Chris Burton

Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri, who will be seeing out the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Marseille, has been called out by a rival manager in France after narrowly avoiding a red card. The England U21 international is still adjusting to life with Ligue 1 heavyweights, and was fortunate to escape an early ban after crunching into a tackle during domestic cup action.

Virgil van Dijk is being backed to spend “even longer” at Liverpool than the terms of his current contract, with Arne Slot seeing a long-term future for the Dutch defender at Anfield. He is set to turn 35 over the summer, with the odd mistake being allowed to creep into his game this season, while £60 million ($82m) is being invested in the potential of talented French youngster Jeremy Jacquet.

Sir David Beckham is being backed to become a Manchester United owner of the future, with Wes Brown claiming it would be a “dream come true” to see the former Red Devils winger back at Old Trafford. Beckham is currently involved with MLS Cup winners Inter Miami, where he works with Lionel Messi, and League Two promotion hopefuls Salford City.

Sandro Tonali generated plenty of headlines on deadline day as the winter transfer window of 2026 came to a close, with Arsenal reported to have made a play for the Newcastle midfielder. No deal was done, but speculation continues to rage. Manchester City are said to be another of Tonali’s many suitors, and Pep Guardiola was spotted in deep conversation with the 25-year-old at the end of a Carabao Cup encounter.

Jesse Lingard remains a free agent after severing ties with FC Seoul, with the former England international waiting on offers. A return to Europe has been speculated on for the 33-year-old midfielder, with reports now suggesting that he could link up with ex-Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie at Feyenoord - with discussions said to have taken place.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly poised to bring his surprising strike action at Al-Nassr to a close, with the Portuguese icon prepared to face Al-Ittihad in a crucial Saudi Pro League fixture on Friday. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out a derby date with Al-Riyadh after supposedly growing frustrated at how transfer funds are being distributed across teams in the Middle East.

Endrick continues to offer parent club Real Madrid timely reminders of what he is capable of, with another spectacular goal being recorded during a productive loan spell at Lyon. The Brazilian wonderkid headed to France at the start of the winter transfer window after finding regular game time in Spain hard to come by. A dream start to life at the Groupama Stadium has been enjoyed.

Omar Marmoush has fired a warning to Arsenal ahead of the Carabao Cup final, informing the Gunners that “every medal is important” to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have grown accustomed to picking up trophies on a regular basis in recent times, but those without a major honour at the Etihad Stadium are determined to open their collection in 2025-26.

Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as “the one” to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.

Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.

Gary Neville believes Alejandro Garnacho’s confidence has been “shot to pieces” at Chelsea, with the former Manchester United winger putting in a “horrible” performance for the Blues against West Ham. He was dragged out of that contest at half-time, with Liam Rosenior’s side battling their way back to claim a 3-2 win. Questions are being asked of Garnacho’s contribution to the collective cause.

Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his supposed strike action at Al-Nassr branded “strange”, with the Portuguese GOAT reportedly refusing to play for his Saudi Pro League employers. He is tied to the most lucrative contract in world football, but has grown frustrated at business in the Middle East. A move is now being mooted that could put his 1,000 career-goal target at risk.

Harry Kane has been advised to “focus on his strengths” at Bayern Munich, with the prolific England international striker being reminded that it is “not his job” to track back and help out in defence. Kane has been eager to do his bit for the collective cause after seeing the runaway Bundesliga leaders surprisingly drop points across their last two domestic fixtures.

Shea Lacey has sent a reminder to interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick of what he has to offer, with the Red Devils wonderkid netting a stunning hat-trick in Premier League 2 competition. The exciting teenager has already made a senior breakthrough in 2025-26, but experienced mixed emotions after being given his chance to shine on a first-team stage.

Manchester United flop Donny van de Beek has announced his engagement to Estelle Bergkamp, the daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis. The Dutch midfielder endured a tough time on the field at Old Trafford, leading to an inevitable departure in 2024, but has had plenty to celebrate off the pitch. He and his fiancee are now preparing to draw up wedding plans.

Lionel Messi has reportedly given the “green light” to a sensational transfer that would include a “no away games” stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.

Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.

Lamine Yamal has made a huge statement on his future at Barcelona, with the teenage wonderkid revealing that he hopes to be a one-club man as he stays at Camp Nou “forever”. There is every chance of that happening, having quickly achieved icon status, but Lionel Messi has shown that not everybody gets their wish when it comes to career-long stints in Catalunya.