Chris Burton

Lionel Messi's mooted contract renewal at Inter Miami could impact a number of other players on the club’s books, GOAL has been told in an exclusive interview, with Gus Poyet casting an eye over goings on in South Florida. He has seen Argentine GOAT Messi assemble a cast of close friends alongside him, with it possible that one of those - Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez - will also agree to extend his career in MLS.

Jamie Carragher admits that Liverpool are missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the Reds' class of 2025-26 yet to click into gear. Arne Slot spent heavily during the summer transfer window, with record-shattering deals being completed for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. They are yet to settle in new surroundings, with the Premier League title holders considered to be missing creative and attacking sparks.

Thomas Tuchel has explained why Jude Bellingham was left out of the latest England squad, with the Three Lions boss speaking to the Real Madrid midfielder before making his selection. Many expected Bellingham to earn an immediate recall after returning to action at club level following shoulder surgery. He has, however, been overlooked alongside the likes of Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden and Everton winger Jack Grealish.

Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac and Tom Brady should have plenty of cause for celebration in the coming years, claims Alan Shearer, with Wrexham and Birmingham City being told that they will "both be in the Premier League in the near future". Two ambitious projects that see A-list investors heavily involved have captured the imagination of a global audience and continue to generate plenty of drama.

Jude Bellingham has been left out of the latest England squad despite recovering from injury, with the Real Madrid midfielder failing to make Thomas Tuchel’s plans for a friendly date with Wales and a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is absorbed back into the fold after overcoming fitness issues of his own, while Everton forward Jack Grealish remains in the international wilderness.

Kylian Mbappe was left raving about Achraf Hakimi’s performance for Paris Saint-Germain in the French side’s Champions League victory over Barcelona, with the Real Madrid superstar admitting that his close friend is “too much” to handle when performing at the peak of his powers. The buccaneering full-back put in another classy display as the reigning kings of European football claimed another notable scalp in Catalunya.

Manchester United have received a shock update on Gareth Southgate’s plans as Ruben Amorim continues to see questions asked of how much longer he will remain in charge at Old Trafford. Change is being mooted as the Red Devils struggle to establish any kind of momentum and consistency. It has been suggested that former England manager Southgate will be in contention if a prominent Premier League managerial post opens up.

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a reunion with former fan favourite Cristiano Ronaldo. The Red Devils have been left with a £100 million ($135m) financial hole to fill after missing out on European qualification for 2025-26. It has been suggested that glamorous midweek friendlies could be arranged in a bid to raise much-needed funds, with one of those potentially seeing Ruben Amorim’s side line up against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Alisha Lehmann has been among the revellers at Oktoberfest in Munich, with the Swiss star making a point of passing through Germany before the 2025-26 campaign gets underway with new employers Como Women. Lehmann was in a party mood when chugging a huge beer in Bavaria - as is tradition - with the former Aston Villa and Juventus star also dressing up for the occasion alongside some of her club colleagues.

Jurgen Klopp has brutally roasted Manchester United, with the former Liverpool boss able to laugh at the struggles being endured by his former arch-rivals. The German tactician spent nine years locked in Premier League battle with the Red Devils, and ultimately emerged victorious as he was able to awaken sleeping giants on Merseyside from their slumber and turn them into serious contenders for the biggest domestic and continental prizes.

Joe Cole has joked that Jose Mourinho, who he worked under at Chelsea, must have “kicked Daniel Levy's cat” at Tottenham to deserve being sacked on the eve of a major cup final. The outspoken Portuguese was relieved of his duties in north London after guiding Spurs to the 2021 League Cup final. The decision to part with a proven winner raised a few eyebrows, with the Special One still chasing down tangible success at 62 years of age.

Federico Bernardeschi has refuted any suggestion that Cristiano Ronaldo “upset balance” during his time at Juventus. The Portuguese superstar completed a stunning transfer to Turin in 2018 when bringing a record-shattering spell at Real Madrid to a close. He would go on to spend three seasons with the Bianconeri, helping them to five trophies - including two Serie A titles.

Liverpool players may be a little bleary-eyed when taking to the field against Galatasaray in the Champions League, with rival supporters in Istanbul taking to putting on a fireworks display outside the Reds’ team hotel at 2am. Top-level players are accustomed to such behaviour, with supporters doing all they can provide a distraction off the pitch. Arne Slot will be hoping that his players turned a deaf ear to the behaviour of devious locals.

Jurgen Klopp has suggested that he will never return to management, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss claiming to miss nothing about life in the dugout. That was his existence for the best part of 25 years, having stepped straight into coaching with Mainz in 2001 after bringing his playing career to a close. Klopp walked away from Anfield as a modern day legend on Merseyside in the summer of 2024.

William Saliba has signed new long term contract with Arsenal. The French defender’s previous deal at Emirates Stadium was due to expire in the summer of 2027. Talks regarding fresh terms dragged on for some time, leading to inevitable questions over Saliba’s long-term future in north London, but he has now re-affirmed his commitment to the club.

Alisha Lehmann was among the stars to represent Como Women at Milan Fashion Week, with the Switzerland international stepping into “the Prada World” following a styling session at Nike’s headquarters. Lehmann was joined at the event by a couple of club colleagues, with exciting opportunities being embraced on and off the pitch following a summer transfer from Serie A title holders Juventus.

U.S. international Quinn Sullivan confirmed that he sustained an ACL injury during the Philadelphia Union’s 6-0 victory over D.C. United on the weekend. The 21-year-old midfielder lasted just 12 minutes before the knee injury. He initially attempted to play on, but it soon became apparent that would not be possible.

Wayne Rooney has delivered a damning assessment of Florian Wirtz, claiming that the £116 million ($156m) star “damages” Liverpool. The German playmaker was acquired by the Reds, in what was a British record transfer at the time, to provide more creativity for the reigning Premier League champions. He has endured a slow start to life in English football, with questions already being asked of his place in Arne Slot’s strongest starting XI.