Sport News

Riyad Mahrez, left, may have let slip that Fernandinho is leaving Manchester City next summer after an awkward moment filming a programme with Sky Sports. The Algerian midfielder was invited alongside team-mate Benjamin Mendy, right, for a web show on the broadcaster's YouTube channel, where the players were challenged to a present wrapping competition ahead of Christmas Day. The show starts with the pair going head to head to answer questions about Manchester City, but Mahrez was left red-faced when he was quick to answer a question about which player was set to leave the club.

NEW Antonio Valencia spent a portion of his Christmas Eve visiting his former team-mates at Manchester United training. The Ecuadorian spent 10 years at Old Trafford between 2009 and 2019 before leaving in the summer after his contract was allowed to expire. And he looked in good spirits as he returned to the club's Carirngton training complex.

Manchester United fans face a long winter of discontent after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (left) admitted for the first time that his Old Trafford rebuild has fallen behind schedule. Solskjaer wants his side (main) to emulate Jurgen Klopp's world champions by developing more ways to beat opponents. But having consistently said United are on a journey to better days, the manager conceded: 'At the moment we're a little bit further behind than what I was hoping for.' He added: 'We knew this season was going to be a season of some ups and downs.' 

Juventus have reportedly made a breakthrough in negotiations with Manchester United to bring midfielder Paul Pogba back to the club in the January transfer window. According to Tuttosport, an offer of 60million euros (£52million) plus Emre Can could be enough for United to 'deal immediately'. The Italian publication adds that Pogba is fed up at Old Trafford and would be delighted to return to the Serie A club for a second spell.

Philippe Coutinho (left) and Gareth Bale (right) have both seen their transfer values plummet drastically during a torrid year for the pair.  Coutinho, now on loan at Bayern Munich after struggling since his huge-money move to Barcelona from Liverpool, has seen his value slashed by a massive £60million according to Transfermarkt. The Brazilian midfielder has rediscovered his form since moving to the Bundesliga giants on loan, scoring seven times and producing as many assists in 22 games.

England's preparations for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa were thrown into turmoil here today when Ben Stokes father Ged suffered a serious illness. Ged Stokes had travelled to South Africa with his wife and other members of their family from his home in New Zealand to spend Christmas with Ben, his wife and their children and to watch the first of four tests here at SuperSport Park. But those plans were thrown into disarray when Stokes senior was taken ill during last night and was immediately rushed to a hospital near England's base in Sandton near Johannesburg.

Former Manchester United record signing Veron oversaw the capture of Mascherano in November and has now launched an attempt to entice Iniesta from the J1 League club, who he joined after making an emotional departure from Barca at the end of the 2017-18 season.

Alan Pardew is back in the dugout with Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag, signing a deal until the end of the season and taking Chris Powell as his assistant. The former Newcastle and Crystal Palace manager takes the reigns at the Dutch outfit with the club struggling in 17th in the league, and will look to raise the spirits after the team were thumped 6-1 by Ajax at the weekend. Pardew was watching from the stands for that game, and the club have confirmed the 58-year-old, hailing his 'experience in dealing with difficult situations'.   

Chelsea first-team players were photographed celebrating Christmas in their Cobham training ground ahead of their busy Christmas schedule. The squad exchanged secret Santa gifts as they combine their preparations for their Boxing Day clash at home to Southampton with some festive celebrations. N'Golo Kanté was given a Pikachu hat, Antonio Rudiger's present was a small toy car while Ruben Loftus-Cheek was given a pair of boxing gloves.

Manchester United target Erling Braut Haaland has reportedly chosen his next move. With the January transfer window fast approaching, speculation is growing over the in-demand Red Bull Salzburg striker's future. And, according to reports in Italy, it is a move to Juventus that the 19-year-old has set his heart on.

It's not much fun watching Manchester United at the moment, just ask Red Devils legend Eric Cantona. The enigmatic Frenchman, 53, is famous for his philosophical quotes and colourful outbursts. And Cantona delivered an amusing quip to describe the current malaise surrounding Ole Gunner Solskjaer's side.

The 27-year-old Paris St Germain striker, who is believed to be on his way back to Barcelona and is regularly named as one of the wealthiest and most marketable athletes in the world, was in Sao Paulo to celebrate the birthday of surfer pal Gabriel Medina at a psychedelic-themed party.

David de Gea enjoyed a Christmas meal out with his family and girlfriend Edurne as the Manchester United keeper prepares for a hectic run of festive fixtures in the Premier League.  The Spaniard was at fault for the opening goal, allowing Ismaila Sarr's shot through his gloves, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss at Watford on Sunday.   However, de Gea and his team-mates, eighth in the Premier League, will host Newcastle on Boxing Day before visiting Burnley two days later and de Gea looked in good spirits as he ventured out for the dinner. 

The arrival of the festive period means only one thing in American Football: the NFL play-offs are just around the corner. After 16 weeks of regular-season action, 32 teams will be whittled down to just 12 this week before they then battle it out for a place at the Super Bowl in Miami on February 2. So, with just one round of matches left to play, Sportsmail looks at who has already booked a place in the play-off picture and the crazy race to tie down those final few places.