Borussia Dortmund beat Real Madrid and Chelsea to sign Alexander Isak

Borussia Dortmund have beaten Real Madrid and Chelsea to the signing of highly rated Swedish striker Alexander Isak from AIK. The 17-year-old scored 10 goals in 24 league appearances for AIK last season and became Sweden’s youngest ever goalscorer when he found the net in a 6-0 victory over Slovakia earlier this month.

Isak, who has been monitored by a host of top European clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United, looked set to join Madrid last week as talks were reportedly at an advanced stage. 

Reports claim that Dortmund will pay £8.2 million for the striker, who has signed a long-term contract with the Bundesliga club.

Arsene Wenger must Receive Absolute Minimum of Six Games Ban - Says Former Head of Referees

Arsene Wenger should receive a minimum six-game ban and must be barred from speaking to his Arsenal players once inside the stadium, according to the former head of Premier League referees Keith Hackett. The Frenchman faces a charge from the Football Association after he pushed Anthony Taylor, the fourth official, during the closing stages of Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley.

Wenger was initially sent from the touchline after complaining about the penalty which led to Burnley’s equaliser but the Arsenal manager stood in the tunnel during his altercation with Taylor.

‘What I would like to see as an absolute minimum is a six-game ban – but a far more severe punishment than simply being banished from the touchline,’ Hackett told The Daily Telegraph.

Steven Gerrard Urges Liverpool to Sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton

Jurgen Klopp’s side lost ground in the Premier League title race on Saturday after a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Swansea City. Liverpool have conceded 27 goals in 22 Premier League games so far this term and are reportedly in the market for a new centre-back to solidify their defence. Hence Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton. 

And Gerrard believes Van Dijk is the solution for Klopp.

‘Who I think we need, I would go and try and bid for Van Dijk from Southampton,’ Gerrard told BT Sport.

‘But we’ve had enough of their players so that will probably go down like a lead balloon.’

Olivier Giroud Advises Arsene Wenger to Sign Antoine Griezmann

Olivier Giroud has hinted he’d like to see Arsene Wenger hijack Manchester United’s plans to sign Antoine Griezmann. The Atletico Madrid forward’s future has been the subject of intense speculation with United said to be confident of securing the prolific forward’s services in the summer.

Talks between Griezmann’s representatives and United are reported to have been taking place for several months with the finer details of a potential move, including his shirt number and salary, already agreed. Giroud, however, when asked which of his international teammates he would like to see join him at Arsenal, replied ‘Maybe Griezmann’.

The former Montpellier striker has seen his starting opportunities limited this season, particularly in the early part of the campaign, by Alexis Sanchez’s redeployment as a central striker.

The arrival of another forward would increase the competition still further, but it’s not the first time Giroud has implored his manager to buy reinforcements.

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte clarifies Diego Costa’s Chelsea future

The star striker was left out of the squad to face Leicester City last weekend after a reported row with Conte during Chelsea training. Costa was said to be distracted by a lucrative offer from the Chinese Super League, but Conte says speculation over a move is not in the 28-year-old’s mind.

Conte said: ‘I think the player wants to stay in Chelsea, he’s very happy to play with us. This idea [China] is far in his mind.

‘He’s happy to stay here and to play with us. This is important for us.’

The Spaniard’s current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2018, but Conte played down the importance of Costa penning a new deal.

‘I think now it is better to be focused on the present, not the future,’ the Italian added.

‘It’s important to think about the next four months in a very strong way and then we’ll see. It’s important not to see too far [ahead].’

Lyon confirm Memphis Depay signing from Man Utd

Lyon have confirmed the signing of winger Memphis Depay from Manchester United.. The Netherlands international joins the Ligue 1 outfit for an initial fee of £15 million after making just 56 appearances in 18 months at Old Trafford. 

Memphis joined United from PSV in the summer of 2015 but struggled to hold down a regular place under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

He leaves Old Trafford just 18 months into his four-year contract having scored just seven goals in 56 appearances for the 20-time English champions.

He has made just eight substitute appearances for the Red Devils this season, with his Premier League outings amounting to just 20 minutes of action, and becomes the second high-profile departure from United in the January transfer window following Morgan Schneiderlin's move to Everton.

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Looking To Upgrade Chelsea’s Midfield With Strong And Dynamic Players

Conte has things figured out at Stamford Bridge already despite spending a relatively short time in the Premier League. The lot is working well, the positions are covered and there is little room for improvement. The Blues have the speed, efficiency, creativity and versatility to handle any opponent. But do they have the physical power to dominate players like Lukaku, Benteke, Aguero or Ibrahimovic? Not quite but they are very close. While they do have a strong defense, the rest of the pitch could use a power-upgrade from time to time. Kante is powerful but he would have trouble getting passed Kompany. Willian is fast and strong but would still need a few extra pounds to push Smalling over. The attack is well covered by Costa so Conte needs to maybe invest a bit in the middle.

Football13ng: Confirmed! On-loan Defender Is Set to Return to Ch...

Football13ng: Confirmed! On-loan Defender Is Set to Return to Ch...: Andreas Christensen will return to Stamford Bridge next season, according to the player’s father. As reported by Italian outlet, Calcio M...

Confirmed! On-loan Defender Is Set to Return to Chelsea - Father Comfirmed

Andreas Christensen will return to Stamford Bridge next season, according to the player’s father. As reported by Italian outlet, Calcio Mercato, the player’s father has revealed he will return to his parent club, despite rumours of Borussia Monchengladbach planning a permanent move for the player.

Antonio Conte is thought to be keen on seeing the player back at Stamford Bridge as he puts increasing amounts of faith in the club’s younger players. The report suggests Christensen could be part of Conte’s starting XI next season.

Christensen is half-way through a two-year loan with the German club and that will expire at the end of the season.

The Danish international has impressed immensely during his time in theBundesliga and was voted the club’s Player of the Year last season.

Jose Mourinho Is Ready to Listen to Offers for Luke Shaw as Chelsea and Tottenham Come Knocking

Manchester United will listen to offers for Luke Shaw in the summer as Jose Mourinho has grown frustrated by the defender’s development at Old Trafford. England international Shaw has only made seven league appearances for the Red Devils this season and last featured in November.

The Independent say senior first-team players have spoken to Shaw privately in an attempt to revitalise his career at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, it is claimed United are ready to listen to offers for the defender in the summer, with his future almost certain to be away from Old Trafford.

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham have emerged as potential suitors for Shaw, although Mourinho may be unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival.

We Have Enough Quality Players - Arsene Wenger Rules Out Move for West Ham Star Dimitri Payet

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for West Ham winger Dimitri Payet despite suggesting the club are ‘interested’ in the Frenchman. Payet, 29, has demanded to leave the Hammers this month and is thought to be keen on a move back to Marseille.

The France international was sensational during his debut season in the Premier League and West Ham have knocked back two bids from the Ligue 1 side. Wenger, though, says he won’t compete for Payet, despite suggesting the club are ‘interested’ in the winger’s qualities.

‘I don’t need Payet. I rate Payet as a player but it’s not an area where we look,’ Wenger said.

Former Barcelona Forward Rivaldo Backs Barcelona to Sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed his former club and Spanish champions to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. Coutinho has been key for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season with five goals and five assists in 14 Premier League appearances so far, and has only recently returned from an ankle injury which kept him sidelined throughout the Christmas period.

And Rivaldo, who won two La Liga titles and the Ballon d’Or during his five seasons at Camp Nou, is confident that his fellow Brazilian will make the switch from Anfield.

‘In my opinion, he’s a great player and a player who knows Neymar well. I think they are both friends – players who stand out,’ Rivaldo told Sky Sports.

Manchester United Overtake Barcelona and Real Madrid to Go Top of Deloitte’s Money League Table

Manchester United overtake Real Madrid in Deloitte’s Money League table as Arsenal lead Chelsea. For the first time in 11 years, United lead the way after posting record revenue of £515.3 million for the for the 2015-16 season. Madrid drop two places to third having spent 11 years at the top of the table.

Manchester City are the next Premier League side on the list with their revenue of £392.6m. Arsenal remain ahead of Chelsea in seventh place, while Liverpool are also in the top 10.

Deloitte Football Money League Table - 2015-16 Revenue

1. Manchester United – £515.3m

2. Barcelona – £463.8m

3. Real Madrid – £463.8m

4. Bayern Munich – £442.7m

5. Manchester City – £392.6m

6. Paris Saint-Germain – £389.6m

7. Arsenal – £350.4m

8. Chelsea – £334.6m

9. Liverpool – £302m

10. Juventus – £255.1m

Manchester City Planning for £86.7M Bid for Atletico Madrid Goalkeeper Jan Oblak

Manchester City will launch a bid for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the summer, according to reports. Report claims that the 24-year-old has also attracted interest from several of the Premier League’s big-hitters including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

But the biggest stumbling block for City, and their Premier League rivals, is the Slovenia international’s €100 million (£86.7m) release clause as Atletico are refusing to accept any bids lower than that.

City are reportedly already looking for replacements for Claudio Bravo due to the Chilean’s below-par performances this season.

BREAKING NEWS! FIFA Expands World Cup Participants to 48 Teams - Africa and Asia to get Lion Share of the Additional 16 Places

Fifa today voted to expand the World Cup from its current format of 32 teams. There were five proposals on the table, from which Fifa’s 37-member council voted unanimously to increase the tournament to 48 nations. The expansion plan was led by new Fifa president Gianni Infantino. You can see their motivation, their own report suggests revenue will increase to £5.29bn – producing a rise in profits of £521m.

But while Fifa have given it the go ahead, many fans are unconvinced it’s a good move. Here’s what you need to know…

The expansion will kick in from the 2026 World Cup. The bulk of the additional 16 places to go to Africa and Asia. Europe could get an additional three places on top of their current 13. This isn’t being decided today though. Format will see 16 groups of three countries, with the top two advancing to the knock-out phase. Number of games increases from 64 to 80. Tournament will still last 32 days and no team will play more than seven matches – as is the case currently