As the league phase comes to a close, there's still plenty of shuffling that will happen in Champions League play. Only Barcelona and Liverpool have clinched their places in the top eight putting them automatically through to the last 16 but plenty of teams will be looking to join them.

Neymar is closing in on a winter return to boyhood club Santos, talkSPORT understands. The Brazilian superstar will return to his homeland after agreeing personal terms over a move. Neymar is out

Only 13 sides finished the old group stage with a 100% record – can Liverpool become the first to do so in the inaugural league phase? UEFA.com profiles the competition's previous perfectionists.

Bayern Munich sporting director Christopher Freund revealed that he is "positive" Joshua Kimmich will turn down transfer interest from a fleet of Europe's elite to sign a new contract with the Bavarians this year.

Liverpool managed to reduce one of Barcelona's best players to tears with a dominant display at Anfield previously.

Liverpool became the first team to guarantee a place in the last 16 of the new Champions League format by beating Lille 2-1 on Tuesday, while Barcelona fought back from two goals down to stun Benfica 5-4 in a thriller.

Liverpool tried hard to sign Zubimendi over the summer and looked to have a deal agreed, only to be snubbed as he ultimately opted to remain at Anoeta. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Arsenal are indeed pushing to sign the 25-year-old in the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain have been keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich in recent months, with a transfer for the player nearly happening last summer.Meanwhile, Barcelona are

Barcelona came from behind to beat Benfica in dramatic fashion on Tuesday in UEFA Champions League action, taking part in Matchday 7's wildest game so far with a 5-4 win. Benfica

Barcelona's spectacular fightback against Benfica on Tuesday meant Liverpool would have to wait another week to be confirmed winner of the league phase of the new look Champions League. But manager Arne Slot was full of praise for referee Danny Makkelie playing so much stoppage time in the 5-4 win for Barcelona.

Aston Villa had been eyeing a move for Badé following the sale of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahçe, with plans to strengthen their defense ahead of the January transfer deadline, as reported by CaughtOffside. The La Liga club set the player’s release clause at €60 million, but Villa’s opening bid was €21 million, plus €4 million in add-ons.

Liverpool will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they host struggling Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Th