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• Aston Villa ‘making a move’ for £59m Man City forward after Tottenham ‘enquiries’

  Aston Villa are challenging Tottenham for the signature of Manchester City’s £59 million forward Omar Marmoush, though City remain hesitant to sell to a Premier League rival mid-season. Aston Villa have reportedly launched a move to sign Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush as the January transfer window intensifies. The 26-year-old Egypt international, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59 million a year ago, has struggled for consistent game time under Pep Guardiola. Despite scoring nine goals in 40 appearances, he has managed only two Premier League starts this season, prompting Villa to view him as a key target to bolster their frontline. The pursuit faces significant hurdles, as Tottenham Hotspur have also made “enquiries” regarding the versatile attacker. However, Manchester City are currently resistant to a mid-season sale. Transfer insider Dean Jones noted that City’s reluctance is heightened because Villa are viewed as a direct competitive threat this season. Jones stated: “I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.” While City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to resist a departure to maintain squad rotation depth, the potential arrival of Antoine Semenyo at the Etihad could change the landscape. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has encouraged Marmoush to remain in England to continue his development, asserting that “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League.” For now, the forward remains focused on the African Cup of Nations while his club future is debated.

• Man United’s ideal January window: 8 targets and 4 outings

  Ruben Amorim is planning a major Manchester United rebuild this January, targeting eight new signings—including Adam Wharton and Angelo Stiller—while offloading four fringe players to reshape the squad.

  Manchester United are poised for a significant squad transformation this January as Ruben Amorim looks to refine his roster for a top-four push.

  The club has reportedly identified eight primary targets to bolster key areas, specifically focusing on midfield control and wing-back depth.

  While the Red Devils have shown improved form toward the end of 2025, the mid-season window is viewed as a critical opportunity to fully implement Amorim’s tactical vision.

  Midfield remains the priority, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton identified as the ideal “metronome” for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

  However, securing the England international could prove costly, with Palace likely demanding over £70 million.

  Other potential arrivals include Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller, who has a £34 million release clause, and former academy graduate James Garner.

  United are also reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher to add much-needed intensity to the center of the pitch.

  On the defensive flank, United are scouting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown to solve persistent issues at left wing-back.

  While Brown’s £50 million price tag is considered a risk, his pace is viewed as a perfect fit for the current system.

  Conversely, the club has missed out on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is nearing a move to rivals Manchester City.

  This proactive scouting reflects a shift toward players with high football intelligence and superior ball progression.

  The overhaul also includes four high-profile departures as the club looks to trim the squad.

  Joshua Zirkzee is linked with a loan move to AS Roma, while Tyrell Malacia could leave for as little as £3 million to revive his career.

  Most notably, academy star Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly seeking a loan move to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though United may wait to secure a replacement first.

• Eric Garcia: “Give the ball to Pedri, and he fixes everything”

  Eric Garcia lauded midfielder Pedri’s crucial influence after the 2-0 victory over Osasuna, stating that “When things get complicated in midfield, give the ball to Pedri, and he fixes everything.”

  Barcelona defender Eric Garcia reserved high praise for midfielder Pedri following the club’s crucial 2-0 La Liga victory over Osasuna.

  Garcia, who played in midfield and defence during the match, highlighted Pedri’s ability to handle pressure and control play, especially when facing compact, counter-attacking teams.

  Raphinha’s late brace secured the win, extending Barça’s league lead to seven points.

  Garcia reflected on the difficulty of the match, noting Osasuna employed a defensive structure similar to Eintracht Frankfurt.

  He acknowledged that the team “lacked a bit of tempo” in the first half but emphasized the value of the three points.

  He noted the win provided “a calm Sunday” by increasing the gap over rivals like Real Madrid and Villarreal.

  The defender, recently renewed at the club, concluded his post-match comments by lauding Pedri’s influence on the squad, stating:

  “When things get complicated in midfield, give the ball to Pedri, and he fixes everything.” Garcia also praised the squad’s versatility, which ensures strong competition and keeps “nobody switch[ing] off.”

• Lamine Yamal’s historic UCL feat marred by frustration, suspension

  Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal made Champions League history by recording the most goal involvements for a player aged 18 or younger, but his night ended in frustration after receiving a yellow card that earned him a suspension and being substituted late in the 2-1 victory.

  Barcelona defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the Champions League, largely thanks to Lamine Yamal, who created another piece of history.

  His assist for Jules Kounde’s second goal gave the 18-year-old the most goal involvements (seven goals, seven assists) by a player aged 18 or younger in Champions League history, surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s record of 13.

  Despite his historic achievement, the night ended in frustration for Yamal.

  A yellow card in the 56th minute means the wonderkid will be suspended for Barcelona’s next Champions League match.

  When substituted in the 89th minute, Yamal showed visible disappointment, prompting coach Hansi Flick to state: “He was a little disappointed, but he had a yellow card and we needed fresh legs… I understand him. Everyone wants to play.”

• Kounde 8, inspires Barcelona comeback against Eintracht Frankfurt

  ​FC Barcelona secured a vital 2-1 win in the Champions League, largely thanks to an unexpected source of goals: defender Jules Kounde.

  Eintracht Frankfurt shocked the home crowd by netting the opener early in the match via Ansgar Knauff.

  However, the introduction of substitute Marcus Rashford after the interval completely changed the dynamic.

  Rashford provided the cross for Kounde’s immediate equaliser, and the French full-back then found the net again, this time converting a delivery from Lamine Yamal to clinch a crucial victory and boost Barça’s hopes of automatic qualification.

  ​Barcelona Player Ratings 

  ​Joan Garcia (6/10)

  The shot-stopper was relatively untroubled for most of the contest and handled all attempts with assurance. He can hardly be blamed for the goal conceded, as the initial setup and finish were excellent.

  ​Jules Kounde (8/10)

  While the French international may not be at the peak of his abilities defensively, he was the star man up front. Kounde delivered a match-winning brace with two decisive headers, a feat that made him the first Barcelona player ever to score two headed goals in a Champions League fixture.

  ​Pau Cubarsi (6/10)

  The defender appeared much more comfortable playing alongside Gerard Martin. His performance was highlighted by a crucial, well-timed tackle that shut down an Eintracht attack in the second half.

  ​Gerard Martin (5/10)

  He attempted to block the final pass that led to Knauff’s opening goal but was unsuccessful. Martin did show attacking ambition earlier in the match, launching a powerful shot that sailed narrowly above the crossbar.

  ​Alejandro Balde (6/10)

  The full-back showed good effort in tracking back alongside Knauff as the Frankfurt player charged toward goal, but he ultimately could not prevent the opposition from scoring the first goal.

  ​Eric Garcia (6/10)

  He was perhaps too slow to pressure Nathaniel Brown in the sequence leading to the opponent’s first goal. Aside from that lapse, Garcia performed reliably, particularly improving his display during the second period.

  ​Pedri (7/10)

  Unquestionably the most elegant player on the pitch, Pedri’s vision and control were vital. His performance in the second half was instrumental in helping Barcelona establish dominance and dictate the flow of the match.

  ​Fermin Lopez (5/10)

  Making his return to the starting lineup, Lopez struggled to find his rhythm, looking somewhat detached from the rest of the team. His characteristic attacking threat was absent, making his half-time substitution unsurprising.

  ​Lamine Yamal (7/10)

  He had a quiet first half, during which he lost possession in the build-up to Frankfurt’s goal. However, Yamal grew into the game after the break, delivering the cross that Kounde headed in for the 2-1 lead. Unfortunately, a yellow card he picked up means he will miss Barcelona’s next Champions League match.

  ​Robert Lewandowski (5/10)

  The striker had an early goal disallowed for offside but was largely ineffective throughout his time on the pitch. He was substituted just after the hour mark for Ferran Torres.

  ​Raphinha (6/10)

  Restored to the starting XI, Raphinha failed to make a significant impact on the game and was among the players replaced early in the second half.

  ​Substitutes and Manager Assessment

  ​Marcus Rashford (7/10): A game-changing introduction at half-time, Rashford was a constant threat, providing the crucial assist for Kounde’s equaliser.

  ​Ferran Torres (6/10): His arrival injected much-needed dynamism and creativity into the attacking third.

  ​Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Brought on late to help solidify the team and maintain the lead, he also demonstrated willingness to drive forward.

  ​Andreas Christensen (N/A): A very late entry for Yamal.

  ​Roony Bardghji (N/A): Another brief cameo near the end.

  ​Hansi Flick (7/10): The manager’s initial tactical selections proved ineffective as the team struggled in the first 45 minutes. However, his decision to introduce Marcus Rashford at the half was inspired and directly led to the crucial comeback.