Chris Burton

Nottingham Forest’s surge to third in the Premier League table as a newly-promoted club “will never happen again”, Mark Crossley has told GOAL, with that achievement deserving greater recognition. The Reds, alongside Newcastle, boast the record for highest finish secured immediately after stepping into the big time since a bold new era for English football was embraced in 1992.

Emi Martinez appeared destined to leave Aston Villa in the summer of 2025, only to end up staying put, but could the World Cup-winning goalkeeper finally get his move 12 months on? The enigmatic Argentina international has remained an important part of Unai Emery’s plans in the West Midlands, but Emile Heskey has told GOAL why a sale is likely to be agreed in the next transfer window.

Ricardo Quaresma is tipping Cristiano Ronaldo to get his hands on a long-awaited World Cup trophy as Portugal international team-mates “want” the all-time great to “win that title”. At the age of 41, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo is preparing to grace FIFA’s flagship event for a record-setting sixth time. He is desperate to emulate Lionel Messi by landing the ultimate prize.

Pop sensation Chappell Roan has responded to accusations from former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Jorginho that disrespectful treatment on her part left the ex-Italy international’s stepdaughter in tears. Jorginho is now on the books of Flamengo in Brazil and has called out Roan’s security team for their heavy-handed approach to dealing with fans.

Bernardo Silva is clinging to the dream of joining Barcelona as a free agent this summer, but serious doubts are being cast over whether a deal will be done. The Portugal international playmaker is preparing to sever ties with Manchester City when his contract expires. He has offers from the Saudi Pro League, Italy and his homeland, but is holding out for an approach from Catalonia.

The latest instalment of the Tyne-Wear derby was halted early in the second half following allegations of racist abuse being aimed in the direction of Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida. It is claimed that the Netherlands international was subjected to discriminatory taunts by members of the crowd - with those of a Newcastle persuasion considered to have been responsible.

Mick McCarthy has reignited his feud with Roy Keane as the ex-Republic of Ireland manager considers Manchester United’s legendary former midfielder to be a “c**t”. The pair endured an infamous falling out ahead of the 2002 World Cup that is now the subject of a film from Steve Coogan. Time does not appear to have been a good healer when it comes to historic divides.

Former Real Madrid defender Manu Hernando has explained how kicking Cristiano Ronaldo in training led to him temporarily being banished from Los Blancos’ first-team fold. As a product of the fabled Castilla academy system, Hernando was given plenty of opportunities in which to work with senior stars. On one occasion, he delivered a “cruel” blow to Portuguese GOAT Ronaldo.

Fights broke out among supporters in the vicinity of St James’ Park ahead of Newcastle’s derby date with arch-rivals Sunderland. Two old adversaries are locking horns again in Premier League competition and there was always going to be an edge to proceedings, with local bragging rights at stake alongside precious points, but some fans allowed passions to get the better of them.

Chelsea’s stance on sacking beleaguered boss Liam Rosenior has been revealed, with the Blues enduring a dismal run of four consecutive defeats across Premier League and Champions League competition. Dreams of European glory have been dashed for another year, with Rosenior under pressure to ensure that elite continental action returns to Stamford Bridge in 2026-27.

Swansea City intend to raise concerns with the EFL regarding the special treatment that Wrexham continue to receive, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac allowed to take on commentary duties as part of Sky Sports’ coverage of a fierce Welsh derby. The Hollywood superstars were given the chance to call a competitive Championship clash at the Racecourse Ground on March 13.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to chase down 1,000 career goals and another entry in his history books, but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez insists that target has not become an "obsession". There are no fears, at least not in international circles, that all-time great CR7 will stop passing to his team-mates in a bid to ensure that another individual milestone is reached.

Jose Mourinho has branded his touchline ban at Benfica a “tragicomedy”, with the punishment handed out to him being “based on a lie”. The enigmatic Portuguese tactician was shown the 15th red card of his colourful coaching career during a reunion with former club Porto. He was accused of kicking a ball towards the opposition bench.

When West Ham left Upton Park things were never going to be the same, but ex-Hammers striker Marlon Harewood has told GOAL why the London Stadium can still be an “amazing place”. Many disgruntled fans, of the home and away variety, have failed to take the former Olympic venue into their hearts. It does, however, tick many important boxes for an ambitious East End outfit.

Manuel Ugarte has been advised to leave Manchester United in the next transfer window, with Gus Poyet still disappointed that his fellow Uruguayan snubbed a move to Chelsea. A switch to Old Trafford has not played out as planned for the South American midfielder, with Poyet telling GOAL why the 24-year-old finds himself entering a career-defining “big summer”.

Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White have been sent an England-themed relegation warning at Nottingham Forest, but there is no guarantee that both will leave the City Ground this summer. The Reds - who are also seeing Brazilian defender Murillo generate transfer talk - are battling for Premier League survival, with Marlon Harewood discussing various scenarios there with GOAL.

Steven Gerrard has been brutally informed that his dream of managing Liverpool has “died”, with an emotional return to Anfield being ruled out. There was a point, when winning the Scottish Premiership title at Rangers, that Gerrard was considered to be a Reds boss of the future. Emile Heskey has told GOAL why that may no longer be the case for his former team-mate.

Mikey Moore has long been billed as one of the most exciting wonderkids in British football, with Andy Gray telling GOAL why Rangers may continue to benefit from the 18-year-old’s impressive development. The teenage playmaker is tied to Premier League giants Tottenham, but a productive loan spell at Ibrox has been enjoyed and an extension to that deal could be thrashed out for 2026-27.