Manchester United will not trigger Varane’s one-year extension.
There have been numerous reports circulating regarding Manchester United’s stance on activating Raphael Varane’s one-year contract extension. Despite his vital role within Eric ten Hag’s squad, the club has reportedly shown hesitation at triggering his one-year extension due to his hefty weekly salary of £300,000 and his recurring injury crises. While Manchester United is open to discussing a new contract with Varane, they are adamant that it come with a reduction in his wage demands. With the transfer window now officially underway, Varane is free to engage in negotiations with other clubs and could potentially leave next summer.
Manchester United have decided against triggering an option to extend Raphael Varane's contract by 12 months 📃
This leaves the defender free to hold talks with foreign clubs over a summer transfer from today 🔴
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 1, 2024
Wilfred Ndidi forced to pull out of AFCON 2023 squad due to injury.
The Super Eagles have suffered a huge blow, as defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi has been forced to pull out of the squad for the upcoming 2023 AFCON after suffering an injury in Leicester City’s home win against Huddersfield. This news has become a huge worry for José Peseiro’s side, considering the small list of midfielders called up. Royal Antwerp midfielder, Yusuf Alhassan has now been called up to replace the Super Eagles’ assistant captain. Yusuf, who played in the Nigerian Professional Football League with FC Hearts, has been a sensational prospect in the Champions League, registering a goal against Porto and another assist in Antwerp’s surprise win against Barcelona.
🔈❗️Afcon camp update: Wilfred Ndidi Out; Alhassan Yusuf In. #soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/zFNgxOYe0T
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 3, 2024
Andros Townsend has just signed new long-term deal with Luton.
Coming off an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury which sidelined him from the pitch since March 2022, Andros Townsend has taken huge strides regaining his form since signing a short term deal with newly promoted side, Luton in October. Following this successful short spell at the club, scoring a goal and two assists in 11 PL appearances, the winger has been rewarded with a new long term contract. Townsend expressed his delight, noting that begging clubs for trial opportunities to signing a new long term deal was definitely a dream come true. He will be hoping to help the club stay in the league this season, despite their rocky start.
Andros Townsend has signed a new long-term deal at Luton Town ✍️🟠pic.twitter.com/wvUS1oAD9k
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 3, 2024
FIFA releases 23-man nomination for the 2023 Men’s FIFA World XI.
The newly published nomination shortlist for the World XI, to reward the best players in each position over the last year. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and prospect, Jude Bellingham all make the shortlist. This is Messi’s 16th consecutive year of being nominated. Ronaldo also recorded 15 straight nominations before being excluded in 2022. The nomination is hugely based off performances from December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023. The celebration will take place on January 15, where the World XI will be revealed.
All nominees for the FIFPRO World XI! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/B4RogJWDwD
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) January 3, 2024
Birmingham City have sacked Wayne Rooney after three months.
Wayne Rooney has been sacked, just 15 games into his Birmingham City managerial appointment. The Manchester United legend was appointed on October 11, after the controversial dismissal of John Eustace. The club has since suffered nine defeats in 15 games, moving from 6th to 20th on the Championship table. After being sacked, Wayne Rooney has disclosed that he would be taking a break from football. Development coach, Steve Spooner has now taken over as Birmingham City’s interim coach.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Birmingham City have sacked Wayne Rooney after 15 games. Rooney only had a win percentage of 13%.
[@MirrorFootball] pic.twitter.com/3DO0xqIgXr
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) January 2, 2024
