Chris Burton

Bruno Fernandes may be buttering Cole Palmer up for a future transfer to Manchester United, with the Red Devils captain sending a special message to the Chelsea playmaker on social media. Palmer netted a hat-trick for his current employers against Wolves, leading Fernandes - who has seen the England international linked with a move to Old Trafford - to give him the biggest of billings.

Cristiano Ronaldo is generating transfer talk at Al-Nassr, having gone on strike in the Saudi Pro League, with a return to Europe for the Portuguese GOAT being speculated on. It has been suggested that the 41-year-old frontman could be targeted by Manchester United for a third spell at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils’ stance on a stunning deal has been revealed.

Roberto De Zerbi questioned the mindset of Mason Greenwood and Co after seeing Marseille suffer a humiliating defeat in their Classique clash with arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain. The reigning Ligue 1 champions put in a dominant display at Parc des Prince, running out 5-0 victors, with some difficult discussions being planned at Stade Velodrome.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was left raging at a “clear” red card for Manchester City defender Marc Guehi after seeing the Reds suffer a dramatic defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai was dismissed during a chaotic end to that contest, but Slot is of the opinion that City should have been reduced to 10 men when Mohamed Salah was denied a “100 out of 100 scoring ball”.

Kylian Mbappe is “on track” to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, claims Los Blancos boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with the French superstar being backed to chase down a record-breaking tally of goals at the Bernabeu. Mbappe was on target in his latest appearance - a 2-0 victory over Valencia - and has reached 82 efforts in total for the Spanish heavyweights.

Manchester United are reportedly readying a summer transfer swoop for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils will be bidding farewell to Brazilian veteran Casemiro when he hits free agency, meaning that reinforcements in the Old Trafford engine room will be sought. It is claimed that Italy international Tonali will come with a £100 million ($136m) price tag.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to “never stop playing football”, with fellow Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos telling the Portuguese GOAT that he needs to prolong his career for as long as possible - even if he ends up “with one leg or crawling”. CR7 has passed his 41st birthday without giving any thought to retirement and is expected to grace the 2026 World Cup.

USMNT star Tim Weah admits that he was a “broken player” when joining Marseille in 2025, with “getting up in the morning” proving difficult during a testing spell at Serie A giants Juventus. The United States international, who is the son of Ballon d’Or-winning AC Milan legend George, feels that he has finally found a home in France where he can put down roots.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has accused Clasico rivals Barcelona of generating the “biggest scandal in the history of Spanish football”. The Blaugrana remain embroiled in the long-running Negreira case, with accusations being levelled at the Catalan giants of bribing match officials. No definitive conclusion to that saga has been reached, much to the bemusement of Arbeloa.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi believes that Mason Greenwood has become “a bit more human” since heading to France and leaving “difficult times” in England behind him. The former Manchester United winger has been a revelation on the field at Stade Velodrome, claiming Golden Boots honours, and boasts full support from his demanding Italian coach.

Robert Lewandowski has joined Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in an exclusive goal club. At 37 years of age, the prolific Polish striker continues to deliver end product for La Liga giants Barcelona. He is not seeing as many minutes as he would like, as his contract runs down, but has extended a remarkable streak in the final third of the field.

Bryan Mbeumo has revealed the mastermind behind Manchester United’s clever corner routine that allowed him to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. The Red Devils broke the deadlock from a set-piece situation, with Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo also involved. Jonny Evans, who now works alongside interim head coach Michael Carrick, helped to devise the plan.

The burglary suffered by Maya Jama and Ruben Dias is said to have "spooked" Premier League superstars. Manchester City defender Dias and his Love Island presenter girlfriend saw their Cheshire mansion ransacked while both were out of the house. Top-flight performers in England fear that someone is tipping off those behind a string of high-profile robberies.

Hansi Flick has explained why Lamine Yamal asked to be substituted during Barcelona’s win over Real Mallorca, with the teenage wonderkid registering his 15th goal of the season in that contest. The Blaugrana did not need their talismanic No.10 to complete that fixture as they eased to a 3-0 victory that cemented their standing at the top of La Liga.

Lionel Messi turned the clock back when scoring a stunning solo goal for Inter Miami in their latest pre-season friendly. The Argentine GOAT found himself lining up against Barcelona. He was not reunited with former employers from Camp Nou, but was in action on Ecuadorian soil. The all-time great gave those in the stands what they came for when dancing past defenders and hitting the back of the net.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been discussing his retirement plans, with the Dutch defender being asked about whether he sees himself as a manager or pundit. There is still plenty left for the Premier League title winner to achieve before the day comes for boots to be hung up for the final time. He wants to continue inspiring the next generation across the present and future.

Lionel Messi has made history by becoming a back-to-back MVP award winner in the United States, with Rob Earnshaw telling GOAL why everybody in MLS is powerless to prevent the Argentine GOAT from scooping that prize every year. The Inter Miami superstar is considered to be an “extraordinary” talent that will continue to defy all sporting and physical logic.

Manchester United stars are determined to keep their winning run going, allowing super-fan The United Strand to get a long-awaited haircut. Frank Ilett has vowed not to trim his locks until the Red Devils win five games in a row. Michael Carrick has overseen a run of three successive victories, with those inside the Old Trafford camp eager to bring a viral challenge to a close.