Everton join January race to sign "special" £50m England ace ahead of Man Utd

Everton have joined the race to sign a want-away England international in January, according to reports, but face competition from the likes of Manchester United.

Grealish admits "love" for Moyes & Everton

The general rule is that fans should never fall in love with a loan player, but what if a loanee falls in love with them? For Jack Grealish and Everton, the admiration is going both ways and the Manchester City man couldn’t help but heap praise on David Moyes and onwatching fans after scoring the winning goal against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Speaking to reporters, Grealish said: “It is a brilliant team and I love the manager to pieces. I have only known him a few months and I can’t speak highly enough of him as a person. How he makes me feel, how he makes me want to play for him – credit to him. We are doing well.

“I am so lucky that I have had such great clubs and great fanbases, this is another one of them. They have been so good to me today. They were singing my name before the goal, I feel like they wanted a bit more from me and I gave it to them!”

There was plenty of cautious optimism when Everton signed the England international on loan in the summer. He was struggling under Pep Guardiola, but a move away and much-needed minutes always seemed likely to spark his love for the game back into action.

It’s been such a successful deal that The Friedkin Group could look to strike a similar transfer in January. Reports have already linked Everton with moves for struggling stars like Joshua Zirkzee and they’ve now even set their sights on welcoming Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League.

Everton join Conor Gallagher race

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now racing to sign Gallagher alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and, of course, Man United.

The England international has struggled for consistent game time as of late, starting just three La Liga games so far this season – and is now ready for a return to the Premier League in an attempt to secure his World Cup place.

Man United’s interest has been well-documented in recent weeks, but Everton could yet spoil their January plans by swooping in. Whether it’s the Red Devils or the Toffees, however, deal is unlikely to come cheap. Atletico are reportedly demanding around €60m (£53m) to sell their midfielder this winter.

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Despite his current struggles, Gallagher often received praise during his time in England, with Chelsea legend Petr Cech telling reporters in 2024: “He’s one of the players that’s always cared about winning and about the club.

“You find that even young players can have special abilities to be a leader. Conor is one of those players – he’s always worked hard, he’s always cared and he always tries his best.”

Having seen the success of Grealish at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Gallagher could yet follow suit to hand Moyes an impressive addition in January.

Everton eyeing up move to sign former Liverpool star who's been "fantastic"

Best signing since Raphinha: “Underrated” Leeds star must start every game

Leeds United have now shown that they have enough quality in the big matches in the Premier League this season to clinch survival.

The 3-1 win over Chelsea saw new recruits Jaka Bijol and Dominic Calvert-Lewin come into their own as the goals were shared out, while the following 3-3 draw against Liverpool – which Daniel Farke coined as another “magic night” at Elland Road – also saw faces such as Anton Stach deliver the goods on the tense occasion.

All of these fresh signings that have contributed to the positive patch of form unfolding will hope they’re viewed in the same glowing light Raphinha is still held in down the line.

The Brazilian winger was key to Leeds beating the drop during the 2021/22 season, when collecting a memorable 11 league strikes.

Of course, while the likes of Stach have stuck out as positive influences ever since moving to England, Leeds’ success rate in the transfer department since Raphinha’s £17m switch has been rather mixed.

Rating Leeds' transfer business since signing Raphinha

While the £17m splashed out on Raphinha’s services ended up looking incredibly shrewd, other bits of business signed off on at Elland Road since this masterstroke purchase have gone down as extortionate wastes of money.

The summer window right after the South American’s departure, before the 2022/23 season kicked off, sticks out as having a lot of misfires, with nearly £70m spent on obtaining Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, and Tyler Adams, as Aaronson has the tag next to his name of being the only remaining first-team presence today.

Thankfully, though, Leeds haven’t just been setting cash on fire since Raphinha’s exit, with the reported £10m fee to bring Joe Rodon to West Yorkshire in 2024 still looking to be a fine acquisition, as the Welshman remains an undroppable part of Farke’s starting XI, with two Premier League goals next to his name this season.

Moreover, the £7m dropped to pick up Ethan Ampadu the summer before Rodon made his move permanent is another bargain that’s arguably on the same level as Raphinha’s coup, with the ex-Chelsea man winning a mighty nine duels against his former employers and Arne Slot’s visitors, to firm up his own concrete starting spot.

That said, there’s a deal that eclipses the moves to bring both Ampadu and Rodon to Elland Road.

Underrated Leeds star must now start every game

Although Leeds have splashed the big bucks on the likes of Georginio Rutter in recent years, they have also demonstrated an eagerness to bring in cheap gems who have then exploded into life at Elland Road, as seen in the glittering examples of Rodon, Ampadu, and Raphinha.

Ao Tanaka’s name now has to be added to this ever-growing list, with the modest £2.9m the Premier League newcomers had to part ways with last year to land the Japanese midfielder from Fortuna Düsseldorf, continuing to look like an insane steal, and one of “the best bargains in Leeds history” as per writer Adonis Storr.

Tanaka has become an ice-cold figure Farke can rely on in the big moments, with his ultra-cheap price-tag justified just with his last-minute equaliser against Liverpool last time out, as the Japan international was in the right place at the right time to slam home a 96th-minute leveller.

He was also the hero against Chelsea, who gifted his relegation-threatened side a two-goal cushion, as the German just continues to get more and more out of his “unbelievable” signing, as he referred to the 27-year-old during his team’s promotion-winning exploits.

Games played

57

Goals scored

7

Assists

2

Promotions won

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Indeed, Tanaka hasn’t just shown up to the party in the Premier League, with five goals and two assists in the hustle and bustle of the Championship, helping steer the Whites to the title in emphatic style.

While Manor Solomon and Joel Piroe would steal many of the plaudits last season, Tanaka would have his own fanbase forming, too, with the “underrated” star – as per journalist Bence Bocsak – now ready to become a regular in the top-flight and start every game.

For just £2.9m, Leeds really have won themselves a once-in-a-lifetime deal, with Tanaka’s heroics continuing on, surely securing survival, as Farke hopes he remains put for the foreseeable future, unlike Raphinha.

Forget Tanaka: Leeds hero who had 100% passing now has to start every game

Leeds United’s wild week continued with a last-gasp draw against Liverpool.

ByRobbie Walls Dec 7, 2025

Justin Greaves: 'Test cricket a massive step up from first-class cricket in Caribbean'

West Indies allrounder has worked on his fitness and skills to adapt to different conditions

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-20252:59

Justin Greaves: ‘This is where I always wanted to be’

Allrounder Justin Greaves has called the progression from first-class cricket in the West Indies to Test cricket a “massive step up”.Greaves, 31, is coming off of a match-saving 202 not out against New Zealand in the first Test in Christchurch. Chasing 531, he began his innings with West Indies 72 for 4 on the fourth day. Greaves batted for nearly nine and a hours and faced 388 balls to help them survive 163.3 overs and salvage a draw. He said that learnings from conversations with Jason Holder had helped improve his game.”It [Test cricket] is a massive step up from first-class cricket in the Caribbean,” Greaves said. “It’s a lot more demanding both physically and mentally. This is where I always wanted to be – so I had to change the way I train, both strength-and-conditioning and skill-wise. Enjoying it, learning as I go along.Related

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“If I can pick up some tips from the other successful allrounders around the world when we play against them, I pretty much do that. I lean on Jason Holder, who’s been around with the T20 squad when I’m here. I’ve dropped him a few messages in terms of finding out what he’s done to have the career he’s had in Test cricket so far.”Greaves was part of the West Indies Test teams that toured Australia in 2023-24 and Pakistan earlier this year. He has played 12 Tests so far. Travelling to and playing in different countries has required him to get stronger, eat better, and learn to be patient.”Everything had to change because it’s not easy being on the road [in] different conditions,” Greaves said. “When you’re at home, it’s pretty easy because you know pretty much all the conditions in the Caribbean, and then, coming overseas, playing cricket in Australia and then to Pakistan, and here now, in New Zealand, everything is different.”Adapting to that in the gym, getting stronger, eating better in terms of food, putting on a bit more muscle as well, and being a bit stronger; skill-wise, adding a bit more to my game; [while] batting – being a bit more patient because at this level, everything is not given to you. Bowling-wise, being the allrounder in the team, you can be bowling, and within an hour or two, you could be batting again. So, you’re putting your mind to it, and adapting to change.”Greaves will hope to build on this performance in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, which starts on Wednesday, with the three-match series locked at 0-0.

Man Utd plotting to sell star to Chelsea and sign £80m-plus international

Manchester United could sell Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea in order to fund a move for an exciting new midfielder in 2026.

Man United squad in need of new signings

The Red Devils are preparing to face Bournemouth on Monday amid several availability concerns for Ruben Amorim.

Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain absent for the Cherries’ trip to Old Trafford, but striker Benjamin Sesko could feature after a foot injury.

There remain doubts over whether Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo can feature before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations, but Amorim is hopeful United can cope without them.

Mason Mount is among those the Portuguese is sure to lean on, especially after putting in a man-of-the-match display at Molineux on Monday.

“He’s a very, very smart player,” Amorim said. “He’s really technical because sometimes to be a technical player is not just having fun with the ball – it’s the quality of the pass, the reception, how to receive the ball. In these things he’s really smart.

“He can balance our team quite well so he’s a very good player.”

INEOS want to strengthen the manager’s squad in the upcoming transfer windows while maintaing financial stability, and are now eyeing one of the Premier League’s rising stars.

Mainoo sale set to fund move for Wharton

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider he’s heard United are lining up a one in, one out swap of two England internationals.

The Guardian have also confirmed United’s interest in Wharton, alongside Liverpool and Real Madrid, with Crystal Palace set to demand “more than £80m”.

Wharton’s camp have made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, with agent James Featherstone telling talkSPORT last week: “We’ve got a plan. It doesn’t have to be achieved right at this moment.

“He’s got his in-game and in-season goals, so he’s got to do his bit, and the rest will take care of itself in a very structured and calm way to ultimately maximise his talent.”

Man Utd can replace Amad & Mbeumo by signing "best winger in the country"

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غيابات مهمة عن برشلونة أمام ريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني

سيفتقد برشلونة لخدمات عنصرين مؤثرين في لقاء ريال بيتيس على ملعب لا كارتوخا في الدوري الإسباني، يوم السبت المقبل.

وبحسب “BARCA UNIVERSAL” فإن برشلونة سيغيب عنه مساعد هانز فليك ماركوس سورج ومدرب حراس المرمى خوسيه رامون دي لا فوينتي، ضد ريال بيتيس، بعد أن تعرضا للإيقاف لمباراتين من لجنة الانضباط التابعة للاتحاد الإسباني.

ويأتي هذا الإيقاف بسبب البطاقات الحمراء التي حصل عليها الثنائي خلال فوز برشلونة ضد ديبورتيفو ألافيس على ملعب كامب نو بثلاثية لهدف واحد.

اقرأ أيضاً.. أولمو يوجه رسالة لجماهيره وزملائه بعد تأكد غيابه حتى نهاية العام

وغاب ماركوس سورج ودي لا فوينتي عن فوز برشلونة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد أمس الثلاثاء، وسيغيبان أيضًا عن مواجهة الفريق الأندلسي الأسبوع المقبل.

وجاء في تقرير حكم مباراة برشلونة وألافيس، أن دي لا فوينتي تعرض للطرد في الدقيقة 65 لاحتجاجه الشديد على قرارات الحكم، بينما تعرض سورج للطرد، لمغادرته مقعد البدلاء في الدقائق الأخيرة والاحتجاج عليه.

USA's Akhilesh Reddy charged for breaching anti-corruption code in Abu Dhabi T10

USA cricketer Akhilesh Reddy has been charged by the ICC with three violations of the Anti-Corruption Code and is suspended from playing effective immediately.The charges stem from alleged misconduct during the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, where Reddy is playing for Aspin Stallions and has featured in two matches so far.He has been booked under the following sections of the anti-corruption code:Article 2.1.1 – Attempting to fix, contrive, or improperly influence, or being party to an agreement or effort to improperly influence, the result, progress, conduct, or any other aspect of matches in the ADT10 2025.Article 2.1.4 – Soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging, or intentionally facilitating (or attempting to do so) another Participant to breach Article 2.1.1 during one or more matches in the ADT10 2025.Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing the investigation by deleting data and messages from a mobile device that may have been relevant to the inquiry.Reddy, 25, had only made his international debut earlier this year, when he played four T20Is for USA in the North America T20 Cup. He has 14 days to respond to the charges.

Botafogo volta a apostar em perfil que trouxe sucesso para formação do elenco

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo não esperou muito para agir na janela de transferências e abriu algumas negociações visando anunciar reforços antes mesmo das festas de fim de ano. Chama atenção o perfil traçado pela diretoria alvinegra, com seu departamento de análise de mercado, para incrementar o elenco de olho na próxima temporada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo abre conversas pela contratação de Cristian Medina, do EstudiantesBotafogo12/12/2025Fora de CampoTorcedores reagem a possível contratação do Botafogo: ‘Tem que vir’Fora de Campo12/12/2025Mais EsportesLucas Verthein detalha rompimento com Botafogo: ‘Entrei em depressão’Mais Esportes12/12/2025

➡️ Botafogo abre conversas pela contratação de Cristian Medina, do Estudiantes

Há tratativas em andamento, em estágios diferentes. A mais avançada é a pelo atacante Lucas Villalba, do Nacional-URU. Há também negociações em pé de proposta com o venezuelano Gleiker Mendoza, do Kryvbas, também jogador da parte ofensiva para o lado de campo, além do zagueiro Ferraresi, do São Paulo, e do volante Cristian Medina, do Estudiantes.

Outros jogadores como os volantes Júlio Romão, do Ferencváros, e Pedro Bicalho, do Qarabag, aguardam uma segunda investida. Os nomes indicam uma postura diferente da de 2025, com peças mais físicas, lembrando o planejamento para formação do plantel no ano mágico de 2024.

continua após a publicidadeBotafogo recalcula rota

Na temporada das conquistas do Brasileirão e da Libertadores, o Glorioso tinha uma base de elenco marcada por jogadores mais altos e velozes, fosse no 11 ideal ou como opção. Danilo Barbosa, Gregore, Marlon Freitas, Júnior Santos, Luiz Henrique e Igor Jesus exemplificam bem.

Já em 2025, houve uma mudança de perfil, com jogadores de muita qualidade técnica, mas com menos jogo físico, como Artur, Santiago Rodríguez, Álvaro Montoro e Nathan Fernandes. Um time de mais toque de bola, mas menos explosão, contato e, consequentemente, mais frágil.

continua após a publicidade

As características das buscas na atual janela de transferências segue muito a linha do departamento de scout, principalmente na figura do coordenador Raphael Rezende. Júlio Romão, de 1,93m, para o meio-campo, é nome forte para assinar com o Glorioso e conta com prestígio desta pasta.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Fogão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Botafogo

A tendência é que o Botafogo acelere as buscas na janela nos próximos dias para já ter uma boa base de elenco visando a reapresentação, marcada para o dia 4 de janeiro, no CT Lonier. A estreia na temporada será no dia 14, contra a Portuguesa, pelo Campeonato Carioca, com time alternativo.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoDavide AncelottiSAF

Latham: NZ20 a 'great initiative' and will be 'hugely beneficial' for us

Test captain says he “would much rather have our own competition” in the summer than see his compatriots play in overseas T20 leagues

Vishal Dikshit09-Dec-2025New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham believes the NZ20 – the country’s first proposed T20 franchise tournament – is a “great initiative” and will be “hugely beneficial” for cricket in the nation. Even though the NZ20 idea is yet to get approval from New Zealand Cricket (NZC), plans are underway to launch the six-team competition for men in January 2027 and for women later in the same year. Once underway, it will replace the Super Smash, New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition.”I think you look at the NZ20 possibility, I think that’s a great initiative,” Latham said in Wellington a day before the second Test against West Indies. “When you look at the way that cricket’s moving around the world – I think we’re the only Test-playing nation that doesn’t have a franchise competition. But what it will bring to the country, to cricket here in New Zealand will be hugely beneficial, having international players to boost the standard of cricket. I think we’ve got a great standard of cricket here and I think the Super Smash has produced great cricketers for us up to this point. But I think being able to push the game forward here in New Zealand will only do great things for the cricket here.”The proposed tournament originated from former New Zealand players such as Stephen Fleming who then engaged with the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA] to check the feasibility of a franchise-based competition in New Zealand. The tournament model is set to be based on that of the CPL in the Caribbean and is looking to get private investment as one of the sources of funding.Related

Plans being developed for NZ20 league in January 2027

When asked if Latham was hopeful of the tournament getting off the ground, he said: “Certainly hopeful. I would love to see it happen and I’m sure you talk to a lot of the players that will be in the same camp. A lot of the guys have played franchise cricket around the world these days and been able to mix with overseas players that have had great international careers that don’t play international cricket now but still play in franchise cricket…To learn off the likes of those sort of guys will be hugely beneficial not only to the guys that play cricket for New Zealand but also to the younger generation coming through here in New Zealand.”You talk to a lot of guys that play franchise cricket around the world, they have a lot of fun, they learn a lot from different players and in different conditions. So as I said earlier it’s a great initiative and hopefully one that can get off the ground.”Latham himself has not featured in any T20 franchise tournament around the world but did play for Birmingham Bears in the Vitality Blast in the English summer this year, which was the off season for New Zealand. In his last game there, he smashed a 51-ball 104 against Derbyshire. However, it is during the New Zealand summer that a lot of top players from New Zealand choose to play T20 franchise cricket – such as the BBL, SA20 and ILT20 – over the Super Smash back home.”I would much rather see have our own competition here where we’re using all of our talent as best we can to boost cricket here in New Zealand,” Latham said. “And I think that’s a really good opportunity to do that.”The ILT20 and SA20 – both into their fourth season – already face a calendar clash with the BBL. The ILT20 started early this time to be played from December 2 to January 4, while the SA20 will run from December 26 to January 25 and they both will overlap with the BBL from December 14 to January 25.

'I'm always thinking about returning' – USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino admits desire to make Premier League comeback after coming 'so close' to winning title at Tottenham

USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has admitted to harbouring a desire to make a Premier League return after coming "so close" to winning the title with Tottenham. The Argentine has confessed that he still feels the pull of the English top flight, even as he prepares to lead the United States men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

  • Pochettino's love affair with Spurs

    The Argentine, now quite well settled into his new role as the manager of the USMNT, revealed that he still dreams of returning to the English top flight, a league where he came agonisingly close to winning major honours with Tottenham. His tenure in north London ended abruptly in November 2019, just months after guiding Spurs to their first Champions League final. His five-and-a-half years at the club yielded 293 matches, significant progress and a squad that, for a brief period, seemed capable of redefining Tottenham's modern history. Yet his departure left a lingering sense of what might have been.

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    Pochettino on English football’s unique pull

    Speaking in an interview with thePochettino – who also managed Chelsea – admitted that he still watches the Premier League religiously. When asked whether he misses it, the 52-year-old said: "Yeah, I watch a lot. The Premier League is the best in the world. Of course, I miss it. I am so happy in the USA, but I am always thinking about returning one day. It is the most competitive league, and of course, I would love to come back again."

    Pressed on what remains at the top of his personal wish list as a coach, Pochettino’s answer revealed a hint of longing. He said: "Talking about the Premier League, and we are in London… to win the Premier League and the Champions League. We were so close in Tottenham. I want to achieve this. I am still young, I have the energy, experience and motivation to try in the future. Outside, to make my family feel proud – my sons, my wife, my dog, my horses, my mum and dad, my granddaughter…"

    The manager revealed that he is still in touch with Daniel Levy, the former Tottenham chairman, who vacated his post earlier this year. "I was very surprised (by Levy's exit). We still keep in touch," he said. "Our relationship was always good. His legacy is there. It's amazing what he did for the club. We're in contact and one day I'd like to share a coffee with him. He made it a possibility for me to manage a club like Tottenham – one of the best clubs in the world with an amazing fanbase. I'm very grateful to him and proud to be part of the family of Tottenham."

  • Pochettino REALLY wants to come back!

    This is not the first time that Pochettino has spoken about his desire to return to the Premier League. Back in March, he told of taking in a second spell at Tottenham: "To be honest, the day that I left the club always I was thinking one day to come back. It's not that I was thinking before the offer from the USA national team, I was thinking to come back.

    "The day that I left I was thinking I would love to one day come back to Tottenham because like I told in the past, I said for me, I felt empty in the moment that I left. It was like an unfinished job and that is why. It's a feeling, it's a feeling, it's a dream.

    "I don't know how you can take or I can explain or describe but I think for sure it's a club that is always going to be special for me. And I would like to one day to have the possibility again to try to arrive in a situation that we are back to finish in a different way."

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    A work in progress with the United States

    Since taking charge in September 2024, Pochettino has tried to reshape a USMNT side that holds massive potential to shine on the global stage. There will be pressure on him to deliver the goods at the World Cup next summer at home after being drawn in Group D along with Australia, Paraguay, and a third team, which will be one of Turkey, Slovakia, Kosovo or Romania. However, his contract is due to expire following the World Cup, and given the constant managerial turnover in the Premier League and Pochettino’s proven track record of elevating young squads, the prospect of him returning feels increasingly plausible.

Xabi Alonso makes huge Kylian Mbappe call after injury scare as Real Madrid squad to face Man City confirmed

Xabi Alonso has taken a massive gamble on Kylian Mbappe as the Frenchman has been included in the Real Madrid squad to face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The manager is fighting to save his job in the Spanish capital and needs a positive result to ease the pressure. Mbappe missed training on Tuesday due to an injury, but is still in line to feature against City at the Bernabeu.

Mbappe named in matchday squad for City clash

Mbappe, who has been the club’s talisman this season, sat out Tuesday’s public session alongside compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, prompting speculation about whether the forward would be available for selection. Spanish radio outlet reported that Mbappe had suffered a problem in his left leg, which further spread panic among fans. But Real boss Alonso has moved to quash the uncertainty by including the 26-year-old in the official matchday squad, confirming he will at least take a place among the substitutes at the Bernabeu.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMbappe's dominance and Madrid’s dependence

Mbappe has been Madrid’s heartbeat in the 2025-26 campaign. With 25 goals across all competitions, plus four Champions League assists, he is on track to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goals (69) in a calendar year for the club. In La Liga, he has been responsible for half of Madrid’s total goals, and a scarcely believable 75 per cent  in Europe. His last Champions League outing was a four-goal masterpiece against Olympiacos, underlining both his brilliance and Madrid’s reliance on him. 

Alonso’s decision to include Mbappe in the squad comes at a moment when his own position is under intense scrutiny. Madrid’s 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday was catastrophic, extending a bleak run of just two wins in seven matches across all competitions. The loss was compounded by two red cards, shown to Alvaro Carreras and Fran García, and a serious muscle injury to centre-back Eder Militao, who is expected to be sidelined for up to four months. The result widened the gap to Barcelona at the top of La Liga to four points and ignited further speculation that Alonso’s reign could be terminated if City inflict another damaging defeat. Reports in Madrid suggest this match, against Pep Guardiola’s side, may be his final chance to steady a season veering off course. 

However, a defiant Alonso is not ready to throw in the towel. He said: "We are all in the same boat. We have to go through positive and negative times. We need to believe the next game is an opportunity, and tomorrow we have a very exciting game for all of us, and we need to keep our eyes open to have that energy so the Bernabeu enjoys what it sees. Communication [with the board] is constant. We are united, we are all together in this, and I have a good relationship with them."

Plan 'Endrick’ prepared as cover for Mbappe

With Mbappe missing training and doubts lingering over his physical condition, Alonso spent Tuesday working closely with teenage forward Endrick. The Brazilian, who has struggled for minutes since arriving in the summer, received special tips from the manager, which indicated that he could play a meaningful role against City. dubbed the tactical contingency "Plan Endrick" with the 18-year-old expected either to start or come from the bench for his first appearance since November 1. Gonzalo García, who has featured more regularly this season, is another attacking alternative if Mbappe is unable to lead the line. But the focus remains firmly on the Frenchman. Without him at full tilt, Madrid’s prospects appear worryingly diminished.

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Getty Images SportMadrid aim for collective strength amid injury crisis

Whether Mbappe will feature from the start is still unknown. Alonso, under enormous pressure and staring down a make-or-break moment in his turbulent reign, may yet opt to gamble on the fitness of a player who has carried his team almost single-handedly through the season. He is already missing several defenders like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal and Militao as Madrid’s back line has been ravaged by injury. Hence, it was no surprise when midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni acknowledged the challenge of containing City’s attacking threat, especially that of Erling Haaland. 

"If we don't win games, it's because we have to do things better with and without the ball, with commitment from everyone and play better in defence and attack. We hope to improve and win more games because what's happening now cannot go on," he said.

"We're all together. If we want to win games, we all have to fight, coach and team in the same direction. It's us who are on the pitch, and we have to do things better out there. We have a good opportunity to change the dynamic and pick up more points in the Champions League."

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