Chris Burton

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere accepts that he is a “risk” when it comes to managerial appointments, with the ex-England international accepting a challenging first full-time coaching job. At just 33 years of age, and with limited experience under his belt, Wilshere has taken the reins at League One side Luton Town - with that move ensuring that his career has gone full circle.

Frank Lampard would be an ideal successor to Thomas Tuchel when the England manager’s job next becomes available, former Coventry striker Matt Jansen has exclusively told GOAL. The Three Lions legend is in the process of rebuilding his reputation as a coach with Championship promotion hopefuls and could be a contender to step into a prominent international post at some stage.

Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to spend several weeks on the sidelines at Arsenal with a knee injury, with it unlikely that he will be ready to return until after the next international break in November. The Gunners captain suffered his latest fitness setback during a Premier League outing against West Ham, with it later being revealed that he had picked up medial collateral ligament damage.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly clinging to the hope that Lamine Yamal could one day be lured away from Barcelona. The teenage wonderkid signed a lucrative contract extension in Catalonia over the summer, after turning 18, but continues to see questions asked of his future. It could be that he once again finds himself heading down the same path as Lionel Messi.

England have been dealt a fresh blow to their attacking plans, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw from Thomas Tuchel’s squad after suffering a freak injury. The Three Lions were without all-time leading goal-scorer Harry Kane for a friendly date with Wales, as he nurses a knock of his own, with a selection headache being posed ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Vinicius Junior is no longer "untouchable" at Real Madrid, according to reports, with Los Blancos prepared to sanction a sale if the right offer arrives. That deal would need to smash all kinds of records, with the Spanish giants demanding €250 million (£217m/$290m) for their Brazil international forward. Few teams can afford to meet that asking price, but big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League could.

Marcus Rashford has reportedly been made aware of the key flaw that he must overcome in order to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona. The loan deal which took the England international away from Manchester United and over to La Liga includes the option for a £30 million ($40m) deal to be pushed through in the summer of 2026. Rashford does, however, have much to prove before an extended stay in Catalonia can be considered.

Erling Haaland is a menace in competitive action and during training, with the Manchester City striker leaving fans in hysterics after being mic’d up for a session alongside his international team-mates. The prolific frontman was put through his paces ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life 25-year-old made a point of dominating proceedings and teasing his colleagues.

Harry Kane has been told that he should “definitely” be open to the idea of joining Barcelona if the opportunity to link up with La Liga heavyweights presents itself in 2026. Clauses have been revealed in Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich, meaning that he could be on the move when another transfer window swings open next summer. Barca are being credited with interest as questions are asked of how much longer Robert Lewandowski will be spending in Catalonia.

Paul Pogba has been sent a motivational “hurry up” message by former Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard as the World Cup winner waits on his debut for Monaco. The French midfielder has not made a competitive appearance of any kind since September 2023. He was stung with a four-year ban for an alleged doping violation at that stage, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits that the club’s relationship with Lionel Messi became 'strained' after an unfortunate financial crisis led to the Argentine superstar having to leave Catalonia. Bridges have, however, been rebuilt since then and an emotional return to a spiritual home for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to be discussed - potentially in an exhibition match at the recently upgraded Camp Nou.

Marcus Rashford is reportedly facing a £15 million ($20m) bill as construction of his dream home becomes a nightmare. The Manchester United outcast, who is currently on loan at Barcelona, has been working on a project in Cheshire since 2020. The piece of land in question was purchased for £2.25 million, but progress on site has been slow and costs continue to rise.

Mark Bellingham, the father of Jude and Jobe, has seen some of his behaviour branded “an absolute joke” by England legend Sir Geoff Hurst. Bellingham senior has been billed as “the most powerful man in English football”, given the prominence of his two sons, but has also generated lively debate with his antics behind the scenes - with officials at Borussia Dortmund being confronted at one stage after Jobe was substituted at half-time.

Haji Wright has been in impressive form for Coventry City, suggesting that there is a Premier League future for him somewhere, but the USMNT star has been advised to shun any interest shown during the January transfer window. The American frontman will be registering on recruitment radars after starring under Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard in the Championship.

Cristiano Ronaldo is “the biggest brand in the world”, according to the vice president of his former employers at Sporting, with the Portuguese GOAT becoming a “one-man show”. CR7 has become football’s first billionaire, allowing him to emulate the achievements of legendary figures such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Tiger Woods. There is no sign of the evergreen Al-Nassr striker slowing down.

Accusations of Harry Kane stat-padding for England by filling his boots against lesser opposition have been rubbished by former Three Lions striker Chris Sutton. Bayern Munich frontman Kane, who continues to captain his country, has taken his historic tally of international goals to 74. He will be looking to join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive club by reaching 100.

Kaitlin Olson has addressed the rumour started by her husband Rob Mac regarding a supposed relationship that he enjoyed with Kim Kardashian. The shock gossip has got tongues wagging, with Mac suggesting that he once dated the most famous of American socialites. The Wrexham co-owner went to great lengths to back up his story, but his current partner has explained what really happened.

Harry Kane has been told that he would post similar numbers to Erling Haaland if handed the No.9 jersey at Manchester City. The Blues were keen on the England captain at one stage, as they sought to bring another prolific presence onto their books. No deal was done with Tottenham and Kane ultimately headed to Bayern Munich, with Norwegian striker Haaland being added to star-studded ranks at the Etihad Stadium.