Chris Burton

Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Mauricio Pochettino will never have been open to the idea of a “dual job” that saw him coach both Tottenham and the USMNT. Spurs recently found themselves back in the market for a new manager after bringing Igor Tudor’s ill-fated 44-day tenure to a close. Former fan favourite Pochettino saw a return to north London speculated on, but he has World Cup plans to focus on this summer.

NBA superstar Klay Thompson has explained how Lionel Messi and Barcelona helped to inspire the dynasty enjoyed in basketball circles by Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Argentine GOAT Messi starred for the Catalan giants alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Neymar, with Pep Guardiola introducing ‘tiki-taka’ to the world. Similar principles have been embraced in California, allowing major silverware to be secured.

Elliot Anderson continues to generate plenty of transfer speculation, amid links to Manchester rivals United and City, but Chris Waddle can see the England international returning to his roots at Newcastle. Nottingham Forest are expected to field plenty of offers for the classy midfielder this summer, with it possible that an emotional homecoming could be taken in by the highly-rated 23-year-old.

Manchester United have been told they would be “silly” not to rekindle interest in England captain Harry Kane if exit doors do open up at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are reluctant to part with their prolific No.9, but concede that big-money offers could force their hand. Kane has previously seen a move to Old Trafford mooted, and fresh transfer talks may be lined up.

Reports of the purchase option in Marcus Rashford’s loan agreement at Barcelona expiring have been addressed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. It has been suggested that the €30 million (£26m/$35m) buyout clause in the winger’s deal at Camp Nou is no longer valid, with parent club Manchester United therefore in a position to dictate what happens in the summer window.

After nine memorable years at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah will be bidding farewell to Anfield over the summer. He is being released as a free agent, with John Barnes telling GOAL why the Reds are happy to pass on a potential £20 million ($26m) transfer fee. Premier League and Champions League title winner Salah is seeing the final year of his contract on Merseyside terminated.

Former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow believes that the Reds are agreeing to let Mohamed Salah leave as a free agent as they discovered there “wasn’t a market” for the 33-year-old Egyptian. Despite his exploits across nine seasons in England, Salah is not considered to be of the Cristiano Ronaldo mould and would have found it difficult to find a suitor willing to part with a big-money transfer fee.

Morgan Rogers has been warned against a transfer to the “graveyard” that Manchester United have become, with the Aston Villa playmaker also being advised to ignore any interest shown by Chelsea. The 23-year-old England international has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents. Dean Saunders believes Rogers’ ongoing development would be best served in his current surroundings.

Anthony Martial has seen his faltering career hit a new low, with the former Manchester United forward reportedly being banished by Mexican outfit Monterrey. The ex-France international has struggled for a professional spark across several years, with fresh questions of his future being asked in Central America following a petulant substitution strop.

Kylian Mbappe appreciates that he cannot expect to be immune from criticism at Real Madrid, with questions having previously been asked of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano. France international Mbappe is now head ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, with his goal output delivering on expectations, but he does not consider himself to be untouchable.

Ex-Arsenal and Spain star Santi Cazorla has explained why he prefers Pedri to Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The two-time European Championship winner admits to having a “huge crush” on Barca’s classy midfielder. He is also a big fan of Yamal, who continues to wow global audiences, but will always side with ball players over goal scorers.

Ester Exposito, one of the stars of Netflix show ‘Elite’, has broken her silence on a supposed romantic relationship with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old actress was spotted enjoying VIP hospitality at the recent Madrid derby date between Real and Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu. She has previously been seen heading to Paris with World Cup winner Mbappe.

A stunning move to Wrexham for Cristiano Ronaldo is being ruled out as the Portuguese superstar does not need Ryan Reynolds’ assistance in order to achieve his Hollywood dream. CR7 has stated a desire to get into the movie business, leading to surprising transfer talk being sparked, but James Chester cannot see the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend heading to North Wales.

Ronald Araujo admits that Uruguay may require divine intervention when facing Lamine Yamal and Spain at the 2026 World Cup, telling his international colleagues: “If they know how to pray, they better.” Araujo knows all about the threat that the teenage wonderkid will pose when they lock horns on the grandest of stages at a major tournament this summer.

Mohamed Salah has, as he prepares to leave Liverpool as a free agent, been warned off a move to join Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi in MLS. The Egyptian forward has been told that he would be “too far out of the spotlight” in America, with the director of his national team informing the 33-year-old forward that he should instead consider a switch that sees him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League.

Former Wales international James Chester has explained why Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac may be “the best owners in football”. A couple of Hollywood superstars arrived at Wrexham when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen three successive promotions across a five-year reign, with huge investment being made in the football club and local community.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has told GOAL why he would have sided with Harry Redknapp or Glenn Hoddle over Roberto De Zerbi as another managerial merry-go-round is set in motion. With Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor passing through north London this season, Premier League survival hangs in the balance without a familiar face being turned to for inspiration.

USMNT World Cup hopeful Yunus Musah has been given transfer advice by Massimo Ambrosini, with the AC Milan legend telling GOAL what the American midfielder needs from his next club. Musah is currently taking in a loan spell at Atalanta, but that move has not played out as planned and the versatile 23-year-old could find himself heading out of San Siro in a different direction over the summer.