Taking a look at the headlines dominating the beautiful game…

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to follow in Toni Kroos’ footsteps and extend their stay at Real Madrid.

Spanish outlet Cadena Ser report that the Welshman, whose current contract expires in 2019, will sign a deal which will see him remain in the Spanish capital until 2022.

Sport suggest Los Blancos are also set to reward their No.7 with a bumper five year deal.

They write: “Cristiano Ronaldo is in talks over extending his Real Madrid deal until 2021. The player’s agent is negotiating with Florentino Perez so that Ronaldo, 31, remains linked to the club until he is 36.

“It’s set to be the last big contract the player, who’s become a club icon, signs in Europe. It would place as the second highest contract in Spanish football, behind Lionel Messi and ahead of Neymar, whose renewal is worth 15 million euros annually.”

Meanwhile…

  • Legends including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Franceso Totti starred in Pope Francis’ ‘United for Peace’ game in Rome. (Daily Mail)
  • Gordan Strachan could resign as Scotland manager before next month’s England game. (Mirror)
  • Claudio Ranieri will get a brilliant reception from Chelsea fans, according to Florent Malouda. (Sky Sports)
  • The FA has been impressed with Gareth’s Southgate’s showing as England caretaker boss. (Guardian)