SPORTS

Atletico Madrid are close to reaching an agreement to sign Manchester United contract rebel Ander Herrera ahead of the summer transfer window.

Ratcliffe, who captained Everton during the most successful period in the club's history, thinks Simeone fits the bill for what the Toffees board are looking for.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's extraordinary year was unpredictable but it is also proof that great athletes shouldn't be questioned according to the latter's ex-coach.

Juventus centre-back said Serie A defenders now prioritise technical ability on the ball and distribution over defensive marking.

Iceland's friendly against Czech Republic was scheduled in Doha, Qatar. Manchester United's Danish scout arrived in Iceland, only to find out the match is played 5,500 miles away.

Germany coach Joachim Low says he could rest Toni Kroos against England if the Real Madrid midfielder does not feel fully fit after a stomach virus.

Coutinho missed the last three games for Liverpool with an adductor muscle injury but could make a return to action for Brazil.

Gunners midfielder Wilshere, 25, has not played for England since the 2-1 loss to Iceland at Euro 2016.

Former world number one Pete Sampras believes only Novak Djokovic was capable of stopping Roger Federer from attaining Wimbledon glory earlier this year.

Jurgen Klopp was reportedly a target for Manchester United and Chelsea, who were looking to replace Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho respectively.

Nadal is keen to win the season-ending ATP Finals clash for the first time in his career but is aware that he could come up against Federer in the finals.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has revealed that he had a positive meeting with Deontay Wilder's promoters over a mega heavyweight title fight with Anthony Joshua.

Manchester United directors reportedly feared Jose Mourinho could quit the Red Devils for PSG after the end of the 2017/18 season. His current contract expires in 2019.

Fellaini, 29, is valued highly by Jose Mourinho but a number of clubs are monitoring his contract situation.

Roberto Martinez has given a positive update with regards to Jan Vetonghen's ankle injury, which will force the defender to miss Belgium's game against Mexico.

England have suffered yet another setback ahead of the Ashes after Jake Ball sprained his ankle during the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI.

"The biggest issue is transparency and creating an open market with an independent ranking structure and independent titles," Couture told IBTimes UK.

Reports from Portugal suggest that 16-year-old Benfica winger Umaro Embalo will leave Lisbon to join Manchester United's youth set-up.

Schalke 04 star Leon Goretzka is said to be determined to wait until the summer to complete a free-agent move to Barcelona.

Di Maria, 29, may have to leave the French capital as PSG look to stay in line with Financial Fair Play requirements.

Arsenal are braced to make two major changes to the way in which they recruit players in the transfer market.

Bolasie, 28, has not played for Everton since December after suffering serious knee ligament damage against Manchester United.

Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal could return to action against Atletico Madrid having completed the last two training sessions.

Reports suggest that Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino could be facing between six to eight weeks out, although Rafael Benitez claims that he is getting better.

Sadio Mane will be accompanied by a Liverpool physio while on international duty with Senegal over the next fortnight.

Ross Barkley remains a target for Chelsea in the January transfer window, despite changes behind the scenes.

Pogba has been out of action for two months after suffering a hamstring injury against Basel in September.

Sergio Ramos does not agree with Cristiano Ronaldo's claim that Real Madrid are missing Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata and co.

Reports suggest that Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, on loan at Crystal Palace, will start for England against Germany on Friday night.