Summary

  1. Women's transfer deadline day: Barcelona accept Chelsea bid for Walshpublished at 12:36 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Today marks the final day of the women's January transfer window and a few big moves could go through before the window closes.

    The biggest move of the day could come at Chelsea, who have seen a bid for England midfielder Keira Walsh accepted by Barcelona.

    Elsewhere, England and Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly is looking to exit City prior to the window shutting.

    We shall bring you all of the latest transfer news throughout the day.

  2. Postpublished at 12:32 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Ok, we'll try this again....

    Unless any other news wants to break our way, we'll actually get on to the transfer talk now!

    Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is also up first on this afternoon's news conference carousel and we'll bring you updates from him shortly!

    Kicking us off though, we'll start with some women's transfer deadline day news.

  3. get involved

    Get Involved - What's next for Steven Gerrard?published at 12:28 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    He should never have taken the Rangers job! He would have been better served staying with Liverpool's Academy and learned his craft properly instead of rushing headlong into a career that is so unforgiving.

    Anon

    In fairness, Anon, he did win Rangers' first SPL title in a decade. Something they also haven't managed to do since.

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    Get Involved - What's next for Steven Gerrard?published at 12:22 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    Another great ex-player who has no place being a manager, but will continue to get jobs simply because of his name and who he was as a player. It’s insulting to all those genuinely good coaches out there who can’t get a look in.

    Jake, Fareham

  5. 'I express my gratitude to the club' - Gerrardpublished at 12:19 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqImage source, Getty Images

    Steven Gerrard following his departure from Al-Ettifaq: "I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans, and everyone involved for the opportunity and support during my time here, especially the president, Mr Samer, CEO Mr Hamed and the head of football committee Mr Hatim.

    "I express my gratitude for Mr Samer and Mr Hatim from the first day I was warmly welcomed, and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture. So overall, I have learnt a lot and it's been a positive experience personally and for my family as well. But football is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go the way we want. However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season."

  6. 'Gerrard changed the club for the better'published at 12:13 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Steven Gerrard at Al-EttifaqImage source, Getty Images

    Al-Ettifaq club president Samer Al Misehal on the departure of Steven Gerrard: “First and foremost, we extend our sincere gratitude to Steven for his dedication and hard work during his time with the club. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term. He changed the club for the better and that will never be forgotten. This decision is made with mutual respect and in agreement, is in the best interest of both Steven and the club as we move forward.

    “While this chapter comes to a close, our work continues. Football never stops, nor does our ambition and we remain fully focused on the challenges and opportunities ahead. With the rest of the season still to play for, our commitment to the success remains unwavering. We trust in our players, staff, and fans to push forward together and we will continue to be fully committed in our efforts to reach our goals.”

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    Get Involved - What's next for Steven Gerrard?published at 12:07 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    As a Villa fan, could have told you Gerrard wasn't going to last as a manager. Too reliant on 'moments of magic' and vibes.

    Dave, Chorley

  8. get involved

    Get Involved - What's next for Steven Gerrard?published at 12:00 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    What's next for Steven Gerrard after his departure from Al-Ettifaq?

    Would you have him at your club?

    Let us know using the usual methods!

  9. Gerrard departs Al-Ettifaqpublished at 11:51 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January
    Breaking

    Steven Gerrard looks onImage source, Getty Images

    Steven Gerrard has left his position as head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent.

    Gerrard, 44, has spent the past year and a half with the club, taking charge of 59 matches in all competitions.

    During that time, Al-Ettifaq won 23 matches, drew 16 and lost the remaining 20.

    Last season, Al-Ettifaq finished sixth. They currently sit 12th in this season's Saudi Pro League table.

  10. What's to come?published at 11:42 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Right then!

    We're just about all Champions League'd out at this point.

    So, fancy some transfer talk?

    We'll be getting into all the latest transfer rumblings prior to the window slamming shut on Monday evening.

    And speaking of the window slamming shut - it's the women's transfer deadline day today.

    We'll be across all of that, plus, we've got some Premier League news conferences to bring you this afternoon.

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    Get Involvedpublished at 11:38 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    I saw yesterday's action described as 'information overload' and it's hard to disagree. As a Villa fan the various permutations meant it was impossible to feel comfortable because I was tracking about 6 different games at once. Contrast with last day of the season where it's usually only two or three games that might decide title, relegation, etc.

    Matt, Birmingham

  12. Celtic fans could face Champions League banpublished at 11:34 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Chris McLaughlin
    BBC Scotland Sports News Correspondent

    Celtic fans at Villa ParkImage source, Getty Images

    Celtic fans could be banned from the club's next Champions League away match in either Madrid or Munich, after a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch during last night’s game against Aston Villa.

    Uefa say they are awaiting the details of their match delegate report from Villa Park but it’s understood the use of pyrotechnics is likely to be noted. Celtic were handed a suspended ban on selling tickets to away fans after the use of pyrotechnics during their match against Borussia Dortmund in October.

    It’s also understood Uefa are likely to investigate banners and chanting from last night’s match. Aston Villa won the game 4-2.

    Celtic will now face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a two legged play off match to progress to the last 16.

  13. get involved

    Get Involved - Champions League 'Royal Rumble' and other format ideaspublished at 11:31 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    Alan: @Tom from Surrey - yep just more and more games. Maybe also divide up the final so each half is played in a different country. Maybe make it best of 3. I'm sure UEFA are thinking on these lines - but BBC won't print this as they are with the pro-UEFA happy clappy crowd.

    Is that a dare, Alan?

  14. 'I thought it was an outstanding game' - Petrovpublished at 11:28 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic

    BBC 5 Live Breakfast

    Former Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov speaking about last night's game at Villa Park: "I thought it was an outstanding game, I mean Villa Park was rocking, both sets of fans were brilliant last night.

    "Aston Villa with a great start, Celtic have managed to get back in to the game but in the second half Villa just took full control and fully deserved the win.

    "The most satisfying thing is just seeing two sets of fans enjoying the game, seeing so many great twists and turns throughout the game and it will be a memorable night for them."

    On Morgan Rogers: "Another great game for Morgan Rogers. I think that's his first hat-trick in his professional career. He was too much to handle for Celtic yesterday, his movement, the way he plays, it seems like he enjoys his football but I'm not surprised.

    "That's why Unai Emery was brought to the club, to bring this great European night again at Villa Park. He has definitely managed to do that but he also finds a great solution for players to develop them and make the team better."

  15. Villa Park bedlam sums up gripping Celtic campaignpublished at 11:23 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Aston Villa 4-2 Celtic

    Thomas Duncan
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Celtic's enthralling defeat at Aston Villa was a near-perfect illustration of the club's gripping, and ultimately successful, Champions League campaign.

    A campaign which now rolls on to a tantalising two-legged play-off against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in less than two weeks.

    In Birmingham, there were shades of the Borussia Dortmund horror show as Villa scored twice in the opening five minutes, while missing a host of other chances.

    Celtic players looked stunned and cowed in a raucous stadium against an elite side.

    But as those memories of the Westfalenstadion on matchday two - banished by recent improvements at Europe's top table - came rushing back, Celtic dug deep.

    There was some of the fight and character shown in digging out a point at Atalanta and coming from behind to draw with Club Brugge as they steadied.

    Then some of the swashbuckling stuff seen against RB Leipzig and Slovan Bratislava as Adam Idah ended his goal drought with a double to level.

    That got Celtic right back in the contest, which gripped until Morgan Rogers completed his hat-trick to make it 4-2 in stoppage time, as the pressure from Villa proved too much in the second half.

  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 11:20 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    My only problem with the new format is the impact on our national game, particularly the FA Cup. I think replays should still exist and the handful of clubs in Europe should have to find a way to deal with it. Play the kids and send the assistant manager if you have to. If you want to prioritise Europe so be it, but you face the prospect of losing your place in the cup.

    Chris

  17. 'City can send a statement with a win in the play-offs'published at 11:17 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Man City 3-1 Club Brugge

    Paul Dickov
    Former Manchester City striker on 5 Live Breakfast

    Whether it's Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, whoever it is, they will be favourites for it.

    Pep Guardiola said in his press conference that they will be in a stronger position in a couple of weeks time but they are going to have to go out and beat one of the best teams in the world to get to the knockout stages, it's as simple as that.

    City have had some wonderful games against Real Madrid over the last three or four years, great games to watch - and with Bayern Munich it's the return of Vincent Kompany.

    If City can win it, it will send a real statement to the rest of Europe that they are getting back to their best.

    Let's not forget that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid didn't qualify automatically either so there is obviously frailties there. As much as we are saying what a tough draw it will be, the last team those two would have wanted to draw as well is Manchester City.

  18. Next two weeks crucial for City - Peppublished at 11:12 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Man City 3-1 Club Brugge

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola openly admits if his side had to face Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League right now, they would have their work cut out.

    However, he has just under two weeks.

    It means there is a chance central defensive pair Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake might be fit, John Stones might have had more time on the pitch and his three January window signings might have got used to their new surroundings.

    "They have more experience than us," said Guardiola.

    "Madrid have been back in the last games and Bayern have had an incredible season with Vinnie (Kompany).

    "If you had to play tomorrow it would be difficult but in two weeks I don't know the position we will be."

    Pep Guardiola and Akanji after the victory over Club BruggeImage source, Getty Images
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    Get Involved - Champions League 'Royal Rumble' and other format ideaspublished at 11:06 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

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    You improve the CL by not having seeded teams and draws that are not draws. Every team has equal weight and draws are what they should be with no seedlings and pre-arranged outcomes, so teams from the same country can play each other at any stage. Meddling in so called draws leaves us with the same semi finalists and the same finalists.

    Alan

  20. We deserve tough Real or Bayern draw - Guardiolapublished at 11:00 Greenwich Mean Time 30 January

    Man City 3-1 Club Brugge

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport's chief football news reporter at the Etihad Stadium

    Manchester City quickly discovered their prize for beating Club Brugge and making it into the Champions League play-offs was a blockbuster two-legged encounter with either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, who both finished off their first phase campaigns with a victory.

    City will be at home for the first leg on either 11 or 12 February.

    If they get through that, either Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid will lie in wait.

    "We deserve it," said Guardiola, after an eight game run that included three defeats and a tossing away a 3-0 lead at home to Feyenoord in November.

    "I don't know if they are happy to play against us but it is what it is. I have no complaints. One is the king of the competition, the other is the second or third."