Pulisic is on his way back and Berhalter feels good about him, the team, and Gyasi Zardes (who knows why...). Should the Belgian and Dutch leagues merge? And Liverpool is taking the winter break off instead of playing their first team (or having Klopp coach) their replay match...they could have just won the first match.

MLS

If Adi can regain his form under Porter and the Black & Gold could have some of the best forward depth in MLS. The Crew claiming Adi is a low-risk move with potential high rewards - Massive Report

FC Dallas, Chicago Fire FC or the New York Red Bulls could all be landing spots for the 34-year-old Rami. Report: Three MLS clubs interested in World Cup-winning center back Adil Rami | MLSsoccer.com

NWSL/WoSo

In a big move toward transparency, the NWSL has agreed to disclose all amounts of allocation money involved in trades. NWSL will begin announcing amounts of allocation money in trades – Equalizer Soccer

With Olympic qualifiers set to begin this week, the Macedonia native reflects on his journey, which began with a six-month indoor soccer contract in America. Twenty years later, he’s still here. USWNT: Vlatko Andonovski's unlikely path as coach | Yahoo Sports

Former coach Hue Menzies hasn’t received half of the pay in his contract, and players still haven’t received some bonus money from the World Cup. Jamaica women’s soccer team financial trouble: Hue Menzies, players not paid

Secret, the first antiperspirant brand designed specifically for women, cast two US Women’s Soccer stars in the spot. Ellen DeGeneres Unveils 'Secret Kicker' Super Bowl Ad | PEOPLE.com | PEOPLE.com

The league’s non-international players were able to take centre stage during a wild round. Chaos delights as W-League proves it has more to offer than just its Matildas | Ella Reilly | Football | The Guardian

USA

Kobe Bryant’s childhood love of soccer made him an early champion of the sport in the United States, even after he became an NBA star. Kobe Bryant’s love for soccer is part of NBA great’s legacy

U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter says he’s “comfortable” with the fitness of Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic, despite him dealing with an injury. U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter 'comfortable' with Christian Pulisic recovery

“One thing for sure is we have a very good understanding of the player pool,” Berhalter said during the USMNT’s ongoing January camp. Gregg Berhalter believes US national team is "in a good spot" after an eventful year | MLSsoccer.com

Berhalter praised Zardes’ work rate, consistency and unselfishness. Gregg Berhalter: US national team fans often overlook Gyasi Zardes' strengths | MLSsoccer.com

World

Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s first team won’t play in the FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town during next month’s Premier League winter break. Klopp: Liverpool will only play kids in FA Cup replay vs. Shrewsbury Town

Manchester United will travel to the FA Cup replay winners of Northampton and Derby County, setting up a potential reunion with Wayne Rooney. FA Cup fifth round Liverpool Chelsea Manchester City Manchester United Arsenal Tottenham

A non-league footballer was shown three cards at once by the referee as he was sent off for two rash fouls within 12 seconds, which is just incredibly impressive. Non-league footballer received three cards in 12 seconds

La Liga wants the Spanish FA to punish Espanyol with a partial stadium closure after Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams said he was racially abused at their ground. La Liga wants Espanyol partial stadium closure for Inaki Williams incident - BBC Sport

Talks over a £340m takeover of Newcastle by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund are “advanced”, BBC Sport understands. This could finally end the uncertainty around Mike Ashley’s ownership. Newcastle United talks on Saudi Arabia takeover at 'advanced' stage - BBC Sport

That said, is this the right buyer for Newcastle? A Saudi takeover of Newcastle United would be ‘sportswashing, plain and simple’, according to human rights body Amnesty International. Newcastle takeover ‘sportswashing, plain and simple’, says Amnesty | Football | The Guardian

The former English striker did a wide ranging interview with The Guardian on a range of soccer subjects. The BBC licence fee should become a voluntary charge, and raised to subsidise elderly and poorer viewers, the Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has said. Gary Lineker says BBC should make licence fee voluntary | Football | The Guardian

Gary Lineker tells Donald McRae how VAR must change, his views on Klopp and Guardiola, Brexit ‘lies’ and why the licence fee should be voluntary. Gary Lineker: ‘Put my 1990 team against a modern team and we’d get murdered’ | Football | The Guardian

As the clock ticks down to the Premier League’s Jan. 31 transfer deadline, who are the players that the “Big Six” could, or should, dump? January transfer deadline: Who should Premier League's 'Big Six' clubs try to sell?

A management body says sports chat in the office can be a “gateway” to more laddish behaviour. Firms urged to crack down on office football chat - BBC News

Could the Belgian and Dutch leagues be merging? Report: BeneLiga could generate up to €400m from rights deals | Soccerex

What’s on TV?

11:45 AM - Aston Villa v. Leicester City - Carabao Cup Semifinal - ESPN+

11:45 AM - Torino v. AC Milan - Coppa Italia Quarterfinal - ESPN+

12:00 PM - Tenerife v. Athletic Club Bilbao - Copa del Rey - ESPN+

5:00 PM - Pachuca v. Venados - Liga MX - ESPN Deportes

5:00 PM - Toluca v. Atlas - Liga MX - TUDN

5:30 PM - USA v. Haiti - Women’s Olympic Soccer Qualifying - FS2

7:10 PM - Dorados v. Guadalajara - Liga MX - ESPN Deportes