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Gerard Pique has credited former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi for "expanding soccer" since his transfer to MLS side Inter Miami.

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Pique credited Messi for impact on MLSSays he secured GOAT status with World Cup winContributed assist in Inter Miami's win over Real Salt LakeWHAT HAPPENED?

Pique says the 36-year-old superstar's transfer to Inter Miami last summer has massively contributed to expanding the sport in the United States. The former Barcelona and Spain defender also suggested that Messi secured the 'GOAT' title once and for all after his triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyWHAT GERARD PIQUE SAID

Speaking to , Pique said: "I see Leo happy, he fulfilled all his dreams when he started playing. The World Cup was the epitome of everything and I think that in Miami he is expanding soccer. With his image and the fact of playing in the MLS, he made the United States gain strength."

He added on Messi's status in the history of the game: "Football people wanted Messi to be world champion. Especially because of the doubters who questioned his career, and said he was missing the World Cup. I think there are no longer any doubts. He is the best player in the history of football. He elevated Barcelona to another dimension."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner kicked off the 2024 MLS season in style as he contributed with an assist in The Herons' win against Real Salt Lake. In his maiden season with the club, the Barcelona legend scored 11 goals in 14 appearances, and Miami are considered to be contenders for the MLS Cup this time around due to his presence alone.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

The David Beckham-owned side will be next seen in action on Monday in MLS as they take on LA Galaxy in their second match of the season. Miami are due to host Orlando City four days later as the fixtures come thick and fast for Gerardo Martino's side.

Lionel Messi tops Cristiano Ronaldo in the European top scorer race over the last decade – but neither are number one!

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Ronaldo ranked third in Europe's top scorer listMessi occupies second placeKane in touching distance of Ronaldo & MessiGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

In a surprising twist to the European top-scorer race, both Messi and Ronaldo were overshadowed by another goalscoring behemoth. According to Ronaldo amassed 350 goals in 406 games across Europe's top five leagues over the last 10 years, scoring for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus. Whereas, Messi, ranked second on the list, boasts of scoring 377 goals in 458 games while appearing for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The top spot on that list belongs to Roberto Lewandowski. The Polish striker, who currently plies his trade in La Liga with Barcelona, has been a consistent goal-scoring machine throughout his career. During his stint in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski's prowess in front of goal was unmatched, winning the league's top scorer award five years consecutively. His remarkable achievement includes a stellar performance in the 2020-21 campaign, where he netted an astounding 41 goals in the league alone.

In total, the Polish forward has amassed an impressive tally of 344 goals for Bayern Munich alone, after joining the club in 2014. Across Europe's top five leagues in the last decade, Lewandowski has scored a remarkable combined 407 goals in 478 games, cementing his status, as far as recent stats go, the most lethal striker of his generation.

Getty ImagesTELL ME MORE

England captain Harry Kane is not far behind with 309 goals in 453 games for Tottenham and Bayern Munich. He is fourth in the list and ahead of Kylian Mbappe by 38 goals – who has played 101 fewer games.

Karim Benzema, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Salah, Luis Suarez, and Ciro Immobile are the other names who made up the top 10.

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THE TOP 10 LIST IN FULL

Top scorers in Europe's top five leagues over the last 10 years, according to .

NameGamesGoalsRobert Lewandowski478407Lionel Messi458377Cristiano Ronaldo406350Harry Kane453309Kylian Mbappe352271Karim Benzema 442257Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 430256Mohamed Salah461250Luis Suarez388241Ciro Immobile409239

According to reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter mix…

For a while, it was reliably believed that Spurs were in pole position to sign West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone on a Bosman deal, with Antonio Conte aiming to bring in a backup option to Hugo Lloris.

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The Englishman, who could also solve Spurs’ homegrown quota issue, was widely tipped to make the move to north London after his Albion contract expires in June.

However, a twist then emerged, with talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook first claiming that Forster had become a target for Lilywhites transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Ornstein now has a significant update on the situation, as per The Athletic.

The Latest: Ornstein shares big Forster update…

According to his sources, sharing news on Saturday, the reporter claimed that Spurs ‘will aim to secure’ an agreement for Forster this week as the Premier League campaign ends.

Ornstein added that the 34-year-old has already said ‘goodbye’ to his team-mates at St Mary’s as Tottenham seek to finalise the Bosman move.

The Verdict: Big news…

A move for Forster potentially being finalised this week comes as big news, with Conte now aiming to solve his goalkeeping number two dilemma once and for all.

The colossal shot-stopper’s form over 2021/22 prompted an England recall in March, with pundit and former top-flight goalkeeper Paddy Kenny calling him a ‘fantastic’ and ‘incredible’ shot stopper.

As a temporary fix behind Lloris, the veteran’s possible arrival from the south coast will come as a boost for Conte ahead of his first full campaign in charge at Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham readying talks to sign 23-year-old ‘machine’ after claim he’s ‘very keen’ to play in London, find out more here.

Newcastle United have learned how much they will need to pay for Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window as they plot a swoop for the attacker. 

What’s the talk?

According to UOL, Watford are predicting that they will be able to sell him for a fee as high as €4om (£34m) in the coming months.

The report claims that he is seen as one of the club’s biggest assets and they may now cash in on him, amidst interest from the Magpies, Benfica and West Ham.

Eddie Howe would love him

The Magpies’ head coach would love him at St. James’ Park as he is a promising young player who he can work with over the course of a number of years.

He is not an established star who will require an instant spot in the starting XI and this means that Newcastle can bring him in as a squad option initially. Howe can then help him on the training pitch with an eye on developing him into a starting-quality player for the club in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old does, however, have top-flight experience under his belt. He played 28 times – starting 15 games – in the division for Watford as they were relegated in the season just gone, as well as three substitute outings during their 2019/20 relegation.

In that time, he managed three goals and one assist whilst playing out wide on the left and through the middle. The dynamo also enjoyed a fine season in the Championship between the two campaigns as he scored nine goals and provided two assists as his side won promotion at the first time of asking.

Former Watford man Jobi McAnuff previously claimed that the gem has a “bright future” ahead of him and current Hornets midfielder Tom Cleverley once hailed the Brazilian, saying: “He’s hungry, he’s another one who works hard. He’s put about 7kg of muscle on since he arrived in the country, he knows what he wants to do and it’s nice to see.”

These comments highlight his potential and how much he is willing to work to achieve his goals. His willingness to improve his physical condition shows that he is dedicated to getting the best out of himself and that is why Howe will love working with him if PIF are able to strike a deal with Watford for his signature.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Burn: Howe can seal terrifying NUFC duo by signing £13m “Rolls-Royce”…

Manchester City could sign AS Monaco sensation Aurélien Tchouaméni this summer as manager Pep Guardiola sets his sights on an heir to Fernandinho, according to reports out of Spain.

The Lowdown: Sky Blues set for summer charge…

The Premier League champions, having retained their top flight crown in the most dramatic way possible, have now set their sights on the summer transfer window.

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Three goals in an incredible five minutes on the final day of 2021/2022 gifted City a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa and their fourth title in five seasons under Guardiola, an afternoon which will live long in the memory of all supporters.

However, despite the emotion and joyous title celebrations which have followed since, the club must bid goodbye to faithful servant and legend Fernandinho after his near-decade long stay at Eastlands.

The Brazilian will leave Manchester upon the expiry of his contract in June as sporting director Txiki Begiristain is tasked with finding a suitable replacement.

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong are among the names to have been linked as Guardiola sets his sights on a rotational partner for Rodri in front of City’s back four.

The Latest: City could join Tchouaméni race…

According to reports out of Spain, City could now join the race to sign Monaco starlet Tchouaméni alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The Blues, alongside Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, ‘closely follow’ the 22-year-old and their ‘appearance’ in the ‘long-distance race’ to sign him ‘is not ruled out’.

However. it is believed Tchouameni won’t leave for less than €80 million (£68m).

The Verdict: Make a move…

We believe Guardiola and Begiristain should certainly make a move for the exciting midfielder who already has eight international caps in a competitive France side.

France Under-21 boss Sylvain Ripoll has labelled Tchouaméni a ‘monster’ with the player’s statistics certainly going some way to explain why.

He finished last season as Monaco’s best-performing player by average match rating (7.32/10) whilst making more interceptions per 90 than any of his teammates and winning the most Man of the Match awards (WhoScored).

Another reason to move is the distinct possibility Tchouameni leaves this summer with his manager Philippe Clement admitting just last Monday that there is a ‘chance’ he leaves Monaco (L’Equipe via GFFN).

Clement went on to suggest that they are already preparing for his departure amid plenty of interest from the continent.

City would be remiss if they didn’t try and take full advantage to back Guardiola with his signing.

In other news: The Times: Man City weighing bid for ‘special’ star called ‘one of the best’ in world football…find out more here.

Roker Report journalist Philip West is buzzing with the news that Sunderland are keen on signing free agent John Ruddy.

The Lowdown: Ruddy links

According to the Sunday Mirror (05/06, p69), via Football League World, the Black Cats are interested in signing the goalkeeper this summer after he left Wolves upon the expiry of his contract at Molineux.

A move to the Stadium of Light would reunite the 35-year-old with Alex Neil, with the pair having spent time together at Norwich City when the latter was in charge at Carrow Road.

The Latest: Journalist reacts

West, who writes for Roker Report, shared his delight with the reports linking Ruddy with a move to Wearside.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist and Sunderland fan claimed: “John Ruddy would be an absolutely cracking signing for us.

“Loads of experience, very solid & reliable, and could push Anthony Patterson and step in as deputy when needed. Would be a great addition if it happens! #SAFC”

The Verdict: Get it done

With Sunderland preparing to build a squad capable of competing in the Championship, a player with Ruddy’s vast experience at that level will be a great asset to Neil’s side.

The 35-year-old has made 163 appearances in the second tier of English football and a further 122 in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt), so 22-year-old Patterson could learn a lot from Ruddy’s wealth of experience. Indeed, the veteran’s former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo once claimed that the goalkeeper’s ‘high standards’ in training were ‘amazing’.

With Ron Thorben Hoffmann and Lee Burge moving on, a reliable shot-stopper is just what Sunderland need in order to provide them with invaluable depth between the posts for next season.

In other news: Roker Report delighted with this Sunderland transfer link

Journalist Jacque Talbot has delivered an update regarding West Ham United and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

The lowdown: Loan sensation

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful period on loan at the London Stadium in 2021 before returning to Manchester in the hope of earning regular football at his boyhood club.

However, following a run of nine goals and five assists in east London, form whch saw the 29-year-old recalled to the international fold, the versatile attacker barely featured upon returning to Old Trafford.

Now set to become a free agent after a forgettable ending to the 2021/22 campaign for him and the Red Devils, West Ham have been linked with a reunion, and one journalist has suggested that it is a distinct possibility.

The latest: Talbot on Lingard

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Talbot claimed that the two parties still have some negotiating to do in terms of Lingard’s salary but didn’t rule out the move.

He said: “I think they probably have to meet in the middle somewhere with regard to the wage and how it’s done. He can’t have the same wages he was on at Man United.

“I think he’s a very capable attacking midfielder. There are some legs to it obviously, and I think he’d do well for them.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Given Lingard’s track record under David Moyes at West Ham, this has to be regarded as an attractive proposition for all parties concerned, as the Irons attempt to strengthen their squad and the 32-cap England international looks to revive a stuttering career once again.

Still holding a perceived market value of £18m (Transfermarkt) despite a lacklustre season in which he scored just twice in 22 appearances, his quality, experience and ability to operate in numerous positions would make the 29-year-old a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers.

Should this move come to fruition, the absence of any transfer fee means that GSB should be willing to offer more in wages to the player who was hailed by journalist Simon Peach for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ form during his previous time in east London.

In other news: West Ham ‘in talks’ to sign ‘amazing’ forward for Moyes…find out more here

West Bromwich Albion have already added an attacking and creative spark to their squad after securing a deal for John Swift on a free transfer from Reading last month.

Having found the net 11 times and delivered 13 assists in 38 league appearances last season, the 26-year-old could be a great addition to Steve Bruce’s squad.

Another player already in the Albion squad who could well feel like a new signing once the new season kicks off is Daryl Dike.

Despite moving to The Hawthorns from Orlando City in January in a deal worth over £7m, the striker only made two appearances for the Baggies before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say that the winter recruit will be looking to properly get his Baggies career off to a flyer once the upcoming campaign gets underway.

In terms of what the West Brom team could look like once the season starts, one man with whom the Baggies have been linked recently and who could give Bruce the opportunity to form a deadly attacking duo alongside Dike is Cameron Archer.

A product of Aston Villa’s youth system, the 20-year-old has made 59 appearances for the club across their youth and senior teams, scoring 23 goals in the process.

During his loan spell with Preston North End last term, the striker found the net seven times in 20 Championship appearances, highlighting how capable he is of being a goal threat in the second tier.

In fact, the youngster delivered what was described by Tom Barclay as a “clinical” finish for England’s under-21s in their win over Kosovo earlier this month. The journalist also described Archer, who is currently valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, as an “impressive” player as a result of this goal in the 5-0 victory.

Taking all this into account, if Bruce can convince his old club to let their young talent make a move to The Hawthorns this summer, the possibility of him playing alongside Dike and in front of Swift could be a mouth-watering prospect for the Baggies and boost their hopes of potentially securing promotion back to the Premier League.

In other news: Bruce can finally axe “overhyped” West Brom dud by signing “classy” £2.3k-p/w starlet

West Ham United have been handed a green light to secure the signing of Manchester City defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, City are willing to let the 25-year-old leave this summer, with the Premier League champions seemingly keen on bringing in fellow left-back, Marc Cucurella from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer guru stated: “Manchester City are prepared to let Oleksandr Zinchenko leave as they are targeting Marc Cucurella, with an official bid coming soon – decision was made in May.

“Zinchenko can be sold and Everton have his name in the list as one of the main targets. Other clubs also keen.”

While not mentioned by Romano, the Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for the Ukraine international this summer, albeit with Everton also firmly in the mix for his signature. This update has consequently given any suitor the green light to make a move.

Moyes loves him

The Etihad outfit’s desire to let the versatile asset leave could well open the door for the east Londoners to make a move, with manager David Moyes seemingly keen on adding the 52-cap gem to his current squad.

While he has featured predominantly at left-back under Pep Guardiola, the “unique” talent – as he has been described by journalist Mark Critchley – is also comfortable in central midfield, featuring regularly for his country in that role as he has blossomed into something of a “national superstar”, as per Jonathan Smith.

That flexibility will no doubt be a huge tick for Moyes and co with a number of areas to address this summer, with the centre of midfield a particular problem following Mark Noble’s retirement and with Alex Kral not set to be signed permanently.

A four-time title winner with his current club, Zinchenko – who arrived in England for just £1.7m five years ago – has rarely been a regular for City, although has still racked up 128 appearances in all competitions, notably providing seven assists in 76 top-flight outings thus far.

The £59k-per-week machine has also drawn particular praise of late for continuing to perform on the pitch alongside his vocal and emotional opposition to Russia’s ongoing invasion of his homeland, showcasing his strength as a real “leader” in the process, as per Vayam Lahoti.

Such a humble and hard-working character will no doubt thrive under Moyes’ tutelage, with the Scotsman seemingly in need of others to step up following the departure of the aforementioned Noble and with uncertainty over the future of Declan Rice.

That can also be coupled with his undoubted quality, showcased by his favourable comparison to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for both progressive carries and progressive passes, as well as in the top 2% for pass completion.

That skill in possession will be a real bonus to Moyes and co, with the Scotsman no doubt praying that GSB can get the deal done in the coming weeks.

IN other news, Moyes plotting move for “special” £45m “baller”, he’d be a “superstar” for West Ham

Leeds United would be willing to let Raphinha leave the Yorkshire club during the current summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter by Fabrizio Romano, the journalist and transfer insider had this to say on the Brazilian’s current situation at Thorp Arch.

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He said: “Leeds United have been pretty clear with all clubs interested in Raphinha: he can leave but they want at least £65m fee. Arsenal after first bid rejected, Spurs after new direct talks, Chelsea after contact through [Todd] Boehly… and Barca via Deco, got the same message.”

Leeds signed the attacker back in October 2020 on a four-year deal from Rennes worth £17m.

Bad news for Leeds fans

It didn’t take long for the 25-year-old to become a pivotal player for the Whites as he scored six goals and delivered eight assists in 29 Premier League appearances throughout his debut season.

His previous campaign also showed just how important he is for the Yorkshire club having found the net 11 times and supplied three assists, leaving him with more goal contribution than any other player in the squad.

With that in mind, it’s safe to say that without the winger in their ranks, Leeds could well have been relegated from the Premier League last season.

This not only shows why so many clubs in the top flight are looking to snatch him away from Elland Road but also why it’d be such a blow for the club and the fans to lose him this summer.

Given everything he’s done for the club since his arrival and his clear talent and ability to play in the Premier League at a high level, it makes sense for the Whites to command a hefty transfer fee for him.

Should they end up selling the Brazil international this summer for around the apparent £65m fee, they would have to make sure that money is used to bring in a suitable replacement for the winger so the team doesn’t suffer as a result of his absence.

Moving forward, having already rejected a bid from Arsenal, it’ll be interesting to see if any other offers come in and if they will be tempting enough for Leeds to sell their star man.

AND in other news: Victor Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “beautiful” £26m target, he “has everything”