Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood says he is certain Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool this summer, bringing an end to his Anfield career.

The Egypt international has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his future throughout the current campaign.

Salah was involved in a public disagreement with manager Arne Slot earlier in the season.

Sherwood predicts Anfield exit

The 33-year-old recently returned to the starting line-up following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

He marked his return to form with a goal and an assist in the recent FA Cup victory over Brighton.

However, Sherwood believes the forward is currently playing out his final months on Merseyside regardless of his performances.

“I think 100 per cent he will be leaving in the summer and I think he’s having a swansong now,” Sherwood told Sky Sports.

“In my opinion, I think he 100 per cent leaves that club and he gets a fantastic ovation at the end of the season.”

Sherwood added: “He deserves silverware, he certainly does, but whatever happens, he’s been a magnificent servant to the club.”

Van Dijk hopes for stay

The former Roma attacker signed a contract extension last April which ties him to the club until 2027.

Despite the pundit’s confidence regarding an exit, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for his team-mate to remain.

“The situation is what it is,” said Van Dijk.

“The full focus is on trying to make this season a success first and we will see how then the season ends and then you never know what happens.”

The Dutch defender acknowledged their shared history at Anfield.

“I always want Mo to stay because I’m a good friend of him and we’ve been through the highs and not-so-highs together for so many years,” Van Dijk added.

Manchester United have no intention of parting ways with chief executive Omar Berrada despite recent fan protests and speculation regarding his future at Old Trafford.

The club hierarchy remains committed to the former Manchester City executive, dismissing reports suggesting his position is under threat.

Berrada faced intense scrutiny from supporters demonstrating against the club’s ownership and senior leadership ahead of the recent 3-2 victory over Fulham.

Since his arrival in January 2024, the 47-year-old has overseen significant upheaval including the departures of managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

Old Trafford hierarchy firm on Berrada future

Despite external pressure, figures within the organisation reportedly do not anticipate an exit for the chief executive.

Berrada was one of the first major appointments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the petrochemical tycoon’s acquisition of a 27.7% stake in the club.

He holds supreme executive authority alongside the INEOS leadership, working in tandem with Jason Wilcox on recruitment and strategic planning.

While former associates at the Etihad Stadium reportedly feared he might lose his job, his standing within the United boardroom appears secure.

‘The Lionel Messi of the commercial world’

Berrada arrived at Old Trafford with a formidable reputation for generating revenue and securing lucrative partnerships.

Former colleagues at City have previously described him as the "Lionel Messi of the commercial world" due to his business acumen.

His track record includes brokering a £10m sponsorship arrangement with Nissan, which included a stake in Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos.

However, the administrator has yet to fully win over the United fanbase regarding footballing matters.

Unpopular decisions and job cuts

The executive has taken an uncompromising approach to reshaping the club’s structure since taking office.

This included the decision to dismiss sporting director Dan Ashworth merely months after his appointment, contributing to compensation costs climbing into eight figures.

Beyond the pitch, Berrada has faced the difficult task of implementing job cuts across the workforce.

He was required to inform employees of further imminent reductions, just six months after 250 staff members lost their positions.

While his commercial instincts remain undisputed, uniting the fanbase remains a significant challenge for the United chief.

Alan Shearer has highlighted a significant improvement in Mohamed Salah’s defensive work rate at Liverpool as the forward enjoys a rich vein of form.

The Match of the Day pundit observed a distinct tactical shift during recent performances by the Egypt captain.

Salah has recorded two goals and four assists in his last seven appearances since returning from international duty.

Slot commends forward’s intensity

Liverpool manager Arne Slot recently singled out the experienced forward’s industry following a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton.

The Dutchman emphasised the importance of pressing from the front as his side looks to maintain momentum across multiple competitions.

“It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again but what I like the most is he is scoring goals you can almost expect, but he also helps the team a lot defensively and that is something very positive,” said Slot.

“What the team also needs and is much more capable of playing every three days at an intensity level… so the future looks really bright.”

Speaking on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Shearer echoed the manager’s assessment of the Reds’ talisman.

The Premier League’s all-time top scorer noted that Salah’s tracking back has been more evident than in previous stages of the season.

“He actually went out of his way, I think, to praise Mo Salah’s work defensively, which I’ve noticed in the last couple of games where he’s doing a lot more work defensively than I’ve seen him do for a while,” said Shearer.

Szoboszlai’s versatility hailed

The panel also discussed the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has recently been utilised in multiple positions including right-back.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards described the Hungarian international as Liverpool’s “outstanding player” this campaign.

“Szoboszlai has took his game to the next level,” said Richards.

“Whether he’s playing right back, centre mid, whether he’s playing number 10, he can play pretty much anywhere.”

Shearer agreed with the assessment, praising the midfielder’s “great engine” and ability to adapt to Slot’s tactical demands.

Leicester City in advanced talks to appoint Gary Rowett as manager

Leicester City are in advanced negotiations to appoint Gary Rowett as their new manager on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The Foxes are moving quickly to secure a successor to Marti Cifuentes as they bid to escape the Championship relegation zone.

According to reports from The Telegraph, discussions with the 49-year-old are progressing well as the club seeks an immediate reaction to their recent dip in form.

Relegation battle intensifies

The urgency for an appointment has increased significantly after the Midlands club were handed a six-point deduction last week.

That punishment for breaching financial regulations has plunged Leicester into the bottom three and heightened fears of a drop into League One.

Former manager Cifuentes was dismissed three weeks ago with the team already languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Club officials now believe an experienced appointment is required to turn things around quickly and preserve their second-tier status.

Rowett’s track record

Rowett is available immediately having been out of work since his departure from Oxford United in December.

The tactician is viewed as a safe pair of hands capable of organising a defence under pressure.

Pundit Jamie Mackie has previously endorsed the manager’s credentials, describing his approach as "excellent".

More to follow.

Gabriel Jesus has warned his Arsenal team-mates to focus solely on facing Wolves before turning their attention to the upcoming north London derby.

Focus on the immediate challenge

The Gunners can open up a seven-point lead over Premier League title rivals Manchester City with victory at Molineux on Wednesday.

While Pep Guardiola’s side are not in action until Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s men face bottom side Wolves before Sunday’s showdown with Tottenham.

Despite the hosts sitting at the foot of the table with just nine points, Jesus insists complacency is not an option.

“We are not thinking about the derby,” said the Brazil forward.

“We are only thinking about Wolves on Wednesday and that is a tough game away.”

“We know the situation they are in but is an amazing team, an amazing club and we are aware they need points to get out of the their situation.”

“So, our focus is to go to Wolves, get the three points and that is it.”

Chasing trophies on four fronts

Jesus scored the final goal in Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Wigan Athletic.

The result keeps the north London club in contention for an unprecedented quadruple heading into March.

“Ninety per cent of my career has been at the top with strong squads, the national team, City and here,” added the 27-year-old, who has scored four times in his last six appearances.

“It is such a good thing because it keeps you on your toes and to do your best.”

“Obviously, we know we are alive in all the competitions – and we keep believing that we have to go game-by-game – and at the end of the season, we will see where we are.”

Injury concerns for Arteta

Arsenal are currently managing a growing injury list as the fixture schedule intensifies.

Defender Riccardo Calafiori missed the win over Wigan after sustaining an injury in the warm-up, while captain Martin Odegaard was absent following a knock against Brentford.

There was concern for Ben White after he was substituted in the second half, adding to a list that includes Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz.

However, the full-back later posted on social media indicating he had not suffered an injury and could be available for the trip to the West Midlands.

Sunday delivered significant drama in the three-way battle for domestic supremacy.

Celtic appeared to be faltering before staging a remarkable comeback at Kilmarnock.

The Parkhead club overturned a two-goal deficit to snatch a 3-2 victory, with Julian Araujo heading home the winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Ibrox thriller tightens the table

Events were equally chaotic in Glasgow as Rangers hosted Hearts in a six-pointer at Ibrox.

The visiting side took the lead twice, threatening to upset the odds.

However, a hat-trick from Youssef Chermiti transformed the contest, securing a 4-2 win for Danny Rohl’s side.

The results leave the summit of the table incredibly congested.

Hearts currently lead the way on 57 points, with Rangers close behind on 55 and Celtic on 54.

The defending champions have a game in hand away at Aberdeen on 4 March.

Victory at Pittodrie would leave the top three sides within two points of one another.

How Europe compares

While Scotland offers a three-horse race, other major leagues are witnessing tight duels between traditional heavyweights.

In France, a solitary point separates Lens and Paris St-Germain at the summit of Ligue 1.

Spain offers a similar narrative, with Real Madrid trailing Barcelona by two points while holding a game in hand.

However, both La Liga and the French top flight feature a significant points gap to the teams in third place.

BBC Sport has analysed the statistics to find the leagues that can truly rival the drama in Scotland.

Austria’s gridlocked summit

The Austrian Bundesliga currently boasts perhaps the most competitive title fight on the continent.

After 19 matches, the top four sides are separated by a mere two points.

League leaders RB Salzburg could only manage a draw against second-bottom Grazer AK at the weekend.

The congestion extends further down the table, with only nine points separating the top 10 teams in a 12-team division.

Much like the Scottish system, the league will split in three weeks.

Points will be halved and rounded down, potentially creating an even tighter finish.

• RB Salzburg – 33 points
• LASK – 33
• Austria Vienna – 32
• Sturm Graz – 31

Greek drama mirrors Scotland

The situation in the Greek Super League bears a striking resemblance to the Premiership standings.

AEK Athens sit top on 49 points following a goalless draw with PAOK on Sunday.

Olympiakos remain two points adrift after they also stalemated at Levadiakos.

PAOK sit on 46 points but possess a crucial game in hand against Kifisia on 4 March.

A victory in that fixture would result in two points separating the top three challengers.

Belgium’s historic potential

The Belgian Pro League is witnessing a unique campaign with Sint-Truiden chasing a maiden championship.

Three teams are currently separated by just three points.

A victory for the underdogs would echo the achievement of Union Saint-Gilloise, who broke a 90-year drought to claim the title last season.

The Serie A leaders triumphed in a five-goal thriller to maintain their position at the summit of Italian football.

However, the contest was defined by the dismissal of Pierre Kalulu after 42 minutes.

The Juventus defender was shown a second yellow card following minimal contact with Alessandro Bastoni.

Replays appeared to show the Inter defender collapsing to the ground despite feeling only the slightest brush from Kalulu’s arm.

Referee Federico La Penna did not hesitate to issue the marching orders, a decision which sparked fury from the visitors.

Spalletti’s side show resilience

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Turin giants produced a spirited performance.

Luciano Spalletti’s side twice fought back from behind to level proceedings.

Manuel Locatelli drove the team forward from midfield throughout the contest.

A goal from Francesco Pio Esposito appeared to have salvaged a point for the visitors.

But with the clock ticking toward stoppage time, Zielinski struck to break Juventus hearts.

The result leaves the controversy regarding the officiating system and the inability to correct yellow card errors as the main talking point in Italy.

Liverpool signs of recovery continue

In England, Liverpool secured a significant victory over Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round.

The result provided further evidence of progress during a difficult campaign for the Anfield club.

Having struggled for consistency this season, the Reds produced a commanding display to eliminate their Premier League rivals.

Kane hits 500-goal landmark

Harry Kane celebrated a major career milestone in the Bundesliga.

The England captain reached 500 goals for club and country as Bayern Munich defeated Werder Bremen.

The comprehensive victory keeps the Bavarian giants well clear of the chasing pack at the top of the table.

Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid secured a vital win over Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Despite a disjointed performance, the Spanish champions found a way to overcome the in-form Basque side.

The Champions League knockout phase play-offs have provided a crucial platform for diverse European sides like Qarabag and Bodo/Glimt despite being viewed as a burden by established giants.

Critics often view the additional knockout fixtures as an unwelcome punishment for the continent’s superpowers.

Yet for many participants, these February ties represent a golden opportunity rather than a scheduling headache.

Under the previous group stage format, smaller clubs rarely experienced elite continental football after the winter break.

Expanding the football map

The current roster of 16 teams hails from 11 different countries, significantly broadening the competition’s geographical reach.

Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and Azerbaijani champions Qarabag have defied expectations to reach this stage of the tournament.

While five English clubs secured top-eight finishes to bypass this round, the play-offs have shifted the spotlight to these overachievers.

Benfica also progressed in dramatic fashion following goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s stoppage-time heroics against Marseille.

Heavyweights pay price for slip-ups

Conversely, the round features several European heavyweights who failed to secure automatic progression.

Real Madrid find themselves in this position after missing out on a top-eight spot by drawing their final league game against Benfica.

Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan also face two extra games after stumbling during the initial phase.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are included too following a shock defeat by the Norwegian champions last month.

Validating the new format

The initial 36-team table produced unexpected results, with Lille finishing above Real Madrid and Brest outranking Manchester City.

For the dozen clubs not usually accustomed to deep runs, this stage validates Uefa’s formatting changes despite the complaints of the elite.

The play-off round creates a fascinating clash between ambitious underdogs and giants seeking redemption.