Kane would swap Ballon d'Or for Champions League victory

Harry Kane joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham in August 2023

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says he would swap his Ballon d’Or trophy for a Champions League winner’s medal.

The 33-year-old became the first Englishman since 2001 to win the accolade, beating Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal.

But Kane, who is expected to sign a new contract with Bayern “within the next few days”, says winning Europe’s elite club competition is at the forefront of his mind after a “rollercoaster” week.

“Team trophies are why we play football. The team aspect of our sport is really, really important,” Kane told a news conference before Bayern’s Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital.

“The Ballon d’Or last week was one of the best feelings I’ve had in my life and my career.

“But to have moments with the team, celebrations with the club - to be able to lift the Champions League with Bayern would be an incredible feeling.”

When asked if he had to pick between lifting the European Cup and the Ballon d’Or, the England captain added: “I would choose the Champions League, but I have the opportunity to do both - let’s see what happens.

“The Ballon d’Or is a highlight, it puts me on an even bigger level, but you want to have these big finals, the Champions League, having that feeling of emotion with your team-mates as well.”

Kane was feted at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, becoming just the fifth Englishman to win the award, joining Michael Owen, Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan on an elite list.

Bayern and their supporters also paid tribute to Kane before Saturday’s Der Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund.

The Bavarian club have not had a Ballon d’Or winner since Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed the award in 1981.

“It’s been a rollercoaster since the celebrations,” said Kane, who scored 73 goals for club and country last season as he helped Bayern win a domestic treble.

“It was a huge high for me, but also for the club. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in my life, without a doubt.

“But we’ve had some lows and a lot of extremes we’ve had to deal with. It’s brought us closer together and we fight for every moment.”

Kane said there had been “good conversations” in recent days over a new contract with Bayern and he was “extremely close” to putting pen to paper on a deal.

“A lot of the bigger stuff has been ironed out and we are happy with,” said Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham for £86.4m (100m euros) in August 2023.

“But in every contract there are loads of little things that go into it, small details that in the end the lawyers have to thrash out and figure out.

“So all in all I would say it is more days than weeks. From what I have heard, the conversations have gone well again today.

“Hopefully we will be in a place to do something within the next few days.”

Bayern’s preparations have also been overshadowed by the absence of head coach Vincent Kompany.

The Belgian was taken to hospital after collapsing during a training session involving Bayern’s reserve team on 23 October.

Kompany was discharged from hospital five days later and is continuing his recovery, with no definitive return date established.

Assistant Aaron Danks has overseen first-team duties in his absence.

Kane acknowledged the difficulty of being without his manager but insisted the squad were coping well.

“We’re missing our coach, but everyone has the opportunity to prove themselves and there’s a long way to go,” he added.

Tenerife striker De Miguel dies after on-field collision

Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel has died after the 30-year-old suffered a serious injury during a Spanish second-division match.

The forward suffered head and chest injuries during a match against FC Andorra on Monday in a heavy collision with goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who was sent off for his challenge.

De Miguel’s condition was described as ‘stable but serious’ on Monday but his health deteriorated on Tuesday morning, with the Spaniard dying at 07:00 GMT.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that police in Spain have opened an investigation for possible involuntary manslaughter following De Miguel’s death.

Under Spanish law, any death that is deemed non-natural automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.

“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true” Tenerife said.

“There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can lessen this overwhelming sadness. We stand with his grieving family, with his loved ones, with all of Tenerife who mourn this cruel loss today.”

Tenerife and Andorra were drawing 2-2 seven minutes into stoppage time when the incident occurred.

Owono ran towards the centre circle to clear a long ball when his knee appeared to collide with De Miguel.

The striker lay motionless on the pitch as medical staff treated him before he was taken by ambulance from Tenerife’s Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez to hospital.

Players from both teams were visibly distressed by the incident, with a number of De Miguel’s team-mates in tears.

The referee showed Owono a straight red card before abandoning the match.

The goalkeeper, who had over 30,000 followers on Instagram on Tuesday morning, has since deactivated his account.

Spanish media, including Marca, reported De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance and was resuscitated by paramedics on the way to hospital.

Tenerife’s president, Felipe Minambres, says the club’s players will need “professional assistance” to help deal with the ordeal of one of their team-mates dying.

“We are all feeling vulnerable and deeply saddened right now. It’s hard to even believe what has happened,” said Minambres.

“We know, especially the players and the players’ partners, that we will need support. We’ve already begun receiving offers of help today, and that support will continue.”

“We will need professional assistance, but we also need the support of all our fans, because they are likely feeling the same way we are today.”

Minambres added it had been a “truly unbelievable situation” and “an enormous tragedy that we have had to endure”.

Andorra, Tenerife’s opponents on Monday, issued a statement later on Tuesday which spoke of the club’s shock and expressed condolences to De Miguel’s family, club “and all those who were close to him”.

“We are deeply affected by what has happened and we share the pain that the club is experiencing,” it continued.

“From the very beginning we have maintained contact with them and we are at their disposal for anything they may need.”

“What has happened has had a huge emotional impact on our players, the coaching staff and everyone at FC Andorra. These are particularly difficult times for everyone and we want to make sure that no one has to face them alone. That is why the club is providing psychological support to anyone who needs it.”

Former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, who co-owns Andorra, said: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

De Miguel’s former club, Castellon, said: “It’s hard to find words when reality strikes in such an unfair way. We join with all our affection in the grief of his family and loved ones, whom we embrace in these terribly difficult moments and to whom we extend our most heartfelt condolences.”

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, said: “Today, we all share the terrible pain of an irreparable loss. My deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, team-mates and the whole club.”

Real Madrid and France striker Kylian Mbappe wrote on his social media: “Much sadness, there are no words.”

Inter Miami and former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi said: “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends.”

The Spanish football federation announced following De Miguel’s death that Tuesday’s Spanish Cup fixtures had been postponed.

Two fixtures in the first round of the men’s Copa del Rey were due to be played, while Espanyol were set to take on AS Celtas in the women’s Copa del Reina competition.

De Miguel, who was born in Madrid, started his career at Leganes in 2015 and went on to play for eight different clubs in Spain.

After spells with Lugo Fuenlabrada and Internacional Madrid, he returned to Fuenlabrada before stints at Union Adarve, Navalcarnero and Unionistas.

He joined Castellon in 2023 and scored 16 goals as the club achieved promotion to Spain’s second division a year later.

The Spaniard joined Tenerife on a three-year deal in 2025 and scored 11 goals in 29 appearances for the side.

De Miguel is survived by his daughter, Carla de Miguel Fernandez, who was born in 2025.

Truro City sign experienced striker Dennis

Truro City have signed experienced forward Louis Dennis on a deal until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old was a free agent having left National League South rivals Torquay United in October.

Dennis, who came on as a substitute in the Gulls National League South play-off final loss at Hornchurch, had fallen out of favour at Plainmoor this season and made just two substitute appearances in August.

The former Bromley and Leyton Orient striker scored 13 goals in his first 22 league appearances for Torquay up until Boxing Day 2025.

But he found the net just twice more after that - two late goals after coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Weston-Super-Mare on Good Friday.

He adds firepower to a Truro forward line that includes the league’s joint-top scorer Tyler Harvey, experienced striker Omar Bogle, former Plymouth attacker Luke Jephcott and ex-Stockport and Burton Albion forward Jack Stretton.

“I’m hoping to add to what’s already here as the manager has put a brilliant squad together,” Dennis, who helped Bromley win promotion to the English Football League and lift the FA Trophy.

“I’ve heard loads of great things from people who have been at Truro before and it looks like a fantastic club that does everything properly.

“Although I haven’t had much time away from football, it feels like a fresh start at a fresh club and I can’t wait to get going.

“I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things by training with the boys and getting to know a new group of players that are fully up to speed.”

Who produced the kind of performance Moyes loves? - player ratings

A goalkeeping howler by Lukas Hornicek gifted Everton their first Premier League away win since February as 10-man Newcastle United slumped to a fourth defeat in six top-flight games.

Here’s how I rated the Newcastle and Everton players, and you can see how you scored them below.

Lukas Hornicek: Horrible mistake to allow Tyrique George’s routine attempt to squirm under his body and present Thierno Barry with the goal. 4

Amar Dedic: A passing accuracy of 59.1% in the opening 70 minutes says it all. 4

Fabian Schar: Got forward and had three attempts but unable to help his side to a clean sheet. 5

Dan Burn: The Newcastle captain was booked for a foul on Barry right on the edge of the box. Fortunately for Burn, the set-piece came to nothing. 6

Lewis Hall: The kind of tidy performance we have come to expect from the England player. 7

Nico Gonzalez: Substituted as Newcastle slipped to an alarming fourth defeat in six Premier League games. 5

Joelinton: Produced one clever shot on the turn which looked to be heading for the net before James Tarkowski got in the way. Went close with another from distance. 6

Anthony Elanga: Came close to equalising when he kneed the ball on to the post before Everton just about got it clear. 5

Joe Willock: Replaced by Yoane Wissa. A long way short of his finest form. 5

Harvey Barnes: Lively start and the former Leicester winger went close to marking his 100th Premier League appearance for Newcastle with the 100th goal of his career. 6

William Osula: Was doubtful after twisting his ankle at Everton last week. Started but just seven touches in the first half. 5

Yoane Wissa (on 64, Joe Willock): Unable to find an equaliser. 4

Sean Steur (on 64, Nico Gonzalez): Could not influence the game. 4

Jacob Ramsey (on 75, Joelinton): Sent on to rescue the game. Got sent off. 3

Jacob Murphy (on 75, Anthony Elanga) Little impact. 3

Bazoumana Toure (on 87, Amar Dedi) Seven touches, three passes. 4

Subs not used: Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Aladji Bamba, Malick Thiaw.

Jordan Pickford: The former Sunderland keeper was predictable on the receiving end of relentless stick from the home fans but had the last laugh. 7

Jake O’Brien: Helped his side to a third straight Premier League win at St James’ Park as the Toffees registered their fourth top-flight clean sheet of the season. 7

James Tarkowski: A commanding captain’s performance as Everton won a Premier League away game for the first time since February. 7

Jarrad Branthwaite: Made a winning return to the side after missing the previous two matches because of concussion protocols. 7

Vitalii Mykolenko: Neat and tidy. Worked hard as the Toffees catapulted up the table from 14th to 7th. 7

Merlin Rohl: The German provided energy, got himself into some dangerous positions and went close with one attempt in the first half which cleared the bar. 7

Harrison Armstrong: Covered his face with his shirt after missing a great chance to put his side ahead on the stroke of half-time. 7

James Garner: A gritty performance, the type which David Moyes loves. Played his part in a fine away win. 8

Tyrique George: Heavily involved in the goal. It was his shot that led to the mistake that saw Everton take the lead. 7

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Got stuck in and had an effort tipped over the bar. 7

Thierno Barry: Cannot stop scoring. Although this was the easiest goal he will ever score in his life after a goalkeeping howler. 7

Brennan Johnson (on 80, Thierno Barry): Helped his side get over the line. 5

Michael Keane (on 82, Jarrad Branthwaite): Helped Everton to clean sheet win. 5

Hayden Hackney (on 92, Tyrique George): Five touches, three passes. 4

Subs not used: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mark Travers, Tyler Dibling, Christian Norgaard, Charly Alcaraz, Braiden Graham.

Anfield, intensity, rotation - how Iraola is improving Liverpool

Liverpool have won nine and drawn three of their 13 games in all competitions under Andoni Iraola

You have go back to 2012 for the last time Arsenal won a game at Anfield.

In recent years - whenever this fixture comes around - it is well documented that a certain Mikel Arteta was playing for the Gunners on that day.

Arteta is now a Premier League-winning manager and leading reigning champions who will arrive at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 GMT) hoping to end that streak.

But they will come up against a Liverpool side that are starting to find some rhythm under Andoni Iraola and will have backing from a re-energised Anfield crowd.

Since tasting their only defeat of the season so far against Manchester City on 11 October, Liverpool have won their past five across all competitions.

Not since the start of last season under Arne Slot have they had such a run. Facing Arsenal at the end of a week in which the Gunners were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Fleetwood, they will sense an opportunity to deliver a statement to the rest of the Premier League.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are the biggest title challengers to Arsenal, though, speaking on Friday, Iraola insisted it was too early to look at the table.

Either way, the game will offer an early indication of Liverpool’s progress under the Basque boss.

Victory will see them move just three points behind Arsenal, but defeat would see the difference extend to nine points after nine games.

For vast parts of last season, Anfield lost its fear factor and watching Liverpool became a turgid experience. In the past fortnight, the connection between the fanbase and the side seems to have grown again.

Liverpool were flawed against Villarreal but the atmosphere was electric as they came from behind to win. The feel-good factor has only grown since, with an impressive win against high-flying Brighton in the Premier League and victory on penalties over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

“We have a big advantage over other teams because this atmosphere we can create is special,” said Iraola.

Big-money signings like Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz are all heading in the right direction, while players like Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister have been much better this season than last.

At the back, Ronald Araujo is already a fan favourite and Jeremy Jacquet has seamlessly settled into the Premier League. Iraola’s growing trust in using youngsters like Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell is certainly worth highlighting too.

Liverpool have made three or more starting XI changes in nine consecutive games and that rotation has been a key aspect of Iraola’s own adaptation to coaching two games a week.

“It’s true that [when I came], I didn’t have a lot of experience [coaching two games a week], but I had a lot as a player of when you arrive back at 3am in the morning and so on,” said Iraola.

“It’s different to managing, but you do a lot of the job with the analysts, in the video room with the board and without spending the legs but I think our players are very used to it so a lot of the work is done.”

“Now, it’s more a matter of getting the decisions right, in terms of loading and freshening the legs. We are changing [the team] a lot from game to game and I think we will continue this approach.”

Iraola is a believer that possession itself is not overly important but he wants his team to produce the better chances.

“Whoever controls the game is whoever controls the chances,” he said, after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton, where the Reds only had the ball for 35.6% of the playing time.

Liverpool went more direct against a Brighton side that likes to keep the ball and it worked. Liverpool are averaging 24.9 long balls per Premier League game this season, compared to 21 last term.

In terms of high pressures in the opposition half (165.9 per game, compared to 160.1) and sprints (128.3 per game, compared to 123.2), Iraola’s side are doing more in comparison to last season but they are actually covering marginally less distance (111.1 km per game, compared to 111.7km).

Asked what has changed under Iraola, captain Virgil van Dijk offered an interesting response earlier this week.

“The ‘intensity’ word has been said so many times, sometimes a bit of chaos and there is this risk-reward that’s going on now as well,” he said.

“If we press high, I ended up at one point almost putting Cody [Gakpo] in one versus one on goal when I intercepted the ball on the right-hand side - when I’m a left centre-back. It’s this sort of intensity that we try to get into our press.”

“It’s still a work in progress, but if you defend with a lot of intensity you have a big chance to win the ball high. Sometimes, that creates some risk and it could be vulnerable, but we’re working on it a lot in order to be able to take that risk, but still not be as vulnerable as we have been sometimes.”

There is more to come from the approach and Iraola insisted “there has to be another level” after arriving late to Friday’s news conference because training overran.

If his side can find that, starting against Arsenal, then talk of a title challenge will only grow.