Manchester United

The future of Marcus Rashford is one of the biggest stories in the January transfer window and BBC Sport's gossip page takes a look at where the Manchester United striker could end up.

• The Sun, external are linking Rashford with a move to Napoli with United trying to tempt the Italians into a swap deal with Victor Osimhen.
• According to Talksport, external, the England striker favours a move to Barcelona but the club's financial situation makes any deal difficult.
• Borussia Dortmund and PSG are also showing interest in a move for Rashford, according to Teamtalk, external.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United

Talking about transfer speculation, Marcus Rashford and his reported refusal to accept a series of lucrative offers to move from Manchester United to Saudi Arabia has pushed Trent Alexander-Arnold et al off the back pages today...

Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has repeatedly refused to discuss transfer speculation in his pre-match news conferences.

All he would say about Trent Alexander-Arnold when speaking to the media this morning was that he will definitely play against Manchester United on Sunday and had continued to train and perform up to a high standard this season, despite the distraction caused by contract negotiations.

David Ornstein
The Athletic's football correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

I don't know about an offer just yet. They are fully permitted to speak to Trent Alexadner-Arnold and his representatives because he is in the last six months of his contract. Let's see. It doesn't just take place overnight.

We don't know the exact reasons for their approach, was it out of courtesy so Liverpool have an option to get something for him? Real Madrid are confident but Liverpool will keep trying to renew him.

Image source, Getty Images

We're done and dusted with news conference chatter until Man City boss Pep Guardiola graces us with his presence at 12:30 GMT. So, let's get into a bit of transfer talk.

You are one of the lucky ones!

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media this morning to preview Arsenal's trip to Brighton tomorrow evening.

Here are the big talking points from his news conference:

• Kai Havertz is back and available for selection after missing the Brentford game with illness.
• The importance of managing players' minutes, particularly Declan Rice.
• On the January transfer window and whether incomings and outcomings can be expected at the Emirates.
• Ethan Nwaneri and whether he is the natural replacement for the injured Bukayo Saka.
• On Gabriel Jesus' turnaround in form over the last few weeks.

Image source, PA Media

Hope it was worth it!

Newcastle's form is incredible, with five wins on the spin in all competitions. They have scored 16 goals in those games, with only one conceded.

Tottenham, in contrast, are on a poor run of results - although they did not perform badly in their defeat by Nottingham Forest or in their draw with Wolves last time out.

This is going to be a great game and, while I think Spurs will score, I just can't go against Newcastle at the moment.

Eddie Howe's side have got goals in them and it is not just Alexander Isak who is a threat - Jacob Murphy is playing really well and their midfield of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton looks very strong.

Newcastle United

If you're just joining us, Eddie Howe has spoken to the media the morning before his side face Tottenham tomorrow.

Here are the top lines he's covered:

• Sven Botman returns after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March
• Match against Tottenham 'will be exciting'
• Newcastle's five-match winning run in all competitions
• England boss Thomas Tuchel's presence at Saturday's game is 'irrelevant' for Howe

Image source, Getty Images

One Manchester United fan who may not be focusing solely on Ruben Amorim's pre-match news conference this lunchtime is teen darts sensation Luke Littler.

The 17-year-old has the small matter of a PDC World Championship final to prepare for tonight against the Netherlands' three-time winner Michael van Gerwen.

That begs the question, what were you doing aged 17?

Send us your thoughts via:

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Remember to include your name on messages. Thanks.

Image source, Getty Images

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A lot of players may struggle with the hectic festive schedule, but Alexander Isak is not one of them.

The 25 year old ended the year in style, managing 10 goal involvements in six league matches. The Sweden striker now only sits behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot.

It was an excellent month for the club as a whole - the Magpies entered December in the bottom half of the Premier League table, and have emerged in fifth place, just three points of the Champions League spots. A win over Brentford also saw them progress into the final four of the EFL Cup.

Saturday's match against struggling Tottenham offers the chance for Isak and the club to pick up 2025 where they left off in 2024.

Andrew: Adrian - more legs in midfield? You mean Casimero and Eriksen?

Will: Man U having more legs in midfield?! Not sure what matches you’ve been watching… It might be closer than people think, but not for that reason.

Eddie Howe said during his news conference that games between Newcastle and Tottenham have, recently at least, been keenly contested and, more often than not, high-scoring.

Judging by the last five league matches, Newcastle have enjoyed the better of the exchanges, with four victories coming either side of a 4-1 defeat in December 2023:

• 1 Sep 2024: Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham
• 13 Apr 2024: Newcastle 4-0 Tottenham
• 10 Dec 2023: Tottenham 4-1 Newcastle
• 23 Apr 2023: Newcastle 6-1 Tottenham
• 23 Oct 2022: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle

England

Thomas Tuchel's first match as England senior men's team head coach will be at Wembley.

England will face Albania in Group K's World Cup Qualifiers, on Friday 21 March (19:45 GMT).

Image source, Getty Images

England

Eddie Howe was, of course, linked with the vacant England manager's job before Thomas Tuchel was appointed as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor in October.

The 51-year-old German officially started his role as head coach on Wednesday.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked about the prospect of England head coach Thomas Tuchel watching tomorrow's match: "I'm sure the players will be aware of that, but I think for me it's irrelevant. It's us against Tottenham and we've got to make sure we turn up at the same place that we were against Manchester United, on the front foot and try and deliver a good performance."

England

We mentioned earlier that Thomas Tuchel is set to watch his first round of club fixtures as England head coach this week, starting with Tottenham's Premier League match at home to Newcastle on Saturday.

Striker Dominic Solanke and midfielder James Maddison are among the England players likely to feature for Spurs, while defender Lewis Hall and winger Anthony Gordon are in line to play for Newcastle.