Paper Talk: Maguire likely to sign new contract
Right, let's kick things off this morning with a quick roundup of some of the biggest stories making today's back pages with Harry Maguire reportedly looks increasingly likely to sign a new contract at Manchester United and extend his Old Trafford career beyond this summer.
De Zerbi leaves Marseille by mutual consent
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi has left his role by mutual consent with immediate effect, the Ligue 1 side said on Wednesday.
De Zerbi's departure comes after the team's 5-0 thrashing by rivals Paris St Germain in the league on Sunday and their exit from the Champions League last month.
"Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement," Marseille said in a statement.
"Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club's management - the owner, president, director of football, and coach - it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.
"This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."
De Zerbi, who joined Marseille in 2024 following his successful stint with Brighton and Hove Albion, guided the side to second in the league last season behind PSG. They sit fourth in the standings this season after 21 games.
O'Neill: A season-defining period for Celtic
Martin O'Neill looks ahead to a season-defining period for Celtic amid key Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Europa League fixtures.
Is there any chance of Kane leaving Bayern?
Sky Germany's Kerry Hau speaking on Your Site News:
"There are clubs always mentioned in the Premier League. Kane has a fantastic history in England and it's his home - there is always a possibility for him to get back. But Bayern right now is one of the best teams in the world, he appreciates playing with English-speaking players here such as Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala so he is happy in the squad.
"Right now, there are no Bayern concerns. There are always Saudi Arabia rumours but I don't think Kane - at 32-years-old - will go there. Bayern have been honest with him, have an open relationship, talk very lose with each other, but they know what they have in Kane.
"If we look at all the prices for some average players, Kane is one of the best players in the world. It would be a huge amount. There are talks of his release clause going up from 60m to 70m - but right now I think he's worth 100m. I don't see that scenario coming. He's so happy in Munich, the bosses are very calm about the situation. Maybe in the summer, there will be more talks but I'm very convinced. I don't do bets - but I would bet on Kane doing a contract extension."
What is the latest on Kane's contract?
Sky Germany's Kerry Hau speaking on Your Site News:
"There are talks between Bayern Munich and Harry Kane over a new contract. Both appreciate each other.
"Bayern are totally relaxed and calm about the situation because the player has always mentioned how happy he is in Munich from a sporting point of view. He has 38 goals in 33 matches this season.
"He is also happy with his family in Munich, he enjoys life here, so everybody is convinced at Bayern Munich that he will renew his contract. I don't expect a quick decision, probably one within the next months and potentially after the season ends. Bayern are calm, they know how important he is, but also know how happy he is at Bayern."
Slot: It won't be acceptable if we don't secure CL football
Arne Slot admitted this season would not be 'acceptable' if Liverpool failed to qualify for Champions League football.
Academy winger Sagoe Jr moves to Sweden on loan
Arsenal academy winger Charles Sagoe Jr has joined Swedish side Kalmar FF on loan until January 2027.
The 21-year-old has made one senior appearance for the Gunners - against Brentford in the Carabao Cup in September 2023 - and has also spent last season on loan at Swansea and Shrewsbury Town.
Sagoe Jr will now spend the whole of 2026 with the newly-promoted Swedish top-flight side.
Stream England vs West Indies for FREE on the Your Site App
Everyone can stream England vs West Indies at the ICC T20 World Cup live for FREE on the Your Site App.
England's second game of the tournament takes place in Mumbai on Wednesday February 11 (coverage starts at 1pm) - and Your Site is gifting a live stream of the game to everyone who downloads the Your Site App.
Watch every moment live as captain Harry Brook seeks victory with coach Brendon McCullum under pressure following England's Ashes disappointment this winter.
Download the Your Site App on:
Emery wants Sancho to stay - if he keeps improving
Unai Emery is interested in keeping Jadon Sancho at Aston Villa beyond his current loan spell if he continues to improve.
The 25-year-old joined Villa on a temporary deal in the summer transfer window and his contract at Manchester United is set to expire at the end of the current season.
Sancho has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Villa, scoring one goal and adding one assist.
Both his goal against RB Salzburg in the Europa League and his assist for Morgan Rogers against Bournemouth have arrived in the last three weeks.
Asked if Villa would consider signing Sancho in the summer, Emery said: Not yet. But he is a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by increasing his qualities in our structure, like he is doing.
"He will need another contract, and maybe it could be here. If he plays his best football, we will want him. But also other teams could be involved in the interest for him.
"This is football and each matches are all important for every player and the clubs future, how we can achieve our objective.
"The first part of the season was not enough - he was working and trying, but not achieving the performance we needed.
"Now he is getting better. He is getting the challenge for him and us. I spoke with him a few times about the challenge we have with him and that he has with us.
"He must be demanding himself and consistent like he is now. But [we want] more and more. It is not the time to wait. We need everyone with their wishes and qualities."
Mateta does not require surgery, says Glasner
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner says striker Jean-Philippe Mateta does not require surgery on his knee.
The Frenchman's move to AC Milan fell through on Deadline Day because the club doctors believed he needed to have an operation.
However, there was a difference of opinion from several specialists that Mateta has seen since the transfer window closed, according to Glasner.
"He doesn't need surgery," said the Palace boss, confirming it was Mateta that took the final decision.
"The injury is not as bad as feared. That is the opinion from several doctors and specialists that we can deal with the knee in a better way than with surgery.
"He will miss a certain [amount of] time. I can't say two weeks, three weeks, four weeks, but he doesn't need surgery. That's very positive. Hopefully, he is back soon."
Glasner said Mateta was disappointed his move to Milan collapsed at the last minute but expects the striker to benefit from having clarity over his future.
"It is clear now that he will be a Palace player until at least the summer," said Glasner.
"He wants to be back as soon as possible and contribute to achieve our goals. That is his mindset and it's the best he can do."
