Chris Burton

Cristiano Ronaldo is seeing questions asked of whether he has fled the Middle East amid mounting political tension in the region, with the Portuguese superstar’s private jet leaving Saudi Arabia for Madrid in the middle of the night. Riyadh, where CR7 is based with current club side Al-Nassr, has been struck by Iranian bombs as a conflict with the United States intensifies.

Manchester United have been warned it would take a British transfer record deal of £150 million-plus ($201m) in order to prise Cole Palmer away from Chelsea. The Wythenshawe native has seen a return to his roots in the North West speculated on, but former Stamford Bridge star Frank Sinclair has told GOAL why a stunning deal is unlikely to happen.

Vinicius Junior became caught up in another unsightly confrontation following Real Madrid’s shock defeat to Getafe at Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazil international played the full 90 minutes for the Blancos as they went down 1-0 to local rivals. After the final whistle blew, Real’s South American superstar was goaded by Allan Nyom - a rival he has previously clashed with this season.

Enzo Fernandez has been advised to ignore any Frank Lampard comparisons at Chelsea and focus on “dominating” games in his own way. Ex-Blues star Frank Sinclair has told GOAL why it would be foolish for the World Cup-winning Argentine at Stamford Bridge to try and model his game on a great of the past - as those exploits will never be replicated.

Thomas Tuchel has been given three reasons why Jude Bellingham, who is nursing an injury at Real Madrid, has to make England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The all-action midfielder may be forced to sit out international action during the March round of friendlies, but Lee Sharpe has told GOAL that the talented 22-year-old is one of those that should be picked on reputation alone.

Bruno Fernandes has been informed that Manchester United can afford to lose him, despite his obvious value to the collective cause, with Lee Sharpe telling GOAL why a summer transfer elsewhere could happen. Portugal international Fernandes has been a talismanic presence across six years at Old Trafford, but questions continue to be asked of his short and long-term future.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have been sent a “yo-yo” warning as Wrexham take aim at promotion into the Premier League, but are being backed to help make the funds available that would allow the Red Dragons to be competitive among the top-flight elite. Frank Sinclair has explained to GOAL why a £50 million ($67m) transfer may not be far away at SToK Racecourse.

Former England captain Wayne Rooney was spotted drinking until the early hours of the morning with two mystery women at a pre-Brit Awards party in Manchester. The legendary ex-United striker enjoyed an allegedly alcohol-fuelled evening at a fancy hotel that housed a number of celebrities ahead of a glitzy ceremony taking place at Co-op Live. Rooney’s wife, Coleen, was nowhere to be seen.

Lionel Messi appeared to brutally troll Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja after inspiring Inter Miami to a comeback derby victory over Florida rivals. The South American superstar was at his unstoppable best when bagging a brilliant brace in a 4-2 win for the Herons. After netting his second of the game, the Argentine GOAT appeared to ask Pareja if he wanted his autograph.

Chelsea have been advised to consider a transfer swoop for Darwin Nunez, with Marcel Desailly telling the Blues why the ex-Liverpool forward could end up being another Dennis Bergkamp. The mercurial Uruguayan striker endured a tough spell at Anfield, but a World Cup winner believes that he could thrive in the right surroundings - as Bergkamp once did at Arsenal.

Wayne Rooney has revealed the odd gift that he once received from Argentine icon Diego Maradona, with the Manchester United legend still having that present at home. The ex-England international had been competing for the Red Devils in Champions League action when he enjoyed a surprise meeting with World Cup winner Maradona at a Chinese restaurant.

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo is responsible for his biggest regret. The Brazil international has always considered Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo to be his “role model”. They have both passed through Santiago Bernabeu, but not at the same time. Rodrygo is still cursing his luck at having missed out on the chance to play alongside CR7.

Former England boss Gareth Southgate has sought to distance himself from reports suggesting that he could make a return to club management with Manchester United. The 55-year-old stepped down from his role with the Three Lions after enduring more European Championship heartache in 2024. Rather than heading back to the dugout, Southgate is planning to star in a “different movie”.

USMNT star Brenden Aaronson is being tipped to spark “silly money” transfer talk if club form in the Premier League at Leeds United can be carried over into international duty at the 2026 World Cup. Ex-Elland Road midfielder Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why a playmaker that is full of confidence could have some big decisions to make on his future this summer.

The truth behind Harry Kane’s links with Barcelona has been revealed, with the Bayern Munich striker reported to have emerged as a top target for the La Liga heavyweights. A presidential candidate at Camp Nou has claimed as much, stating that initial contact has been made, but the England captain has stated that he is unaware of any talks taking place.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has sought to defend Mohamed Salah from critics of his recent output, with the Dutchman pointing out that Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo have hardly been prolific of late. The Reds are hoping to see their attacking unit rediscover a spark in domestic and European competition, with the business end of another thrilling campaign being reached.

Marcus Rashford has been warned over making a “lazy” and “half-hearted” return to Manchester United. The Old Trafford academy graduate is facing an uncertain future as Barcelona mull over whether to turn a loan deal at Camp Nou into a permanent transfer. Ex-Red Devils star Lee Sharpe has told GOAL why Rashford has some big decisions to make in 2026.

Wrexham continue to chase down a fourth successive promotion, with ex-Red Dragons star Frank Sinclair telling GOAL why going back-to-back-to-back-to-back would be one of the greatest achievements in British football history. Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are hoping to make that dream come true, with collective sights now locked on the Premier League.