News Headlines

World's 100 greatest footballers: Nos 100-71

• Check out the interactive of the first 30 • And see how they and the rest were selected 100: Paulinho, Corinthians, Brazil; age 24, midfielder On paper he is a defensive midfielder, just like Ramires, with whom he forms the holding partnership for Brazil's national team. In practice,...

James Richardson's European football papers review - video

In the final - festive - edition of the year, James Richardson brings you the highlights of the European football press James Richardson Matt Hall Andy Gallagher Richard Sprenger

Theo Walcott owes us after Arsenal gambled on him, says Arsène Wenger

Arsène Wenger said yesterday that Theo Walcott owes Arsenal a debt after the club took a "gamble" on him.

Diego Maradona on the brink of becoming coach of Iraqi national side

Diego Maradona's agent says the Argentine is awaiting the outcome of a meeting of the Iraqi Football Federation.

Diego Maradona on verge of becoming Iraq's national coach

• Argentinian wants to take Iraq to 2014 World Cup • Iraqi FA to discuss 52-year-old's candidacy on Friday Diego Maradona is on the verge of becoming the coach of Iraq and wants to take the country to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil, according to one of the Argentinian's...

AVB expecting quiet window

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas says he is not expecting to be very active when the transfer window re-opens at the start of January.

Yaya Touré named African player of the year for second successive year

• City midfielder sees off Didier Drogba and Alex Song • Samuel Eto'o has won award a record four times Yaya Touré has been named the 2012 African Player of the Year for the second year in succession. The Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder beat his countryman Didier Drogba...

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger wary of German threat after Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League

Arsenal manager admits German clubs are emerging in Europe after drawing Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Liverpool reward Raheem Sterling for rapid rise with new contract worth £35,000 a week

Raheem Sterling will sign his new £35k Liverpool contract with a challenge from manager Brendan Rodgers to justify the hype.