FOOTBALL

Everton are in dire need of fresh blood in attack but have surprisingly scored the same number of league goals as they did this time last season.

Joel Matip will remain absent for Liverpool's Champions League meeting with Spartak Moscow, yet reports that he is set to miss the entire festive period could be wide of the mark.

Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard gave a 2-0 advantage to United inside 11 minutes after mistakes by Koscielny and Mustafi.

The defending Spanish and European champions are eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona in La Liga.

While Antonio Conte is hopeful of Eden Hazard signing a new contract for Chelsea, he believes the Belgian star has room for improvement as he approaches the peak of his career.

Pogba was sent off in the 74th minute of United's 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after he mistimed a tackle on Hector Bellerin.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Manchester United will have an advantage in the air when the two meet next Sunday.

Former Manchester United midfielder believes Chelsea's Willian is a more likely signing than Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.

Former Chelsea midfielder and assistant manager Ray Wilkins believes Antonio Conte needs another striker in his squad.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of France youth international Aliou Traore, a graduate of Paris Saint-Germain.

Everton boss Sam Allardyce wants to keep Ross Barkley at the club but believes an agreement over a move elsewhere may have already been struck.

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has been ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring injury - ruling him out of El Clasico at Real Madrid on 23 December.

Red Devils will make a fresh approach for the Wales international next summer, according to reports.

Real Madrid wasted numerous chances as they played out a goalless draw with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Saturday, 2 December.

The Frenchman was sent off in the 74th minute of the game for a two-footed stamp on Hector Bellerin.

Egypt head coach Hector Cuper has confirmed that La Liga champions Real Madrid are interested in the services of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool have already wrapped up the signing of Virgil van Dijk for £75m, a world record transfer fee for a defender.

An Antonio Valencia strike and a Jesse Lingard brace ended Arsenal's perfect record at the Emirates this season.

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard also thinks Welbeck made the wrong decision by getting to his feet.

Arsene Wenger admits he was "angry and disappointed" after Arsenal lost 3-1 to Manchester United despite producing an "excellent performance".

The Gunners gave it their all and if not for David de Gea's heroics and their own profligacy in the attacking third, they could have come away with at least a point.

Manchester United star Paul Pogba will miss the upcoming derby against Manchester City after being sent off during the Red Devil's 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, 2 December.

Paul Pogba's second-half red card is the only negative for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 in a thrilling contest at the Emirates Stadium.

Elsewhere, the Sam Allardyce era at Everton begins with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park.

Rafael Benitez endures a miserable return to Stamford Bridge as Eden Hazard's brace and a header from Alvaro Morata cancels out Dwight Gayle's early strike.

Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are the ones who have been linked with a transfer out of the club.

Mahrez's representatives were in touch with Dick Law while he himself had spoken to Arsene Wenger and was convinced of the suitability.

Arsene Wenger has already admitted it would be possible to cash in on both Ozil and Sanchez on a free transfer in the January transfer window.

Joel Matip has been ruled out until the New Year after the defender's thigh injury turned out to be worse than first feared.