Xabi Alonso: Ex-Real Madrid boss turns down Marseille over concerns club is 'too chaotic' - Paper talk and football transfer gossip
Latest from Friday's papers: Crystal Palace fans turn on Oliver Glasner and call for his sacking after they were held to a 1-1 draw by HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League; Tottenham lose key sponsor worth millions as they face up to the damage of a Premier League relegation fight
Thursday 19 February 2026 23:33, UK
The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...
PREMIER LEAGUE
Crystal Palace fans turned on Oliver Glasner after they were held to a 1-1 draw by HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their Conference League knockout play-off and called for his sacking - Telegraph.
Tottenham Hotspur have lost a key sponsor worth millions to the club as they face up to the damage of a Premier League relegation fight and missing out on big-name players - Telegraph.
- Download the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW
Nottingham Forest's global head of football Edu Gaspar is under huge pressure to retain his job - Telegraph.
Matheus Cunha has credited Ruben Amorim for Manchester United's recent upturn in form under Michael Carrick - Mail.
Newcastle United are planning a significant departure from their traditional black and white stripes for their home kit next season - Times.
WORLD FOOTBALL
Former Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has turned down the chance to take over from Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille over concerns the club is "too chaotic" - RMC Sport (French).
Jose Mourinho has banned all mention of Real Madrid among his Benfica squad following the Champions League tie that was overshadowed by allegations of racism - Mail.
Frustration is growing among clubs globally at the extended wait for £185m of solidarity payments promised by FIFA on the back of last summer's Club World Cup - The Guardian.
LA Galaxy are closely monitoring Philippe Coutinho's situation with the 33-year-old now a free agent after Vasco da Gama agreed to terminate the former Brazil midfielder's contract - AS (Spanish).
