Jose Mourinho says Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s “phenomenal” impact has made the veteran Manchester United striker undroppable.

Aston Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo has told Jack Grealish to grow up as the midfielder faces an anxious wait to discover his fate.

Playing Wayne Rooney in midfield “is an insult”, according to former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho says he prefers Marcus Rashford being with England’s U21s at the moment rather than warming the bench for the seniors.

Liverpool have suffered another injury blow after striker Danny Ings was sidelined for six months with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Everton defender John Stones has handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force through a move to Chelsea.

Every season produces new stars and here are 10 who we might know a lot more about come next May.

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has been given a vote of confidence by West Brom captain Darren Fletcher. McClean has been at the centre of controversy again after turning away from the English flag during the anthem before Albion’s recent pre-season friendly in America against Charleston Battery.

Stoke City are confident Shay Given has plenty left to offer at Premier League level after the veteran Ireland keeper secured a two-year deal at the club yesterday.

England U21s 1 Italy U21s 3: England have once again fallen short at a major tournament after Gareth Southgate’s side capitulated against Italy, resulting in a third successive group-stage exit at the U21 European Championship.

Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Copa America as they pursue their interest in South American trio Roberto Firmino, Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon.

Out-of-favour forward Fabio Borini appears to have finally realised his time at Liverpool is up after his agent criticised the club’s treatment of the player.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will begin planning for next season after a positive meeting with the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group.

Burnley 0 Stoke 0: Burnley boss Sean Dyche was impressed with his players’ response to relegation as the curtain came down on Barclays Premier League football at Turf Moor.

West Brom 0 Tottenham 3: Harry Kane has no intention of easing up as he continues to plunder the goals for Tottenham.

Cyrus Christie and Jack Grealish go way back, to their days growing up in the English midlands, and Martin O’Neill’s newest defensive recruit is hoping the pair can still cross paths again with the Republic of Ireland.

Roy Keane insists he’s "quite relaxed" about the Jack Grealish situation but feels people are guilty of over-hyping the Aston Villa teenager.

Jack Grealish has pulled out of Noel King’s Ireland U21 squad for Thursday’s friendly against Norway (6pm Irish time) — hours after England U21 boss Gareth Southgate confirmed he still wants the Aston Villa man to declare for the Three Lions.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

England suffered a bizarre disruption during their World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday night.

Olympic champion Katie Taylor will have to be at her best to secure a sixth successive European title in Bucharest, according to Irish head coach Billy Walsh.

Martin O’Neill yesterday refused to be drawn on speculation that he is set to run the rule over Spurs striker Harry Kane who, although an England U21 international, is still eligible to play for Ireland through his Galway-born father.

West Brom have played down claims of a dressing room bust-up in the wake of their dramatic Premier League draw with Cardiff.

Three years on from a fruitless effort to recruit Kevin Doyle for Tottenham, Harry Redknapp yesterday succeeded at the second attempt by bringing the Ireland striker to Queen’s Park Rangers on loan.

Just a fortnight after Derby boss Steve McClaren hailed Andre Wisdom’s leadership qualities, the on-loan Liverpool defender also showcased a potentially costly ability to slavishly follow orders — from his car.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has reiterated his stance against smoking after being photographed with a cigarette and receiving a stern warning from manager Arsene Wenger.

Darren Potter may be the forgotten man when it comes to the Republic of Ireland set-up, but he is hoping to follow Wes Hoolahan’s example by taking the long road back.

Gareth Southgate is the overwhelming bookmakers’ favourite to replace Stuart Pearce as England Under-21s manager.

Stuart Pearce was today informed by the Football Association he will not be kept on as England Under-21s manager.

Injury rarely pays a visit without bringing a friend or two.

Limerick FC are compiling a shortlist of candidates for the vacant manager’s position with a view to making an imminent appointment.

Young Boys 3 Liverpool 5

Luka Modric is to fly to Spain today to finalise a move to Real Madrid from Tottenham.

Fabrice Muamba admits he will “forever be in debt” to the doctors who saved his life after he was released from hospital yesterday, 30 days after being admitted following his horrifying cardiac arrest.

STRIKER Thierry Henry will this weekend complete his return to Arsenal in a short-term deal.

Engage: The Rise and Fall of Matt Hampson.