Mourinho makes Mkhitaryan promise after explaining Man Utd snub

Jose Mourinho has revealed Henrikh Mkhitaryan will play in Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Feyenoord on Thursday after explaining the reasons why he left him out of Saturday’s clash with Arsenal.
The former Borussia Dortmund man, who has struggled for first-team action under Mourinho, watched United’s 1-1 draw with the Gunners on Saturday from the stands after failing to make the matchday 18.
The player has been working hard to impress Mourinho by training on his days off and the United boss admitted Mkhitaryan was not happy with the way things were going for him in the Premier League, but praised his reaction and backed him to come good.
Explaining his decision to exclude him in the 1-1 draw on Saturday, Mourinho said the “pressure” of the game would have been too much for the player.
“I told him…that he is going to be involved in the game against Feyenoord,” Mourinho told reporters in quotes also reported on the United website.
“He is trying. Obviously he is not happy, but he is transforming his frustration in a good way, which is to close the mouth, work hard and try to adapt.
“I told him, ‘This (Arsenal) was not the game for you’, because I don’t think he needs 10 or 20 minutes from the bench.
“I said, ‘I think you need a good game and you need to either start or, if not, to come for the second half’. He needs less pressure and better conditions for him to express his qualities.”
United go into Thursday’s clash with the Rotterdammers third in Group A and need victory to move ahead of their opponents ahead of the final pool clash with Zorya Luhansk.

Five goals behind Messi already – Ronaldo needs to get going to hold onto Champions League golden boot

The Portuguese has netted only twice in Europe so far in 2016-17 and has some work ahead if he is to finish as top scorer in the continental competition this time around

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Cristiano Ronaldo is back on form in front of goal. After something of a slow start to the season with Real Madrid, the Portuguese was back to his best with a hat-trick in the 3-0 win at Atletico on Saturday. In the Champions League, however, he has some catching up to do.
Ronaldo hat-trick inspires Madrid derby win
The 31-year-old has reached double figures in the Champions League in each of the last five seasons, leading the scoring charts with a record 17 strikes en route to La Decima in 2013-14 and then 16 as Madrid claimed the trophy again last season.
That tally included 11 in the group stages as Ronaldo ran amok against Malmo (six goals in two games) and Shakhtar Donetsk (five in two), plus strikes home and away to Roma in the last 16 and a hat-trick in the quarter-final second leg versus Wolfsburg as Los Blancos overcame a 2-0 deficit from the first match.
This time around, though, the goals have been harder to come by. The Portuguese scored a free-kick in the 2-1 win over his former club Sporting CP at the Santiago Bernabeu in September and also struck early on in the 2-2 draw away to Borussia Dortmund later in the same month. But that, so far, is all - two goals in four matches.

It is not a bad return, but below his usual ratio and surprisingly, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner was unable to score either home or away against the group's weakest side, Legia Warsaw.
Messi back from illness to face Celtic
Not that he hasn't been trying: in four full matches, Ronaldo has had 29 attempts on goal, with nine on target, but just two goals. In that time, he has also assisted three for his team-mates.
In the meantime, Lionel Messi has scored seven already for Barcelona. The Argentine bagged a hat-trick in the 7-0 win at home to Celtic in September and another treble in the 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City last month, as well as converting in the 3-1 defeat away to Pep Guardiola's side at the beginning of November.


Messi finishing at Barca would be 'perfect story' - Luis Enrique
Messi missed Barca's other game, the 2-1 victory away to Borussia Monchengladbach, through injury, so his seven strikes have come in just three matches and a total of only 12 attempts.
It is already a greater return than his six goals in seven Champions League games last season and he is well on course to beat the 10 he netted en route to the trophy in 2014-15 - and perhaps even the 14 he managed in 2011-12.
Since then, it is Ronaldo who has been scoring at a superior rate in the continental competition (with 55 goals in the past four editions to Messi's 32). But this time it is the Portuguese playing catch-up and if he wants to end as top marksman in the Champions League for a record sixth time, he had better start scoring soon.

Liverpool in £40m Saints raid; Zaza’s Spain move

Liverpool want to sign two more players from Southampton in a £40m double deal, while West Ham flop Simone Zaza could be heading to La Liga in January, according to Tuesday’s papers.

LIVERPOOL WANT £40M-RATED SOUTHAMPTON PAIR

How Southampton must be sick of the sight of Liverpool. Not content with signing Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Nathanial Clyne and even Rickie Lambert from them in recent years, the Reds are now being tipped for a further swoop on St Mary’s for Virgil van Dijk and Sam McQueen.
Both The Sun and the Daily Star suggest Liverpool boss Klopp sees Dutchman Van Dijk as the answer to the Reds’ creaky defence and will give them solidity ahead of a possible title challenge.
The former Celtic centre back only signed a new six-year-deal at St Mary’s in May but Klopp is confident he can prise him away from the south coast.
Van Dijk put in a man of the match display on Saturday as Southampton shut out Liverpool in a 0-0 draw – and that is believed to have convinced Klopp that Van Dijk should be his No 1 priority.
Klopp is also sweet on academy ace McQueen, 21, to solve the Merseysiders’ left-back dilemma.
McQueen, 21, only made his Premier League debut in mid-October after coming on as sub in Saints’ 3-1 win over Burnley – but the player has since put in a string of impressive performances to draw comparisons with both Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale.
Klopp has lost faith in Spaniard Alberto Moreno, forcing James Milner to play out of position.
McQueen’s contract is up at the end of the season and he is stalling on accepting the offer of an extension.
Liverpool are planning to test Saints’ resolve with a bid for the pair in the New Year.

ZAZA TO GET VALENCIA ESCAPE ROUTE

Valencia are reportedly preparing to offer Simone Zaza a way out of West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Italian striker has been a massive disappointment since signing for the Hammers over the summer and has failed to score a goal in 10 appearances for the club.
Under the terms of his loan move from Juventus, his move to the Hammers is due to become permanent once he has played 14 times for the club – a deal which will reportedly cost West Ham £14million.
And according to reports in Italy, Valencia are reportedly preparing to offer Simone Zaza a way out of West Ham in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to website Gazza Mercato – an affiliate of Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport – La Liga side Valencia are very keen on a January loan deal.
For that to happen Juve would have to agree to cancel Zaza’s loan agreement with West Ham.
However, by doing so they would potentially miss out on a lucrative sale of a player they have no plans to retain.
Valencia may therefore need to agree to the same terms West Ham settled for in the summer.
Another option is for West Ham to trigger the permanent move for Zaza and then offload him straight on to Valencia on loan.

AND THE REST

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Sporting Lisbon starlet Gelson Martins against Real Madrid on Tuesday (The Sun)
An unnamed club has offered Lionel Messi an incredible £85m signing-on fee to join them at the end of his Barcelona contract (The Sun)
Former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is set to go on trial at Serie B side Bari (The Sun)
Steven Gerrard is targeting a coaching role at Liverpool after turning down the chance to become manager of Sky Bet League One club Milton Keynes Dons (Daily Mirror)
Hugo Lloris has put his Tottenham contract talks on hold in order to focus on their crucial Champions League clash against Monaco (Daily Mirror)
Swansea could be facing a fight to keep hold of Modou Barrow, with Premier League rivals Leicester and Southampton weighing up moves for the winger (Daily Mirror)
Slaven Bilic is coming under increasing pressure following West Ham’s poor start to the season, with the club’s owners considering other managerial options (Daily Telegraph)
The Football Association are expected to appoint Gareth Southgate as England manager a week on Wednesday (Daily Mail)
Arsene Wenger plans to give Alexis Sanchez a winter break to ensure he is firing for the season finale (Daily Mail)
Arsenal and Liverpool scouts were taking a look at Port Vale youngster Nathan Smith in action against Charlton on Saturday (Daily Star)
Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their interest for Hull defender Josh Tymon (Daily Star)

Lucas Perez’s agent has dismissed speculation linking the forward with a move away from Arsenal (Daily Express)
Jon Flanagan hopes his loan spell at Burnley will develop into a first-team role at Liverpool next season (Daily Express)
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, 36, has rejected the chance to manage League One MK Dons – and wants a coaching role at Anfield (Daily Mirror)
Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, 55, faces the sack if his team loses to Swansea City on Saturday. Former England manager Sam Allardyce and Wales boss Chris Coleman could replace him (The Sun)
Leicester City have made a £15.5m offer for Genk’s 19-year-old Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (Het Laatste Nieuws)
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is concerned about Anthony Martial’s state of mind. The 20-year-old forward has scored one Premier League goal this season (Daily Telegraph)

Huddersfield Town will seek £8m for 26-year-old Nahki Wells in January after the forward turned down a new contract to stay at the Championship club (Daily Telegraph)
Brighton, Bristol City, Norwich, Wolves and Brentford are all interested in signing Watford striker Jerome Sinclair, 20, in January (Watford Observer)

Bale volley beats Ozil solo stunner to UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week, presented by Nissan!

The Real Madrid man's thumping strike trumped the Arsenal midfielder's stunning solo effort to claim the gong for Matchday Four

Gareth Bale’s fabulous volley for Real Madrid in their gripping 3-3 draw with Legia Warsaw has been named matchday four's UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week, presented by Nissan.
The Welshman spectacular strike from outside the area was the fastest goal in UEFA Champions League history, hammering home after Cristiano Ronaldo headed on a Fabio Coentrao cross in just 57 seconds during the six-goal thriller.
Guardiola: Man City can forget about title!
Bale trumped some fine competition for the gong on a matchday of outstanding goals, which included Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil’s astonishing 88th-minute winner in his side’s victory over Ludogorets.
Latching on to a through ball, the Germany midfielder flicked it over the goalkeeper and sent two defenders sprawling, before slotting home.
Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann also missed out after earning a nomination for his clipped volley past Rostov goalkeeper Soslan Dzhanaev in stoppage time earned Atleti a hard-fought 2-1 win in the Spanish capital.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier’s stunning hit with the outside of his boot against Basel and Vadis Odjidja’s powerful strike for Legia versus Madrid also missed out on the final prize.

Could Coutinho be Iniesta's successor at Barcelona?

The Brazilian midfielder has been impressing in the Premier League and is on the transfer radar at Camp Nou but could he really be prised away from Anfield next summer?

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SPECIAL REPORT

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It is the transfer story that everybody is talking about. Philippe Coutinho's fine form at Liverpool has alerted Barcelona and the Catalans are weighing up a summer move for the brilliant Brazilian. The Reds, however, have other ideas.
Klopp: We think Coutinho's future is here at Liverpool
Barca are on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta and potentially another forward as well, with Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer both underwhelming since joining from Valencia last summer.
Iniesta, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, is 33 in May and approaching the twilight of a glorious career. At some time in the not-too-distant future, he will need to be replaced.
Barca have yet to finalise their summer spending plans but Coutinho is a name that keeps popping up and, only last week, club legend Xavi talked up a move for the former Inter midfielder.
"Coutinho is a player I have always thought is special," Xavi told Goal, "but under [Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopp he has gone up another level. On form, there are not any better midfield players in Europe.
“There are not many players that can improve Barcelona but, if you are asking me if he is one of them, on this form, I think he is. Technically he is very good. He would suit Barcelona's philosophy well."

Asked about the possibility of signing Coutinho, Barca's sporting director, Robert Fernandez, said recently: "He is a great player with great conditions but we have a lot of playmakers. However, it is not easy to find players capable of playing for Barcelona."
Liverpool can match Coutinho ambition - Molby
The 24-year-old's tremendous technique, dribbling ability, superb skills and eye for goal mean that he is in that category - and he already has two of his closest friends at Camp Nou in Neymar and his former Liverpool team-mate, Luis Suarez.
It was widely reported that Neymar was bending Coutinho's ear over a possible transfer to Barcelona during the recent international break (in which the two starred together for Brazil in the 3-0 defeat of Argentina) and the former Santos star said: "Coutinho has always been a craque [great player] - ever since his childhood. I would love to have him by my side at Barcelona."
Coutinho already knows the Catalan capital well, having spent a season on loan at Espanyol during his time at Inter, while he would be linking up with two of his best buddies and Brazilians are also known to love playing in Spain due to the climate and - in Barcelona's case - because of the proximity to the beach.


It is also difficult for South American players to turn down Barcelona or Real Madrid, the two biggest clubs in the world, with former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson noting: "Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid to a certain degree, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are the clubs continually successful in Europe. You can't keep those top players if those clubs come in for them."
Coutinho is special and would improve Barcelona - Xavi
However, it is not as simple as that. Coutinho is playing the finest football of his career under Klopp and, for the first time since leaving Brazil in 2010, he appears to be truly settled with his wife and young daughter in Liverpool. In addition, his best performances have come on the left of a front three. And while he is able to operate as a No.10 or as a midfield playmaker as well, his influence is restricted if he plays further back - along with his goal threat.
Neymar plays on the left of Barca's front three, of course, and, when the two are available for Brazil, Coutinho is used on the right. At Camp Nou, however, that position is reserved for a certain Lionel Messi and in the centre of the Catalans' astonishing attack is Suarez, who is the world's best No.9.

So it may be difficult for Barca to convince Coutinho that a move to Catalunya is a wise choice at this stage of his career. At the age of 24, the Brazilian would be unlikely to accept a bit-part role, while he would not necessarily be an automatic choice in midfield either with Iniesta still at the peak of his powers.
Liverpool are also in a very strong bargaining position at the moment. Form is good on the pitch, while financially the club is in good shape. The Reds do not want to sell - and they do not need to either.
Costa is the Premier League's best striker
That means only an astronomical offer from Barca would have any chance of prising Phil away from Anfield. And would the Blaugrana be willing to break the bank - and probably exceed the €81 million that they paid for Suarez in 2014 - for a player who would not necessarily be first choice or who would be operating in a position that is not his best?
That is doubtful at this point in time and, in any case, Klopp is confident that Coutinho will stay at Anfield.
“My feeling and my opinion is that he feels really well here,” the German said earlier in November. "We all hope and think his future is here in Liverpool. Everyone forgets when you talk about Phil that he's still very young. You're saying now that he's the player Brazil always dreamed of but he's only 24 now, with a long way to go and lots of space for development.
"With the team-mates he has, he's getting better and better - and he's only just starting. The very, very good players, you want them to stay long term. It's all about us - the club is not the problem and the owners are not the problem - it's about creating a perspective that nobody wants to leave."

So far, so good. Coutinho has also praised Klopp for getting the best out of him, while Liverpool are flying high at the top end of the Premier League. So while the Brazilian would no doubt be tempted by a move to Camp Nou, it looks like Barca will be made to wait for the foreseeable future at least.

Yaya screwed by agent; Mourinho to blame?

We revel in Yaya Toure’s reintroduction at Manchester City but question his blind loyalty to his agent and ask if Jose Mourinho’s poor substitutions put Manchester United on the backfoot against Arsenal.

Welcome back Yaya  – but what a waste of three months it’s been

He wasn’t quite a man possessed, but not far from it: Yaya Toure made his first start for Manchester City since August – and he set himself out like a man with a point to prove.
It’s fair to say his obituary at the Etihad had long been written; farewell to a man who will go down as one of the Premier League’s top goalscoring midfielders – and one of the most powerful, athletic and combative to boot.
When Guardiola was appointed City manager it appeared Toure was doomed. Their past relationship at Barcelona, and the manner of his departure, meant a parting of ways seemed inevitable.
But this time around, Toure dug his heels in and refused to move. Older and wiser? Or perhaps befitting of a man who knew that by leaving the ‘glory years’ of City behind, the only way was down….?
But it seems the Yaya Toure story at Man City isn’t finished and his two-goal display against Crystal Palace on Saturday reminded us all, and Guardiola moreso, that here is a man who can still do a job.

Explaining his recall, Guardiola hinted that the player’s return wasn’t just a one-off.

“He’s a very special player.

“His performance was not about my decision, it’s about his quality. Yaya was, for the last two months, training really well. His physical condition is better than ever. I’m so happy for him and his family.

“He’s now a real part of the team and can help us achieve our targets. We need this kind of player.

“The Premier League, Champions League and cups are so demanding. John Stones didn’t play, so we need all the players to be fit to achieve our targets.”

So what had changed and why the recall?
Again Guardiola wasn’t mincing his words, laying the blame pretty firmly at his agent’s door…..

“It’s for many, many, many reasons. Now we have Yaya. We will have Yaya during the season. He’s ready and can play with us.

“You know the reason why (he had been left out).”

Yaya Toure’s agent trouble

So. The morale of the story – it’s simple really, kids – keep your friends close, but abandon your agent the second he starts stirring up ****.
Dimitri Seluk (Toure’s representative) has had a long-running feud with the City boss and it’s that row between the pair that, more than anything, has contributed to the player’s expulsion.
Seluk was stirring things up with Guardiola almost straight after his pre-appointment as City boss was announced on February 1.
I could write out a string of the exchanges between the duo, but a simple ‘Seluk Guardiola’ google search provides all you need to know….

Put it this way, it’s almost like being suspended from school as a kid, but not through your own actions, but more because your mother performed a dirty protest on the headteacher’s desk.
But while you can’t choose your family, you can choose your agents, and you do wonder if there’s a part of Toure that feels he should have ditched Seluk some time ago…?
For whatever reason (we’ll call it ‘blind loyalty’ for arguments sake) Toure stuck by his man. Maybe Guardiola has had the apology he’d been demanding from Seluk or whether Toure’s peacemaking simply did the trick, we don’t yet know.
But you do wonder how different life at Man City may have been for Yaya Toure this season had he ditched his man; or more to the point, whether the player might have spent longer at Barcelona than he did.

Either way, Barca’s loss back in 2010 has been very much City’s gain – and it seems his story isn’t quite yet told at the Etihad.
The player is out of contract next summer and able to discuss a free transfer abroad come January. Is it too much suggest that the 33-year-old could complete a complete U-turn and sign up for another year….? Either way, I can’t see Guardiola wanting to handle the negotiations if Seluk is around….

Mourinho left aggrieved – but did his substitutions hinder United?

Jose Mourinho was clearly a frustrated man after watching Manchester United let slip a 1-0 lead at home to Arsenal on Saturday. After claiming just one win against a top-half side this season – Southampton on the second weekend – he really needed a positive result to silence those doubters who suggest his better days are behind him.
“We’re the unluckiest team in the Premier League,” he bemoaned at full-time, and while he’ll have little sympathy outside Old Trafford, there is a small argument to say he’s right.
A tense first half saw United edge proceedings – but they stepped it up to another level after the break and eventually got the goal their dominance deserved – the ‘born again’ Juan Mata once again in the right place at the right time with another tidy finish.
Our article immediately after the game suggested that while Arsenal were lucky, they were displaying the mettle of champions.
And while the Gunners are showing a new-found resilience this season, you do wonder how much did impact Mourinho’s substitutions negatively affect the result of the game for United?
It all changed for the worse for United when Mourinho brought on Morgan Schneiderlin for Juan Mata. You could understand the reasons – Arsenal had moments earlier brought on Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – but the French midfielder’s introduction for Mata immediately stopped a United side who had been on the front foot into one who were happy protecting a 1-0 lead.
They invited trouble onto them – and ultimately paid the price.
In fact, I’d go as far to say that United had not looked like conceding until that decision.

It’d take a brave man to ask Mourinho if he’d got his substitutions wrong and if Schneiderlin’s introduction had swung the game in Arsenal’s favour (I certainly wouldn’t if I was a reporter), but you do wonder in hindsight if the Portuguese coach had got that one wrong?
It’s certainly not Schneiderlin’s fault, he’s a good player – albeit not quite to Manchester United’s standards some would argue – but when you throw in a player who’s seen just six minutes of Premier League football this season and ask them to perform a defensive role, you’re simply asking for trouble.

Which player disappointed the most in Man Utd’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal?

• Paul Pogba
• Anthony Martial
• Mesut Ozil
• Aaron Ramsey
• Alexis Sanchez

A problem shared is a problem halved for Sunderland

For those old enough, there is a memorable scene in 90s sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. The school’s basketball coach is giving a team talk in which his big plan for scoring the points that will win his team the game is revealed in all it’s creative tactical brilliance: “Give it to Will.”
Indeed, no matter the situation, the tactic is the same. It’s a farce with which Jermain Defoe can surely associate.
Defoe has been a brilliant signing for Sunderland. Even at 34-years-old, no Englishman has scored more Premier League goals in 2016 than his 18. Whatever Sunderland don’t have going for them, what they certainly do have is one of the best goalscorers in the whole of the Premier League.
That, though, rather than being a good thing, has almost created a strange sense of desperation. Defoe had become, not so much the focal point of the Sunderland attack, but the entirety of it.
Now, though, it seems that David Moyes has had a brilliant idea that hasn’t seemingly occurred to any other Sunderland manager since Defoe’s arrival. Maybe, just maybe, someone else can share that attacking burden with him. Step forward, the unlikely hero of Victor Anichebe.
Let’s be clear, Anichebe is only at Sunderland due to a failure to secure someone else in the transfer window. He has everything to prove and stigmas to shift. But, for now, somehow, inexplicably, he has sparked Sunderland into life.
And it hasn’t been so simple as just releasing Defoe by occupying defenders with his size and power. Actually, Anichebe has out-scored his partner in the two games (both wins) they have started together.
Whether he can keep it up, or keep fit long enough to keep it up, is the big question, and history suggests Sunderland may not want to start relying on the consistency and goalscoring prowess of Victor Anichebe.
Right now, though, Sunderland’s newly discovered front-two are absolutely flying.

The only unbeaten team  – yet how many would fancy Spurs?

There’d have been few people who’d have taken you up on saying Tottenham would be the last Premier League side to suffer a defeat this season, and even fewer who’d say they’d have a big fat zero next on their losses column come the last week in November.
Yet that’s exactly where we’re at and Mauricio Pochettino’s side deserve plenty of credit for their resilience this season – exemplified in perfect fashion on Saturday when they twice came from behind to defeat West Ham at White Hart Lane.
Ask people again who they think will win the title, and you’ll have very few tipping up Tottenham. (In fact, if you to survey 100 people on the street, I bet you’d have more tipping Manchester United than you would Pochettino’s side).
But while Spurs remain within touching distance of the top, I think it’s high time Pochettino and his side got more credit. We touched on this in this article, suggesting the Argentine was one of, if not the, best coach this country had to offer.
The reason why they don’t get praise? Well, a run of seven games without a win going into the West Ham came probably had something to do with it.

And yet in that time, while Spurs were playing badly, did they lose in the Premier League…?
Plenty will feel Spurs are big outsiders to win the Premier League title this season, but as long as their performances and results continue to go under the radar, it’ll probably help their prospects of mounting a challenge.
Their resolve will certainly be put to the test next weekend when they travel to face bogey side Chelsea – but if they escape from Stamford Bridge with their unbeaten run intact, maybe a few more will take notice of their achievements so far this season….

'A f****t with a lot of money!' - Ronaldo's reaction to Koke's alleged homophobic jibe

Spanish radio has revealed the Portuguese star went head-to-head verbally with Atletico midfielder Koke in what was a fiery Madrid derby

Cristiano Ronaldo hit back furiously over an alleged homophobic attack from Atletico Madrid's Koke during the Madrid derby on Saturday, according to reports in Spain.
Diego Costa leads Premier League Team of the Week
The two sides met in what was the final La Liga match to ever be played between the rivals at Atleti's Vicente Calderon, with Ronaldo's hat-trick handing Real a 3-0 win to keep them top of the table.
But, while Ronaldo stole the headlines because of his goals, attention was also on the Portuguese following an altercation with Atletico midfielder Koke, who is alleged to have questioned his opponent's sexuality.
When questioned by journalists after the game, Koke refused to comment, but Cope Radio later revealed the string of events explained by an unknown team-mate of Ronaldo.

The radio station explained that, when Koke and Ronaldo went head to head, the Atletico man labelled Ronaldo a "f****t" before the Real star hit back with "A f****t with a lot of money, s***head".
Ronaldo had not received a yellow card in his previous 12 meetings with Diego Simeone's men but was booked for his part in the incident.
The victory kept Zinedine Zidane's men top of the Spanish topflight having won nine and drawn three of their 12 fixtures, with a goal difference of +24.
Ronaldo leads his team-mates in terms of goals, with eight, and the forward believes that his form over the past year, for club and country, is enough for him to be awarded with the Ballon d'Or.
The 31-year-old hit 51 goals in 48 matches in all competitions for Real Madrid last season, including 16 in 12 Champions League appearances as Zinedine Zidane's side won the trophy for the second time in three years.
The forward also captained Portugal to their first major title at Euro 2016, scoring three times to help them reach the final, where a solitary strike from Eder secured a 1-0 win over France.

The winner will be announced on December 13.

‘Drunk’ Rooney claims denied by England boss Southgate

England boss Gareth Southgate has insisted Wayne Rooney missed England’s draw with Spain with a knee injury – despite newspaper claims to the contrary.
Southgate was forced to respond to questions over the Manchester United’s man fitness after The Sun newspaper alleged that the England captain appeared to have been drinking heavily during a night out over the weekend.
The 31-year-old started the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying win against Scotland on Friday, but a minor knee injury saw him withdraw from the squad to face Spain on Monday evening.
Rooney missed the 2-2 friendly draw at Wembley as a result, but he was still brought up in the post-match press conference.
The Sun alleged that Rooney dropped in on a wedding party over the weekend and the paper printed a photo appearing to show the Manchester United forward, sporting an England training top, looking the worse for wear. They described him as ‘paralytic’.
The Football Association could look into the incident but Southgate insists his absence from Tuesday’s match was down to a knock.
When asked if Rooney’s absence was in any way connected to what emerged from the hotel on Saturday night, Southgate said in his post-match press conference: “Wayne was injured. He picked up an injury on Friday, couldn’t train Sunday and that’s it.”
Manchester United have since insisted Rooney will be fit for Saturday lunchtime’s date with Arsenal, though it remains to be seen if the player will be considered for selection.
Rooney has endured a tough campaign, finding himself in the unusual situation of fighting for his place in the team.
The 31-year-old ended his goal drought in the recent Europa League clash at Fenerbahce and impressed as Manchester United headed into the international break with a 3-1 win at Swansea.
Rooney dropped to the bench in last month’s qualifier in Slovenia and returned to the starting line-up as Scotland were beaten 3-0 at Wembley.
Southgate revealed on the eve of the game that he was not intending to start the forward, regardless of fitness.
“I wouldn’t start Wayne in this game anyway, so we’ll decide which route to go,” the interim England boss said in the pre-match press conference.
“At times too much of that responsibility has laid with Wayne and we need to share that. There are leaders already and other potential leaders who I think can step forward.
“And once you have a team full of those players then we’ll have a lot of success.”

Pires draws comparisons between Ozil and Arsenal legend

Robert Pires thinks Mesut Ozil can be as good for Arsenal as legendary Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp.
Germany star Ozil has been in superb form for the Gunners so far this season, scoring seven times in 14 appearances in all competitions.
Ozil’s performances, coupled with Alexis Sanchez’s hot scoring form, has seen the Gunners begin the season in decent form.
Arsene Wenger’s side, who play Manchester United on Saturday, sit in fourth position in the Premier League and only two points off leaders Liverpool.
And Pires reckons if Ozil can keep up his current performances then there is no reason why he can’t have the same impact as Bergkamp at Arsenal.
“Something has clicked,” Pires told Arsenal’s official website.
“What’s happened in the head is like a click because he’s scored a lot of goals.
“This is a difference between the last season with Mesut Ozil and now because he’s thinking just for himself and sometimes when you are in front of the target it is very important to score a goal.
“Mesut Ozil has very good qualities, he can normally score a minimum of 12 goals during the Premier League so in my time the maestro was Dennis Bergkamp, and now it is Mesut Ozil.
“I love them both because they play very good football but they play for the team. Not for himself, they play for the team. This point is very important for the future and of course for Arsenal.”

Rodgers offers response to Steven Gerrard’s Celtic link

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he is ‘unsure’ where speculation over a potential move for Steven Gerrard has come from.
Rodgers remained unwilling to discuss future transfer activity but it is believed there is no substance behind Celtic being installed as favourites with bookmakers for Gerrard’s next club after his departure from Los Angeles Galaxy was confirmed on Tuesday.
Gerrard is still considering his next career move and the 36-year-old’s previous working relationship with Rodgers, and his apparent desire not to play against former club Liverpool, has led to speculation he could end up in Glasgow.
Former Anfield boss Rodgers said: “I never speculate or speak about players coming into the club. I never have done and don’t intend to start now – that will always remain private.
“The only thing I would say with regards to Steven, he has been an incredible player. I had him for a number of years at Liverpool and he was absolutely brilliant with me.
“As a young manager going into such a great club, having the captain and real senior player there, to be able to work closely together with him and learn about the club and work together on the field was fantastic.
“He decided to go to America and I’m sure he has had a good spell there. Steven will sit down now and come back and decide what he wants to do.
“In terms of the speculation, I’m not sure where it’s come from. But players coming into the club will always remain private.”


When pressed over whether there was anything concrete behind the bookmakers’ odds – Gerrard is evens with some firms to end up at Celtic Park – Rodgers refused to give anything away.
The Celtic boss, who has been reunited with Scott Sinclair, Dorus de Vries and Kolo Toure since arriving in Glasgow, said: “I wouldn’t tell you if there was anyway, but I suppose it’s that time of the year now, we are getting towards the January window and Stevie’s time is finished out there at Galaxy so I’m sure there is speculation over where he might go.
“And of course there’s a natural look at Celtic because of the size of the club, and it’s a club he admired, and also I have some of my former players here working with me. But we always keep our business behind closed doors.”

Forget Messi & Ronaldo – 10 alternative Ballon d’Or winners

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the obvious favourites to once again win this year’s Ballon d’Or – but here are 10 other players – based on annual ratings averages – who should challenge them.
With Christmas getting ever closer and the nights getting colder, the race for the Ballon d’Or is beginning to heat up.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the stand out favourites for the individual gong, but what if they weren’t in the equation for the award?
Here, Sportmasta's blog pick out an alternative top-10 to determine who might land the accolade were Messi and Ronaldo not nominated, looking at the best-rated players to make 20 or more league and European appearances this calendar year…
For context, Messi tops the list with a Sportmasta's blog rating of 8.36, while Ronaldo is – by his standards – a lowly fourth, with a 7.96.

Filipe Luis – Atletico Madrid (2016 Sportmasta'sblog Rating 7.67)

Chelsea fans were relatively unmoved when Filipe Luis departed Stamford Bridge for Atletico Madrid after a solitary season in west London having been routinely overlooked by then-manager Jose Mourinho.
However, his return to the Spanish capital coincided with an upturn in fortunes, with the left-back once again one of the most consistent in his position on the continent. He has made the second most tackles (116) in La Liga this year, reinforcing the belief that he is one of the best full-backs in Europe.

N’Golo Kante – Leicester/Chelsea (7.72)

One player who was cruelly overlooked when the 30-man shortlist was announced was N’Golo Kante, who played a starring role in Leicester’s title win. His excellent form for the Foxes earned him a big money move to Chelsea where – after a stuttering start – the Frenchman has since become a key man under Antonio Conte, particularly following the Italian’s switch to a three-man defence. Kante’s limitless energy in the middle of the park means he’s made more tackles and interceptions combined (247) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2016, with his omission one of the more bizarre.

Dimitri Payet – West Ham (7.73)

On the back of a stunning Euro 2016, Dimitri Payet was heavily linked with a move away from West Ham, with Real Madrid a potential destination for the 29-year-old.
The Hammers refused to sell, though, and for good reason. Payet has played more key passes (112) than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this year, to reinforce a statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of ‘key passes’.
In what’s been an excellent year for the West Ham man, he certainly deserves his place on the 30-man shortlist, with his rating (7.73) mirroring his fine club form.

Luis Suarez – Barcelona (7.79)

It’s without doubt that Luis Suarez is the most lethal frontman in Europe at present. The Uruguay international has scored 33 league goals in 2016, more than any other player in the top five divisions of European football this calendar year, and remains one of the outside bets to secure the Ballon d’Or.
As the focal point in Barcelona’s famous attacking trident, the 29-year-old is consistently excellent in front of goal with some feeling Suarez warrants the award after another prolific year for the Blaugrana.

Paulo Dybala – Juventus (7.81)

Paulo Dybala’s season has ground to a halt on the back of an injury sustained in Juventus’ 1-0 loss at AC Milan last month, but the Argentine has certainly been one of Europe’s most formidable frontmen in 2016.
The 23-year-old played a key role in the Old Lady’s Serie A title win and started the campaign in fine fettle before a thigh problem arose at the San Siro. While he’s unlikely to be in the final reckoning, if Dybala can continue his impressive development, it may not be long before the striker is one of the favourites for future Ballon d’Or awards.

Alexis Sanchez – Arsenal (7.82)

Alexis Sanchez has looked back to his best having been routinely deployed as the lone frontman for Arsenal this season and he was perhaps unfairly overlooked for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The Chilean is one of the more consistent performers in his position in Europe with his WhoScored.com rating (7.82) highlighting his good form in the final third.
The 27-year-old’s Arsenal future may be in doubt, but there is no denying his ability when it comes to netting and creating for teammates.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – PSG/Manchester United (7.86)

When it was confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would depart PSG over the summer, Manchester United was the logical destination and when it came to pass; supporters were hopeful he could transfer his fine goalscoring form from Ligue 1 to the Premier League.
He may have endured a barren spell in front of goal, but the 35-year-old still has six league goals to his name, contributing to his 29 this calendar year, a fine return for the experienced Swede.

Paul Pogba – Juventus/Manchester United (7.93)

 
Paul Pogba was the highest rated player in Serie A last season with a rating of 7.81 and while many believe he is yet to hit his stride upon his return to England, the Frenchman features in WhoScored.com’s Premier League team of the season.
His ability to carry possession forward is comfortably one of Pogba’s better assets, with an average of 2.9 successful dribbles per game one of the better returns of central midfielders to attempt 50 more dribbles this calendar year.

Gareth Bale – Real Madrid (7.96)

Interestingly, the player expected to take over Ronaldo’s mantle at Real Madrid also has a marginally better score here, with Gareth Bale’s WhoScored.com rating (7.96) the third best in 2016.
Ronaldo is revered for his aerial threat in the opposition box, but his exploits have been bettered by Bale, whose eight headed goals is a return bettered only by Michail Antonio (10) in Europe’s top five leagues this year.
Either way, Bale has enjoyed a fine 2016, with the Wales international tipped to continue his development in a bid to become the best in the world.

Neymar – Barcelona (8.20)

Only team-mate Messi (8.36) has gained a better WhoScored.com rating than Neymar (8.20) this year, with the Brazilian excelling for Barcelona under Luis Enrique.
No player has completed more dribbles (119) than the attacker this year, while only Franco Vazquez (149) has been fouled more times than Neymar (116).
Like Suarez, the 24-year-old is an outside bet for the Ballon d’Or award, but were Messi or Ronaldo not nominated for the award, then the Brazil star would undoubtedly be among the favourites to land the individual gong.

Top Five: Big-name players Liverpool could target in January

Jurgen Klopp is widely expected to strengthen Liverpool in the January transfer window. We take a look at five players the Reds could sign….

Inaki Williams – Athletic Bilbao

With questions over the future of Daniel Sturridge, Sadio Mane set to depart for the African Cup of Nations and Danny Ings facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Klopp is understood to be keen on bolstering Liverpool’s forward line, and Williams fits the bill perfectly.
The 22-year-old is capable of playing across the front line, and earned his first Spain cap earlier this year after catching the eye for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. Liverpool were linked with Williams in The Guardian last January, while reports in Spain last month suggested Klopp remains keen on the attacker.

Mahmoud Dahoud – Borussia Monchengladbach

Liverpool were understood to have attempted to sign Dahoud in the summer, only for Monchengladbach to remain firm in their stance they would not sell the midfielder after losing Granit Xhaka to Arsenal.
“All that has done is delay the 20-year-old’s departure, particularly as he has now entered the final the final two years of his contract,” Liverpool expert Tony Barrett wrote for JOE earlier in the season. “Given they have spent much of this summer in talks with his agent, Reza Fazeli, over a new contract for Emre Can, whom he also represents, Liverpool remain in the box seat to sign Dahoud in the future.”
And according to German outlet Die Express, the Merseysiders could make a £26million bid for the Germany Under-21 international in the winter transfer window.

Christian Pulisic – Borussia Dortmund

Another player Liverpool tried to sign in the summer, Pulisic remains on Klopp’s radar after continuing his impressive rise at Borussia Dortmund. The winger, who has the distinction of spending a year in non-league out Brackley Town’s academy, is the great hope of American football…well, American soccer, if we must.
Liverpool have been tipped to renew their interest in the 18-year-old, having failed with an £11million bid in August, especially amid concerns over Barcelona’s courting of Philippe Coutinho.

Sardar Azmoun – FC Rostov

Dubbed the ‘Iranian Lionel Messi’, Azmoun has caught the eye with his performances up front for Rostov after helping fire the Russian club to second place last season and notching against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this term.
The 21-year-old has been prolific at international level, scoring 16 times in 22 appearances. Everton, Stoke, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille have all been linked with Azmoun, while The Guardian reported earlier this month that Liverpool’s sporting director, Michael Edwards, is closely monitoring the forward.

Andrea Belotti – Torino

One of the form forwards in Europe in 2016, Belotti has bagged 22 goals for club and country in the calendar year.
The striker, who will turn 23 next month, will reportedly be the centre of a transfer tug-of-war between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Trio eye Italy starlet; Man Utd chase Napoli man

Manchester United are considering a move for a Serie A full-back, while a host of clubs are chasing a 17-year-old Inter Milan striker, and Barcelona are plotting a swoop for a Chelsea defender, according to Wednesday’s rumours.

Arsenal

Liverpool are believed to be tracking Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti. Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus and Villarreal are also believed to be in the race (Corriere Dello Sport)
Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is set to commit his future by signing a new long term deal at the Emirates (IBTimes)
Arsenal are reported to be in the hunt to sign Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep, who is also wanted by Watford and Liverpool (clubcall)
Arsene Wenger is weighing up a January swoop for Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes from Roma
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has entered the race for Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa, joining both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal (Daily Mirror)

AFC Bournemouth

England international Jack Wilshere could be sold to AC Milan at the end of the season after he completes his loan spell at Bournemouth (Corriere Dello Sport)
Chelsea could recall defender Nathan Ake, 21, from his loan spell at Bournemouth because of a lack of playing time (Daily Star)

Burnley 

Burnley striker Lukas Jutkiewicz is in demand following reports Derby County have also joined the race to sign him.

Chelsea

Barcelona are weighing up moves for three veteran defenders as they look to replace Aleix Vidal, including Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic (Mundo Deportivo)

Thiago Silva is desperate to sign a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain (Daily Mail)
John Terry is wanted by Andre Villas-Boas for a reunion in China
Chelsea are ready to sell out-of-favour Oscar – and that will put Inter Milan on red alert 
Chelsea are set to offer AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a huge salary increase to move to the Premier League (SportMediaset)
Manchester United and RB Leipzig are chasing Chelsea whiz-kid Reece James (The Sun)
Chelsea could recall defender Nathan Ake, 21, from his loan spell at Bournemouth because of a lack of playing time (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have been installed as 2/1 favourites to sign former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard
Crystal Palace have boosted their academy ranks with the signing of England under-17 starlet Nya Kirby.

Everton 

West Bromwich Albion are considering prematurely ending Brendan Galloway’s season-long loan at the club and has Leeds left-back, Charlie Taylor lined up as a replacement (The Telegraph)

Hull City

Hull are lining up a January move for Lazio midfielder Ravel Morrison. The 23-year-old has made just eight appearances since joining on a free transfer in the summer of 2015 (Daily Mail)

Leicester City

Leicester City star Jeffrey Schlupp is eager to join West Brom in the January transfer window (Express and Star)

Liverpool

Liverpool are believed to be tracking Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti. Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus and Villarreal are also believed to be in the race (Corriere Dello Sport)
Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt is the latest young German talent to be linked with a move to join Jurgen Klopp‘s Liverpool (Express)
West Ham will battle AC Milan and Liverpool for the signing of FC Copenhagen full-back Ludwig Augustinsson (Calciomercato)
Arsenal are reported to be in the hunt to sign Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep, who is also wanted by Watford and Liverpool (clubcall)
Arsene Wenger is weighing up a January swoop for Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes from Roma
Tottenham are considering a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, 27, in the January transfer window (Bleacher Report)
Simon Mignolet has admitted he’s not happy on the Liverpool bench but has ruled out a January exit
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has entered the race for Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa, joining both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City

Manchester City are ‘confident’ of signing Lionel Messi (MARCA)
Liverpool are believed to be tracking Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti. Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus and Villarreal are also believed to be in the race (Corriere Dello Sport)
Manchester City outcast Yaya Toure has been urged to leave the club and consider joining French side Marseille by his brother and ex-Blues defender Kolo 
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has entered the race for Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa, joining both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United

Manchester United are said to be considering making a €30m bid for Napoli right back Elseid Hysaj (Il Mattino)
Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is set to commit his future by signing a new long term deal at the Emirates (IBTimes)
Manchester United are in talks to sign 19-year-old Corinthians defender Guilherme Arana (Daily Star)
Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has snubbed a move to Manchester United 
Raphael Varane hopes to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of his career, halting talk of a reunion with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United
Manchester United and RB Leipzig are chasing Chelsea whiz-kid Reece James (The Sun)
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has entered the race for Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa, joining both Manchester clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough 

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has been linked with a move for Middlesbrough and former Blackburn Rovers forward, Jordan Rhodes (Daily Star)

Southampton

Southampton are lining up Waasland-Beveren full back Laurent Jans as Cuco Martina’s replacement in January (Mirror)

Stoke City

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has denied speculation that the club have made an offer for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, but refused to rule out a future move

Sunderland

Frustrated Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa is willing to leave this January in search of football with Sunderland and Swansea possible destinations (The Sun)

Swansea City

Frustrated Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa is willing to leave this January in search of football with Sunderland and Swansea possible destinations (The Sun)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham are considering a move for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, 27, in the January transfer window (Bleacher Report)
Jan Vertonghen will be the next player to sign a new contract at Tottenham – but will not be in the £100,000-a-week club (Daily Mirror)

Watford

Arsenal are reported to be in the hunt to sign Rennes winger Paul-Georges Ntep, who is also wanted by Watford and Liverpool (clubcall)

West Brom

Leicester City star Jeffrey Schlupp is eager to join West Brom in the January transfer window (Express and Star)
West Bromwich Albion are considering prematurely ending Brendan Galloway’s season-long loan at the club and has Leeds left-back, Charlie Taylor lined up as a replacement (The Telegraph)

West Ham 

West Ham will battle AC Milan and Liverpool for the signing of FC Copenhagen full-back Ludwig Augustinsson (Calciomercato)

'Alexis Sanchez among best in the world'

The Arsenal forward scored twice for Chile as they beat Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier, and his national team boss believes he is one of the very best

Juan Antonio Pizzi lauded two-goal hero Alexis Sanchez as one of the best players in the world, though the Chile head coach preferred to focus on the collective effort of his squad after they rallied to beat Uruguay.
Alexis returned to the starting line-up and scored a second-half brace as Chile came from behind to upstage Uruguay 3-1 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
The Arsenal star had missed last week's draw in Colombia due to a muscle problem but overcame that injury to inspire the South American champions to victory in Santiago, taking his international tally to 36 goals - just one shy of Marcelo Salas' all-time record.
"Individuals speak for themselves," Pizzi told reporters post-match. "Alexis is among the best players in the world.
"[But] I am more in favour of emphasising the strengths of the group. And it is what allowed us to turn the game."
Chile were forced to do it the hard way at home to second-placed Uruguay.
The Chileans fell behind to a 17th-minute Edinson Cavani goal, but Eduardo Vargas headed in an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.
And Chile never looked back as Alexis scored two goals in the space of 16 minutes, while Claudio Bravo saved Luis Suarez's late penalty to help Pizzi's men leapfrog Colombia into fourth position after 12 rounds.
Pizzi continued: "We value individuality, but I think today the great merit of reversing the outcome is based solely on the collective. Everyone understands how to solve things by doing it together. Sometimes a few stand out as Claudio, Eduardo, Alexis...
"From the second half we were the better team. We found our way, even though I feel it was a close game.
"The team know to build on their strengths. We have the personality and experience to keep calm. We know that with the players we can create options. And that was what happened."
Chile are now a point clear of fifth-placed Argentina, and three adrift of Uruguay.

Arturo Vidal - under an injury cloud heading into the match and withdrawn early in the second half having picked up a yellow card which rules him out of Chile's next qualifier against Argentina in 2017 - added: "Next year we hope to be first. We will fight every game as we always do."