Chris Burton

Erling Haaland has reportedly become an “obsession” for Joan Laporta, with Barcelona’s president confident that the Norwegian striker can be prised away from Manchester City. The Blaugrana will find themselves in the market for a new No.9 during the summer of 2026 as prolific Polish frontman Roberto Lewandowski is seeing his contract run down towards free agency.

Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for “as long as he wants”, says Ricardo Carvalho, with the 40-year-old frontman expected to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has earned 223 caps, remains available for international duty after signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Ed Sheeran is set to become the latest musical artist to feature on the front of Barcelona shirts when the Liga giants take in a Clasico clash with old adversaries Real Madrid. That rivalry is set to be rekindled on October 26, with Sheeran - who recently released his new album ‘Play’ - forming part of the long-term sponsorship agreement that Barca have in place with Spotify.

Christian Pulisic has been advised to keep his “eye open” when it comes to a possible transfer away from AC Milan. The USMNT star has been posting personal bests during his time in Italy, but the Rossoneri have struggled for consistency as a collective and that has led to speculation suggesting that Pulisic could be lured away from San Siro by the right offer.

Giuseppe Rossi is an admirer of Luis Suarez’s on-field ability, but admits that some of the Uruguayan’s antics “are crap”. With that in mind, the forward who spent time with Manchester United, Newcastle, Villarreal and in MLS during his playing days has explained why he would not pay to watch the Inter Miami striker in action the next time that he passes through New York.

Erik ten Hag has been approached regarding a shock return to one of his former clubs. The ex-Manchester United boss finds himself out of work again after seeing his spell at Bayer Leverkusen cut brutally short. The Dutch tactician is mulling over what to do next, with one invitation having already been received that would have taken him back to his homeland.

Alexander Isak’s arrival at Liverpool will allow some goal-scoring responsibility to be shifted away from Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian superstar has been told that the addition of another forward “won’t improve” his numbers. Salah has been a revelation for the Reds, but they have now splashed out £125 million ($170m) on adding Swedish striker Isak to their ranks.

Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of rules relating to agents, intermediaries and third party investment. The alleged misdemeanours date back to Roman Abramovich’s time as owner. Various punishments are being speculated on, but the Blues may avoid being stung with the harshest of points deductions by the Football Association.

Arne Slot has further outlined Liverpool’s plan for Alexander Isak, with the Reds reluctant to rush the £125 million ($170m) striker into making his debut. Isak has, after completing a record-breaking transfer from Newcastle to Anfield, become the most expensive player in British football. He is, however, lacking fitness and sharpness on the back of a hectic summer.

Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.

The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.

Paul Pogba has revealed what he got up to while serving a doping ban, with the World Cup winner moving his family to Dubai for six months. The France international, who was cleared to resume his career in March 2025, is still waiting on his return to competitive action after heading back to his homeland and signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

The Mbappe family have had more cause for celebration, with Ethan netting a dramatic winner for Lille in their Ligue 1 clash with Toulouse. Brother Kylian would have been proud of the well-taken goal, and with the celebration that followed. Ethan took to mimicking the iconic pose that his Real Madrid superstar sibling often strikes after hitting the back of the net.

Neymar was less than impressed with the artificial pitch used by rivals Atletico Mineiro following his latest appearance for Santos. The Brazil international has spoken out against such surfaces in the past and, after suffering another injury that forced him to play through the pain, the veteran forward claims to have delivered more proof that synthetic pitches are "sh*t".

Wayne Rooney has shown that you never lose it, with the Manchester United and England legend rolling back the years in an exhibition game. The Red Devils’ all-time leading goal-scorer lined up alongside and against a collection of international superstars in the Nexon Icons Match, with the target found with a spectacular strike.

Erling Haaland helped Manchester City to cook arch-rivals Manchester United on derby day at the Etihad Stadium, with the Norwegian striker celebrating that success in style. The prolific frontman has revealed that he toasted picking up three precious points with a barbecue that included steak and his Man of the Match award, with Haaland apparently enjoying a "nice evening".

Marc Skinner has explained why Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier is the “same ilk of a player” as fellow Lionesses hero Lucy Bronze. The Red Devils’ no-nonsense skipper was unaware that she reached a notable personal landmark in a WSL clash with the London City Lionesses that saw her find the target from the penalty spot in a crushing 5-1 victory.

Maya Jama led the Ruben Dias fan club when soaking up the atmosphere in Manchester City’s derby date with arch-rivals United. The Love Island host is dating the Blues’ Portuguese defender, with there plenty for the happy couple to celebrate following another epic Premier League fixture that saw City claim a comfortable 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.