Chris Burton

Morgan Rogers endured an evening to forget when facing Bologna in the Europa League, despite seeing Aston Villa battle their way to a much-needed 1-0 win. The England international has been struggling for form at the start of the 2025-26 campaign and was ironically cheered by his own supporters as some wayward passing fell under the microscope at Villa Park.

Wayne Rooney has been challenged to a boxing match by former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. Manchester United and England legend Rooney is a big fight fan and has previously expressed a desire to lace up a pair of gloves. Kenny is willing to stand on the opposite side of the ring, with the ex-Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers shot-stopper preparing to step through the ropes for an exhibition bout.

Matthijs de Ligt continues to endure marriage woes, it is being reported, with the Manchester United defender seeing his estranged wife continue with her "exaggerated" spiritual journey. Netherlands international De Ligt tied the knot with model AnneKee Molenaar in June 2024, but said relationship is said to be on the verge of collapse due to the couple's lifestyle differences.

Tottenham are reportedly the subject of a world-record £4.5 billion ($6bn) takeover bid, with the interested consortium being fronted by former DJ and NASA employee Brooklyn Earick. He is said to form part of a 12-person group that are prepared to table a historic bid for the Premier League outfit. Questions continue to be asked, however, of whether Spurs are actually for sale.

Manchester City are reportedly considering a second raid on Paris Saint-Germain for another Champions League winner. The Premier League giants took advantage of a surprising situation in the French capital to lure Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to the Etihad Stadium during the summer of 2025. It is now being claimed that Warren Zaire-Emery is a “dream target” for Pep Guardiola.

UEFA is reportedly set to make a decision next week on whether Israel will be suspended from European competition. There have been calls for the continental governing body to take action amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. A UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that Israel is committing genocide in that region. Sporting institutions are now being urged to take action.

Leah Williamson was among the superstars in attendance at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the Arsenal and England defender being joined at that event by model girlfriend Elle Smith. They thoroughly enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in world football, and made the most of an opportunity to let their collective hair down afterwards when enjoying a McDonald’s takeaway.

Galatasaray have been handed a huge fitness boost by Victor Osimhen ahead of their Champions League clash with Premier League giants Liverpool. The Reds are due to pay a visit to Turkey next Tuesday. Gala are desperate to have Nigeria international Osimhen available for that fixture, and the prolific striker appears ready to make a timely return to competitive action.

Steven Gerrard is considered to tick the “Disney” box for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Wrexham continuing to see moves for a “so-called bigger name” in the managerial department speculated on. If Phil Parkinson were to be moved on by the Red Dragons, then a Liverpool legend may be approached as he boasts the “American connection” that has taken on greater importance in North Wales.

Brooklyn Beckham has broken his silence on the feud that has supposedly ripped an iconic sporting family apart. The eldest child of Manchester United legend David and former Spice Girls popstar Victoria has seemingly severed ties with his mother, father and siblings. Brooklyn was a notable absentee when his ex-England captain dad celebrated turning 50 in May 2025.

Peter Krawietz worked alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has followed the former Anfield boss into the Red Bull ranks as Head of Soccer Philosophy. While a new challenge away from the dugout is being embraced, Krawietz has been casting an eye back over a memorable era on Merseyside - which saw Klopp deliver Champions League and Premier League title triumphs.

Tottenham have condemned the "disgraceful" and “cowardly” racist abuse sent to forward Jessica Naz in the wake of the club’s Women’s League Cup victory over Aston Villa. The 24-year-old was subjected to vile taunts online after figuring in a fixture that saw Spurs prevail on penalties. She has spoken out against the social media trolls, with Tottenham offering their full support.

Lamine Yamal has visited Barcelona team-mate Gavi in hospital after seeing his fellow La Masia academy graduate suffer another devastating injury blow. It has been revealed that Spain international midfielder Gavi is facing between four and five months on the sidelines after being forced to undergo surgery on another knee problem - with a long-term solution to frustrating fitness issues being sought.

Lionel Messi has made more MLS history with Inter Miami as records continue to tumble around the Argentine GOAT. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has become the first MLS player to post 35 goal contributions in back-to-back seasons after netting twice and registering one assist in the Herons’ comfortable 4-0 victory over New York City FC in the Big Apple.

Sam Surridge admits that it feels “surreal” to be involved in an MLS Golden Boot battle with Argentine GOAT Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is maintaining remarkable individual standards at Inter Miami, but former Nottingham Forest striker Surridge is keeping pace with the South American superstar when it comes to prolific strike rates in 2025.

USMNT star Malik Tillman admits that he has to “do more” on the back of his €35 million (£31m/$41m) transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old midfielder has opened his goal account for new employers, with his best position being explained, but acknowledges the need to deliver end product after being acquired by Bundesliga giants to provide a creative spark.

Lionel Messi is in line for more Ballon d’Or recognition after seeing Inter Miami nominated for a new award. Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele walked away with the Golden Ball in 2025, with the one-time Barcelona team-mate of Argentine icon Messi being named the best player on the planet. Several other prestigious prizes have been handed out.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca fears Liverpool may be “impossible to catch” after seeing the Reds invest £446 million ($603m) during the summer transfer window of 2025. Arne Slot’s side were already reigning Premier League champions and a faultless start has been made to the new season as domestic rivals worry about how to stage their own title challenges.