JOE BERNSTEIN: When Bournemouth pay £12m for a Championship striker and Newcastle match that for a midfielder with six England caps, you know the transfer window is getting serious.

Barcelona legend Xavi has paid a heartfelt tribute to former team-mate Lionel Messi, describing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as the 'best player in history'.

Messi has won the Ballon d'Or award while playing in a variety of positions, including a wider role as Barcelona claimed the treble last season, and Enrique insists the star could play anywhere.

PETE JENSON: As Lionel Messi looks back at his reflection in his five Ballon d'Or golden balls, it must be more difficult than ever to not think about just what he has become - the greatest of all time.

Tottenham are growing increasingly confident of tying Mousa Dembele to a new long-term contract. The Belgium international has become an integral member of Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

The German revealed that his respect for Wenger has increased since he took the Liverpool job and that his team are not in the same league as Arsenal when it comes to dominating the ball.

The 21-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder has been on the club's radar since he was a teenager and has also been followed closely by Arsenal and Liverpool.

ADRIAN DURHAM: Speak to anyone who knows about Wilfried Zaha's time at Manchester United and you'll realise he failed there not because he lacked the raw materials.

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink is determined to eke the best out of Eden Hazard, but will not be adopting a maternal role to restore his star man to the heights of last season. 

With all 20 Premier League teams in action on Tuesday and Wednesday night, Sportsmail looks at some of the intriguing questions to be answered over the next two days.

Harry Kane is next in line for a new contract at as Mauricio Pochettino tries to secure the long-term futures of his top young talent. Dele Alli signed a new deal with the club on Tuesday.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with taking charge at Manchester City while Chelsea and Manchester United could also be possible destinations for Guardiola.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he was 'petrified' to wear the No 7 shirt when he joined Manchester United - and wanted the No 28 instead. Ronaldo replaced David Beckham in the No 7 shirt.

DOMINIC KING IN ZURICH: Lionel Messi has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months, winning five trophies, but he made it clear he has no intention of showcasing his talents away from Barcelona.

Ballon d'Or 2015 winner Lionel Messi did not pick up another major individual prize in Switzerland on Monday, as Wendell Lira won the Puskas Award.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique claimed FIFA's top coaching award ahead of Bayern Munich's Pep Guardiola and Chile's Jorge Sampaoli at Monday night's Ballon dOr ceremony in Zurich.

Villa are rooted to the bottom of the table with eight points from 20 games and are without a league win since the opening day of the campaign.

Manchester United striker Will Keane gave first team manager Louis van Gaal a timely reminder of his goalscoring abilities with a hat-trick for the Under 21s on Monday night.

KIERAN GILL: Man United are losing their DNA under Louis van Gaal and he is only one defeat away from forcing the board into a decision on his future, insists Michael Owen.

Watford are showing an interest in Liverpool starlet Jerome Sinclair. Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the youngster as they look to bolster their homegrown contingent.

Sportsmail can reveal who would feature alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the ultimate FIFA FIFPro World XI with selection based on number of appearances.

David Dunn has been sacked as manager of Oldham. The Latics sit third from bottom in Sky Bet League One and are without a win in eight games, six of which have ended in defeat.

Holders Arsenal have been handed a favourable home draw against Championship opposition Burnley in the fourth round of the FA Cup, while Manchester United will visit Derby County.