Chris Burton

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who now plays in Spain for Villarreal, has been charged with two new counts of rape. The 32-year-old, who severed ties with the Gunners in the summer of 2025 when reaching the end of his contract and becoming a free agent, faces trial in November after denying allegations of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.

Arne Slot is nursing another injury headache at Liverpool, with the Reds boss announcing that a knock sustained by Wataru Endo looks to be a “serious one”. It has been stated that the outlook “doesn’t look good” for the versatile Japan international. He was forced out of a Premier League clash with Sunderland and is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Tottenham are reportedly considering an interim appointment following their decision to sack Thomas Frank. A prominent managerial post has opened up again in north London, with Spurs hoping that Mauricio Pochettino - who is currently in charge of the USMNT - can be talked back to the Premier League. No deal can be done there until the summer, meaning that John Heitinga may be handed the reins on a short-term basis.

Michael Owen has explained to GOAL how Thomas Tuchel could work Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers into the same starting XI, rather than having to pick between two creative playmakers. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of options in the No.10 role, with the race on to nail down that berth ahead of a quest for global glory being opened this summer.

Ange Postecoglou has claimed that Tottenham are “not a big club” when reflecting on his time in north London and reacting to the sacking of Thomas Frank. Spurs ended their long wait for major silverware when winning the Europa League in 2025, but subsequently fired Australian tactician Postecoglou. Frank has headed in the same direction after taking in just eight months at the helm.

Thomas Tuchel has signed a new contract with England that will keep him in charge of the Three Lions through to the end of a quest for European Championship glory in 2028. The new agreement has been confirmed ahead of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League draw, with the German tactician having snubbed interest being shown in his services by leading club sides from across Europe.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been criticised in the wake of his controversial comments regarding immigration in the United Kingdom, The billionaire businessman has claimed that Great Britain has become “colonised”, with population numbers continuing to rise. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called for an apology, while Andy Burnham - the mayor of Greater Manchester - has condemned the Ineos chief.

Cristiano Ronaldo, amid his strike action at Al-Nassr, is being backed for an “incredible” link-up with Lionel Messi in MLS. CR7 is seeing a stunning move away from the Saudi Pro League speculated on as tension mounts in the Middle East. It could be that the Portuguese superstar decides to join another GOAT in MLS as Sir David Beckham throws open the doors at Inter Miami.

Nottingham Forest are poised to make Premier League history after sacking Sean Dyche. The Reds announced in the wake of a 0-0 draw with rock-bottom Wolves that they had parted company with ex-Burnley and Everton boss Dyche. A fourth permanent manager of the season is now being sought at the City Ground, with Vitor Pereira considered to be a leading contender to take the reins.

Lionel Messi had to “score all the time” at Barcelona or he “wasn’t happy”, a former team-mate of the Argentine GOAT has revealed. World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti worked with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at Camp Nou and got to witness up close the relentless drive that carries the very best in the business to the top of the global game.

Manchester United are capable of luring Vinicius Junior away from Real Madrid, claims Luis Saha, with Michael Carrick restoring positivity and optimism to Old Trafford. It remains to be seen who will be calling the shots when another transfer window swings open, but the Red Devils are expected to enjoy a busy summer in 2026 and may line up a raid on Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona superstar Raphinha has taken aim at the “unfair” Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best snubs that he endured in 2025. The Brazil international starred for the Blaugrana last year as they landed the Liga title. He posted more than 60 goal involvements over the course of the campaign, but still missed out on the most prestigious of individual honours at glittering award ceremonies.

Ryan Reynolds has spoken passionately about his five-year partnership with Rob Mac at Wrexham, with the Hollywood duo reaching a notable milestone in North Wales. They have overseen a meteoric rise from the Red Dragons, overcoming plenty of challenges, and remain as committed as ever to guiding the club towards the Premier League.

Marc Anthony has addressed claims that he was partly responsible for the Brooklyn Beckham wedding drama that escalated a feud in one of Britain’s most famous families. Anthony is said to have invited Victoria, the wife of Manchester United legend David, on stage for a controversial dance that left daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz and son Brooklyn feeling embarrassed.

Manchester United have been told they must hand managerial reins to interim boss Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, with Michael Owen explaining to GOAL why the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino should be avoided. The Red Devils are in the market for a new boss after severing ties with Ruben Amorim early in 2026.

Bayern Munich have delivered an update on Harry Kane’s contract situation, with a slightly worrying admission being made by the club’s sporting director Max Eberl. He had offered hope to a loyal fan base at the Allianz Arena when revealing that “talks” were being held. It has now been revealed that prolific England international Kane is yet to form part of those discussions.

Lionel Messi continues to plan for a future in Barcelona, according to reports in Spain, with the Argentine GOAT intending to head back to Catalunya alongside wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons. Messi bid farewell to Camp Nou in emotional circumstances in 2021. He is now working on a contract through 2028 with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami.

Karim Benzema reportedly provoked former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after sealing his controversial transfer to Al-Hilal, with the French forward said to have sent a Saudi Pro League title joke to a disgruntled friend that has taken strike action at Al-Nassr. Ronaldo was left frustrated at seeing a fellow Ballon d’Or winner change clubs during the winter transfer window.