JJ Gabriel has indicated that he would choose Real Madrid over Barcelona as the 16-year-old prepares to leave Manchester United.

Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Gabriel and his representatives over a possible move, with the England youth prospect expected to join the Spanish club in the January 2027 transfer window.

Gabriel told Manchester United earlier this year that he wanted to leave and become a free agent. He formally requested a departure in September and has not trained with the club since.

Real Madrid are currently regarded as the leading contenders for his signature, although Barcelona, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich are also reported to be interested in signing him.

Asked by Spanish newspaper MARCA why Madrid appealed to him more than Barcelona, Gabriel smiled before replying: “Obviously, Madrid.”

The response comes as the transfer situation surrounding the teenager intensifies, with Real Madrid hoping to bring him to the Bernabeu during the winter window.

Gabriel is understood to believe Manchester United did not provide him with a sufficiently clear route into the first team, despite his young age. His family reportedly felt he should have been given greater opportunities in senior football.

He played eight or nine minutes against AC Milan during pre-season, but his family wanted him to be involved in further senior matches against Sabah, Brighton and Bournemouth. Those opportunities were not facilitated by manager Michael Carrick.

Manchester United will receive only a minimal training compensation payment if Gabriel leaves, with the fee reportedly expected to be £300K. That would represent a small return for a player viewed as a significant long-term asset.

The potential move to Real Madrid would see Gabriel leave United before making a sustained first-team breakthrough, while the Spanish club continue to be seen as the obvious destination for the highly rated English youngster.

Galatasaray have confirmed Victor Osimhen will undergo surgery on his left knee after the Nigeria striker was injured in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart.

The Turkish champions said on Friday that the 27-year-old suffered a strain during the fixture against the Bundesliga club. Further medical checks, including an MRI scan, found a loose fragment in the knee.

Osimhen is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on Saturday at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, with Galatasaray team doctor Yener Ince overseeing the procedure.

In a statement on social media, Galatasaray said: “Our player Victor Osimhen suffered a strain in his left knee during our UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart, and an MRI scan revealed a loose fragment.

“Arthroscopic knee surgery is scheduled to be performed on him tomorrow at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital by our club doctor, Yener Ince. Our player has therefore been removed from the squad for tomorrow’s match against Amed S. F.”

The former Napoli forward will therefore miss Saturday’s domestic match against Amed Sportif Faaliyetler.

Galatasaray have not given a specific recovery period. However, Osimhen is expected to be unavailable for a spell, with a clearer assessment likely after the operation.

The injury is also a concern for Nigeria manager Eric Chelle before the West Africans’ decisive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Tanzania.

Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture four days later.

Osimhen’s latest problem comes less than two months after he missed Nigeria’s first two qualifying games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September.

He was initially named in Chelle’s squad for those matches but later withdrew after failing to recover from a muscle injury suffered during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.

Nigeria are in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 continental tournament because they are one of its three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. The remaining teams in the group are competing for the other qualification places.

Sevilla’s hopes of finishing in LaLiga’s top five suffered another setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Alaves at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

The result means Sevilla have won only one of their past eight meetings with Alaves and have managed just one victory in their last six league matches. They remain in the top six before this weekend’s fixtures.

Alaves had the clearest opportunity in the opening stages when Yusi was left unmarked at the far post in the third minute, but he directed his powerful header wide.

Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was then forced to react when Alaves attempted to score directly from a corner. A well-struck free-kick by Gabriel Suazo was also among the visitors’ best efforts during the opening half-hour.

Sevilla were awarded a penalty after Angel Perez was judged to have fouled Felix Correia inside the area on the 30-minute mark. Ruben Vargas took responsibility, looking for his first goal since November last year, but Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera dived to his right to make the save.

It was only the fourth penalty Sivera has saved in his career, and the stop helped keep the game level as Sevilla began to take control. The hosts created further pressure before half-time, but determined defending from Ville Koski and Nicolas Valentini ensured Alaves went into the interval on level terms.

Sevilla continued to dominate after the restart, with Alaves struggling to escape their own half. Lucas Stassin went closest to breaking the deadlock when his downward header from close range was superbly saved by Sivera.

Alaves briefly threatened on the hour when Koski’s looping header caused concern, but the attempt was cleared off the line. Sevilla quickly regained the initiative, and Juan Iglesias appeared to have found a way through with a powerful volley from the edge of the area, only for Pablo Ibanez to produce a crucial goal-line clearance.

Correia then bent an effort wide from a promising position as Sevilla continued to search for a winner.

Despite spending long periods under pressure, Alaves almost snatched victory late on. Carlos Protesoni was presented with an opportunity from six yards, but he sent his low right-footed shot off target.

Both teams continued to attack during the closing stages, yet neither could find the decisive finish.

Alaves remain without an away win this season, with three draws and three defeats from their six matches on the road. They have also failed to win any of their past eight games in all competitions, recording three draws and five losses.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Gabriel Suazo (Sevilla)

Nigeria international Akor Adams played the full match as Venezia ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Maduka Okoye’s Udinese in a crucial Serie A relegation battle on Friday.

Both Nigerians made their 11th league appearances of the season, with Okoye representing Udinese.

The match was goalless at half-time before Toma Basic put Venezia ahead in the 53rd minute. Udinese levelled four minutes later when Matias Moreno scored an own goal.

Kike Perez restored Venezia’s lead in the 65th minute with a spectacular strike, securing three important points for Davide Nicola’s side.

The result offered relief to Venezia, who had lost their previous three matches without scoring.

Udinese’s difficult run continued under newly appointed manager Paolo Zanetti, who suffered defeat against his former club.

Venezia remain in the relegation zone despite the victory, with six points from their league campaign. Udinese are bottom of the standings on five points.

Ghana forward Ernest Nuamah is facing a fitness race after suffering a muscle strain, with his availability for Lyon’s Ligue 1 match against Brest on Sunday uncertain.

The injury has also raised doubts over whether the 23-year-old will be available for Ghana’s two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers against Somalia in November.

Nuamah was absent as Lyon faced Real Sociedad in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Lyon interim manager Jorge Maciel confirmed that the winger and defender Moussa Niakhate both missed the game because of muscle problems, although he remains hopeful they could return for the club’s trip to Brest.

“They’ve suffered muscle strains,” Maciel said.

“We hope to have them back for Sunday’s match in Brest. We’re waiting for an update; we don’t yet know if they’ll be fit or not. We’ll see how things are progressing when we return to Lyon,” he added.

No recovery timetable has been given for Nuamah, meaning his prospects will depend on how he responds over the coming days and whether he can resume training.

His condition will be monitored closely by Ghana interim coach Kim Lars Bjokergren before the Black Stars’ November fixtures. Ghana are due to play Somalia twice as they try to revive a qualifying campaign that has begun with two defeats.

The Black Stars lost their opening Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The meetings with Somalia therefore offer Ghana an important chance to put their campaign back on course.

Nuamah’s absence would be a blow to both Lyon and Ghana, particularly after the winger’s return from a serious knee injury and his positive start to the 2026/27 season.

He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2025 and was sidelined for several months. Nuamah eventually returned to competitive football in May 2026.

Since then, he has become an important attacking option for Lyon, with his pace, direct running and goalscoring ability adding to the team’s threat. He has made 13 appearances for club and country across all competitions this season, scoring six goals and supplying one assist.

Lyon will hope he recovers in time to remain part of their plans as they seek to maintain their momentum. Ghana, meanwhile, will be eager to have the forward available for the crucial double-header against Somalia.

His involvement in those matches remains uncertain until further assessment is completed by Lyon.

Hamburger SV moved to a third consecutive home league victory for the first time since returning to the Bundesliga after beating Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1, a result that left Die Fohlen bottom of the table after their worst-ever nine-game start in the top flight.

Borussia Monchengladbach began with purpose, aiming to build on the away win that had brought them their first points of the season. However, an error from Joe Scally almost gifted Hamburg an early breakthrough when Patson Daka intercepted his misplaced backpass. Daniel Batz denied the striker.

Hamburg did not have to wait long for a goal. On 10 minutes, Miro Muheim collected a pass from Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield and struck from distance into the bottom-right corner. It was already his third goal from outside the area this season.

The hosts were soon threatening again after a fluent passing move, although Batz made a strong save from Martin Adeline’s eventual effort.

Gladbach also created opportunities during an open first half. Daniel Heuer Fernandes was forced to keep out a powerful drive from Zento Uno, while Batz produced another good stop at the opposite end to prevent David Moller Wolfe from restoring Hamburg’s advantage.

Hamburg’s control was undone just before the interval. A cross was cleared to Scally on the edge of the penalty area, and although the American mishit his shot, the ball took a deflection off Robin Hack and bounced beyond the stranded Heuer Fernandes.

The visitors’ position worsened shortly after the restart when Ko Itakura was sent off for a second yellow card. He pulled down Muheim as the Hamburg player turned away from him, leaving Borussia Monchengladbach to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.

Hamburg made the numerical advantage count 10 minutes later. Albert Gronbaek was found inside the penalty area and pulled the ball back to Shafiq Nandja, who was left unmarked and finished confidently to score the first senior goal of his career.

Borussia Monchengladbach still threatened to reduce the deficit, but Sebastiaan Bornauw had to make a goal-saving block after a Hamburg error. Gronbaek then effectively settled the contest with 20 minutes remaining, sending a powerful right-footed shot into the top-right corner with a late curve that left Batz unable to respond.

Wael Mohya, who has recently received his first Germany national team call-up, attempted to spark a comeback by curling an effort over the crossbar. Hamburg remained comfortable and could have added further goals before the final whistle.

Die Rothosen have now ended a three-match losing run and won four of their past five home league fixtures. Alexander Blessin’s Borussia Monchengladbach side remain in serious difficulty, although their dramatic recovery from a comparable start last season will offer some encouragement at Borussia-Park.

Real Madrid travel to Mestalla on Saturday evening to face Valencia, with the visitors aiming to keep up the pressure on LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Valencia have made slow starts in each of the past three seasons, taking fewer than 10 points from their opening 11 matches. They have been ahead for only 109 minutes this campaign, with relegation rivals Malaga and Getafe spending less time in front.

That limited time in winning positions has contributed to a return of just nine points, leaving Los Che second from bottom. Javier Aguirre’s side did earn a valuable away victory at Elche last time out, with Umar Sadiq scoring the only goal, but they have several important absences.

Kayne van Oevelen, David Otorbi, Diego Lopez and Sergi Canos are all expected to spend significant periods on the sidelines. Valencia have also lost their past two league meetings with Real Madrid without scoring.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have led for 510 minutes across their first 11 league games. Now managed again by Jose Mourinho, who is unbeaten in seven league meetings with Valencia - winning four and drawing three - they have recently beaten Racing Santander and Barcelona before recovering from 2-1 down to defeat Greek champions AEK Athens in midweek.

Mourinho will be without the suspended Vinicius Junior and long-term absentees Rodrygo and Raul Asencio, but Kylian Mbappe remains available. The France international has scored 17 goals this season and found the net three times across his last two league appearances against Valencia.

Real Madrid backed to score freely

The 36-time LaLiga champions have scored between two and four goals in 10 of their past 11 matches. Valencia have conceded in each of their last two league games, increasing the prospect of further defensive problems against a Real Madrid attack led by Mbappe.

The recommended bet is Real Madrid to score between two and four goals at 8/15 with bet365. The bet is successful if the visitors score two, three or four times, whatever the final result.

Real Madrid have also regularly scored in both halves and have not dropped a point from a winning position this season. Valencia’s limited time ahead suggests they may struggle to sustain their intensity, so Real Madrid to score in both halves is priced at 8/11 with bet365. This bet requires the visitors to score at least once before half-time and at least once after the interval, regardless of the result.

Corners another option

Real Madrid average 6.36 corners per match and concede four, while the average number of corners across Valencia’s first 11 league games is more than eight.

With Real Madrid expected to attack through the flanks and reach the byline with Yan Diomande and Mbappe, more than 9.5 corners is available at 8/11 with bet365. The bet wins if at least 10 corners are awarded in total.

Other match odds are Valencia 9/1, the draw 19/4 and Real Madrid 27/100.

Odds were correct at the time of publication and may change. This article contains affiliate links to advertisers; the analysis is our own. Gamble responsibly, 18+.

Real Madrid travel to Valencia on Saturday knowing victory would keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona, with the clubs separated by three points.

Jose Mourinho’s side arrive at the Estadio de Mestalla after a narrow 3-2 Champions League win over AEK Athens. Valencia’s most recent match ended in a 1-0 away victory against Elche.

Madrid are strong favourites for the meeting and, should Barcelona drop points, the title race could become increasingly competitive as the season develops. The visitors have won seven successive matches in all competitions, including their past four La Liga games.

Real Madrid have also made a strong start in front of goal, scoring 28 times in their opening 11 league matches.

Valencia, by contrast, have collected only two league victories from their first 11 fixtures and are 19th in the table. They are aiming to record consecutive league wins for the first time since May.

The match will begin at 20:00, with Valencia benefiting from home advantage at the Estadio de Mestalla.

Team news

Valencia will be without Sergi Canos and Diego Lopez, who are both carrying knee injuries, while David Otorbi is unavailable because of a hamstring problem.

Real Madrid are missing Rodrygo with a knee injury, Raul Asencio with a leg issue and Ferland Mendy because of a hip problem.

The listed Valencia starting XI is Dimitrievski; Martinez, Tarrega, Pepelu, Gaya; Rodriguez; Maffeo, Mayol, Guerra, Rioja; Sadiq.

Real Madrid’s possible line-up is Courtois; Valverde, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouameni, Bernardo; Guler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappe.

Real Madrid’s recent form is recorded as WWWWW, while Valencia’s sequence is WLDDLW.

The home side’s limited return from their opening 11 matches has left them in a difficult position near the bottom of the table, and they are seeking a second league win in succession.

For Madrid, the fixture represents another opportunity to maintain their pursuit of Barcelona. Their run of four consecutive La Liga victories has helped them remain three points behind the leaders, while their wider seven-match winning streak has carried them into the match in confident form.

The contrast between the two clubs is also reflected in their attacking records. Madrid’s 28 league goals underline their scoring form, whereas Valencia’s immediate priority is to build momentum and move away from 19th place.

Arsenal great William Gallas says he would not blame William Saliba if the defender chose to join Real Madrid, describing the Spanish club as being “on a different level” to the Gunners.

Saliba has returned to training and is close to making his comeback for Arsenal, potentially in time for their test against Hull City this weekend.

The 25-year-old France international has missed the whole campaign so far after suffering a back injury during the World Cup. His absence has been a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s side, with Saliba regarded as one of Europe’s leading young centre-backs.

Saliba signed a new five-year contract with Arsenal in September 2025, extending his commitment to the club until 2030. At the time, Arteta said the defender had told him: “I want to stay here and play for you.”

However, speculation about Saliba’s future has increased, with Real Madrid linked with a possible move. Gallas believes the appeal of the Spanish giants would be difficult for any player to resist, regardless of Arsenal’s growing status in England and Europe.

“Are Arsenal at a high enough level now that William Saliba would turn down Real Madrid if they came in for him?” Gallas said in an interview with SeatPick.

“I know a lot of people will be mad about what I’m going to say right now, but if we are talking about the history of both clubs, Real Madrid and Arsenal, then Real Madrid is Real Madrid. They are on a different level.

“Madrid is Madrid, and I’m telling you, any player who has the opportunity to go to Madrid, they will try to go there, and you can’t blame them. You couldn’t blame a player like Saliba if that is his decision. Could a transfer take place?”

Gallas’ comments come as Arsenal continue to establish themselves as a major force in English and European football. Even so, he considers Real Madrid to remain the more attractive destination because of the clubs’ differing histories.

Real Madrid have not won a trophy for a year and a half, according to the source article, but Gallas still regards them as a dream club for players who receive the opportunity to join.

The Spanish club are already set to sign Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel and could not make a move for Saliba as they continue to take talent from the Premier League.

Jobe Bellingham has been included in England’s senior squad for the first time, with manager Thomas Tuchel saying the Borussia Dortmund midfielder deserves the opportunity to impress alongside his older brother Jude.

The call-up means the Bellingham brothers will be together in the England squad for the first time, creating a significant moment in their careers. They are due to face Croatia and Spain in the Nations League over the next week and will hope to start together.

Jobe, aged 21, joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland in the summer of 2025. His move followed a path similar to Jude’s, with the elder Bellingham also playing for the German club before moving to Real Madrid.

Jude has since established himself as one of England’s leading midfielders. He scored seven goals at the World Cup over the summer, with Jobe supporting him from the sidelines.

Tuchel said England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley had played a role in Jobe’s selection after repeatedly speaking positively about the midfielder.

“Lee Carsley has been talking highly about Jobe for weeks and months, that he deserves it if there is a spot and a possibility to join and to make an impression in the first team,” Tuchel said.

“He had good matches and is on a good run of form with Dortmund so he deserves to be with us.

“He is a more defensive player than his brother. Good on the ball, good physique, big body, technical player who can keep possession.

“It is up to him now. We only have Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare and it will be difficult because, in the last camp, we developed some new patterns, some new behaviours.

“It will be hard for him to pick that up in two days but it is up to him. He is excited, happy and eager to impress which is the best foundation to have a good camp.”

Jobe’s inclusion gives him the chance to make his impression in the senior set-up while continuing a family football journey that has taken both brothers to Borussia Dortmund.

Tuchel’s decision also reflects Jobe’s recent form for the German club and the recommendation of Carsley, who has worked with him at Under-21 level.

The younger Bellingham will now have the opportunity to train and compete with Jude in an England squad for the first time, as the team prepares for its upcoming Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

Thomas Tuchel has named Jobe Bellingham, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King in his England squad for the final international break of the year, while Cole Palmer has been left out and Ben White returns.

England will face Croatia at Wembley before travelling to Madrid to play Group A3 leaders Spain in two Nations League matches next week.

Tuchel’s side are third in the group after four matches, with three wins and one defeat. Their only loss came against Spain at Wembley as England continue to build momentum under the manager.

Bellingham, the younger brother of Jude Bellingham, has been rewarded with his first call-up to the senior England men’s squad after impressing Tuchel with his performances for Borussia Dortmund this season.

Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha is also included. The 18-year-old has made a strong impression for the club under Andoni Iraola and has been given another opportunity to perform at international level.

Josh King has received his first senior call-up, while Palmer misses out once again. White has been recalled to the squad.

England squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Leeds United), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)

Defenders: Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Marc Guehi (Man City), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Inter Milan), Ben White (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Josh King (Fulham), James Garner (Everton), Elliot Anderson (Man City), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea)

Harry Kane has made winning the Champions League his main ambition after becoming the first Englishman in 30 years to receive the Ballon d’Or.

The Bayern Munich striker was named the world’s best player last month and says he wants to add European football’s biggest club prize before the end of his career.

“The Champions League is a big objective for me, and also this club, this team,” Kane said.

“I’m here for until 2029. Of course, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to have at least one Champions League trophy in that period!”

Kane signed a new contract with Bayern Munich this week, extending his stay with the club until 2029. Bayern are progressing from the Champions League league phase, and England captain Kane will hope this season brings the trophy that has so far eluded him.

His best run in the competition with Bayern came in 2025/26, when they reached the semi-finals before losing 6-5 on aggregate to PSG.

Kane has scored 100 goals in Germany’s top flight faster than any player in history, reaching that mark in only 98 appearances. He has scored 102 goals in 102 Bundesliga matches, while also claiming three successive Golden Boot awards and two league titles.

Last season, Kane helped Bayern win the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Supercup as the club secured three major domestic honours.

Across 42 appearances for Bayern, he has scored 37 goals. He is now targeting what he describes as one final trophy during his time in Germany.

The former Tottenham striker said he was keen to focus on football rather than continued discussion about his individual achievements.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to work and doing less talking and more playing, to be honest,” he added.

Kane’s Ballon d’Or success followed a prolific period since his move to Bayern, where his scoring record has continued to develop alongside his collection of domestic honours. However, the Champions League remains the outstanding prize in his ambitions.

With his contract now running through to 2029, Kane has made clear that he wants to use that period to help Bayern win the competition at least once.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has urged JJ Gabriel not to rush a potential move to Real Madrid, warning the teenager that establishing himself in senior football requires patience.

Real Madrid have reportedly offered the 16-year-old forward a multi-year contract and hope to take him to the Bernabeu in January.

Gabriel has not trained with Manchester United since September, after asking to leave because of a lack of first-team opportunities. His situation comes despite the fact he is only 16.

Manchester United are proud of a record stretching back to October 1937, when at least one academy graduate has been included in every matchday squad. However, the club will not go beyond a certain point to force young players into its senior team.

Giggs believes Gabriel would be better served by allowing his development to continue rather than seeking an immediate move. He compared the situation with Arsenal prospect Max Dowman, who has not publicly pushed for a first-team role in North London.

“So far in his career everything is going fine, why would you disrupt that? You’re on the right track,” Giggs said.

“I trained at 15, I didn’t play for the first team until two years later so you have to have that patience that people just don’t seem to have at the moment.”

Giggs also stressed that appearing for a club’s first team presents a far greater challenge than playing at youth level or featuring during pre-season.

“And believe it or not, first-team football for Man United is completely different to playing in the youth team, playing pre-season for the first team, it’s completely different,” he added.

“That first game, yeah, you might do alright, but you have to do it for 40, 50 games a season. You’re going to get injuries, loss of form, bad results, so you have to be patient. If you’re on the right trajectory then just bide your time, no matter how good you are.”

Giggs said Dowman’s current absence from Arsenal’s first team should not be viewed as a setback.

“Max Dowman is unbelievable but he’s not playing for Arsenal at the moment,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll bide his time, I’m sure he’s getting impatient, but he’s not kicking off, he knows in a couple of years time he might be the main man for Arsenal.”

The potential loss of Gabriel would echo Manchester United’s experience with Rio Ngumoha. Ngumoha joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight before moving to Liverpool at 15 in 2024.

Liverpool were ordered to pay a minimum compensation fee of £2.8M in February 2026, while Ngumoha is now worth more than £25M. Gabriel could find himself in a similar situation as Manchester United risk losing one of Europe’s top young talents.

Ruben Amorim says Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international football has not brought the ideal conclusion to his Portugal career, although he praised the lasting impact the forward has had on his country.

Ronaldo, now 41, ends his international career as Portugal’s record goalscorer, having scored 146 times in 234 appearances.

His announcement came as tensions surrounding the player’s relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus drew attention. Jesus chose not to bring Ronaldo on during Portugal’s match against Norway in the recent international break, in a decision that contributed to a major disagreement between the pair.

Amorim was asked about Ronaldo’s retirement before AC Milan’s Europa League meeting with Ferencvaros.

“This is not the best way for his national team career to end, but what he has done for our country is clear to everyone,” said the Milan manager.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence, Amorim added, extends well beyond his achievements on the pitch.

“The whole world knows him. Football is a window, and many people know Portugal through Ronaldo,” he said.

Ronaldo has represented Portugal alongside many of the country’s most important players during a career that has included international success and record-breaking individual performances.

Amorim also believes Ronaldo will continue to play an important role for Portugal after ending his time as an international player.

“He has played alongside many important players. Even after retiring, he will continue to contribute to our country off the field,” he said.

Liam Rosenior has rejected the perception that his brief spell in charge of Chelsea made him a figure of ridicule, insisting: “I'm not a joke.”

Rosenior, 42, was appointed as Chelsea’s successor to Enzo Maresca following Maresca’s implosion and subsequent departure on New Year’s Day. The former Brighton and Hull player had earned a strong reputation during his time at Strasbourg and was highly regarded by the BlueCo ownership.

However, after an encouraging beginning at Stamford Bridge, Rosenior was dismissed only 107 days after taking the job.

He is now attempting to revive his managerial career at Paris FC, who sit fourth in Ligue 1. The club have won five, drawn two and lost two of their nine games under Rosenior.

In an interview with French magazine So Foot, Rosenior discussed the way he believes he was viewed by Chelsea supporters and the wider media.

“The moment that worried me most was actually at the start, when we went through that five-game winning streak,” he said.

“Any club would have been happy with such a run, but not Chelsea. You get good results and you're in the spotlight. Then, there was a kind of snowball effect in the media.

“They made fun of those instructions I gave Garnacho on a scrap of paper when we were down to 10 men against PSG. The clothes I wore became a joke, the way I spoke too. I'm not a joke.”

Rosenior’s time at Chelsea ended in disappointment, but he said he does not regret accepting what he described as the biggest challenge of his career.

“It was the best experience of my life, and the hardest too. It was fantastic, even though it only lasted four months. I don't want to go into details now; I'll talk about it one day, when the time is right,” he added.

The 42-year-old also questioned whether the reaction to his personality and appearance was connected to football, arguing that managers in England are expected to fit a particular image.

“But in a country where tolerance is an important value, what happened there has nothing to do with football. In England, there's this preconceived notion of what a Premier League coach should be, how he should behave.

“You have to conform to that standard. People who know me know that I'm someone who tries to be sincere and authentic.”

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Como defender Jacobo Ramon as uncertainty continues over the future of Lisandro Martinez.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the leading young defenders in Serie A since joining Como from Real Madrid Castilla in 2025. Ramon has quickly established himself as one of the standout performers in Cesc Fabregas’ team, making him an increasingly attractive target for United.

According to TEAMtalk, United are now intensifying their efforts to sign the Spain defender, with the club’s need for defensive reinforcements becoming more pressing.

United have been in need of a significant overhaul at the back for several seasons. However, INEOS and the club’s decision-makers have so far prioritised strengthening the attack and midfield rather than addressing the defence.

The uncertainty surrounding Martinez has now added to the club’s interest in Ramon. United are not expected to face no competition for his signature, with Chelsea also maintaining a long-standing interest in the defender.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is keen to take Ramon to Stamford Bridge, ensuring United will face a strong rival if they attempt to complete a deal.

Real Madrid also retain a significant level of control over the player. Ramon’s former club have a buy-back clause and a 50% sell-on clause in his contract, both of which remain valid until the summer of 2027.

Reports from Spain indicate that Jose Mourinho’s side are very keen to bring Ramon back next summer, adding another potential complication to United’s pursuit of the Como defender.

Former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott has been urged to stay at Real Betis rather than join Manchester United if the club makes an offer for him in 2027.

Parrott has made an encouraging start to life in Spain after moving from AZ Alkmaar to Real Betis in a £17 million deal during the summer. His form has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, who could consider a major bid worth about twice that fee in January or next summer.

However, Real Betis are not seeking offers for the Republic of Ireland striker. His contract is understood to include a reported €100 million release clause, while former Ireland international Richard Dunne believes Parrott should avoid a move to Old Trafford.

“Troy Parrott to Man United? If you’re a young striker trying to make a name for yourself, United is not the place to be right now,” Dunne told Snabbare.

Dunne, who is also from Dublin, said remaining at Real Betis would give Parrott a better opportunity to establish himself.

“Staying away was a wise decision. Betis spent over £20 million on him, so they will give him time and opportunities to succeed,” he said.

The former defender warned that players can find it difficult to secure a sustained opportunity in England when they arrive for a relatively modest transfer fee.

“In England, a £25 or £30 million signing is just another player, and you can get tossed aside quickly,” Dunne added.

Parrott has been told that continuing his development at Real Betis could allow him to become an important figure for the club rather than risk losing his place at Manchester United.

“If he’s happy and enjoying himself at Betis, he should stay. The goals will come and he’ll be a key player for them,” Dunne said.

Barcelona are monitoring Real Betis centre-back Natan as they consider strengthening their defence in the January transfer market, according to transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

The Catalan club had prioritised other areas during the summer, when Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesus arrived to improve Hansi Flick’s attacking options, alongside midfield lynchpin Rodri.

However, a number of injury concerns in defence have increased the former Bayern Munich manager’s desire to add another defender at the start of 2027.

Natan, who is also attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, made a strong impression during his first season in Spanish football in 2025/26. Real Betis subsequently activated the €9 million clause to sign the Brazilian permanently from Napoli.

Barcelona are expected to face a difficult task if they attempt to sign the 25-year-old in January. Real Betis are likely to reject an approach unless it includes an exceptional offer, while Natan remains under contract until 2030.

His performances since moving to Real Betis have also significantly increased his estimated transfer value, which is now around €30 million.

Barcelona captain Raphinha has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2030, while warning Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti that his minutes will need to be carefully managed if he is to remain part of the national team.

The 29-year-old Brazilian has been negotiating with Barcelona since the summer after turning down previous offers from the Saudi Pro League.

Raphinha has now committed his long-term future to the Catalan club after scoring more than 20 goals in each of the past two campaigns. He has already scored 19 times in 2026/27.

Following the signing of his new agreement, Raphinha said he wanted to add to the two LaLiga titles he has won since moving to Barcelona. He also acknowledged that his decision to remain fully committed to the club could affect his international career.

“If everything goes well, I would love to end my career at Barca,” Raphinha said.

“I don’t just want to win the Champions League; I want to win every possible trophy until 2030.

“I never imagined scoring so many goals.”

Raphinha then addressed his relationship with Ancelotti and the demands of continuing to play for Brazil while maintaining a leading role at Barcelona.

“As for Brazil, if Ancelotti wants to count on me, he knows he has to manage my minutes,” he said.

“He knows what he needs to do as a coach, and we’ve spoken about it.”

Harvey Elliott is set to end his season-long loan at Valencia early, with Leeds United preparing to renew their interest in the Liverpool midfielder.

The 23-year-old joined the LaLiga club after spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Aston Villa. However, Villa manager Unai Emery chose not to activate the purchase clause in Elliott’s agreement after using the England international nine times, with the midfielder scoring one goal.

A permanent departure from Liverpool appeared likely over the summer despite Elliott featuring regularly during pre-season. Andoni Iraola was not convinced the player had a place in his plans, prompting the former Fulham forward to leave Anfield.

His move to Spain has failed to provide the expected opportunity, though, and Elliott has faced strong criticism from the Spanish press during his time at Valencia.

According to the latest information from Football Insider, Leeds are ready to return for Elliott after missing out on signing him in August. The Premier League club had previously expressed an interest before Valencia secured his move.

Elliott remains under contract with Liverpool until June 2028, but a return to Anfield is not currently considered an option. Iraola could therefore be willing to sanction a £35M transfer when the January transfer window opens at the start of 2027.