News Headlines

Premier League teams' cup exits reflect lack of vibrancy in top flight

The large number of cup shocks strongly suggests that the Premier League is not as good as it is cracked up to be Look out: it's the Cup. It has once again been the most shock-ridden of footballing weekends. Not for the FA Cup fourth round the usual loaded collisions between minnows and Premier...

Transfer window news in brief

• Tottenham bring forward Lewis Holtby deal • Galatasaray confirm Didier Drogba deal Holtby: Schalke to Tottenham Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal with Schalke for the immediate transfer of Lewis Holtby . The midfielder had agreed terms to join Spurs in the summer at the end of his...

Newcastle learn to say 'bonjour' after French invasion | Louise Taylor

The Gallic influence in Alan Pardew's squad is growing as the club exploits its contacts in Ligue 1 Massadio Haïdara has no fear of suffering a culture shock at Newcastle United. "It's almost like never having left France," jokes the left-back, who was recruited from Nancy last week. "There...

Everton ready to sign FC Twente's Leroy Fer after agreeing £8.6m fee

• Deal will go ahead subject to personal terms and medical • Powerful Holland midfielder is nicknamed The Bouncer David Moyes is poised to make his first signing of the January transfer window after Everton agreed an £8.6m fee with Twente for their powerful central midfielder Leroy...

Rodgers questions his young players

• FA Cup defeat at Oldham was 'a rude awakening' • Manager angry at lack of physical commitment The fall-out from Liverpool's FA Cup exit at Oldham has intensified, with Brendan Rodgers questioning the mental strength of the club's young players, warning their futures could belong in...

MPs tell football it must reform

English football is told to introduce reforms within the next year or expect the government to bring in legislation.

QPR's Harry Redknapp rages at agents battling for the 'big money' move

• 'It's like gang warfare out there – it's scary' • Manager keen to bring in three or four players Harry Redknapp has voiced his frustration at the "gang warfare" being waged between players' agents which he believes has hampered Queens Park Rangers' attempts to strengthen their...

Alan Pardew | The Gallery

The Newcastle manager stars in Geordie Shore, as a bottle of Mountain Dew and several Frenchmen in this week's entries

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers renews attacks on 'too soft' players ahead of Premier League trip to Arsenal

Brendan Rodgers has renewed his attack on Liverpool's players ahead of Wednesday's Premier League trip to Arsenal.