Football

Apologies to any North American readers but this page is wholly concerned with the original game of football, which, strangely enough, is largely played with the feet rather than the hands, unlike the gridiron version. As the weeks and months go by we will attempt to bring as much useful (and sometimes not) information about the ‘beautiful game’, but in particular the major European leagues and international competitions.

Brighton trying to sign teenage defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras

Brighton & Hove Albion are trying to conclude a deal to buy teenage central defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. Palmeiras are understood to value Reis at upwards of £25million (€30.1m, $31m), with Brighton’s bids so far falling short of that figure as talks continue. The Brazilian club are reluctant to let the defender leave and have informed him that they would prefer to retain his services for the upcoming Club World Cup, which begins in June later this year. Arsenal and Real Madrid are among a host of top European clubs who…

Read MoreBrighton trying to sign teenage defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras

Aaron Anselmino to train with Chelsea first-team after Boca Juniors recall – Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca has said Chelsea plan for Aaron Anselmino to train with the first-team squad before making a decision on his immediate future. The teenage defender has been recalled to the west London from his loan spell at Boca Juniors, from whom Chelsea signed him in August before loaning him immediately back to the Argentine club. The 19-year-old has made just 23 first-team appearances for Boca and is not involved with Argentina at international level, with his return to Stamford Bridge coinciding with Maresca confirming that centre-back Wesley Fofana faces…

Read MoreAaron Anselmino to train with Chelsea first-team after Boca Juniors recall – Enzo Maresca

Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana could miss rest of the season with torn hamstring – Enzo Maresca

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season with the hamstring injury he sustained last month, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed. Fofana, 24, has not played for Maresca’s side since suffering the issue and being forced off in the second-half against Aston Villa on December 1. The Frenchman’s injury may be more serious than first thought, with Maresca stating that the defender missing the remainder of the season is now a possibility, in addition to fellow French defender Benoit Badiashile also being set for a period…

Read MoreChelsea’s Wesley Fofana could miss rest of the season with torn hamstring – Enzo Maresca

Real Madrid target January return for David Alaba after 12-month ACL injury absence

Real Madrid are targeting a return for David Alaba in January following the serious knee injury that has kept him out for the last 12 months. The Austria international underwent anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) surgery in his left knee after suffering a rupture during Madrid’s La Liga victory over Villarreal in December 2023 before in May 2024 undergoing an arthroscopy, a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. Alaba, 32, missed the remaining five months of the 2023-24 season alongside Euro 2024 for Austria, and has yet to make…

Read MoreReal Madrid target January return for David Alaba after 12-month ACL injury absence