Chris Burton

Gio Reyna has been told how to justify his huge potential, with USMNT legend Tab Ramos telling GOAL that the United States thought they had “the next Zinedine Zidane” on their hands when seeing a talented playmaker burst onto the scene. Struggles for form and fitness have held a hot prospect back, but time is still on his side.

Gary Lineker has advised Arsenal to “grow a pair” as a title-chasing squad, with the Gunners in danger of throwing away another glorious opportunity to bring their long wait for domestic dominance in the Premier League to a close. Mikel Arteta’s side have seen their lead at the top of the table cut to just five points, with Manchester City breathing down their neck.

Mauricio Pochettino is being tipped to leave his role with the USMNT and return to Europe regardless of what happens at the 2026 World Cup. Tab Ramos has told GOAL that the Argentine tactician is destined to move on, while also sounding a warning to Christian Pulisic and Co when it comes to justifying a ‘Golden Generation’ tag in the United States.

Tottenham have been brutally mocked by a Swedish politician, with the Scandinavian nation being urged to ensure that their economy does not become “Spursy”. That word has been used to condemn Premier League heavyweights on a regular basis down the years, as they struggle to deliver on expectations, with the north London giants in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle this season.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has criticised Benfica manager Jose Mourinho for bringing Eusebio’s name into the Vinicius Junior racism row that has been sparked on the back of an eventful Champions League clash at Estadio da Luz. Ex-Real Madrid coach Mourinho has sought to defend his player, Gianluca Prestianni, and Portuguese supporters.

Dele Alli is heading back to Tottenham, with the ex-England international set to make a special appearance at his former club. The 29-year-old midfielder is currently a free agent, with enticing offers being waited on after severing ties with Serie A side Como. Dele will be a guest of Spurs when they face arch-rivals Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has revealed that he was the brains behind Blues stars such as Cole Palmer being freed to jet off for some mid-season sunshine. With a break in Premier League and Champions League action being enjoyed, England international Palmer is among those to have left the UK - with a Dubai vacation being enjoyed with girlfriend Olivia Holder.

Neymar has admitted that he could retire from professional football at the end of 2026, with the experienced Brazil international having endured more struggles on the injury front. He is desperate to represent his country at this summer’s World Cup, but is unable to speculate on what the long-term future will look like - with it possible that he will be forced to hang up his boots.

Michael Carrick has revealed how he found out that Manchester United’s managerial post was his to fill, on an initial interim basis, with the ex-Red Devils midfielder returning to familiar surroundings. A positive start to his reign at Old Trafford has been enjoyed, with the 44-year-old also discussing whether he would like to stay on beyond the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon has branded rumours linking him with moves to Arsenal or Liverpool as a “load of rubbish”. The England international has been making headlines again after registering four goals for the Magpies in their 6-1 Champions League mauling of Qarabag. Transfer talk has resurfaced, but the 24-year-old forward is paying no attention to that gossip.

Arne Slot has delivered a promising update on Alexander Isak, with a potential return date for the Swedish striker being pencilled in. Isak, who is the Reds’ record signing, was forced to undergo surgery after suffering a broken leg against Tottenham on December 20. His campaign has not become a complete write off, with positive progress being made through a rehabilitation programme.

Real Madrid have confirmed that they “actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA” following accusations of racist abuse being aimed at Vinicius Junior during the Blancos’ Champions League clash with Benfica. Gianluca Prestianni stands accused of making the comments in question, with ugly scenes playing out at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Weston McKennie endured a tough time when suffering relegation out of the Premier League during a forgettable loan spell with Leeds in 2023, but the United States international may not be finished with the English top-flight. Former USMNT star Tab Ramos has told GOAL why the versatile Juventus midfielder would “make any team better” ahead of potentially hitting free agency this summer.

Arsenal dropped more precious points in their Premier League title bid when throwing away a two-goal lead at Wolves, with a stunning statistic highlighting how badly the Gunners continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Mikel Arteta has overseen three successive runners-up finishes, and is in danger of squandering another glorious opportunity to land the English top-flight crown.

Manchester United and Chelsea are among those to have been credited with interest in Brazil international centre-half Murillo, and Nottingham Forest legend Viv Anderson has told GOAL that any team that gets a transfer deal over the line would be acquiring the Reds’ “best player”. It has previously been suggested that the mercurial South American could become the first £100 million ($135m) defender in world football.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has apologised for his “clumsy” analysis of the incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinicius and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni that has seen allegations of racism surface. Clattenburg formed part of Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of a Champions League fixture that took place at Estadio da Luz.

One of Cole Palmer’s close friends has boldly claimed that he will talk the Chelsea playmaker into returning to his roots at Manchester United. The England international, who is a Wythenshawe native, grew up as a Red Devils supporter. He made his senior breakthrough with Manchester City and is now a talismanic presence at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham have been warned that “crazy” club captain Cristian Romero is threatening to undermine collective efforts, with Bobby Zamora telling GOAL why the enigmatic Argentine defender has become an “easy target” for opponents. The South American centre-half can be wound up to the point that he does something reckless, with rivals able to get under his skin.