Manchester United paid £10 million to agents and intermediaries between October and February – over £3m more than the next highest-spending Premier club.
A document by the FA listed the net totals spent by clubs from the start of October to February 1, including payments made by clubs on behalf of players.
It shows United to be the top flight’s biggest spenders at £10.02m, with Liverpool second at £6.67m.
Manchester City are next behind the Reds at £5.88m, followed by Arsenal (£3.14m) and West Ham United (£2.69m).
Striker Rossi to rejoin Fiorentina
Giuseppe Rossi will be returning to Fiorentina when his loan spell at La Liga strugglers Levante comes to a close in summer.
The Italian striker joined Levante with the aim of rediscovering his form after coming from a long period on the sidelines.
“I still follow Fiorentina and watch their games every week,” Rossi, who scored five goals in 14 matches for Levante, said.
“I am only on loan at Levante, so I will return to Fiorentina in June. It’d also be a dream to get back into the national team, as it’s a jersey that gives you unique emotions.”
John Terry may return this season
John Terry could have a say in the Premier League title race after all and may return for Chelsea against Tottenham on May 2.
Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink revealed Terry, who has an Achilles injury, is close to a return to the squad against title-chasing Spurs.
Hiddink said: “John is very committed. He was annoyed about his injury and desperately wants to be with the team.
“I hope he will step up next week and we will see how it will go in the last couple of games.
“We play on Monday week. John should be training with the group at least by Thursday (to be considered to face Spurs).”
Rooney tops rich list for young sports stars
England and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney tops the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List for young sportsmen in Britain, published this weekend.
Rooney has amassed an £82m fortune which makes him the richest sportsman aged 30 or under, a rise of £10m from last year.
The 30-year-old’s wealth comes from a reported £300,000-a-week contract at United, which makes him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, as well as endorsements with global brands Nike and Samsung.
Tennis brothers Andy and Jamie Murray are in second place with a joint worth of £58m.
Golfer Rory McIlroy has enjoyed the biggest increase in wealth, earning an extra £18m to take him up to £56m in total and to third place in the list.
Liverpool’s Sakho fails doping test
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has failed a drugs test and did not play against Newcastle yesterday.
The alleged offence relates to the Reds’ Europa League second-leg tie at Manchester United and is believed to concern a so-called ‘fat-burning’ substance.
Reports said the France international is likely to request his B sample be tested, with the deadline for that set for Tuesday.
Sakho has not been suspended either by the club or UEFA, but it is understood that after discussion between the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group, manager Juergen Klopp and the player himself it was decided the centre-back should not play in the immediate future.
Tottenham mulling Wembley matches
Tottenham could play Champions League home matches at Wembley next season if White Hart Lane is downsized to help build the club’s new stadium.
Spurs plan to move into their £400 million home at the start of the 2018-19 campaign but have been told part of the current North Stand may have to be removed next year for the project to stay on schedule.
That would mean a reduction in capacity at White Hart Lane next season.
Reports said the club are considering staging Champions League matches at an alternative venue, and Wembley is being discussed. It is, however, only one option on the table and no decision has yet been reached.
Hummels could fancy City switch
Manchester City would be well positioned in any race to sign Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, his father and agent has indicated.
Hermann Hummels had previously mooted Bayern Munich as a possible destination.
Now it has emerged that City, who have appointed Pep Guar-diola to be their next coach, may be a temptation to Hummels if they come in with an offer.
Hermann Hummels said: “Manchester City could be a very interesting option. They’ve not done so well this year, but they are going to win the league next year.
“They are getting the best coach in the world.”