Manchester United and Roma are locked in a tense standoff over the transfer of Joshua Zirkzee, with the two clubs seemingly miles apart in their valuation of the struggling Dutch striker. While the player is reportedly keen on a return to Serie A, negotiations have hit a wall over the structure of the deal, forcing Roma sporting director Frederic Massara to line up a list of alternatives.

Bayern Munich ace Harry Kane admits he has Robert Lewandowski's sensational Bundesliga scoring record in his sights after a prolific start to the 2025-26 campaign with the Bundesliga giants. Lewandowski famously netted an incredible 41 league goals for Bayern back in 2021 to write his name into the history books but Kane, who already has 18 this season, is hoping he can break that record.

Stefan de Vrij’s time at Inter appears to be reaching its conclusion, with reports from Italy suggesting the Dutch defender is ready to pack his bags. Nottingham Forest have emerged as a surprise Premier League suitor, while Benfica and Bologna are also monitoring the situation closely.

Bruno Fernandes has shed light on his relationship with "very serious" Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who has converted him into a holding midfielder since replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm. Five goals and seven assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season underline Fernandes' enduring influence, helped by the building of "boundaries" between him and Amorim.

Manchester City have offered an update on the club's 115 FFP charges amid talk a verdict could be returned imminently. The Cityzens are still yet to discover if they will face sanctions after being slapped with the charges for allegedly breaching financial rules during a nine year period between 2009 and 2018. A hearing concluded over a year ago but a verdict is still yet to be announced.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has shared his thoughts on whether the Portugal national team is better off without veteran talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary forward turned 40 back in February but is aiming to play a key role for his team at World Cup 2026. There have been suggestions that Portugal may be stronger without their ageing superstar, who only scored once in five games at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

From Ibrahima Konate winning the title with Liverpool, to William Saliba anchoring Arsenal's charge to the top of the table or Leny Yoro's big-money signing for Manchester United, French centre-backs have had a massive influence in the Premier League's recent history. Now, the race to sign Les Bleus' next great defender is on as the top clubs from England and beyond circle Tylel Tati.

Barcelona's famed La Masia academy has long been the envy of every other top club in Europe, and for good reason. It has forged dozens of legends over the last 46 years, from Pep Guardiola and Albert Ferrer, to Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and a certain Lionel Messi. Every generation produces multiple superstars, with Lamine Yamal leading the current crop after bursting onto the scene as a 15-year-old.

Florian Wirtz's £100 million ($130m) move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool didn't just upset Bayern Munich. It also hit hard at Koln. After all, Wirtz had come through their academy only to leave for Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 - and for a paltry €300,000 (£265,000/$350,000). Koln were furious. They felt Leverkusen had broken a 'gentleman's agreement' by signing one of the most exciting young players they'd ever produced - but there was nothing they could do about it. Wirtz's contract was expiring and he wanted to leave.

Enzo Maresca has been urged to stay "quiet" if he wants to avoid being sacked after appearing to criticise the Chelsea board following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton. The Italian head coach described the build-up to the Premier League fixture as his "worst 48 hours" at the club, raising plenty of questions over who the comment was aimed at.

Sports presenter Laura Woods has revealed how she was left terrified and anxious after being targeted by a 'relentless' stalker. She suffered for three years before the perpetrator was eventually handed a 14-month jail term and a restraining order banning her from going near Woods' home. Woods has opened up on her ordeal in a candid interview and explained the impact it has had on her life.

GOAL has complete guide to Champions League top scorers in 2025-26 with the prestigious Golden Boot on the line.

Romario moved around the penalty area with the stealthy gait and sly gaze of a panther, ready to suddenly accelerate as soon as the ball came his way, to disorient the opposing defenders with a couple of feints, to pounce on the ball, which inevitably ended up at his feet, as if magnetised, and finish with an unstoppable shot of pure technique or power, or alternatively serve up a perfect assist for one of his team-mates. He was a Hall of Fame striker if ever there was one.

Describing Roberto Baggio to those who did not experience him is a sort of generational challenge, an arduous attempt at conveying something that is too difficult to explain in words. But we will try - because Roberto Baggio was, especially for Italians, a symbol, a standard-bearer, an icon and an emotion.

The perfect embodiment of total football, the game wouldn't be what it is today without the former Barcelona maestro

Rebel United introduces players who prefer to swim against the tide, such as Barcelona and Spain legend Gerard Pique, who has achieved great significance beyond the pitch thanks to his Catalan pride and innovative spirit...

In the latest from our series focusing on players who swam against the tide during their careers, we take a look at one of Germany's great sporting rebels

The Brazilian was tipped to become one of the greats, but he ultimately succumbed to the pressures of sporting fame

'Baby Lukaku'. That is the nickname, coined by Romelu Lukaku's former team-mate Kevin Mirallas, that Belgian journalists love to use when they write about Promise David. It's easy to see why, too, with the Union Saint-Gilloise striker one of European football's most unsung talents, a true Hidden Gem.

The list of top goal-scorers through the early weeks of La Liga's season is full of familiar faces. Kylian Mbappe is well out in front having netted 13 times in just 11 games, while Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Jr and Ferran Torres are among the chasing pack. But in amongst those household names is a player in Karl Etta Eyong who has emerged from complete obscurity to being on the transfer radar of Europe's biggest clubs; the true personification of a Hidden Gem...

Bilal El Khannouss is talking to Belgian reporters in the press area of the Cegeka Arena, home of KRC Genk. While the attacking midfielder is discussing the details of a 0-0 draw with Ferencvaros, a journalist from Sporza can no longer contain himself.