Matthijs de Ligt is hoping Bayern Munich land their goalkeeper target as they chase Yann Sommer to plug the gap left by injured captain Manuel Neuer.

Defender De Ligt said it "would be nice" to have a new number one in place as 10-in-a-row German champions Bayern prepare for a fresh trophy push in the second half of the season.

Neuer's broken leg, which he suffered during a skiing accident, has thrown a curveball Bayern's way, with the club unexpectedly having to consider the goalkeeping position.

Swiss shot-stopper Sommer, 34, is out of contract at the end of June. He has keen admirers at Bayern, but Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus indicated his club were not willing to negotiate a sale.

Bayern head coach Julian Nagelsmann hinted that was perhaps posturing on Gladbach's behalf, and three weeks remain in the transfer window to get a deal done.

Asked about the Sommer situation, De Ligt said on Tuesday: "It's difficult for me to say. Manuel is now out for half a year, and of course that's not good for the club.

"But it's not my job to say which goalkeeper we should buy. It would be nice to have a new goalkeeper on the pitch, but I can't influence that."

Bayern have Neuer's understudy Sven Ulreich as an option, but they look certain to bring in a goalkeeper before the window closes, whether that is Sommer or not.

Away with Bayern this week at a Doha training camp, De Ligt is delighted Bayern have brought in his Netherlands team-mate Daley Blind, following the defender's release by Ajax.

Blind arrived on a free transfer last week, in a surprise move that De Ligt is convinced can prove a shrewd piece of business for the Bundesliga leaders.

The 32-year-old Blind played at the World Cup for his country, and De Ligt said: "He's a very good player. With his experience, he can have very good games for us and help us."

Rio Ferdinand has advised Harry Maguire to leave Manchester United due to a perceived lack of respect shown to him by Erik ten Hag since returning from the World Cup.

The England international has just six starts across all competitions this season, including just one in five matches since returning to action after the World Cup.

Ten Hag has instead opted to utilise left-back Luke Shaw out of position in the heart of defence, amid speculation Maguire is attracting transfer interest from Aston Villa.

Ferdinand believes an exit should be the priority for Maguire in the mid-season window as he expects the limited opportunities to continue.

"If you're [Maguire], you have to leave now. Luke Shaw’s playing centre-back instead of him," Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel, Vibe With Five.

"That's like me going back after the World Cup, playing well, everyone saying he's done really well, and Patrice Evra is playing centre-back.

"I'd want to strangle Patrice! I would've smashed Patrice in training to make sure he's not available, and I'd be going to the manager and saying, 'are you taking the p*** out of me, boss?'.

"I'd have walked straight into the manager's office and said, 'you're disrespecting me'. Harry Maguire's got to move.

"I think he stays because of the games, and they can’t get someone else in. He plays in the cup games."

United host Charlton Athletic in the EFL Cup on Tuesday ahead of a huge clash against arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a new club-record signing in the form of Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.

Rutter, 20, played his junior football in France with Rennes before joining Hoffenheim as an 18-year-old in 2021.

After emerging as an impressive prospect this past season with 20 substitute appearances among his 33 total Bundesliga outings, he has now broken into the best XI, making 11 starts while taking part in all 15 league fixtures to this point.

The six-foot tall striker only has two goals and two assists to show for this campaign, but boasts an impressive highlight reel of intricate dribbling and playmaking in the final third, and has done enough to catch the eye.

TOP STORY – LEEDS LOOK TO HOFFENHEIM FOR POTENTIAL RECORD SIGNING

According to Sky Sports Germany, Rutter will cost in the range of €40million to pry away from Hoffenheim, while his contract ties him to the German side until 2026.

That figure is well clear of the €30.6m Leeds paid for Valencia forward Rodrigo in 2020, potentially shattering their club-record signing.

The report states a potential deal is close, and Rutter is expected to have a medical at Elland Road in the next 48 hours.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea have identified 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram and 20-year-old PSV forward Noni Madueke as two key targets, per the Times.

– The Times is also reporting West Ham have renewed their interest in 25-year-old Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, and will look to add him on loan for the rest of the season.

– According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are getting closer to securing 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk for a fee believed to be around €100m.

– Tottenham will have to meet Pedro Porro's £36.7m release clause to secure the right-back this month, with The Guardian claiming Sporting are under no pressure to sell.

– Foot Mercato is reporting Wolves are interested in bringing in Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan until the end of the season.

Dani Olmo says he is not thinking about leaving RB Leipzig but "everything is possible".

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the clubs who have been linked with a move for Olmo during the January transfer window.

The Spain international is under contract with Leipzig, who he joined from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020, until the end of next season.

Olmo stated he is not looking to leave the Bundesliga club as he prepares to resume the season after playing in the World Cup, but the 24-year-old is also not ruling out an exit.

"I have a contract until 2024. I'm not thinking about it right now, just about the next games." he told Bild. "We have three competitions ahead of us.

"Things happen so quickly in football, things can change all the time. We won the DFB-Pokal last season, and we want to do everything we can again this season to play for titles again.

"I have my advisor who takes care of it. I only focus on football. I've talked to Max Eberl [Leipzig's director of sport] quite a few times, but so far not on the subject.

"Maybe we'll talk about that again here in the training camp. We'll see what happens. Everything is possible."

Olmo has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions for Leipzig this season.

Wales legend Gareth Bale has announced his retirement at the age of 33.

Bale confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram on Monday, saying he has taken an “opportunity for a new adventure."

The former Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Los Angeles FC forward called time on a 17-year playing career, in which his honours included three LaLiga titles, the Champions League five times and the Club World Cup on three occasions.

Bale’s final appearance came in 3-0 defeat to England as Wales were knocked out of the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar.

He posted on Instagram: "After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love. It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.

"From my very first touch at Southampton to my last with LAFC and everything in between, shaped a club career that I have an immense pride and gratitude for. Playing for and captaining my country 111 times has truly been a dream come true.

"To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey, feels like an impossibility. I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn’t have ever dreamed of when I first started out at 9 years old.

"To my previous clubs, Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC. All of my previous managers and coaches, back room staff, team-mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

"My parents and my sister, without your dedication in those early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn't be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

"My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows, keeping me grounded along the way. You inspire me to be better, and to make you proud.

"So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life. A time of change and transition, an opportunity for a new adventure…"

Bale began his career at Southampton before moving to Tottenham, where he spent six seasons and won two PFA Players' Player of the Year awards.

His exploits with Spurs earned him a blockbuster move to Madrid in 2013 for a reported fee of £77million (€91m).

Despite suffering injury issues and often struggling to emerge from Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow, Bale enjoyed some huge highs at the Santiago Bernabeu, including a spectacular winner in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, putting Los Blancos ahead against Atletico Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final and scoring twice against Liverpool to win the 2018 Champions League final.

Being pictured with a flag while on international duty that read ‘Wales, golf, Madrid. In that order' did not go down well with Madrid fans and Bale continued to suffer with injuries.

He left for a spell in Major League Soccer last June, winning the MLS Cup with LAFC on penalties after he equalised in the final against Philadelphia Union in the 128th minute.

Bale starred on the international stage, leading Wales to an improbable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 as captain, as well as playing a key role in their qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the first they had participated in since 1958.

He finished his international career with 41 goals in 111 caps.

Strasbourg have sacked coach Julien Stephan.

Stephan took charge in July 2021 and led Strasbourg to a sixth-placed finish in Ligue 1 in his first season at the helm.

That was the club's first top-six finish in the top-flight since the 1979-80 campaign, but Strasbourg begin 2023 with relegation a real possibility.

They are second bottom in Ligue 1 with just one win from their 17 games and sit four points adrift of safety.

Assistant Mathieu Le Scornet will take temporary charge, with Strasbourg's first game without Stephan a tough assignment against Lens, who are just four points shy of league leaders Paris Saint-Germain, on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo will still have the chance to represent Portugal after new head coach Roberto Martinez left the door open for him to compete for the national side.

A move to Al Nassr for Ronaldo after the World Cup came after a turbulent period for the 37-year-old saw him released by Manchester United and then dropped by Fernando Santos during Portugal's campaign in Qatar.

Now in Saudi Arabia, it has not been clear whether the 196-cap forward's time on the international stage would end at the start of a new era under Martinez.

However, speaking at his unveiling on Monday, the former Belgium boss confirmed he will talk to Ronaldo, and other players, before making decisions on the squad.

"Decisions have to be made on the pitch. I won't rush into decisions. I want to meet everyone, and from today I want to talk and meet all the players," he said at a press conference.

"Cristiano is part of that list. He's had 19 years in the national team and deserves respect, let's talk. From there, it's up to me to make the best list for the European Championships.

"Tomorrow we will start working to meet all the players, and Cristiano is one of them.

"We will start a football process to try to get to know all the players who will be able to join this team. We will give a chance to all players and respect all who are already in the team.

"I'm delighted to have them by my side. It's a process that we have to face naturally, responsibly, and we're going to make important decisions for the team."

Portugal begin their qualification campaign for Euro 2024 in March against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.

Portugal have appointed Roberto Martinez as their new head coach.

Fernando Santos called time on his eight-year stint at the helm last month, a decision which followed Portugal's surprise World Cup defeat to Morocco.

Santos led Portugal to the quarter-finals in Qatar, where he benched Cristiano Ronaldo for the Selecao's two knockout games – a comprehensive 6-1 win over Switzerland and the 1-0 loss to the Atlas Lions.

Martinez, who was presented as Portugal's new coach on Monday and has reportedly signed a four-year deal, became a free agent shortly before Santos' exit, leaving his role as Belgium coach after the Red Devils slumped to a dismal group-stage exit in Qatar.

Former Wigan Athletic and Everton boss Martinez led Belgium to their best World Cup campaign when they clinched third place at Russia 2018, though his failure to deliver silverware with a crop of players said to be the country's "golden generation" has attracted criticism.

Martinez oversaw 61 games during his six-year spell in charge of Belgium, winning 47 (77 per cent).

Belgium beat Canada in their opening match in Qatar but a defeat to Morocco and draw with Croatia saw them slump eliminated from a World Cup group for the first time since 1998.

They entered the World Cup second in FIFA's world rankings, but dropped to fourth after their failure to reach the knockout round.

Upon taking the job, one of Martinez's foremost challenges will be to make a decision on the international future of Ronaldo, who has joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia following the termination of his contract with Manchester United.

Though Ronaldo recognised his "most ambitious dream" was over after failing to inspire Portugal to glory at his fifth World Cup, the 37-year-old is yet to retire from international football.

Portugal will begin their qualification campaign for Euro 2024 at home to Liechtenstein on March 23, having been drawn into a group also containing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Slovakia and Luxembourg.

Manchester City have condemned homophobic chants from some of their own supporters during Sunday's FA Cup tie with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola's side eased to a 4-0 victory to eliminate Graham Potter's side and set up a fourth-round tie with Premier League leaders Arsenal, should Mikel Arteta's side defeat Oxford United on Monday.

A section of home fans could be heard chanting "Chelsea rent boys", which in January 2022 was defined as a hate crime by the Crown Prosecution Service.

City confirmed after the match they are looking into the matter along with the Football Association (FA).

"Manchester City strongly condemns the behaviour of a minority of fans who engaged in discriminatory chanting at today's match," a club statement read.

"We are proud to celebrate inclusivity in football and ask all fans to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic matchday experience."

Sunday's incident is the third of its kind in the past week, with the FA also investigating chants used by Nottingham Forest fans during their 1-1 Premier League draw against Chelsea, and by Manchester United supporters during their FA Cup win against Everton.

An FA spokesperson said: "We strongly condemn the use of the term 'rent boy' and we are determined to drive it out of our game. We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term.

"Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established.

"We stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and we are striving to ensure our game is a safe environment for all, which truly embraces diversity and challenges hateful conduct both on and off the pitch."

Roma head coach Jose Mourinho is set to take over as the next boss of Brazil, according to former Selecao international Carlos Alberto.

Brazil are on the lookout for a new head coach after Tite stepped down, as planned, following Brazil's disappointing defeat to Croatia in the World Cup quarter-finals last month.

Mourinho is one of a number of names reportedly in the frame, while the 59-year-old has also been touted as a possible target for Portugal following Fernando Santos' departure, though Roberto Martinez seems to be the frontrunner for that job.

Carlos Alberto, who won the Champions League under Mourinho at Porto, says he has been offered the chance to work alongside the Portuguese as part of Brazil's coaching staff.

"I was going to drop a bomb here, but I can't," he told the Mundo GV podcast. "Maybe [Mourinho] is the coach of the Brazilian team. I'm speaking first hand. It's information.

"It doesn't matter where the information comes from, I'm giving you the information... because he even invited me [to be his number two]."

Mourinho led Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League title last season – the Italian side's first European trophy in more than 60 years.

That was Mourinho's fifth continental triumph, with the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter, Manchester United and Tottenham boss having won both the UEFA Cup/Europa League and Champions League on two occasions.

Roma are sixth in Serie A after winning just one of their five matches either side of the World Cup break. They did fight back to draw 2-2 with Milan at San Siro on Sunday, however.

Speaking last week, Roma director Tiago Pinto insisted he expects Mourinho – under contract until the end of next season – to stay on at Stadio Olimpico.

"When you get a coach like Mourinho, you must be accustomed to rumours," Pinto told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

"This was the first time in 18 months that a club or a federation were interested in him. We had no distractions at our training camp in the Algarve, we were only focused on work. 

"I am Portuguese and every time we change coach, Mourinho is mentioned, but we count on him for the future."

Negotiations are continuing as Manchester United seek to secure out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a loan deal this month.

Joao Felix became Atletico's club-record signing back in 2019 when they purchased him from Benfica for €126million, but he has failed to live up to his potential under Diego Simeone.

The Portuguese international with 28 senior caps has only started seven of the 15 LaLiga fixtures he has been available for this campaign, but has recently hit some form, scoring four goals in his past three appearances prior to Sunday's 1-0 loss to Barcelona.

Joao Felix's performances at the World Cup, coupled with his rediscovered nose for goal, have begun to rehabilitate a depressed transfer value – and he is said to be United's for the taking.

TOP STORY – UNITED IN THE BOX SEAT FOR JOAO FELIX

According to the Mirror, United have been given the "first option" on any Joao Felix deal, meaning they will have 48 hours to match any bid Atletico perceive to be acceptable.

United are understood to have submitted a loan offer, inclusive of a £3m (€3.4m) fee, while also covering the 23-year-old's wages, but this was rejected.

As a counter, Atletico proposed a £9.5m (€10.8m) loan fee as well as a commitment to a mandatory £70.5m (€80.2m) transfer fee at the end of the season.

The report also included information that the Spanish side are expecting a bid from Arsenal, while Fichajes add the Rojiblancos have strong interest in United youngster Alejandro Garnacho – a former member of Atletico's youth academy.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will turn to versatile RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. 

– Tottenham have locked in on Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as their desired replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, per the Mirror.

– ESPN is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea, United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Milan are all competing for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram as he enters the final six months of his contract.

– According to Sky Sports Germany, Leeds United are taking a close look at Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter. The Bundesliga club have confirmed there is Premier League interest, having elected to leave Rutter out of their upcoming friendly against Servette. 

– Diario Sport is reporting Arsenal and Newcastle are the two main sides monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who could become available at the end of the season if he decides to not extend his contract beyond 2024.

Stefano Pioli denied his substitutions were to blame but acknowledged Milan had "messed up" after Roma snatched a 2-2 draw in a dramatic finish to their Serie A clash at San Siro.

Having watched Napoli go eight points clear at the summit by beating Sampdoria earlier on Sunday, Milan looked set to cut the gap once again as goals from Pierre Kalulu and Tommaso Pobega put them in command.

However, Roger Ibanez halved the deficit with Roma's first shot on target in the 87th minute, before Tammy Abraham pounced on a rebound from a stoppage-time free-kick to rescue a point.

The remarkable finale saw Milan fail to win a Serie A match when 2-0 up after 85 minutes for the first time since 2009, leaving Pioli stunned after the Rossoneri dominated the contest.

"We must continue to play like this but remember that matches finish in the 95th minute and that more attention is needed," he told DAZN.

"We conceded two goals from set-pieces which we can't concede. We are disappointed, we played well and we deserved to win. Unfortunately, we messed up our own lives."

In his post-match press conference, Pioli was asked whether his decision to introduce a third central defender in Matteo Gabbia invited a late spell of Roma pressure, but he does not believe the change – or a lack of application from his players – was to blame.

"Oddly enough we conceded two goals from set-pieces when we had more central defenders on the pitch. I reviewed the goal and there were some errors in marking," he said.

"When I make substitutions, I always think they are the best things for the team. We gave away a corner and made mistakes on set-pieces. 

"I don't think the tactical aspect has anything to do with it. I don't think we lost points for the three-man defence. Maybe I'll bring it in again.

"It will teach us to stay more focused in the next matches. It wasn't a problem of attitude. If we talk about willpower and spirit, we are second to none."

Roma failed to have a shot on target in the first half of a Serie A game for the third time this season on Sunday, while 48 per cent of their league goals this term have now come from set-pieces (10/21).

Despite the Giallorossi's lack of creativity, Abraham was always confident he would get a chance, telling DAZN: "We had to be patient, this is a difficult stadium. 

"We knew that an opportunity could come, I felt it in the finale and I was good. Before the [World Cup] break, I said we would be back in shape, now let's continue like this."

Xavi expects taking "three golden points" off Atletico Madrid to give Barcelona "tremendous morale and confidence" in the LaLiga title race.

Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal of the game at the Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday to put Barca three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

The Blaugrana defended resolutely to take full advantage of Madrid's 2-1 defeat at Villarreal on Saturday, Ronald Araujo clearing off the line to deny Antoine Griezmann a stoppage-time equaliser against his former club.

Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres were sent off for a late off-the-ball clash, but that did not take the gloss off a big win for Barca in the absence of suspended striker Roberto Lewandowski.

Barca had been held to a frustrating draw by Espanyol in their first LaLiga game after the World Cup, so Xavi knew the importance of beating Diego Simeone's side in the capital.

He said: "It's a victory, but it's not just three points, it gives us tremendous morale and confidence for the remainder of the league.

"We are capable of winning in a field as difficult as this, suffering, being a family. Without playing as excellently as we did against Espanyol, today we have known how to suffer and we took three golden points. We hit the table to be candidates for this league [title]."

Xavi added: "Three golden points. We have taken advantage of our chance. They have pressed, and we have known how to suffer.

"And how important it is to keep a clean sheet. Just as I said on the Espanyol game that we deserved more, today perhaps without playing so well we got three points."

Captain Sergio Busquets felt the manner in which Barca dug deep to see out the win bodes well.

He said: "We started well, and we went ahead, but from then on they have pressed very well, it was difficult for us to have the ball and create chances.

"In the second half, although they came out very strongly, we managed to control the game. In the end, we suffered, but three very good points."

Diego Simeone and Jan Oblak were left to lament a slow start as Atletico Madrid fell to a frustrating 1-0 loss against Barcelona.

Ousmane Dembele's goal midway through the first half was enough to settle matters, with Atletico unable to salvage a draw despite applying late pressure at the Civitas Metropolitano, where Stefan Savic and Ferran Torres saw red for an off-the-ball clash in stoppage time.

The result leaves Simeone's men fifth in LaLiga and playing catch-up in the race for Champions League qualification, and the Atletico boss conceded that a hesitant opening to the game had cost his side dear.

"It [the slow start] was clearly seen that in the first 20 minutes, not because they created scoring situations, but we couldn't get out," he said.

"We couldn't get control from the recovery of the ball to start attacking. After the goal, we started to show more of what we want. After that, a good match was played, which excites me and makes things clear.

"The reality is that we lost. It is true that the team deserved to get another result ... but we were lacking in decisive areas. We did more good things than bad.

"If we follow the example of what came after those first 20 minutes, the team will compete as we want."

Goalkeeper Oblak, who made a smart stop to deny Pedri from making it 2-0 shortly after the opener, had a similar take on the game to his boss.

"We played a good game except for the first 25 minutes," he said. "We pressed very well, we had chances, but we lacked a bit of luck to score.

"I think that in general we played a good game and should have scored, but we just couldn't put it in.

"After Barcelona scored it became difficult, but we did everything we could."

Kylian Mbappe has accused Noel Le Graet of disrespecting Zinedine Zidane after the French Football Federation president's dismissive response to suggestions the former Real Madrid coach could join Brazil.

On Saturday, it was announced Didier Deschamps had signed a new four-year contract as France head coach, allowing him to lead Les Bleus at a fourth World Cup in 2026.

Former France talisman Zidane had been linked with his country's top job on several occasions, including in the aftermath of their World Cup final defeat against Argentina last month.

However, with that position set to be occupied for the foreseeable future, Zidane has been suggested as a potential candidate to succeed Tite as Brazil's head coach.

Asked about speculation linking Zidane with the Selecao on Sunday, Le Graet told RMC he did not "give a toss" where the 1998 World Cup winner went and added he would not answer the phone to the former midfielder.

Those comments attracted criticism from star player Mbappe, who wrote on Twitter: "Zidane is France, we don't disrespect the legend like that..."

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in 2021, having led Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga titles across two spells at the Santiago Bernabeu.