Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Aston Villa start talks to sign Barcelona hero

Aston Villa are almost certain to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in 2026, with speculation surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez. They have been linked with Man City’s James Trafford, but instead, a more established name could be heading to Villa Park.

Features

The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Fiorentina in direct talks with Paratici, he could leave Tottenham already

We can confirm that since last night there has been direct contact between Fiorentina and Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici, who should give a response early next week.

Soccer News / The Celtic Star / December 20

20th December – Five Memorable Celtic Moments on this Day

Five memorable Celtic moments, with a nod to the late Celtic Historian and Celtic Star legend David Potter, on this day starting on 20 December 1902… ONE – SATURDAY 20 DECEMBER 1902 – Celtic’s mediocre form continues with a 1-1 draw against Greenock Morton, the only goal of the game coming from Tommy McDermott.

Celtic FC News / The Celtic Star / December 20

Sports Journalist criticises ‘incredibly myopic’ Celtic fan media ban

Football writer Alison McConnell covers among other things the women’s game for The Herald. Unlike her male colleagues in the mainstream media she has always had a good relationship with Celtic fan media writers who like her have worked hard over the past five or six years to help develop the women’s game in Scotland.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 20

Allegri fined 10,000 Euro for ugly touchline row with Napoli director

AC Milan coach Max Allegri has been fined €10,000 for his touchline row with Napoli director Lele Oriali during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, but there is no ban.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 20

Newcastle could sell star player in 2026 amid Man City interest

Newcastle will be keen to avoid any repeat of the Alexander Isak saga going forward, but there could be another case in 2026. Tino Livramento, who is attracting strong interest from Man City, may be the next player to leave St James’ Park.

Girona FC News / Last Word On Sports / December 20

How the Top 10 Including Carlos Alcaraz Spent Their Offseason

Most top tennis players have a really busy offseason because “offseason” in many ways is just preseason in tennis. You don’t get a lot of time off, and you have to squeeze in both a vacation, if that’s your thing, and a preseason where you try to improve and prepare for the next campaign.

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 20

'Will go long sometimes' What Arsenal can expect against Everton

Everton have been playing impressive football under David Moyes this season, a development that may have surprised some observers. Moyes’ tenure at West Ham ended because his style of play was considered unexciting, despite being effective and yielding silverware.

AS Roma News / Football Italia / December 20

Diao out of Africa Cup of Nations after Como injury

It is now official that Como forward Assane Diao will withdraw from the Senegal squad at the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. The 20-year-old player was at the centre of controversy last week when Como coach Cesc Fabregas complained of an “unpleasant” conversation with the Senegalese Federation.

Soccer News / To The Lane And Back / December 20

Thomas Frank stresses one fix for Tottenham’s blunt attacking edge

Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League continued after they came up short against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend. The nature of the defeat to Sean Dyche’s side raised eyebrows at N17, with many fans questioning whether Thomas Frank is the right man to take the club forward.

Soccer News / Football Italia / December 20

Bologna announce Bernardeschi out for 6 weeks with fractured clavicle

Bologna have announced that Federico Bernardeschi fractured his clavicle during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Inter and will be out for circa six weeks.

Soccer News / Stretty News / December 20

As well as De Ligt & Maguire: Ruben Amorim confirms ‘really important’ player is ‘out’ of Aston Villa clash

Ruben Amorim says the absence of Manchester United’s African Cup of Nations representatives will pave the way for fringe players to get a chance. The head

Soccer News / Juvefc.com / December 20

Atletico Madrid wants to beat Juventus to Bundesliga star

Leon Goretzka is expected to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current season, with Juventus having monitored the German midfielder for some time. Over the last few campaigns, Goretzka has developed into one of the most reliable performers in the game and continues to demonstrate his value whenever he is selected.

Chelsea FC News / Chelsea News / December 20

Maresca’s confusion over Brazilian’s best position highlights lack of clear pathway

Enzo Maresca has put Reece James alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield today to face Newcastle at St James’ Park. It makes sense, given it adds some physicality against one of the nastiest midfields in the league.

Manchester United News / Stretty News / December 20

Meeting held on Friday: United have informed league leaders how much they’ll have to pay for £50.5m INEOS signing

Manchester United chiefs reportedly met with Galatasaray on Friday to discuss a potential deal for Manuel Ugarte. The Turkish giants have been linked with Ugarte on a handful of occasions in the build-up to the January window, with their interest now looking more concrete as we get closer to the New Year.

Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!

The 'Most multi-rushing-TD NFL games' quiz

The 'NFL's active TD-catch leaders' quiz

The 'Youngest 40-point NBA games' quiz

The 'Active NFL 5-passing-TD games' quiz

Arsenal FC News / Just Arsenal / December 20

Arteta describes what he feels about playing at a new stadium

Everton have begun a new chapter this season after moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending their long association with Goodison Park after several decades.

Tottenham Hotspur News / the Boy Hotspur / December 20

'Done deal, Good signing for the club, will do well' A former Spur is calling it…

This is one out of the blue, and does come with a cautionary note. There are strong ongoing rumours linking Tottenham Hotspur winger Brennan Johnson with a potential January move to Crystal Palace.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 20

West Ham have £50m transfer kitty for January – three signings wanted

West Ham are ready to shake up Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad in January, as they seek a vast improvement from the first half of the season. A number of areas are to be addressed, and there will be funds available to spend.

Soccer News / Caught Offside / December 20

Crystal Palace line up January move for Tottenham star

Crystal Palace intend to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad in January, as they seek to continue competing across three competitions. The Eagles are sitting pretty in the Premier League, while they will also harbour hopes of defending their FA Cup title from last season, as well as winning another trophy in the UEFA Conference League.

Nottingham Forest News / Caught Offside / December 20

Eddie Howe has concerns about three Newcastle players

Newcastle have had a difficult season up until now, with Eddie Howe’s side only 12th in the Premier League standings after 16 matches. The team has struggled as a whole, although there have been individuals whose woes have stuck out more than most.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 20

Will Jack Grealish play for Everton against Arsenal?

Jack Grealish suffered a late fitness scare during his most recent appearance for Everton and was close to being ruled out of the upcoming match against Arsenal.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 20

Journalist: Player yet to feature this season attracting loan interest, Blues haven’t made final decision

Dario Essugo is attracting interest from Levante as the La Liga outfit assess a potential loan deal according to Ben Jacobs. Essugo arrived at Chelsea in the summer from Sporting Lisbon, and made his debut at the Club World Cup, however he’s yet to play in the Premier League.