Football

Speculation had mounted that the Argentine would quit after Nicola Cortese, the man credited with driving Southampton's renaissance as a force in England, resigned.

Stephen Ireland has agreed on a permanent move to Stoke as the Premier League club also announced the arrival of striker John Guidetti on loan.

Barkley has fractured a toe on his left foot and could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

After the Ballon d'Or, winning the ultimate football team prize for his country would be a dream come true for Ronaldo.

Barcelona say Andres Iniesta's left-knee injury picked up during Saturday's scoreless draw at Atletico Madrid is not serious.

Messi grabbed two goals in the 4-0 win in mid-week match but coach is not sure if second-placed Atletico will represent too tough a 90-minute test.

He has agreed a two-year extension with an option for another year and will be paid a net salary of 6 million euros a season.

The MLS club posted messages on their website and Twitter warning fans to expect "a bloody big deal" on Monday.

Diving or "simulation" is becoming a growing problem and everyone involved in football has a responsibility to make it stop, Everton manager Roberto Martinez said.

Walcott has warned resurgent Tottenham Hotspur they are travelling across North London for their FA Cup third round tie at a bad time.

Traore, who made his international debut in 2011, joined Chelsea from Burkinabe side Association Jeunes Espoirs De Bobo-Dioulasso.

Nicklas Bendtner, Olivier Giroud are not fit for Arsenal's upcoming game against their city rivals.

Arsenal go into the match with a one-point lead over Manchester City and Wenger said he was proud of the fact his side accumulated more points in 2013 than any other side in the league.

Atletico are level at the top with champions Barca on 46 points with just under half the season played, with Real five further back in third.

Dzeko rescued Manchester City with a second-half winner in a shaky 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Knowing that Suarez has scored 19 goals in 13 games this season, Mourinho unsurprisingly avoided making comparisons.