More proof that Lionel Messi is akin to the 'Messiah' in Argentina has arrived in a new survey where fans admitted they would vote for him as the next president. Messi guided Argentina to a historic first World Cup in 36 years over in Qatar, scoring twice in the final as Lionel Scaloni's side won 4-2 on penalties. It was the trophy that had evaded him in his entire career and followed up the...Full Story »

Carlo Ancelotti has said Karim Benzema is excited and motivated to prove himself with Real Madrid after an injury-hit start to the season culminated in him being sent home early from France's World Cup campaign. Benzema suffered a thigh injury three days before France were due to play their first game in Qatar, leading coach Didier Deschamps to withdraw him from the squad -- a decision subseq...Full Story »

Norwegian wonderkid Sivert Mannsverk is attracting Premier League interest. Arsenal are keen on signing the youngster from Molde. But they will have to fight off competition from Manchester United, according to Jeunesfooteux. The 20-year-old midfielder is believed to be available for £9 million. He has already become a regular for Molde, having made 62 appearances for the club.Full Story »

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says he'll never walk out on the club. The Italian has been linked with the Brazil job after Tite's departure. But he said on Thursday: "I don't know if they're interested because they haven't contacted me. "If they are, then I appreciate the interest, but my situation is clear: I'm staying here until this adventure is over. "I will never tell Real Madrid ...Full Story »

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues and Badiashile have reached a deal and the transfer is now in its "final stages". Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Monaco star Benoit Badiashile Credit: Rex The Blues have been very active ahead of the January transfer window as they have already landed Molde's David Datro Fofana and Vasco da Gama's Andrey Santos. Romano tweeted: ...Full Story »

According to ex-Birmingham CEO Dong Ren, United's now-former chief Ed Woodward went all out to land Bellingham in 2020 from St Andrew's. Jude Bellingham rejected an offer from Manchester United while still at Birmingham Credit: Rex Bellingham ultimately opted for Borussia Dortmund where he has shone bright Credit: Getty The Red Devils offered the prodigious talent, then just 17, a salary arou...Full Story »

Manchester City set to sign Argentine youngsterManchester City are set to trigger Argentine starlet Maximo Perrone's $8 million release clause according to Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old Velez midfielder had been linked with moves to Newcastle United and Benfica but it would appear City will beat them to his signature. Manchester City are set to trigger the release clause for Véle...Full Story »

Brazil legend Pele died on Thursday from cancer complications. Lauded by many as the greatest player to ever play football, Pele had been battling health issues in recent years. He was pictured in a wheelchair at the 2018 World Cup and was taken into hospital after collapsing due to exhaustion a month after the tournament. He had been receiving regular treatment from doctors ever since under...Full Story »

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore praised his team’s resilience after two goals from Michael Smith saw them beat Port Vale 2-0 to maintain their push for promotion.Smith was on target from the penalty spot in the 30th minute and added a second goal after 70 minutes.Moore said: “It was a satisfying win. A real tight game. I was really pleased with the resilience shown.“I ...Full Story »

Head coach Carlos Corberan hailed Okay Yokuslu’s “unusually high level of intensity” as his two goals ensured West Brom’s revival continued with a 2-0 win over Preston at The Hawthorns.The Turkish midfielder helped the Baggies make it seven wins in eight games to move to within a point of the Sky Bet Championship play-off places, having been bottom of the table two months...Full Story »

Northampton boss Jon Brady admitted he was left scratching his head after praising his side’s ‘magnificent’ performance despite the 2-1 defeat to Swindon in Sky Bet League Two.The home side missed two clear chances in the first 25 minutes at Sixfields and were made to pay when Tyrese Shade’s thumping finish broke the deadlock and gave Swindon a fortuitous half-time lead.N...Full Story »

Cheltenham boss Wade Elliott praised Dan Nlundulu after his first goal since mid-September sealed a 1-0 win at Shrewsbury.It was the Southampton loanee’s fifth goal of the season in all competitions, but he had endured a long wait for a Sky Bet League One strike.The moment arrived late in the first period as he touched in Ryan Jackson’s cross at the near post to earn the Robins a bat...Full Story »

Nigel Pearson urged his Bristol City players to use their performance in the 0-0 draw at Millwall as a benchmark for the rest of the season.The visitors grabbed a crucial point at The Den to bounce back from their 2-0 Boxing Day defeat against West Brom but have now won just once in nine Championship matches.Captain Andreas Weimann should have snatched a late winner after Millwall’s Andrea...Full Story »

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick was delighted with Riley McGree’s winner after his side moved into the Championship top six with a 2-1 victory at 10-man Blackburn.McGree, who was part of Australia’s World Cup squad, completed his side’s comeback by rounding off a brilliant team move with a controlled volley into the top corner.Rovers had taken the lead through Ryan Hedges&rs...Full Story »

Danny Schofield was delighted with the show of character from his Doncaster side as they edged a seven-goal thriller with Rochdale 4-3.Rovers recovered after being pegged back from 2-0 and 3-2 up as Tom Anderson netted an 81st-minute winner.Two goals inside the first nine minutes from Charlie Seaman and Ben Close had Rovers in command only for Dale to fight back.A brilliant Harrison Biggins free...Full Story »

Manager Micky Mellon praised revitalised Tranmere’s positivity that turned one point into three despite going down to 10 men at Barrow.The sides were locked at 1-1 after 77 minutes when Paul Lewis was red carded for a dangerous challenge on home goalkeeper Josh Lillis.But five minutes later Rovers captain Kane Hemmings netted his sixth goal of the season – his second in successive ga...Full Story »

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom hailed his side’s relentless mentality as they drew level on points with Sky Bet Championship leaders Burnley thanks to a 2-1 victory away at Blackpool.Sander Berge put the visitors ahead in the first half before James McAtee’s stunning solo effort doubled the lead after the break, with Marvin Ekpiteta striking for the hosts.Norwegian midfi...Full Story »

Paul Simpson was impressed with the way his Carlisle side started both halves in their emphatic 3-0 victory at Crewe.Skipper Morgan Feeney got the Cumbrians on their way with a sixth-minute strike and the struggling Railwaymen were caught out again straight after the interval when Owen Moxon doubled the visitors’ lead.Luke Offord’s red card soon after left Simpson’s men coastin...Full Story »

Nigel Clough was pleased to see Mansfield avoid any late slip-ups to secure another three points in the promotion race at struggling Hartlepool.The Stags boss was satisfied to see his players turn the game on its head by scoring two second-half goals to beat Pools at the Suit Direct Stadium.Jack Hamilton had headed Hartlepool ahead in the 19th minute to give the home side hope of a third straigh...Full Story »

Morecambe boss Derek Adams was full of praise for his players after they secured a third Sky Bet League One win of the season with the 2-0 victory over Lancashire rivals Accrington.After seeing first-half goals from Liam Shaw and Jensen Weir clinch the points, Adams said: “It was a terrific performance with superb goals and I thought it was a fabulous display.“It’s five games w...Full Story »