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          What's trending: Mourinho to join new club in July, Rafa replaces McClaren

          • ESPN staffMar 11, 2016, 08:01 AM

          Here are the latest stories from Friday.

          PREMIER LEAGUE: BT Sport reporter Matt Smith claims that Jose Mourinho told him he'll start his new job in July in an interview that won't be screened until next week.

          He tweeted: "Well it was a very illuminating chat with Señor #Mourinho for @btsport - you will see it on various BT shows. And he WILL be joining his new club in July. Of course Jose didn't confide to the camera. Yeah right. But Jorge Mendes was there, in the full iridescent agent suit...".

          - Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been named the Premier League's Manager of the Month for February, while Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster was named top player.

          NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United have appointed former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez as manager on a three-year deal after sacking Steve McClaren on Friday.

          - McClaren has left the struggling Premier League club in the relegation zone with 10 games to save their top flight status.

          - Club legend Alan Shearer called the move a "good coup" for his old team.

          MAN UNITED: The club released a statement condemning the singing of songs about the Hillsborough tragedy during the 2-0 Europa League defeat away at Liverpool.

          -Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said his side had given away "cheap" goals in their dismal 2-0 Europa League defeat at Liverpool.

          - Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were left aghast at Manchester United's disjointed display in defeat to rivals Liverpool.

          - Chris Smalling admitted his side have "a difficult task on our hands." De Gea apart, Man United were wretched overall say our player ratings.

          LIVERPOOL: Jurgen Klopp said that he had seen the Liverpool he knew before coming to Anfield on a memorable night for his club.

          - But Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson sounded a note of caution. Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne excelled in the game.

          TOTTENHAM: Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino says he has "no regrets'' about playing a weakened team in Thursday's 3-0 Europa League defeat at Borussia Dortmund.

          - Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his side "dominated the match".

          EUROPA LEAGUE: Lazio coach Stefano Pioli says he cannot understand why his side's Europa League game at Sparta Prague had to be halted due to racist chants, as the Serie A club now face further sanctions.

          FRANCE: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema moved a step closer to becoming available for Euro 2016 after legal restrictions preventing him from meeting France teammate Mathieu Valbuena were officially lifted by an appeal court on Friday.

          BARCELONA: Manager Luis Enrique has backed Gerard Pique's controversial use of social media application Periscope to give fans a direct look behind the scenes at the Camp Nou.

          - The manager also said nothing has been decided in Neymar's quest to play in both the Olympics and Copa America for Brazil this summer.

          - Barcelona say a local court has accepted an appeal by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and predecessor Sandro Rosell in a case involving alleged irregularities around Neymar's transfer in 2013.

          - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi played three games while carrying a kidney stone earlier this season, according to the specialist who treated him.

          REAL MADRID: Although Karim Benzema is not quite ready to play, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Gareth Bale all returned to training on Friday.

          - Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa has said his Spain career was brought to an abrupt end due to a clash with Diego Costa during a derbi match against Atletico Madrid two years ago.

          PSG: Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has said the Paris Saint-Germain star has already made up his mind about his future -- but will not reveal his decision until the summer.

          LEICESTER: Leicester forward Riyad Mahrez has insisted the team are under no pressure as they chase a first top-flight title in the club's 132-year history.

          - Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has been stripped of the goal he scored in the 2-2 home draw against West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.

          ARSENAL: Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has urged the club's fans -- and his teammates -- to keep their emotions under control as the Premier League title race enters its closing stages.

          - Thierry Henry has continued taking steps towards a career in management by completing his UEFA A Licence.

          MLS: New York City FC made a big move by signing last year's top player in the Indian Super League, Steven Mendoza, on loan from Corinthians, while sending Andrew Jacobson to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

          - Frank Lampard believes that New York City FC can reach the postseason in 2016 and even accomplish something "special" in its second MLS season.

          - New York Red Bulls defender Ronald Zubar and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Christian Bolanos have been suspended for one game each and fined undisclosed amounts for rough play.

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