It’s that time of year when the latest batch of sports tomes stack up like Jurgen Klopp celebratory memes on a Twitter feed so it’s unlikely that Michelle Obama’s latest literary offering, Becoming, will be afforded much time here. What has caught our eye, though, was the former First Lady’s appearance in London this week, writes Brendan O'Brien.

Napoli followed up their Champions League win against Liverpool by fending off Sassuolo in Serie A on Sunday.

Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are on high alert after Cristiano Ronaldo’s buyout clause at Real Madrid was reduced from €1bn to €120m.

Antonio Conte insists Chelsea’s season will be considered a success — even if it finishes without a trophy.

Duvan Zapata won his family battle by inspiring Sampdoria to a 2-0 win over AC Milan in Serie A.

Manchester United 2 Sampdoria 1

Seven years on from their last visit, Manchester United return to Dublin tonight and the decline in form of the former Premier League kingpins hasn’t diminished their support in Ireland.

What's being said online and in the papers.

The ability of Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane to complete their mission to deliver World Cup qualification next year could have a bearing on whether the FAI will be rid of its debts by 2020, according to John Delaney.

There’s no other way to spin this: Manchester United offered to buy Liam Brady’s mother a washing machine if her son would sign for the club.

Roma closed the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus to seven points with a 3-1 win away to Inter Milan at San Siro.

Juventus moved seven points clear at the top of Serie A following a comfortable 2-0 victory against Crotone this evening.

While Fifa may have signalled the shape of things to come in football by trialling video replay technology at the Club World Cup in Japan, it’s the inconsistent application of some of the most basic rules in football which, in the here and now, continues to confound players, enrage supporters, and keep television pundits working overtime.

A brilliant strike by teenager Manuel Locatelli fired AC Milan to a hard-earned 1-0 win over Serie A leaders Juventus at the San Siro.

AC Milan just about managed to avoid a humiliating home defeat to Serie A strugglers FROSINONE yesterday but nevertheless lost their grip on sixth place.

Mario Balotelli has admitted he was never happy at Liverpool and does not want to go back.

Jose Mourinho will succeed Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager, according to the sister of former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti.

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri thinks comparisons between Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero are unfair as the two strikers go head-to-head in the top-of-table clash at Manchester City.

The highlights, talking points and gaffes from the football weekend

JURGEN KLOPP

Louis van Gaal thinks Sergio Romero has yet to prove he is capable of dealing with the rigours of Premier League football.

There has been a trend developing in football, or soccer, or whatever you call it yourself, whereby multi-million pound players leaving big clubs for other big clubs tweet or Instagram or communicate in some other new-fangled way their gratitude to the fans and the institution they are leaving behind.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will not break his promise to retire in 2017, even if he is offered a huge contract by a wealthy Qatari club.

AC Milan went on a spending spree last night as they agreed deals for two hot European properties.

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has signed a new contract with MLS side LA Galaxy.

There is symmetry to Patrice Evra’s career. 

Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov admits a return to Italy appeals to him.

Euro roundup: Gareth Bale answered his critics in Spain as his brace helped Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 at the Bernabeu last night.

Relegation-threatened Cagliari have sacked coach Gianfranco Zola after less than three months in charge following a miserable run of results.

Now that the dust has settled on the January winter transfer window, a number of clubs hoping to have made the signings that will make the difference for them between now and May.

Deadline Day Moves in Bold

Samuel Eto’o has completed his move from Everton to Sampdoria.

European round-up: Paul Pogba scored one goal and created another as leaders Juventus beat Chievo 2-0.

Sampdoria are hoping to complete the signing of Everton forward Samuel Eto’o today. The Genoa outfit has been in talks with Everton and Eto’o’s representatives in recent weeks with a view to completing the move.

Sampdoria are closing in on the signing of Everton striker Samuel Eto’o.

Gonzalo Higuain’s brother and agent insists he has not spoken to Liverpool and claims the Argentina striker is happy at Napoli.

Real Madrid’s Fifa Club World Cup semi-final clash tomorrow with Mexico’s Cruz Azul has been switched to Marrakech from Rabat due to the waterlogged pitch at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah.

They say footballers are remembered for the trophies they’ve won.

Lionel Messi is a household name, even for those who don’t follow football, whereas the chances are that even football anoraks would have to check the identity of Marcelo Estigarribia.