Thursday's latest stories from the world of football in ESPN FC's What's Trending ...
WORLD CUP: Peru booked the final spot in the 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 win against New Zealand on Wednesday night in Lima.
- Tim Vickery on Peru reaching their first World Cup since 1982.
- The seedings for the 2018 World Cup finals draw can now be confirmed after Peru booked the 32nd and last place at next summer's tournament in Russia.
- Alexis Sanchez and Gareth Bale headline a host of big names who will be absent from next summer's World Cup after their countries failed to qualify.
ITALY: Gian Piero Ventura has been sacked as coach of Italy after failing to guide them to next summer's World Cup, the Italian Football Federation has announced.
- FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio says he is seeking a "big name" successor to Ventura.
MAN UNITED: Jose Mourinho has spoken of his frustration after losing defender Phil Jones to injury during the international break.
- Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has made his comeback after 209 days out injured.
- Marouane Fellaini will not be sold in January even if that means Manchester United lose the midfielder on a free transfer in the summer, sources have told ESPN FC.
- WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo's only option is United if he leaves Real Madrid.
CHELSEA: Willian says he does not know why Chelsea allowed Ruben Loftus-Cheek to go on loan to Crystal Palace after facing the 21-year-old in Brazil's goalless draw with England on Tuesday.
BELGIUM: Romelu Lukaku will have to wait to become his country's all-time top goal scorer -- despite Belgium already proclaiming him to be the record holder.
- Belgium's friendly game against with Japan in Bruges on Wednesday was almost called off due to a terrorist threat.
REP. IRELAND: Martin O'Neill has indicated that he plans to stay on as Republic of Ireland manager despite the nation's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
MLS: A meeting to try to keep Columbus Crew SC from moving the franchise to Austin, Texas, ended in acrimony on Tuesday.
- Clint Dempsey has signed a new contract with the Seattle Sounders, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Source: espn.co.uk