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Very little is predictable in the final weeks of a transfer window, well apart from the fact Chelsea will be busy!

The Blues are currently finalising a deal to sign Xavi Simons, while reports suggest that they’re also in talks with Manchester United to bring Alejandro Garnacho to Stamford Bridge.

This would take the Blues’ summer spend above £300m, but could they leave their most important addition for last?

Chelsea target a transformational signing

Inarguably, the best signing of the Clearlake Capital-era is the £42.5m paid to Manchester City to sign Cole Palmer two summers ago, given that he has become one of the very best players in the Premier League.

Since, the Blues have signed a further 21 players, as the table below outlines.

As the table documents, Chelsea have signed 21 senior players since Palmer’s arrival, some of whom have never and will never make a first team appearance for the club, but could that trend be about to change?

Well, according to a report by Julien Laurens of ESPN, Paris Saint-Germain are expecting to receive an offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, with Manchester United and Internazionale Milano also noted as being interested.

Les Rouge-et-Bleu are actively attempting to sell the Italian national team captain, having just signed Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for £35m, with a report by La Repubblica claiming that Donnarumma is valued at a similar figure.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, could there soon be a new number one in West London?

How Gianluigi Donnarumma would transform Chelsea

Despite no longer being wanted in Paris, Donnarumma’s quality should not be questioned.

Walid Acherchour of RMC Sport labels his performances for PSG last season “phenomenal”, while Mark White of Four Four Two believes he is the very best goalkeeper in the world, praising his ‘shot-stopping ability’, asserting that his game has reached a new level in the last 12 months.

Still only 26 years old, Donnarumma is vastly experienced, accumulating 251 appearances for boyhood club AC Milan, debuting for the Rossoneri as a 16-year-old, featuring a further 161 times for PSG since making the move four years ago.

He is also now Italy’s captain, racking up 74 caps at international level, very much on course to break the all-time appearance record of 174, held by his idol and namesake Gianluigi Buffon.

Should he make the move to Chelsea, he would surely be a key figure in West London too.

That’s because, as outlined by Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport, many believe the Blues still require a top-class goalkeeper if they’re going to challenge for the biggest trophies once again, noting that neither Robert Sánchez nor Filip Jörgensen ‘have proven themselves at the highest level’.

Donnarumma, on the other hand, certainly has, as the table below emphasises.

As the table highlights, Donnarumma was one of the very best goalkeepers in last season’s Champions League, a key factor behind PSG’s triumph in Munich, making crucial saves against Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa en route to the final.

Thus, while many of Chelsea’s recent signings have been acquired for money-trading purposes, viewed as assets or market opportunities more than key contributors, the Italian would instantaneously improve the Blues’ starting lineup in a way that, it could be argued, no one has done since Palmer joined two years ago.

Chelsea coaching staff now want Maresca to replace Colwill with 22-year-old

The Blues are weighing up their options.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 9, 2025

It’s a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, and the imminent departure of iconic captain Heung-min Son perhaps best encapsulates the changing of the guard.

After winning the Europa League in May, Daniel Levy decided to dismiss Ange Postecoglou and bring in Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who has done such good work in west London.

Ange left a hero, but it was probably the correct decision, for Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League and looked so susceptible defensively.

But he made a promise, and he kept that promise.

It’s a new era, but Tottenham’s pre-season preparations with Frank at the helm haven’t been without their disruptions. Son is set to play his football away from N17, and James Maddison faces a lengthy return to the infirmary.

Pre-season blows at Spurs

Son, having won silverware in his final competitive month at Tottenham, has established legendary status at the club. However, he will leave having restored title-winning success, closing in on a move to LAFC in the United States.

This has been coming, but the departure of a key attacking talent has been exacerbated by the cruel injury suffered by Maddison in pre-season last weekend, stretchered off against Newcastle United with a suspected knee injury.

Following the Morgan Gibbs White debacle, failing in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest playmaker after being accused of an illegal approach, this is a bleak setback for Frank’s project in its infancy.

And Son’s exit too highlights the need for reinforcements, with the new Premier League season less than two weeks away.

All in all, though, banking £20m for a player who is on the decline, no matter how influential, is decent business for the Lilywhites, but they will need to sign a replacement, even having landed West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus for a £55m fee.

Spurs lining up deal for CL superstar

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, 24, withis set for face-to-face talks with president Florentino Perez as his future continues to be a talking point amid Tottenham interest.

Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, it’s beginning to look like Spurs are the most likely destination for the Brazil international, should he jump ship this summer.

Son’s departure opens up a window of opportunity for the outfit, who are now expected to formally pursue a deal and secure Frank a marquee man at the beginning of his tenure.

Why Spurs must push for Rodrygo

Kudus is a fantastic winger who will add some electric athleticism to Tottenham’s senior set-up, but he’s not yet proven himself to be a goalscoring presence in the vein of Son.

Rodrygo, however, is “terrifyingly good” in front of goal, so says Sky Sports reporter Sam Tighe, having scored 50 goals across the past three campaigns with Real Madrid despite having routinely played out of position on the right flank.

Because of this, Rodrygo’s natural aptitude for making the net bulge suggests that he could fit right into life at Tottenham as Son’s successor, for he actually clinched six goals and six assists apiece over just 12 games as a left-sided forward in 2024/25, limited in his natural position due to Vincius Junior’s presence.

The South Korean has been recorded to have been the statistical best finisher in football since 2014, one year before his Tottenham career commenced, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous Premier League wingers of his generation.

Big boots to fill, but that’s why Rodrygo is perfect. The Brazilian is accustomed to pressure, having played out the lion’s share of his senior years at the biggest club in the world, and is dynamic enough that his goalscoring ability, described as “unstoppable” by Madrid columist Kiyan Sobhani when at its slickest, is built atop a wide-ranging skill set.

As you can see below, the two forwards actually rank up rather similarly over the past year, so he could dovetail right in, especially with Frank being something of an expert at raising the level of his wide forwards.

However, Rodrygo’s tactical dynamism and propensity for success across a range of positions have also seen him likened to Maddison by data-powered site FBref, along with Son.

Maddison, 28, faces the unknown once again, and the potential loss of his creativity and passing for a large chunk of the upcoming term is a concerning thought indeed.

However, Rodrygo has the skill set to add some sparkle to the playmaking side of the Tottenham system, averaging just north of a key pass per game across the entirety of his Real Madrid career, as per WhoScored.

Let’s not forget, Maddison blew the Premier League away upon signing for Tottenham, picking up the division’s Player of the Month award for August 2023 as he served as the fulcrum of Postecoglou’s staggering start to life at the helm.

The Real Madrid man’s 85.7% pass completion average further bespeaks his ability to promote fluency and control through deeper build-up phases of play, something Frank will undoubtedly look to capture and direct as he implements a slower, more controlled style of football than that of his predecessor.

Ultimately, Tottenham have suffered a setback through the injury to Maddison. It’s not what was needed as Son prepared for his poignant send-off.

However, there remains almost a month of the market being open for business, and if Levy can pull off a deal for Rodrygo, there’s no question that this football club will be primed for success on an even grander stage than the 2024/25 season.

Juventus face a decisive moment in the Prisma investigation as former president Andrea Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved, sporting director Fabio Paratici, and other top executives await a ruling on plea bargain requests tied to alleged frauds. If accepted, the agreements could bring suspended sentences, potentially closing one of the most consequential corporate and sporting scandals in Serie A history.

• The Prisma investigation and plea bargain requests

  The Prisma investigation, initiated in 2021, scrutinises Juventus’ financial dealings, including alleged fictitious capital gains, false corporate disclosures, and potential market manipulation tied to player transfers and loans. Former Juventus executives, including Agnelli, Nedved, Paratici, Cesare Gabasio, Stefano Cerrato and Maurizio Arrivabene, requested plea bargains in June. The requests outlined suspended sentences: Agnelli – one year and eight months, Nedved – one year and two months, Paratici – one year and six months, Gabasio and Cerrato – lesser terms, while Arrivabene seeks acquittal.

  The ruling by Rome Court GUP Anna Maria Gavoni is expected on Monday, although reports indicate a possible short delay. The decision will determine whether the plea bargains are accepted.

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  The case and its impact on Juventus

  The case led to Agnelli and Juventus’ entire board resigning in 2022. Juventus faced a 10-point penalty in the 2022-23 Serie A season and was removed by UEFA from the Conference League due to financial irregularities. The Prisma investigation has explored whether the club misled investors with invoices for non-existent transactions to show income and if supervisory bodies were obstructed.

  Acceptance of the plea bargains could represent a final legal resolution for the club, allowing key figures like Agnelli to return to football administration after their sports-related bans expire.

• The alleged offences against the former executives

  The alleged offences include market manipulation, false corporate disclosures by a listed company, fraudulent filings, and obstruction of regulatory authorities. If accepted, the plea bargains would involve suspended sentences, closing a critical chapter in Juventus’ legal and financial history. 

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  The road ahead for Juventus

  Juventus awaits the court’s decision, which could resolve the long-running legal battles tied to the investigation. Should the plea bargains be accepted, the club may stabilise its leadership structure.

  The ruling will also set a precedent for financial governance and compliance in Italian football, emphasising the consequences of alleged corporate misconduct at one of Europe’s most storied clubs.

Still in the market for an attacking reinforcement even after signing Jack Grealish, Everton have now reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of a top target.

Moyes "looking forward" to "best version" of Grealish

It wasn’t so long ago that Grealish was breaking records by becoming the most expensive British player of all time, and everyone involved at Everton will be desperate to see a player worthy of that £100m price tag arrive and not the version that Manchester City have witnessed in the last couple of years.

There’s plenty of debate over whether the former Aston Villa man ever truly lived up to his price at The Etihad, but it’s hard to forget the impact that he made during their infamous treble-winning campaign – even if that was not reflected through goals.

That’s the calibre of player that Everton have welcomed to The Hill Dickinson and David Moyes is keen to see the “best version” of that player.

Whether Grealish will be ready to make his Everton debut as soon as Monday’s Premier League opener against Leeds United remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’ll play a key role in the Toffees season with minutes under his belt.

Everton and TFG submit huge £37m bid to sign "powerful" new star for Moyes

The striker in question is wanted by multiple clubs.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 14, 2025

His arrival was a statement of intent by The Friedkin Group and they’re not done there on the transfer front. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’ve received a major boost in pursuit of a La Liga star.

Kubo now wants to leave Sociedad amid Everton interest

According to reports in Spain, Takefusa Kubo has now asked to leave Real Sociedad following news that Everton submitted an opening offer to secure his signature earlier this summer.

Initial offers from those in Merseyside as well as from West Ham United and Bournemouth were believed to be around the €40m-mark (£35m) and, therefore, short of the winger’s €60m (£52m) release clause. As such, it would be easy to assume that all parties are still fairly far apart in negotiations, but Kubo’s request to leave could yet soften Sociedad’s stance in a major boost for Everton and others.

Since earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed his start to the 2023/24 campaign as “fantastic”, Kubo has only kicked on and deservedly earned interest from the Premier League.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has held meetings regarding two highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb youngsters, reinforcing the club's interest in one long-term target and making contact with another. The former playmaker was in attendance to see the Croatian side in action and is already laying the groundwork for future transfers at Camp Nou.

• Barca hunt for more talent

  Deco has travelled to Croatia to monitor and hold talks regarding two promising Zagreb talents, according to a report from . The former Portugal international was in attendance at the Stadion Maksimir, accompanied by agent Andy Bara, to watch Dinamo secure a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.

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  Deco holds meeting with Brazilian prospect Belinho

  During his stay in the Croatian capital, Deco reportedly held an informal meeting with Rafael Belinho, a highly-rated Brazilian youngster. The discussion took place at the Westin Zagreb Hotel and was also attended by the player’s father. The meeting is understood to have been an introductory one, allowing the club to establish a direct connection with the promising player ahead of a potential future move.

• Barcelona renew interest in Cardoso Varela

  The trip also served as an opportunity for Barcelona to reaffirm their long-standing interest in midfielder Cardoso Varela. The Catalan club have been tracking the youngster for some time and reportedly failed in an attempt to sign him last summer. Although Varela recently signed a new contract with Zagreb until 2028, Barcelona remain keen and are believed to be planning another approach next summer. Varela made a brief cameo in Thursday's win, entering the match as a 93rd-minute substitute.

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  What next for Barcelona's transfer plans?

  Deco's scouting mission highlights Barcelona's strategy of identifying and pursuing top young talent across Europe. The club is leveraging its strong relationship with agent Andy Bara, who has previously facilitated deals involving players like Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia. This trip indicates that the groundwork is being laid for the summer 2026 transfer window, with Belinho and Varela firmly on the club's radar. Deco’s scouting work continues this weekend, as he is scheduled to travel to Oviedo for their upcoming league fixture.

Following Glasgow Rangers’ humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge, the 49ers have reportedly opened talks to sign a Premier League forward.

Martin apologises to fans after "painful" defeat

The pressure is increasing on Russell Martin. Some may even say that things have already reached breaking point at Ibrox. The former Southampton boss is yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership and saw his problems extended by a Club Brugge side in no mood to offer him some kind of mercy in Belgium.

Update shared from Rangers on Russell Martin's Ibrox future before Celtic

The 39-year-old is under huge pressure.

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By
Charlie Smith

Aug 28, 2025

It was a disaster from the off for the Gers, who were instantly a man down when Max Aarons received his marching orders inside 10 minutes. An uphill battle was quickly made an impossible task and Club Brugge took full advantage, scoring five goals in the first half to take an 8-1 lead on aggregate before adding a sixth to hand Rangers an embarrassing 9-1 defeat.

Simply put, it could not have been worse for Martin, who could not hide his humiliation.

It doesn’t get any easier for those at Ibrox, either. A trip to face Old Firm rivals Celtic awaits this weekend in what may only compile Martin’s misery or perhaps even be the final nail in the coffin of what has been a nightmare stint in Scotland.

That said, the transfer window could still act as a crucial turning point for the Englishman amid reports that the 49ers are now “in talks” to sign a Premier League forward.

Rangers "in talks" to sign forward Chermiti

According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, the 49ers and Rangers are now “in talks” to sign Youssef Chermiti on loan from Everton this week with just days remaining of the window.

The young forward could replace Hamza Igamane, who is set to join LOSC Lille not long after refusing to come from the bench in the Gers’ last-gasp draw against St Mirren last weekend.

Replacing a talented forward like Igamane will be no easy task, but it appears that Chermiti has emerged as a leading candidate. Whilst the Everton forward has struggled with injuries during his time in the Premier League, there’s no denying that he’s still a player full of potential at 21 years old.

Praised as “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig during his time at Sporting Club, Chermiti is also represented by the same agent as Rangers’ summer arrival Thelo Aasgaard, which could make any deal far more routine.

Attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic departed the club late in the season, but the front office has restructured on the fly

Colorado Rapids did not want to let Djordje Mihailovic leave. After all, he was their star player, the center of the franchise. A creative No.10 with a true eye for goal, he was the spark, the guy that made things tick. 

But he walked into Team President Padraig Smith's office all the same, and made it clear: he wanted out. Smith didn't want to sell him, of course. And there were conversations, he said. But Mihailovic's mind was made up. Their main man was out the door. That was early August, and it left the Rapids in a difficult situation. The guy who was supposed to lead a postseason charge had one foot out of the door – effectively waiting for the Rapids to execute the right deal to move him on. And even in those circumstances, Smith was eager to come to an agreement that would keep him there until at least the end of the campaign.

"We felt it was going to be in his best interest and our best interest at the time that he did stay, and at least saw out the season," Smith told GOAL. "But he had made his mind up."

There were fewer than three weeks left in the transfer window. They did not necessarily plan to have to buy a attacking fulcrum. Meanwhile, they were in the thick of a playoff hunt, picking up pieces here and there, but confronting the fact that they might have to navigate the final few weeks of the season without the guy they rely on the most. 

Fast forward to now, and the results are a little inconsistent. But the outlook is far sunnier in Commerce City – a Denver suburb where the Rapids call home. Mihailovic is gone. But they continue to focus on USMNT talent as the core of the team, with a shiny new franchise player in Paxten Aaronson, and the pieces of a plan that might just come together in time. What might have been a disaster has instead pivoted. The Rapids aren't perfect – they might not even make the playoffs – but they have reacted wonderfully to what, for most teams, would be a season-ruining scenario with an eye to building a strong future for the club. 

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  'Getting the best return you can'

  This is not, it must be emphasized, the perfect scenario. Squad building tends to take time, pieces layered into place to form a cohesive unit. When Smith peered over the team he had assembled for head coach Chris Armas at the start of the 2025 season, he did not foresee it potentially operating without his best player. 

  But sometimes, Smith emphasized, you simply have to react.

  "At that point in time, from our perspective, you're focused on two things. You're focused on getting the best return you can from him in the transfer. And then secondly, make sure that you're replacing him with players that are going to help the team get better. Ultimately, we achieved on both of those fronts," he said.

  There were a few options out there for Mihailovic, scattered talk of MLS clubs interested here and there. Eventually, Toronto was the right fit, agreed by the club and player. But perhaps the biggest appeal? The up to $9 million of his sale to the Canadian club represented a club record fee for the Rapids – something that would come to be significant going forward. 

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  'A player that we felt was better'

  And it wasn't like they were short of options. This is modern football, of course. Clubs have to have targets here and there, players in mind. MLS scouting goes far beyond laptops and football manager. And the Rapids were no different. Their network was ready to react immediately, Smith said. 

  "I'll give real credit to our our kind of front office, our scouting team, and the guys there, you know, to make sure that we had targets that were lined up to replace [Mihailovic] in that situation, and that we were able to go down a number of different paths concurrently and ultimately identify a player that we felt was better," Smith said. 

  The man they settled on was Paxten Aaronson. He was in something of a state of flux in his career. A star season on loan at Utrecht would figure to have him in the mix at Frankfurt, his parent club. But his pathway into the first team was blocked by Mario Gotze. 

  "I just couldn't do 15-20 minutes a game because, as a person, for my headspace, it wouldn't have been good for another year," he told GOAL. 

  So, he started exploring options. Other clubs in Europe were interested, compelling options that many other players might have chosen. But Aaronson had something of an MLS connection already. A product of the Philadelphia Union academy, there were reasons for him to come back to America. His family still lives here. Europe was kind to him, but there was something to be said for a homecoming.

  "Coming back to MLS, it's something I'm familiar with," he said. "I'll have friends and family close by. I haven't been anywhere where I could really establish a home or a lifestyle. I've been on the road every year for the three and a half years I was in Europe."

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  'The option of coming back is appealing'

  There was also, Smith explained, the appeal of the model Colorado had built. A look over the roster shows a mixture of foreign and domestic talent. But the Rapids, in particular, have made a conscious effort to find value in American players coming back from Europe. Starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen – someone Smith hails as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league – is perhaps the perfect example. He played at four European clubs, including Manchester City, with varying degrees of success, before returning to play for Colorado in 2024. The same goes for Mihailovic, as well as former USMNTer Reggie Cannon. 

  "We think there's just a wealth of talent that's going over to Europe from the U.S. and Canada at the moment. But we're also acutely aware that as MLS continues to grow and as this league continues to improve, the option of coming back is one that's more and more appealing to some of these young players," Smith said. 

  They're not alone in this sense. Transfers are far more back-and-forth over the Atlantic than they used to be. But Aaronson is the perfect case study as to how it might all work. It was, in the end, part of the pitch to the player. After all, it had worked before.

  "Steffen and Mihailovic mentioned it when we brought them in… They kind of ran each other and asked, Hey, are you going to Colorado? I'm thinking about it. And then it snowballs. It's a wonderful thing," Smith said. 

  Smith sees it as an ideal way to continue to attract talent.

  "There are other players as well that have had maybe the opportunity to go to Europe; we were able to show them that there's a real pathway here to an incredible career for each of them, both on and off the field, by staying here in MLS and ultimately staying here in Colorado. And I think it's going to be a big part of our strategy going forward," he said.

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  Adding center back help

  As the story goes, Rob Holding really liked country singer Zach Bryan. 

  The former Arsenal defender had fallen out of favor at Crystal Palace. New manager Oliver Glasner had made it clear that the one-time England youth international was not part of his plans. Holding was looking for a new home. The Rapids had checked in a few years before, hoping to use their affiliation with as a way to attract Holding to the States (both franchises are principally owned by the Kroenke family). At the time, he said no, hoping to fight for his place in the Premier League (still in his mid-20s, it made sense).

  But this summer, when they checked in again, the center back was far more eager. He loved country music. He had been to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater for concerts. Somehow, there was a bit of Colorado in this bruising defender from Greater Manchester. 

  "He had a really strong desire to come to the U.S. and to play in MLS," Smith said. "He was 29 when we signed him, a player with still plenty of time left and plenty of good career left. It was just a really interesting opportunity for us to bring someone like that in, a leader who's played in FA Cup final-winning teams, played in really talented Arsenal groups at the very highest level." 

  And so they added Holding, a fine defender turned country boy primed to perform at this level. 

Nottingham Forest admire an “unbelievable” Premier League manager, with Evangelos Marinakis looking to “move quickly” to appoint a replacement for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno sacked after just three Premier League games

Trouble has been brewing at The City Ground for quite some time now, with Nuno not helping the situation when he revealed his relationship with Marinakis was no longer the same as it was in the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “I always had a very good relationship with the owner – last season we were very close and spoke on a daily basis. This season it is not so well,”

“Our relationship has changed and we are not as close. Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.”

The 51-year-old initially held onto his job, but Forest announced the decision to sack their manager on Monday night, with Marinakis sacking the Portuguese coach off the back of a 3-0 defeat at home against West Ham United.

It is a controversial decision to sack the manager who led the Tricky Trees to Europe for the first time in 30 years, which makes it even more crucial for Marinakis to get the next appointment right, with Ange Postecoglou set to be appointed.

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealed Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is one of the managers “admired” by the Nottingham Forest hierarchy, but Postecoglou appears to be the man set to take Forest forward.

"Underrated" 4-2-3-1 manager now open to replacing Nuno at Nottingham Forest

The Tricky Trees could be set for a managerial change at the City Ground.

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 5, 2025

Glasner could have been "unbelievable" appointment

It seems likely the Austrian, who plays a 3-4-2-1 system, would’ve been a popular appointment among the Forest fans, given what he has achieved since arriving at Crystal Palace, most notably leading the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season.

However, the 51-year-old would’ve been a controversial appointment from a Palace point of view, given the fact Forest replaced Glasner’s side in the Europa League this season, due to issues surrounding multi-club ownership.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has praised the “unbelievable” job Glasner has done, while also adding: “He loves football, always believes we can win and he instills that in his players.”

However, Postecoglou may also be an exciting appointment, given that the Australian is well-known for an attacking style of play, with the 60-year-old leading Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory last season.

Thomas Tuchel admits that Bukayo Saka has given him a nice "problem", with the Arsenal winger starring for England against Wales after seeing club colleague Noni Madueke miss out through injury. Saka, making his first appearance for the Three Lions since facing Senegal in June, scored a stunning goal for the Three Lions as they eased to a 3-0 victory over geographical neighbours at Wembley Stadium.

• Saka stunner: Arsenal star scores screamer vs Wales

  Saka missed out on selection in September when nursing a fitness problem of his own. He was recalled for a clash with Wales and a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. The 24-year-old made the most of his opportunity in the first of those fixtures, with the Gunners forward lining up on the right of England’s attack.

  He saw Morgan Rogers fire Tuchel’s side into an early lead before another Aston Villa star, Ollie Watkins, doubled that advantage. Saka made it three inside the opening 20 minutes when he curled a spectacular strike into the top corner, having drifted inside onto his wand of a left foot.

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  Madueke misfortune: Gunners winger nursing injury

  Emirates Stadium team-mate Madueke had been on target for England in a World Cup qualifier with Serbia last time out, as he opened his senior international goal account, but he is now nursing a knee complaint and is not expected to be back in action until November.

  His loss has been Saka’s gain, with a man that has 45 caps and 13 goals to his name reminding everybody what he is all about. He timed his moment perfectly as Tuchel had admitted during the build-up to a meeting with Wales that he is happy to select a settled team if everybody is performing.

• More to come: Tuchel excited by Saka

  Saka appears to have forced his way back to the front of the queue when it comes to right wing berths, with Tuchel telling reporters of the selection headache that he faces: "Good. That’s what we want. Noni is unfortunately injured. Noni was excellent in the last camp, he was electric. He then continued to play for his club while Bukayo was out for Arsenal in the same manner. We were very, very sad that he’s now injured, but Saka stepped up. He had to step up also."

  Tuchel added on there being even more to come from Saka, who has now scored in his last three appearances for club and country: "It was like his first camp where he comes without injury and it’s necessary. Like I said, the competition is on. Bukayo had a good performance like everyone else and showed what he’s capable of.

  "I still feel there is a step to go for Bukayo to regain his rhythm, naturally after one or two injuries now, to regain his rhythm and his stamina. Then, he is a very important player for us and he will fight for his place because that’s what he does. He’s played for many, many years for Arsenal at the highest level and this is what we demand of him for England. He’s ready to go and that’s what he showed today."

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  England history: Saka sets goal record for Arsenal stars

  Saka’s eye-catching strike against Wales saw him claim his own piece of England history. A 13th goal for his country has made him the highest-scoring Arsenal player for the Three Lions – overtaking Gunners legend Cliff Bastin, who registered his last international effort some 87 years ago.

  England legend Stuart Pearce told of Saka’s sizzler at Wembley: "The ball's played past him and all of a sudden there's a two-on-one overload and England are finding so much space. And that is one of the best goals I have ever seen in this stadium. An incredible finish."

  Saka will hope to retain his starting berth for a World Cup qualifying clash with Latvia on Tuesday. Tuchel may, however, decide to shuffle his pack slightly for that fixture, with Arsenal – who have moved to the top of the Premier League – eager to ensure that their collection of international stars are returned to north London in full working order.

Wayne Rooney has bemoaned one “crazy” West Ham United “problem” and Graham Potter’s “lack of belief”, following the recent 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

West Ham suffer another setback against Crystal Palace

Potter appears to be on very thin ice after the 2-1 defeat at home against Crystal Palace last time out, with the West Ham hierarchy now running the rule over potential replacements.

Following the most recent loss, the Hammers are 19th in the Premier League table, having tasted defeat in four of their opening five games, with Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche also entering the frame as potential Potter replacements.

In the wake of yet another loss, Rooney has bemoaned the Hammers’ inability to defend set-pieces, while also calling into question the atmosphere at the club.

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The former Manchester United man said: “I analysed the set-pieces yesterday, last night, on Match of the Day and it’s all second balls. Graham Potter came out and said they’ve been working on set plays, so as a coach there’s only so much you can do, but they’re not winning the first header and the problem is they’re not reacting quick enough, and then the second ball, they’re conceding goals.

“So, it’s crazy to concede seven from five, but when you have a lack of confidence and a lack of belief – I think that’s clear with the West Ham players and the fans as well I can imagine. There’s a lack of a belief in the team, and it looks like the owners and the manager.”

Potter must fix defensive issues to keep his job

Defending from set-pieces has undoubtedly been a major issue for the Irons, with Potter saying: “We’ve addressed [our weakness from dead-balls] and we’re working to improve it. We conceded too many, had to defend a lot. That is something we also have to look at. It’s just constant work on the training ground.”

However, having been in the dugout since January, the 50-year-old has had more than enough time to fix the glaring problems, and there have been very few promising signs, winning just six of the 25 games he has taken charge of.

The Hammers have also conceded 13 goals already this season, the highest number of any Premier League side, so it is clear their top-flight status could be in jeopardy if there is not either a radical improvement or a change in manager.

While he arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of appointments, Dyche could be a solid option for West Ham, at least on a short-term basis, having led Everton to safety when the Toffees were in a similar position.