The host of BBC‘s snooker coverage, Hazel Irvine, issued an apology to legendary commentator Dennis Taylor after forgetting his achievements on the baize while on air. The iconic Masters event is underway with the BBC covering the entire tournament live on TV. Irvine is once again presenting having long been the face of the Beeb’s broadcasts of Triple Crown events. But the 60-year-old broadcaster was left a little red in the face after accidentally forgetting about Taylor while discussing his compatriot Mark Allen.

After a video package about Allen played, Irvine referred to the 39-year-old as the second Northern Irish player ever to win the Masters. But she was wrong – forgetting about her BBC colleague and legendary commentator Taylor. After getting a message in her ear, Irvine added: “Mark Allen, the third player I am corrected, to win the Masters. How could I forget about Dennis Taylor? Sorry DT. Apologies.”

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The January transfer window could offer one last opportunity for Ivan Toney to make a Premier League comeback before the World Cup 2026 and the Al-Ahli striker has been in exceptional form. The England international, 29, netted twice in his team’s first match since the turn of the year and found the back of the net again over the weekend. Toney scored the winner in Al-Ahli’s 1-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Okhdood on Saturday. It was his ninth goal in 12 league matches this season and his 17th in all competitions, helping his team finish the weekend in fourth place.

The ex-Brentford forward made a big-money move to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2024 and adapted swiftly to his new environment, scoring 30 goals in all competitions last season. Despite his form, he has largely been overlooked for the England squad, playing just two minutes for the national team since Thomas Tuchel took the reins as manager in January 2025. A return to the Premier League could be the way in which Toney makes a last-ditch attempt to get back into Tuchel’s favour. Everton appear to have been priced out of a move for the striker, who is earning a hefty weekly wage in Saudi Arabia, though a reunion with former Brentford manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham continues to be mooted.

Sky Sports previously reported that Toney is open to a return to England to enhance his chances of securing a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, although Al-Ahli are reportedly not in a hurry to sell. Any move would need to be the right one, but Spurs’ performance this season may persuade the London club that they need additional attacking options.

Injuries to key players Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke have left Frank’s squad thin on players in attacking positions. Despite making a return from the bench in the FA Cup clash against Aston Villa, Solanke hasn’t started a game since May and may need time to return to match-sharpness.

Spurs’ attacking line-up has also been hit by the loss of Mohammed Kudus due to injury, with his return not expected until spring. The sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for a reported £35million has further depleted their ranks, but Frank hinted at potential reinforcements in the January transfer window.

“I think, when you want to improve the squad, of course there are some positions that are maybe more obvious than others, but we are out there,” Frank said. “If we can improve the squad, we’ll improve the squad.”

England midfielder Conor Gallagher and Brazilian full-back Souza are both believed to be on the verge of joining Spurs, while speculation continues over a possible reunion between Frank and Toney, given their impressive link-up at Brentford. Toney netted 36 goals in 83 Premier League appearances under Frank, including a 20-goal haul in the 2022/23 season which was the third highest in the league behind Erling Haaland and former Spurs star Harry Kane.

Frank had high praise for Toney back in February 2024, even while acknowledging his likely departure from the Brentford side he managed at the time. “I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now,” he said. “He’s a really good striker who is in his prime footballing age.”

Kylian Mbappe has delivered a heartfelt message to Xabi Alonso following confirmation of his departure from Real Madrid. The La Liga giants announced on Monday that they had parted company with Alonso, mere months after his appointment last summer.

Real confirmed that both parties had reached a “mutual agreement” to end their collaboration, with the decision arriving just one day after their Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona. Los Blancos endured a crushing 3-2 defeat against their fierce rivals, with Frenkie De Jong netting the decisive goal in added time during what would prove to be Alonso’s final match as manager.

Madrid have also revealed that Alvaro Arbeloa will step into the managerial role following Alonso’s departure. Shortly after the announcement of Alonso’s exit, Mbappe shared a message on his Instagram story with his 129 million followers, accompanied by a photograph of himself with his former boss.

“It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you,” Mbappe wrote. “Thank you for giving me the confidence since day one.

“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter.”

Alonso’s future as Madrid boss had been the subject of intense speculation for several weeks, having only been brought in by the La Liga giants last summer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup campaign. The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder departs Madrid with the club second in the La Liga standings and trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.

“Real Madrid C. F. wishes to announce that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to bring his time as first team coach to an end,” the statement from Madrid read.

“Xabi Alonso will always carry the affection and admiration of all Madridistas because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home.

“We would like to thank Xabi Alonso and all his coaching staff for their hard work and dedication throughout this time, and wish them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”

Madrid’s upcoming fixture will see them face Albacete on Wednesday evening in the Copa del Rey round of 16, with their La Liga return scheduled for Saturday against Levante.