There are plenty of strong relationships in the Premier League, but only a select few can satisfy the definition of a bromance. England's top-flight has seen some memorable ones down the years - David Beckham and Gary Neville, Frank Lampard and John Terry, and Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso - to name just a few. But the Premier League now has a new collection of bromances, of which Tottenham's Eric Dier and Dele Alli have arguably become the most well known. Spurs' midfield double act may have gone from strength-to-strength on the pitch, but they've got some serious competition off it. Here, Sportsmail takes a look at the top five duos - and why they're so close.
You're OUT: Shaw and Smalling face Manchester United axe after bust-up with Mourinho
MIKE KEEGAN and SAMI MOKBEL: Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling are fighting for their Manchester United futures following Jose Mourinho's furious accusation that some of his players lack the toughness to play through pain. The England pair missed the club's 3-1 Premier League victory at Swansea City on Sunday after telling the United manager they were unable to play.
Ronaldo caps memorable day by collecting Di Stefano award just hours after signing £365,000-a-week deal at Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has won Marca's Alfredo di Stefano award for the best player in La Liga for the 2015-16 season and he collected the trophy on the day he penned a new five year, £365,000-a-week deal at Real Madrid. Ronaldo netted 35 goals and provided 11 assists for Madrid in the Spanish division last season as his side finished second to Barcelona. He also netted 16 times in the Champions League on the way to lifting the trophy for the third time in his career and the second with Madrid, before going on to help Portugal to glory at Euro 2016 in France in the summer.
More hated than Bayern? Leipzig continue meteoric rise to lead the Bundesliga alongside giants... here's why they wind fans up
On the fences surrounding RB Leipzig's training pitch, there are inspirational quotes from great sportsmen. Among them is one from Usain Bolt: 'Never set limits for yourself. Nothing is impossible.' It may seem corny, but the players seem to be taking those words to heart. Promoted to the top flight just last spring, RB have made a beeline for the very top of German football.
Curry sets new NBA record by hitting astonishing 13 three-pointers to lead Golden State Warriors to win over Pelicans
Stephen Curry set an NBA record with 13 3-pointers - one game after missing all his long-range attempts for the first time in two years . In doing so he helped the Golden State Warriors beat the winless New Orleans Pelicans 116-106 on Monday night. Curry finished with 46 points, three days after his league-record streak of 157 games with at least one 3 was snapped when he went 0 for 10 on 3-point tries in a 117-97 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Costa enjoys reunion with Simeone after admitting he wanted summer Atletico Madrid return
Currently leading the Premier League goal-scoring charts with nine strikes, Chelsea have probably long forgotten Diego Costa publicly stating his desire to quit the club. But the in-form striker gave them an uncomfortable reminder of just how close he keeps former club Atletico Madrid to his heart when he posted a picture of himself and Diego Simeone enjoying dinner in Madrid on Monday night. Costa is currently in Spain ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Macedonia and took advantage of the situation to catch up with his former mentor.
JESS VARNISH EXCLUSIVE: I stand by everything, they called me a liar but I told the truth. His comments ARE sexist
INTERVIEW BY MARTHA KELNER: Jess Varnish holds yapping sausage dog Hugo on her lap in the kitchen of her Cheshire home and discusses for the first time the decision to speak out about what has now been confirmed as sexism within British Cycling. Her whistleblowing seemingly freed others to reveal their own experiences, leading to the resignation of Shane Sutton as technical director and two investigations into both her specific allegations and the wider culture of the organisation.
Falcao from the flames: United and Chelsea fans would barely recognise flop now... he was a lost soul in England but is now firing again
JULIEN LAURENS: After two-and-a-half terrible years and disastrous loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea, Radamel Falcao is finally seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel. There is still some way to go but he is on the right path towards redemption.
Triumphant Pacquiao returns home with his world title... but he's done not enough yet to return to top of pound-for-pound rankings
JEFF POWELL IN LAS VEGAS: Two boxing websites of repute in America have restored Manny Pacquiao to No 1 in their pound-for-pound-greatest rankings following his dominant world welterweight title victory over Jessie Vargas. They also weighed into that calculation his impressive defeat of Tim Bradley in April, immediately before his brief retirement into politics. It is a reasonable verdict on the Pacman, although they expect him to be displaced from top spot by the winner of the November 19 world light-heavyweight title fight between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev.
Ronaldo recalls the day Ferguson changed his life forever during whirlwind move from Sporting to United
It's a much-told story - the impressive performance against United in pre-season for Sporting Lisbon which convinced Sir Alex Ferguson he could simply not leave town without him - but the process of moving to England was almost a blur for a then-18-year-old Ronaldo.
I won't let jeers stop me! Ford heads back to Twickenham ready to lead from the front
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY CHRIS FOY: Dinner has long since gone cold by the time George Ford has dealt with the endless questions and, finally, is able to eat, after a long drive up from Bath to Cheshire. There are no complaints. He remains courteous and engaging and light-hearted, at the end of a tiring day. This is no sporting diva. The 23-year-old wears his status lightly, almost reluctantly. His is the box-office role; conductor, general, ringmaster, but it has not changed the character of the country’s premier exponent of the art.
Tougher task than the Ashes: Series win in India would be Cook's No 1 feat as he admits: 'I don’t know how much longer I am going to carry on'
LAWRENCE BOOTH IN RAJKOT: The personalised mugs that have greeted England’s cricketers at their hotel in Rajkot may well be the last time they are made to feel welcome ahead of a series that will test their skill, nous, grit and spirit like never before.
Brazil hope to conquer demons from World Cup humiliation when they face arch rivals Argentina in Belo Horizonte... the scene of their 7-1 humbling by Germany
Playing at the stadium where they were humiliated 7-1 by Germany two years ago, Brazil can wipe away some of the lingering pain from that defeat with a convincing performance against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The match is being held at the Mineirao Stadium, where hosts Brazil were utterly crushed by Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup. 'Of course returning here still touches all of us, even those that didn't play,' Brazil manager Tite said. 'But we have to know how to work in all situations. Two years have passed and we are in a different moment.'
Aguero trains with Argentina team-mates ahead of showdown with Brazil in World Cup qualifier
Sergio Aguero was among the Premier League stars taking part in an Argentina training session on Monday as they prepared to tackle Brazil. The Manchester City striker was all smiles as he put his side's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough behind him and got ready for the World Cup qualifier.
Verratti and Immobile among those working hard on training pitch as Italy prepare to take on Liechtenstein and Germany
Italy's players have been pictured working hard in training ahead of two fixtures over the next week. Giampiero Ventura's side are unbeaten in their World Cup 2018 qualifying group after three matches. Victory over Liechtenstein on Saturday at the Rheinpark Stadium in Vaduz could put them top of the table in Group G if Spain fail to beat Macedonia.
Bridge set for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! with Olympic gold medal hockey star Quek
Wayne Bridge is set to follow in the footsteps of several former Premier League stars by heading down under to take part in ITV’s show ‘I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!’ Bridge retired from life on the pitch in 2014 whilst at Reading following spells at Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester City, alongside several other loan moves. The former England international, who accumulated 36 caps during his career, will be joined in the jungle by Great Britain’s Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek.
STARS OF SPORT
- Perfect day! Ronaldo wins award for La Liga's best player after signing bumper new deal The Real Madrid star picked up the trophy at Marca's awards
- 'I stand by everything' Jess Varnish was vilified for the Shane Sutton sexism claims to Sportsmail that rocked British Cycling, but she is not backing down
- All fun and games as Brazil look to bury 2014 ghosts Brazil hope to conquer demons from World Cup humiliation when they face Argentina
- I won't let the jeers stop me! EXCLUSIVE: England fly-half George Ford heads back to Twickenham ready to lead from the front
- Ozil shows off new style as Germany go for retro 1990-inspired kit Premier League stars Ozil and Gundogan led the way as they unveiled their new home shirt
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Ronaldo promises to play on until he's 41 after penning new five-year Real Madrid deal... worth £365,000-a-week! The 31-year-old said he still has '10 years left' at the top of the game
- Playing it cool: Strachan practices golf swing and jokes around during training The Scotland boss cut a relaxed figure as he prepared for England
- Sacre bleu! Payet dons latest loud outfit as France stars meet up West Ham star was spotted in a black and white tracksuit, while Kingsley Coman wore a sheepskin jacket
- Kane ready to put injury behind him as Tottenham striker says he's fit to go for England Harry Kane is raring to go again after joining up with the Three Lions
- 'This looks like a tight chicken a***!': Evra dons weird wig and pulls a series of pouts in bizarre video slamming selfie culture The increasingly eccentric Patrice Evra...
- Which world-famous star and his wife have paired lion and lioness finger tattoos? This footballer shared a romantic picture of he and his wife hand-in- hand
- Goodbye Gerrard? Cole apologises to 'true gent' after missing a penalty that could spell end to legend's career Their LA Galaxy side were beaten in shootout in the MLS play-offs
- Batshuayi shows off love for SpongeBob Squarepants (again) in bizarre tribute to singer Alicia Keys Chelsea striker is fast gaining reputation for his madcap behaviour
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And... freeze! Dortmund join NBA star Curry in taking on the 'Mannequin Challenge' craze sweeping the US
People are uploading videos where they appear frozen in time - Former England ace Bridge set to join Olympic hero Quek on for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Wayne Bridge and Sam Quek are heading for the celeb-filled jungle
- Remember me? Chelsea defender Luiz all smiles as he pays surprise visit to former PSG team-mates Marco Verratti looked happy to see his old pal for his birthday
- Van Persie suffers gruesome eye injury after scoring in win for high-flying Fenerbahce The former Manchester United striker's condition is said to be 'good'
- Pique watches Barcelona beat Real Madrid (at basketball) with his young son Defender Gerard Pique is known as Mr Barcelona so would have enjoyed the game
- Murray jets back to London with mum Judy after beating Isner to Paris Masters title The new world No 1 was made to work but came out on top in three sets
- Berahino appears to ridicule West Brom fitness programme Baggies outcast posts 'fat boy' selfie after being placed on special fitness regime
- Arsenal striker Giroud opens up about his childhood fear of 1980s television star Alf Giroud was scared of comedy character Alf when he was a youngster
- Which Chelsea star is on holiday reading Fergie's book? The star jetted off for a mid-season break in Dubai and took book with him
- PacMan back to his best in win over Vargas as rival Mayweather watches from ringside Paquiao turned the clock back to win the 11th title of his career
- Back with a bang! Aubameyang hits FOUR on return from club ban The striker delivered a four-goal apology for his midweek disciplinary suspension
- On top of the world! Andy Murray admits becoming world No 1 is the hardest thing he's done after reaching the very top... but becoming a dad is better
- Hart in mouth... but Joe gets away with it! England No 1 narrowly avoided personal embarrassment but enjoyed team success as his Torino won i 5-1
- The 20st Hulk with the hands of an angel... A childhood spent honing skill over brawn has made Mako Vunipola England's new front-row superstar
- On a roll! Falcao continues his scoring streak with two more goals for Monaco The Colombian striker now has five goals in last four games
- No pain, no gain! Boro keeper Valdes enjoys return to Manchester despite injury Valdes recieved a nasty gash to his thigh but played on
- Real beat Barca in battle of the Audis as Ronaldo goes for a spin Each of the Real Madrid stars received a free new car from the German car maker
- CASHBACK! Zlatan in happy mood despite recent goal drought Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was pictured looking in a playful mood.
- Pacquiao weighs in under 147lbs limit ahead of Vargas showdown Manny Pacquiao comfortably made weight at 2.2 lbs under the welterweight limit
- Dembele earns second cap for Scotland U16s Scotland's hopes of securing only their third outright Victory Shield triumph this century were blown away by Ireland
- Diego's my man: Conte backs Costa as he says he does not regret missing out on summer Lukaku deal Diego Costa and Antonio Conte are getting on well
- Meet Cristiano... but not as you know him! Louie Theophanous is the non-League hotshot and body double for Cristiano Ronaldo with an eye on the FA Cup
- Bit of frustration, Paul? Scholes slams United's players after Europa League defeat as team sheet scribble shows his anger at loss Paul Scholes: not happy
- Terry's new kit: Chelsea captain sports 'JT' branded dressing gown as he gets ready for winter months John Terry has been out of the Chelsea side
- Real Madrid and Bayern Munich bottle it: Clubs unveil new one-off kits made from recycled ocean plastic New adidas kits tweak clubs' classic styles
- The return of AVB: Villas-Boas appointed manager of Chinese club Shanghai SIPG £11m-a-year deal to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson in China
- Sharing the Chelsea Guus-ip? Former Blues boss Hiddink returns for chat with Conte MATT BARLOW: Guus Hiddink met with Antonio Conte for lunch
- Inter's dark arts enrage ex-Saints Pundits Francis Benali and Kevin Davies were left aghast following the actions of Inter Milan's Antonio Candreva
- I never want to see you again... Iniesta posts snap of knee brace Andres Iniesta appears to be making progress in his rehabilitation from knee ligament damage
- McGregor shows off razor sharp striking The Irishman is adding the final touches to his preparations ahead of UFC 205 and his title fight with Eddie Alvarez
- Wilshere jokes about staying injury free as Bournemouth midfielder enjoys paddle boarding Jack Wilshere is usually treading water when it comes to his fitness
- Aubameyang was suspended by Dortmund for 'breaking curfew after party in Milan' Pictures have emerged of the Dortmund striker enjoy himself in Italy
- Wiese makes winning WWE start Tim Wiese - known as The Machine in the WWE ring - got his life as a pro wrestler underway with an opening victory
- Watch golf stars Scott and Cabrera-Bello eat LIVE BUGS in stomach-churning video Why they were filmed munching on worms is anyone's guess
- Football Manager 2017 - best teams to start out with, and the hardest challenges on the game Everyone's favourite management game returns
- Spot 'Santa' Cazorla Arsenal have pulled on their festive sweaters for a good cause, to publicise Save the Children's annual Christmas jumper
- Joshua on how he breaks opponents Anthony Joshua says he tries to be like a sniper in the ring. 'Bang. Bang. Bang. Break them down, shot by shot,' he says
- Westwood wins first-ever Drone Golf Championship Some of the world's top golfers have been trying out a futuristic version of their sport: Drone golf
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Southport 0-0 Fleetwood Town: Non-league side earn replay in flare-delayed FA Cup draw lacking in spark
- Sevilla 1-2 Barcelona: Lionel Messi inspires comeback as Luis Suarez winner keeps Real Madrid in sight
- Leicester 1-2 West Brom: Matt Phillips sees the Baggies end a five-game winless run as the Foxes slip down to 14th
- Swansea 1-3 Manchester United: Zlatan Ibrahimovic breaks barren goalscoring spell with double after Paul Pogba silences doubters with superb opener
- Hull 2-1 Southampton: Michael Dawson and Robert Snodgrass clinch a first league victory since August
- Liverpool 6-1 Watford: Jurgen Klopp's men produce attacking masterclass at Anfield to sting Hornets and romp to the top of the Premier League
- Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham: Harry Kane scores from the spot on return from injury after Kevin Wimmer's own goal gifts Gunners lead in tight north London derby
- Chelsea 5-0 Everton: Eden Hazard nets double and Marcos Alonso, Diego Costa and Pedro also score to put Blues top of the Premier League
- Manchester City 1-1 Middlesbrough: Marten de Roon grabs a late equaliser to cancel out Sergio Aguero's landmark goal at the Etihad Stadium
- Burnley 3-2 Crystal Palace: Ashley Barnes scores last-gasp winner as hosts earn fourth league victory
- West Ham 1-1 Stoke: Bojan Krkic pounces on Adrian clanger to earn point for Mark Hughes' side
- Bournemouth 1-2 Sunderland: Last gasp Jermain Defoe penalty gives 10-man Black Cats a vital first Premier League win of the season
- Bayern Munich 1-1 Hoffenheim: Kerem Demirbay gives Carlo Ancelotti's men a scare before Steven Zuber's own goal brings the score level
- Napoli 1-1 Lazio: Keita Balde Diao cancels out Marek Hamsik strike to claim a point in Serie A clash
- Torino 5-1 Cagliari: Joe Hart narrowly avoids humiliating error before celebrating on Instagram as Torino thrash Cagliari in Serie A
- Hamburg 2-5 Borussia Dortmund: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hits FOUR on return from internal club ban
- Bristol City 0-2 Brighton: Steve Sidwell 45-yard stunner and Jamie Murphy strike strengthen bid for promotion
FOOTBALL NEWS
I've still got 10 YEARS left at the top, claims Ronaldo as he brings his mum along to sign new £365,000-a-week, five-year deal at Real
Cristiano Ronaldo signed his new five-year contract at Real Madrid on Monday and declared – I've got ten years left at the top. The 31-year-old has signed until 2021 but hinted in the presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu that he wanted to finish playing aged 41 declaring his latest deal his 'penultimate' contract and said 500 career goals for the club was not beyond him. Ronaldo remains the club's top earner with his extended deal although his £365,000-a-week wage is not set to change substantially. He is already the club's all time top scorer and if he sees out his new deal he will have spent 12 seasons at the Bernabeu – one season more than the club's all-time greatest Alfredo Di Stefano.
Non-league Southport earn replay but fear fine after flare-delayed draw in FA Cup
SOUTHPORT 0-0 FLEETWOOD TOWN - JACK GAUGHAN AT THE MERSEYRAIL COMMUNITY STADIUM: A drab draw threatened to descend into farce at Southport as mindless home supporters hurled lit flares at Fleetwood Town’s goalkeeper Chris Neal, missing his head by inches. With 10 minutes to go of this FA Cup first round clash, a number of objects were lobbed in the direction of Neal, with stewards wading in behind one goal. Defender Nathan Pond was almost struck as well. Referee Darren England stopped play for a number of minutes as smoke billowed from the Jack Carr Stand and had a decision to make as to whether to abandon the fixture.
Germany reveal new kit inspired by 1990 World Cup triumph as Ozil models design ahead of San Marino clash
Premier League stars Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan led the way as Germany unveiled their new home shirt, one inspired by their 1990 World Cup-winning side. Joachim Low's men will wear the new but still traditional white jersey for the first time when they face San Marino in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, November 11.
Freeze! Borussia Dortmund join NFL sides taking on the Mannequin Challenge craze that is sweeping across America
The Mannequin Challenge, where groups stay completely still to film an intricate scene, has become the latest social media craze to take over the internet. People are uploading videos using the hashtag #MannequinChallenge where they appear frozen in time as if someone has randomly hit the pause button. Now Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have had their go at the phenomenon, which kick-started in America at high schools, as the sporting world takes notice.
'If we bounce off each other, we can be in for a good time': Lambert relishing hauling Wolves up the table after being unveiled
Wolves' new manager Paul Lambert believes good times lie ahead for the Sky Bet Championship strugglers if he can harness the club's big fan base. The Midlands team sacked Walter Zenga last month and Lambert, 47, wants to quickly lift the mood at Molineux after a seven-match winless run which has seen them slip to within three points of the relegation zone.
Van Persie confirms his 'eye is undamaged so all good!' after gruesome injury in Fenerbahce win
Robin van Persie says he is 'all good!' and on the road to recovery after receiving a cut eye while playing for Fenerbahce on Sunday evening. The former Manchester United and Arsenal was carried off on a stretcher in the first half of their 3-1 win at Akhisar following an accidental clash with Abdulwahid Sissoko. Television pictures showed blood coming through a bandage on his left eye.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
South Africa set to lose Smit for tour as they start preparations for England's opener
Roelof Smit has become the latest casualty for South Africa after the flanker suffered a suspected torn bicep in training. He is likely to miss the rest of the tour with the Springboks. Head coach Allister Coetzee is already without Jesse Kriel who was ruled out of three matches after injuring his leg in the 31-31 draw against the Barbarians. Coetzee's side were preparing to take on England this Saturday with a training session at The Upper Latymer school playing fields.
Rabada takes five wickets as South Africa storm to 177-run victory over Australia
South Africa capped a remarkable turnaround in the first Test against Australia. The visitors claimed victory on the final day with the help of a five-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada. South Africa are now 1-0 up in the three match series and coped well with the absence of Dale Steyn as their 21-year-old pace bowler performed impressively.
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Boswell fluffs 'rabona' in embarrassing fashion to hand Baltimore Ravens victory in NFL
The Steelers kicker was tasked with getting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger the ball back after the signal-caller had got his side within a score as he ran in for a four-yard score.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Conte's golden move: Chelsea boss made switch to 3-4-3 when they were 3-0 down at Arsenal... since then, they have scored 16 goals without reply to blast into title battle
OLIVER TODD: Nobody has found a way to stop Chelsea since Antonio Conte's tactical switch to a 3-4-3 formation. In five games the Blues have scored 16 goals and conceded none. Conte's new-look Chelsea have steamrollered every opponent comfortably in the Premier League so far. Here, Sportsmail looks at just how he has got it to work.