English Premier League

English Premier League

According to reports from journalist Ben Jacobs, Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement with Besiktas, pending final details. Jacobs revealed on X that despite the complicated nature of the deal, which required multiple trips to Turkey by club officials, optimism remained high throughout the week. Abraham has already agreed personal terms with Villa and is eager to return to the club where he enjoyed a prolific loan spell in the 2018/19 season.

When Alexander-Arnold made the move to Real Madrid, expectations were sky-high. His arrival was seen as a statement signing, with the club securing one of Europe's most recognisable right-backs without paying a transfer fee. However, the reality of his first season in Spain has fallen well short of what both parties initially envisioned. More concerning for the player is the fact that he has failed to establish himself as an undisputed starter.

The absence of the wantaway Lucas Paqueta has given Mateus Fernandes a chance to take on more responsibility for West Ham. Paqueta, who is said to be nursing a minor back problem, was unavailable again for last week's win against Spurs but Nuno Espirito Santo's struggling side coped without the Flamengo target. They called on Fernandes to dictate the flow in midfield and the diligent Portuguese did not disappoint.

The cooking show is The Great British Bake Off, the much-imitated and semi-duplicated staple of oven-based society, has aficionados everywhere, and remains a chief repository of Defector's very limited supply of admiration. There, the venerable Prue Leith, who replaced the equally venerable Mary Berry as the charming counterpoint to Paul Hollywood (real name: Paul Hollywood), announced that she would be leaving the show for its 17th series; her replacement would be another maven of televised British cuisine, Nigella Lawson.

Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, according to Sky Germany. The 25-year-old has impressed with a regular slot in Dortmund's midfield this season and the club are hoping to renegotiate his contract, which runs out in 2028. However, Nmecha -- who came through Manchester City's youth team and whose older brother, Lukas, plays for Leeds United -- has previously intimated that he would like to play in the Premier League.

It was a dire pass out from the back from goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, still filling in for Daphne van Domselaar, who laid the ball off straight to January signing Ellen Wangerheim. It was then too easy for Elisabeth Terland to roll the ball into the bottom left corner. It was only Man United's second real chance of the game and, unlike their previous meetings with Arsenal, Terland made sure their slim chance counted. The visitors only had two more chances on target,

Manchester City are six points clear at the summit and take on the London City Lionesses on Saturday, but Chelsea's clash with Arsenal headlines this round of WSL matches. The Blues can pull further clear of Renee Slegers' side with a win as they aim to keep up the pressure at the top, while the Gunners are hoping to breathe fresh life into their slim title prospects. But Arsenal also have one eye on the teams directly behind them, as the race for the Champions League qualification hots up.

Nottingham Forest arrive in Portugal having won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions, but Sean Dyche will have taken encouragement from the 0-0 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the weekend. The Tricky Trees have collected 11 points from their six League Phase matches so far, winning three, drawing two and losing one, with back-to-back victories over Malmo and FC Utrecht before the winter break significantly boosting their knockout prospects.

Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento reportedly has his heart set on a transfer to Manchester City, which is expected to be his destination this summer. That's according to Keith Wyness, former Everton chief, as he spoke to Football Insider, with Newcastle expected to look to replace Livramento in the near future. The 23-year-old has performed well during his time at Newcastle, having long been regarded as a big prospect, dating back to his time in Chelsea's academy.

Fulham are in talks with Manchester City over a move for winger Oscar Bobb, sources have told ESPN. Bobb has been available this month after City signed Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth in a deal worth £64 million ($86m). Fulham have made contact to assess the financial conditions necessary to bring the 22-year-old to Craven Cottage before the January transfer deadline.

Brighton vs Bournemouth will do battle on Monday Night Football in the Premier League this evening. The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, which included last weekend's huge 2-1 FA Cup third-round win at Old Trafford. Bournemouth have said bye-bye to star man Antoine Semenyo, and now must find a solid replacement, with the Ghana international having departed for Manchester City.

"It's going to be interesting because, for fans of certain clubs who need managers, you'll be thinking 'I wonder if we can get that person or that person'," former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "It's the World Cup to add a bit of nuance to that as well. Some managers becoming available at what seems like the best time. Some managers' contracts being available. "Some managers trying to do well for their nations at the World Cup at the summer. It's really exciting and it feels like there's going to be a reset at so many clubs."