Football rumours: Magpies hope Hazard will end ‘nightmare spell’ at Real Madrid

And Chelsea are reportedly ‘closing in’ on an agreement with midfielder Mason Mount for a new contract.
Football rumours: Magpies hope Hazard will end ‘nightmare spell’ at Real Madrid

By PA Sport Staff

What the papers say

The Daily Express speculates Newcastle are hopeful of signing Eden Hazard after he admitted he could be leaving Real Madrid in the summer. The paper says the 31-year-old winger’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires in 2024, but he could cut his “nightmare spell” in Spain short and return to the Premier League.

Chelsea are reportedly “closing in” on an agreement with midfielder Mason Mount for a new contract, the Daily Mail says. The paper writes that the 23-year-old has established himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge after breaking into the first-team in 2019 under Frank Lampard but has “reached a stalemate” with the Blues over a new deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo file photo
Cristiano Ronaldo could be sacked by Manchester United after criticising the club and manager Erik ten Hag in his interview with Piers Morgan. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA

Elsewhere, Sporting Lisbon chief Frederico Varandas has denied his club ever considered signing Cristiano Ronaldo amid rumours the Portuguese outfit were monitoring the Manchester United striker. The 37-year-old left the club back in 2003.

And the Daily Express writes, via Calcio Mercato, that Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino is currently being tracked by Barcelona. The 19-year-old who is on loan at Blackpool will have his contract run out next summer.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz (Adam Davy/PA)

Endrick: The Italian outlet Gazzetta reports the 16-year-old Palmeiras striker is preparing to move to a Champions League club after receiving much interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs as well as Chelsea.

Luis Diaz: Mundo Deportivo reports via 90min that Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said his club were interested in signing the 25-year-old Colombian forward before he joined Liverpool from Porto.

More in this section

The Ballygunner team ahead of the match 18/1/2026 Sunday Sport: Ballygunner win hurling final, Denise O'Sullivan scores on Liverpool debut
Shane Lowry blows one-shot lead to lose Dubai Invitational to Nacho Elvira Shane Lowry blows one-shot lead to lose Dubai Invitational to Nacho Elvira
Virgil van Dijk expected to hold Liverpool players’ meeting after Burnley draw Virgil van Dijk expected to hold Liverpool players’ meeting after Burnley draw

Sponsored Content

Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026 Turning risk into reward: Top business risks in 2026
Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health Top tips to protect Ireland's plant health
River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland. Water matters: protecting Ireland’s most precious resource
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more