SPORTS

Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian returned to training ahead of United's game against Southampton after missing the draw against Burnley.

The emergence of Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane has left Sturridge unlikely to start even when available.

Riyad Mahrez has been identified as a replacement for contract rebele Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal. The Chilean's current deal at the Emirates will run down next summer.

Wolfsburg are keen to sign Divock Origi on a permanent basis in January while Danny Ings remains a loan target for West Brom, Newcastle and West Ham.

Antoine Griezmann has a €200m release clause in his Atletico Madrid contract until 1 July 2018, after which it will drop to €100m.

Rain interrupted the day's play on two occasions in the fourth day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Thierry Henry was among those to claim that the lack of celebrations following Alexis Sanchez's first goal against Crystal Palace was indicative of divisions in the Arsenal team.

Daniel Sturridge has seen his first team opportunities limited at Liverpool. The striker has fallen down the pecking order after the arrival the Mo Salah in the summer.

Philippe Coutinho still remains a priority target for Barcelona and their manager Ernesto Valverde in January, despite their failed efforts to sign him in the summer.

Jose Mourinho is keen to add more potency to Manchester United's attack and has turned his attention to Dybala after ending interest in Griezmann.

Arsene Wenger's record-equalling 810th game as a Premier League manager ends in victory despite James Tomkins' late header setting up a nervy finish at Selhurst Park.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino believes the record sale of Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool can be a positive for the Saints if the money is reinvested in the New Year.

Barcelona are ready to sell Gerard Deulofeu in January to make room for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk will join Liverpool when the transfer window re-opens on 1 January for a £75m fee that will be a world record for a defender.

Both Nadal and Federer had a brilliant 2017 campaign, matching each other with two Grand Slams a piece.

Swansea have named Carlos Carvalhal as the successor to Paul Clement, just four days after the 52-year-old Portuguese left Championship side Sheffield Wednesday by mutual consent.

Federer beat Nadal on four occasions in 2017 with three of them coming in the finals – the Australian Open, the Shanghai Masters and the Miami Masters.

Van Dijk will become the most expensive defender in football history when the transfer window reopens on 1 January.

Roger Federer has arrived in Australia to participate in the Hopman Cup and resume his preparation ahead of his Australian Open defence which begins next month.

Real Madrid are interested in signing Gremio's Arthur and were ready to beat Barcelona in the process. However, the midfielder is keen on making a switch to Camp Nou.

Djokovic will make his return from injury in Abu Dhabi this week at the Mubadala World Tennis Championships

Marouane Fellaini will enter the final six-months of his deal with Manchester United in January and will be free to talk with clubs outside England.

The England opener was rarely troubled as he batted through the third day to end on 244 not out from 409 balls at stumps.

Yerry Mina is expected to take the place of Javier Mascherano at Barcelona as the former Liverpool star is set to make a switch to the Chinese Super League in January.

The Red Devils are 15 points behind bitter rivals Manchester City, while they were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Bristol City last week.

Jordan Henderson suffered a hamstring injury in Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates.

Djokovic has not played since his quarter-final loss at the 2017 Wimbledon. He later took a break to recover from an elbow injury.

Yannick Carrasco reportedly has a release clause of £86m in his contract at Atletico Madrid. The Belgium international will be allowed to leave the club in January.

Everton have been seeking a striker since the summer as they look to replace Romelu Lukaku, who joined Manchester United.