Kick Off: Hazard transfer saga rises again; Maradona backs Messi against 'traitors'

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

TOP HEADLINE

Chelsea intend to convince Hazard to stay and sign new contract

Hazard could join Real Madrid in January or next summer (AS)

Chelsea intend to convince Eden Hazard to stay at the club and tie him down to a new contract, according to Sky Sports News. But Spanish newspaper AS report Florentino Pérez plans to sign Eden Hazard in January or next summer.

Messi let down by Argentina traitors - Maradona

The legendary World Cup winner has slammed the lack of support shown to a talisman figure, while also ruling out a second stint as national team boss

Barca captain Lionel Messi named All Football Player of the Week

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been named All Football Player of the Week.

All Football Power Rankings of the Week (Oct 9, 2018): Real Madrid slip to 6th

Hello again! We organize clubs of Europe's top 5 leagues into an order that reflects the up-to-the-minute hierarchy every Tuesday. 

Ronaldo Rape Allegation Latest Report

Las Vegas police admit for first time they will question Ronaldo

Las Vegas officers aim to quiz the ex-Manchester United star about the alleged sexual assault of Kathryn Mayorga in June 2009

Ronaldo's mother and sister start campaign of support after rape allegations

Dolores Aveiro says that her son deserves justice and Katia Aveiro, Ronaldo's sister wanted people to supprot her brother on social media.

Las Vegas police: Original evidence in Ronaldo rape investigation hasn’t been lost

Las Vegas police are quoted as saying the original evidence in the Cristiano Ronaldo rape investigation hasn’t been lost, while Mario Balotelli’s ex rushed to his defence.

Ronaldo's hotel chain partner offers support amid rape case

Cristiano Ronaldo has been granted the support of his investment partner in Pestana-CR7 Lifestyle Hotels following the rape allegations against the Juventus star.

THESE THINGS HAPPEN

Salah once smashed Ballon d'Or public votes... but now Messi takes the lead

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has smashed the pubblic votes for Ballon d'Or with nearly half of the votes for hours, more than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. But now (Oct. 10th 9am CET), the Barcelona captain has taken the lead.

No Salah here, nor Kane! Here is Premier League Team of the Season so far

As we enter the international break with the English title race taking shape, Goal picks its top performers from the opening eight matchdays

Messi is having more rest this season than he has had in ten years

After a disappointing World Cup in Russia for Lionel Messi, he and Barcelona have agreed that he should have more time to rest this year.

Messi made drastic diet changes to prolong his career and remain at the top of his game

After recently averaging 40 goals for 10 consecutive calendar years, Lionel Messi showed no signs of letting up at the age of 31.

TRANSFER RUMORS

Bayern could 'rival Man Utd for Zidane' as Kovac sees pressure mount

Bayern Munich could 'rival Manchester United for Zinedine Zidane' should they look to replace Niko Kovac following a poor start to the season.

Moreno emerges as surprise Barca target as Liverpool exit beckons for left-back

Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno is back on Barcelona's radar.

Aston Villa face competition from Monaco to bring in Henry as new boss

Aston Villa face competition in their pursuit of Thierry Henry, with Monaco expected to sack Leonardo Jardim and launch a move for their former striker.

WHAT THEY SAY

Messi can still win World Cup, insists Sampaoli

After his dismissal as the Argentina coach, Jorge Sampaoli took some time off from football to reflect on the reasons behind the team's failure in the World Cup.

Pogba: I don't deserve Ballon d'Or

Paul Pogba says he would love a Frenchman to win the Ballon d'Or, but does not believe he should be in contention.

'Mbappe likened to Ronaldo in his Man Utd days' - Griezmann

The France international is already a World Cup winner and global superstar, but is being tipped to take his game to even greater heights

Morata: "Hazard doesn't want to leave, but if Madrid come in..."

The Chelsea forward spoke about the possibility of his teammate leaving for the European champions: "If he has said it that clearly then that’s the way it is."

'It's not right!' - Pogba slammed by Saha over Mourinho comments

The midfielder should have kept his opinions on his manager to himself, according to the former Red Devils striker

Essien backs Mourinho to turn things around at Man Utd

Michael Essien has a question. 'Why is everyone talking about Mourinho?' He does not mean generally. It seems amid Manchester United's minor crisis, Essien has become something of a font of Jose Mourinho knowledge. It's no real surprise, though.

'Nooooooo!!!' - Alves laments losing Messi assists record

The Brazilian has lost his historic provider tag to Luis Suarez, but he seems to have taken the news in good humour

Nacho: "At the start of the season, nobody remembers Ronaldo's name"

The players are with Lopetegui until the death says Nacho, who says every loss at Real Madrid turns into a crisis and four feels like the end of the world.

'Ronaldo should have ended his career in Madrid' - Pellegrini

The current West Ham manager gave an interview on Spanish radio where he discussed Real Madrid's present situation and the pressure the Bernabéu exerts.

ANALYSIS & OPINION

5 reasons why Hazard could make an immediate impact at Real Madrid

Eden Hazard and Real Madrid seem perpetually linked and here are five reasons why he could make an immediate impact at Real Madrid.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Penalty+Flip=Splendid goal! Russian forward performs a stunning backflip penalty