Story »

SHAKIRA appeared to hit out at ex Gerard Pique in a New Year's Day Instagram post. The Colombian pop superstar and the footballer confirmed their split after 11 years back in June. The pair have two kids together, Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven She recently denied claims that she's dating Gorka Ezkurdia after they were seen together near the Spanish city of Santander. And the 45-year-old seem...Full Story »

Chelsea super-fan Maria Liman has urged fans not to forget about "quality sex" in the New Year Chelsea-mad Playboy model Maria Liman has told fans not to forget about having "quality sex" in 2023. The Russian actress and presenter calls herself the ‘sex symbol of Russia’ in her Instagram bio. And the gorgeous brunette certainly lived up to that name as she posted a clip of herself ...Full Story »

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he would never declare Leo Messi as the greatest to have played. The PSG star is being celebrated around the globe after leading Argentina to victory in the World Cup. But Ancelotti, asked if the Barcelona legend is the greatest, said: "It is difficult to say. "He is a great footballer. His career is spectacular but if he is the best in history I do...Full Story »

Out-of-favour Barcelona forward Memphis Depay will stay at Barcelona this winter, with a view to leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. WHAT HAPPENED? Amid reported interest from clubs across Europe, Depay has no plans to leave Barca this month, according to SPORT. The Dutchman has made it clear to the club that he wants to fight for his spot in the team, but hopes to be able to c...Full Story »

Chelsea are closing in on World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez after talks with Benfica progressed swiftly over a €127m deal for the midfielder. WHAT'S HAPPENING? Chelsea are in advanced talks with Benfica over a move for Enzo Fernandez and are willing to pay €127 million (£112m/$135m) for the Argentina international, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The Blues are set to pay for F...Full Story »

Paul Heckingbottom insisted Sheffield United fully deserved their point after John Egan’s last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw at QPR.Ilias Chair’s 11th-minute goal – after a mistake by Egan – looked like giving Rangers their first home win under Neil Critchley.But Egan netted with seconds remaining for second-placed United, leaving them five rather than six points behind Sk...Full Story »