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Thomas Frank has lifted the lid on a remarkable moment from his Brentford tenure, revealing he was interviewed for the Manchester United job inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s garage — just hours before holding another meeting with Chelsea. The Tottenham boss says he still can’t believe he spoke with two of the world’s biggest clubs on the same day before United eventually chose Ruben Amorim.

Frank reveals talks with Man Utd in Ratcliffe's garage

Frank has revealed that he was formally interviewed by Manchester United during their search for a new manager in the summer of 2024, and the unusual talks took place in Ratcliffe’s garage. It came as the Red Devils were weighing up potential successors to Erik ten Hag before eventually delaying the change until six months later. Frank also travelled across London later that same day to discuss a separate vacancy with Chelsea, who ultimately appointed Enzo Maresca instead.

The Dane, then Brentford manager, had been firmly established as a Premier League success story, having guided the Bees into the top flight and cemented them as a stable mid-table force. His work placed him on the radar of both clubs as they conducted parallel managerial searches ahead of what they hoped would be major rebuilds. But while both sides admired his progression, neither interview resulted in an immediate job offer.

Frank has revealed that the interview with Ratcliffe occurred while Manchester United’s squad were travelling to London ahead of the FA Cup final, which they went on to win 2-1 over Manchester City. That victory gave Ten Hag a temporary lifeline before the club replaced him with Amorim the following November. Frank, meanwhile, remained with Brentford until Tottenham triggered his release clause in 2025.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSpurs boss reveals back-to-back interviews in 2024

Speaking to Danish outlet TV2, Frank described the surreal nature of the day in detail, insisting the experience alone proved just how far he had climbed in his coaching career: “Sitting down to talk to two of the ten biggest clubs in the world – two hours apart – is quite unique.”

Reflecting on the moment he found himself walking between the two milestone meetings, he added: “I know I didn't get either job, but it was still huge. I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking: ‘Thomas Frank from f*cking Frederiksvaerk – am I really experiencing this?’”

Getty Images SportFrank finally got his big move in 2025 with Spurs

Frank’s account of the day was included in an upcoming book, , which charts his rise from Danish football to managing in Europe’s biggest league. It also details the significance of him becoming someone considered by clubs that dominate the modern game financially and historically. For Frank, the episode symbolised not disappointment, but validation — the proof that his meticulous work had been noticed beyond Brentford’s buzzing west-London bubble.

Chelsea’s interest came at a time when the Blues were again struggling for stability, while United explored several candidates ahead of a transition in leadership after Ineos took a controlling role in football operations. The fact that Frank was seriously interviewed by both within hours of each other underlined his rising reputation. While neither club opted for him then, it cemented his name among the elite managerial conversation.

The following year, Frank finally received his major move. Tottenham parted ways with Ange Postecoglou in 2025 after a 17th-place finish, sparking an overhaul that saw Spurs activate Frank’s clause. The Dane took charge in June and has since overseen a respectable start, with five wins and three defeats leaving Spurs firmly in the top-four race after 11 matches in the league.

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Frank's story so far at Tottenham…

Frank’s Tottenham remain unbeaten in Europe and are now preparing for a major test against league leaders Arsenal after the international break. His side have shown promise under his intense, structure-focused style.

As for Manchester United, Amorim is now firmly in post, though their long-term direction under Ratcliffe continues to evolve. Frank’s revelation serves as a reminder of just how close the managerial landscape can shift, and how different the Premier League might look had that interview in a billionaire’s garage ended differently.

For Frank himself, the door to the biggest benches in world football has clearly opened once, and there is little doubt it could open again. Spurs may prove the beginning of a journey that sees his name linked with such jobs for years to come.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will be looking for more of the same from his team when they come up against Hibernian at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership this evening.

The German boss was serenaded by the Ibrox support last time out when his side beat Kilmarnock 3-1 in his first league match in charge of the Scottish giants.

A devastating 3-0 loss to Brann in the Europa League just days after his arrival last week would have been a real eye-opener for the former Sheffield Wednesday boss, who has walked into a difficult situation.

Russell Martin only won five of his 17 games in charge of the club, conceding 24 goals in that time, and Rohl is tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around, months before any transfer window is available to make changes to the squad.

The German head coach has to work with what is currently available to him, which means that he will have to make ruthless calls for team selections.

For example, he should ruthlessly remove Bojan Miovski from the starting line-up for tonight’s trip to Hibernian after he struggled last time out.

Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped

The Light Blues signed the 26-year-old centre-forward from Girona during the summer transfer window, possibly with the hope that he would carry his form for Aberdeen in Scotland over to his time at Ibrox.

Miovski, as shown in the graphic above, enjoyed a prolific time with the Dons in his two years there, proving that he can score goals on a consistent basis, even against the top teams, like Celtic and Rangers.

Unfortunately, though, the left-footed number nine has only scored one goal in six appearances in the Premiership so far this season for the Light Blues, which came in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in Martin’s last game in charge.

Rohl opted to go with a front two of Danilo and Miovski for the clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox last time out in the Premiership on Sunday, and the Macedonia international failed to deliver a quality performance before being withdrawn at the break.

Minutes

45

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Touches

9

Possession lost

5

Passes made

2/6

Duels won

1/4

As you can see in the table above, the summer signing from Girona struggled in and out of possession throughout the half, as he offered little in the final third, lost the ball from more than half of his touches, and lost 75% of his physical duels.

It was not a surprise to see Rohl decide to take him off after 45 minutes, because he did not do enough in his time on the pitch to suggest that the second half was going to be better.

Therefore, the German tactician should take him out of the starting XI for this evening’s clash against Hibernian at Easter Road, in the hope that it will motivate him to come off the bench and make an impact, to prove that he deserves to be starting games.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

If Miovski is dropped to the bench for Rangers tonight, Rohl could replace him with a like-for-like option in order to keep a front two alongside Danilo, who scored on Sunday.

With this in mind, the former Sheffield Wednesday head coach should unleash summer signing Youssef Chermiti for his first Premiership start.

Why Youssef Chermiti should start for Rangers against Hibernian

The Portugal U21 international should be unleashed from the start in the hope that he is able to kick on after his first goal for the club against Kilmarnock.

Chermiti’s powerful drive from the edge of the box, which was too hot for the goalkeeper to handle, found the back of the net and marked a notable moment in his young career.

It was his first goal at club level since a strike for Sporting against Pacos Ferreira in the Liga Portugal in May 2023, which means that it was his first goal in over two years.

In those two years, Chermiti signed for Everton and failed to provide a single goal or assist in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side, per Transfermarkt, before an £8m move to Rangers in the summer.

Speaking after the win over Kilmarnock, Rohl praised the Portuguese striker: “We will improve him (Chermiti) step by step. He has something special and you saw the goal today.

“He has things to improve, especially in the pressing and intensity and which moments he needs to drop to cover inside and in the middle. But he should enjoy today and the goal and then tomorrow we will work on the next parts of his game.”

It was not just his goal that caught the eye in his cameo against Kilmarnock, though, as the powerful centre-forward showcased what his all-round game can look like at its best.

Minutes

21

45

Shots

1

0

Goals

1

0

Touches

15

9

Possession lost

2x

5x

Key passes

1

0

Pass accuracy

100%

33%

Duels won

2/3

1/4

As you can see in the table above, Chermiti had more touches, fewer losses of possession, more key passes, more duels won, and a higher pass accuracy than Miovski, despite only playing 21 minutes.

These statistics show that the Portuguese youngster provided a presence in the number nine role that the Macedonia international failed to during his first half showing.

This is why Rohl should look to unleash Chermiti from the start against Hibernian, having only made five appearances as a substitute in the league so far, in the hope that his performance last time out will give him the confidence to kick on.

Rohl must drop Aasgaard for star who "was Rangers’ best player" pre-Martin

Danny Rohl must drop Thelo Aasgaard for this Rangers star this evening.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2025

Hibs are currently third in the Premiership table and will not be an easy team to face away from home, which is why having the physical presence that Chermiti could provide could be incredibly important for Rohl and Rangers in the game this evening.

Shohei Ohtani's early career with the Los Angeles Angels was summed up perfectly by a 2021 tweet about the fictitious "Tungsten Arm" O'Doyle. The premise of the joke being Ohtani was accomplishing obscure, but incredible feats that hadn't happened in a baseball game since the early days of the sport. And he was doing it alongside an equally impressive Mike Trout in relative obscurity with the Angels. Some wondered whether he could possibly do it on a big stage and earn the $700 million the Dodgers gave him in free agency in 2023.

It turns out the answer to that question is a resounding yes. In 2024 he hit a career-high 54 home runs and led baseball in runs scored, RBI, OBP, SLG and OPS as he won his third MVP in four seasons. Then he homered in his first career playoff game and played through injury to help the Dodgers win the World Series in his first season with the club.

This year he somehow got better. He hit a new career-high of 55 home runs and he started pitching again. He started Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, threw six shutout innings and struck out 10 batters he hit three home runs. No one had ever done it before. No one will ever do it again.

What other "Tungsten Arm" O'Doyle-esque accomplishment could he possibly accomplish during this postseason?

Would you believe he reached base nine times in a single game?

That's exactly what Ohtani did in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series. He tied the all-time record for most times on base in a game in regular season or postseason play. No one had reached base nine times in one game since Stan Hack in 1942. Before that it was Johnny Burnett in 1932 and the first person to ever do it was Max Carey in 1922.

And no one has ever done it in the postseason. Or come close. No player has ever reached base more than six times in a single postseason game.

In fact, only 84 players had reached base five times in a single postseason game. And just three players had reached base six times, including Kenny Lofton in the 1995 World Series, Stan Hack in the 1945 World Series and Kerry Carpenter in the Tigers-Mariners 15-inning classic earlier this postseason.

Last night Ohtani reached times. Here's how he did it.

First Inning Double

Max Scherzer has won two World Series and three Cy Young awards. Ohtani ripped the second pitch he saw from him down the line for a ground-rule double. He would be stranded on second, but a historic night had begun.

Third Inning Home Run

The Dodgers had a 1-0 lead when Ohtani faced Scherzer in the third inning. Ohtani took a ball, swung at two strikes and then fouled off two more pitches before he hit his first home run of the night. He celebrated with an epic bat flip while Justin Bieber gave him a thumbs down.

Fifth Inning Double

The Blue Jays took a 4-2 lead in the fourth inning. Facing a full count in the bottom of the fifth Ohtani hit his second double of the game and drove in Enrique Hernández to cut the lead in half.

Seventh Inning Home Run

Down one with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning Ohtani hit the first pitch he saw from Seranthony Dominguez into the stands to tie the game. It was his fourth extra base hit of the game which is something that hadn't been done in the postseason since 1906.

International Walking to History

After two doubles and two home runs the Blue Jays had finally had enough and started walking Ohtani. He was put on without seeing a pitch in the ninth, 11th, 13th and 15th before Brendon Little threw him four straight balls in the 17th.

A player had only reached base five times in a single postseason game 88 times in the history of baseball and he did it with walks from the ninth inning on last night after going 4-for-4.

There is no way to discuss this without admitting it makes no sense.

Aaron Judge led MLB in intentional walks this season with 36. Ohtani was walked four times in one postseason game.

Barry Bonds remains the gold standard for being intentionally walked with 688 in his career. He was intentionally walked a record 120 times in 2004. He was intentionally walked a total of 21 times in 48 career postseason games, including 13 times in the 2002 playoffs. The Angels walked him seven times in the World Series, including three times in Game 4.

Ohtani just got intentionally walked four times .

The black-soil surface in Delhi will have patches of grass, interspersed with bald areas, and is expected to help spinners later on

Nagraj Gollapudi07-Oct-2025

West Indies lost the first Test by an innings and 140 runs•AFP/Getty Images

The pitch for the second and final India-West Indies Test, which starts on October 10 in Delhi, will have patches of grass interspersed with bald areas, unlike the Ahmedabad pitch for the first Test that had an even grass covering.The Delhi pitch will have a black-soil base and is likely to favour batters, with spin playing a role as the surface dries up gradually.West Indies lost the first Test inside three days after electing to bat on one of the greenest pitches in India since the World Test Championship was launched in 2019. With four millimetres of live grass covering spread over a red-soil pitch coupled with good bounce, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj gleefully went about their job on the first morning as West Indies were all out in 44.1 overs. The visitors lasted just 45.1 overs in their second innings, suffering a bruising defeat by an innings and 140 runs.The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, though, is understood to be more batting-friendly, coupled with a quick outfield and slightly shorter boundaries. The last Test played here was the second of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023. In that game, Australia, having elected to bat on a slow turner, lost by six wickets, inside three days.

Home side bowled out in 24.3 overs, then blitzed in chase that only last 20.5

Firdose Moonda02-Sep-2025

Aiden Markram blazes a drive over the covers in his flying start•Getty Images

South Africa 137 for 3 (Markram 86) beat England 131 (Smith 54, Maharaj 4-22, Mulder 3-33) by seven wicketsEngland’s batters lasted more than 100 balls, but not much more. They were dismissed in 147 balls for their fourth-lowest total against South Africa in a display of batting that could best be described as fatigued, perhaps from a month of playing in the Hundred.By the time South Africa’s batters had faced 100 balls, the job was as good as done. Aiden Markram scored the fastest fifty by a South African opener, off 23 balls, and dominated an opening stand of 121 with Ryan Rickelton to take South Africa home and open the series with an emphatic win. They batted for 125 balls.The whole match lasted just 272 balls, perhaps as a nod to the difference in preparation for these two sides for this series to where there are on the road to 2027. While South Africa played a series Australia, England only had an optional training session as they rolled in straight from the Hundred. That may also mean England are just beginning their planning for the next World Cup, while South Africa see themselves as on the path as they seek to adopt a more fearless style of play. England often use that kind of language but their loose drives and soft chips were more reckless than brave against a well-drilled South African attack.Keshav Maharaj, recently elevated to No. 1 on the ICC’s ODI bowling rankings, was the most successful bowler and picked up the third four-for of his career. Wiaan Mulder scooped 3 for 33 to mark only the second time he has taken three wickets in an ODI. South Africa also took all their catching chances, seven in total, after a ragged showing in Australia, and made good on Temba Bavuma’s decision to bowl first.England started off in signature style as Jamie Smith closed out the first over with back-to-back drives off full Nandre Burger deliveries and Ben Duckett pushed one past Lungi Ngidi that went for four. But Burger also found swing and in his second over, Duckett was tempted to play at a good-length ball without moving his feet and nicked off to continue a tough run. Duckett only had one score over 20 in eight innings in the Hundred but concerns about his form seemed immaterial when Joe Root drove Burger for four with a high elbow off the second ball he faced and held the pose for good measure.Runs kept coming in boundaries as Root took two off Ngidi and Smith took advantage of width from Burger. However, Bavuma stuck with his frontline seamers and it paid off. Root prodded at an Ngidi ball and edged behind, Ryan Rickelton diving to his right to hold the ball in his glove but it popped out as he hit the ground. He was able to get both gloves to the rebound and claimed the catch, which was confirmed on replay.Harry Brook responded by tonking Ngidi’s first ball for four and Smith just kept swinging. Corbin Bosch was brought on in the ninth over but was guided past third and then through midwicket as Smith entered the 30s. England finished the Powerplay on 57 for 2, with 44 of those runs in boundaries.The Smith-Brook partnership grew to 38 and the pair were on top of South Africa’s seamers when a moment of misjudgement separated them. Brook hit Mulder into the covers and called for two but the second run wasn’t on, Tristan Stubbs swooped in and threw to Rickelton, who broke the stumps and England were 82 for 3. Still, with Smith batting well, they would not have had many concerns. Smith brought up his second ODI fifty, and second successive one, when he sent Maharaj through the covers for four off the 46th ball he faced.At the end of that over, Jos Buttler hit the ball to the boundary, where Tony de Zorzi dived to stop four and hurt his hamstring in the process. He left the field for treatment, did not field again and was not required to bat.An incident like that could easily have shifted momentum England’s way but the opposite happened. In the next over, Smith flicked Mulder to fine leg, Bosch made good ground to his left and took an excellent one-handed catch and the collapse had begun. England lost seven wickets for 29 runs in 43 balls and almost all of them were avoidable.Jacob Bethell was lured into a drive by a floated up Maharaj delivery, got a thin edge and the ball was parried off Rickelton’s gloves to Markram at slip. He took the catch while almost blindsided by his own keeper. Will Jacks popped a simple return chance back to Maharaj; Buttler was leaden-footed when he drove and inside-edged Mulder to Rickelton and Jofra Archer nicked the next ball low to first slip, where Markram picked up another. Mulder was on a hat-trick but Maharaj cleaned up. He had Adil Rashid trapped in front of leg stump and removed debutant Sonny Baker’s middle stump to dismiss England inside 25 overs.Baker would be the first to attempt to defend their score. Given the opening over on debut, his second ball slid down leg and Markram helped it on its way for four. Baker then overcompensated and offered width as Markram cashed in on the off side. The first over went for 14 runs.Rickelton, who has struggled for rhythm from the Australia tour, could not find any early on in England either. He could not get Archer’s first four balls away and then edged the fifth one in the direction of first slip. Root claimed the catch as he seemed to think he got his fingers under the ball and while some replays agreed, others seemed to show the ball bouncing just in front. Rickelton was given not out. Archer finished the over by hitting him on the pads but England didn’t review. If they had, Hawk-Eye showed the ball would have been hitting leg stump and Rickelton would have been out for a duck.Instead, he watched as Markram continued to show Baker no mercy and took 20 off his second over, including two sixes. Rickelton’s opportunity finally came against Baker in his third over and he just about found his touch. He drove Baker for four, edged him short of slip and then flicked off the pads. Despite his first three overs costing 44 runs, Baker got a fourth over and still could not get it right. He overpitched, Markram drove for four, then down the ground and then over the covers to bring up his half-century off 23 balls, with 44 runs scored in boundaries.Baker’s four overs cost 56 runs and he was taken out of the attack before bring brought back in the 12th over and delivering a boundary-free six balls. His relief was short-lived. Baker’s next two overs cost 18 runs and his final analysis of 7-0-76-0 was the most expensive by an England player on debut.Markram had three figures in his sights but with 11 runs left to win was strongly caught by Smith at cover, who intercepted a ball that was destined for the boundary. Bavuma tried to finish it quickly but was caught at mid-off and Tristan Stubbs’ nightmare run continued as he was bowled for a duck to leave Rashid on a hat-trick. Across all formats, Stubbs has only scored one half-century in 35 innings this year. Dewald Brevis finished it off with a six as England lost for the third successive time to South Africa.

Chelsea have already reached out for discussions with the representatives of Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, with Enzo Maresca hatching a new tactical plan involving Cole Palmer.

The west Londoners have lost three out of their last five Premier League games and narrowly escaped with a thrilling 4-3 win away to bottom side Wolves in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.

Despite spending nearly £300 million in the summer transfer window, there is clearly still work to be done from Chelsea’s perspective, and reports suggest that Juventus are even taking an interest in Maresca ahead of next summer.

The Old Lady appointed Luciano Spalletti on an interim basis until the end of the season, but if that doesn’t work out and Maresca fails to turn the tide at Stamford Bridge, a move to Juve could be on the cards in 2026.

In the meantime, Chelsea’s manager is surely tasked with finishing in the top four at the very least, and preferably adding more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet after their Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs earlier this year.

According to some reports, Maresca is still quite unhappy with the options he has at Chelsea right now, so January could be a key month despite heavy summer backing in the market.

The most obvious area Chelsea are short in is centre-back, with ex-midfielder John Obi-Mikel claiming that the Blues will get nowhere near a Premier League title boasting that backline.

Ahead of the winter window’s opening, reports suggest that Chelsea are prioritising a new centre-back, with Levi Colwill expected to be out until spring 2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season.

However, they could also land a new forward, and have been linked with Yildiz as a serious option.

Chelsea make "very exciting" Yildiz offer amid Cole Palmer plan

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea “really like” the Turkey international who’s dazzled as Juve’s star attacker since the beginning of last season.

Yildiz racked up 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions across 2024/2025, finishing the campaign as their best-performing regular with over 10 starts, going by average match rating per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

The 20-year-old also made more key passes per 90 and completed more take-ons in the final third than any of his teammates, with Yildiz starting 25/26 in equally imperious fashion.

Kenan Yildiz’s best Serie A games for Juventus this season	Match Rating
Juventus 2-0 Parma Calcio	8.88
Juventus 4-3 Inter Milan	8.51
Juventus 3-1 Udinese	7.55
Atalanta 1-1 Juventus	7.10
Genoa 0-1 Juventus	7.04
via WhoScored

He has seven goal contributions in 12 appearances already this term, attracting serious interest from Stamford Bridge.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have “discreetly” reached out to Yildiz’s camp with a “very exciting” offer to join them, and Italian insiders are adamant that Maresca’s side are in pole position to land him.

This comes as Maresca hatches a plan to partner the young Turk with Palmer up front, as Chelsea see him as the “ideal” player to link up with their England superstar.

However, there are major obstacles to overcome in this would-be transfer — mainly Juve’s minimum demand of around £79 million — with Real Madrid also in the race.

Los Blancos are described as a “major threat” to Chelsea in pursuit of Yildiz, and the player is apparently very enticed by Xabi Alonso’s side as a possible destination.

There is also the matter of Juve apparently stepping up new contract talks to keep him out of rival clutches, so Chelsea could have to launch the kitchen sink if this move has any chance of happening.

Chelsea have been offered another Juventus star too

نجح الدولي البرازيلي رودريجو جوس، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد في تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح الملكي أمام مانشستر سيتي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويواجه ريال مدريد نظيره مانشستر سيتي في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي الآن في مباراة مثيرة ومرتقبة من جمهور كلا الناديين.

واستطاع رودريجو أن يسجل الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 28 بعدما استلم تمريرة رائعة على الجهة اليُمنى ليخترق منطقة الجزاء وسدد الكرة على يمين الحارس الإيطالي دوناروما.

Despite the £200m spending spree in the summer transfer window, Manchester United have failed to address the need for a new central midfielder in Ruben Amorim’s side.

His 3-4-2-1 system requires two dominant ball-playing options, with Bruno Fernandes currently occupying one of the two positions at the heart of the side.

The Portuguese international is primarily a number ten, but the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have seen him drop into a slightly deeper number eight role.

Casemiro has often been the man to partner him in the middle of the park, but with his contract expiring at the end of 2025/26, it’s evident that a long-term solution is needed.

As a result, the Red Devils have since been drawing up a shortlist of potential options, with the January transfer window now rapidly appearing on the horizon.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new central midfielder in January

In an attempt to improve the options in the midfield department, the United board have identified Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller as a potential addition this January.

The German has developed into one of Europe’s leading performers, but he could be available for a fee in the region of £53m – a potential bargain given his recent rise in the Bundesliga.

However, he’s also seemingly on the radar of European giants Bayern Munich, which could lead to a huge battle for the 24-year-old’s signature in the months ahead.

He’s not alone in being a potential target for Amorim’s men, with Joao Gomes another talent that’s currently being considered for the central midfield role.

According to one Brazilian outlet, the Red Devils are advancing in talks for the 24-year-old, with a £44m transfer fee being mooted for his services this winter.

The report notes that a deal is ‘widely expected’ to be completed and that the player is ‘close’ to transfer clubs over the winter.

It also states that the Wolves star would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if his current employers would sanction a move during the mid-point of the campaign.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Anderson

Over the last couple of weeks, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson has been another player who has been on their radar to bolster the central midfield department.

The Englishman has been one of the star men in the Premier League this campaign, leading to a first string of international appearances under Thomas Tuchel.

He’s featured in every single minute of the Reds’ league campaign to date, even playing a key role in the recent 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

His form has led to huge rumours over a potential switch to Old Trafford, but his current side are demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with him in the near future.

Such a deal would be a club record, breaking the £89m fee paid for Paul Pogba way back in the summer of 2016 – potentially making a transfer somewhat unlikely this winter.

As a result, cheaper alternatives will likely have to be considered by Amorim and the board, which could result in a transfer for Gomes in the coming months.

When comparing the Brazilian’s stats to those of Anderson from the opening months of the season, the Wolves star has managed to outperform him in numerous areas – that’s despite his side sitting rock bottom.

Gomes, who’s been described as “one of the best pressers in the league” by one analyst, has completed more of his attempted passes and notched more passes into the opposition box per 90 this season.

Such numbers in possession showcase that the Brazilian thrives at finding a teammate, which could benefit some of the £200m additions within the final third at Old Trafford.

Games played

12

12

Goals & assists

0

2

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Passes into opposition box

1.3

1.2

Clearances made

2.1

1.1

Interceptions made

1.2

1.1

Tackles made

1.8

1.5

Take-on success

50%

46%

He’s also won more tackles per 90 whilst making more clearances and interceptions per 90 – numbers which make him the perfect ball-winning option for the Red Devils.

Gomes’ all-round dominance is further reflected in his higher take-on success and aerial duels won per 90, which could make him an absolute steal at his current asking price.

£44m in the current climate would be an excellent piece of business, with the midfielder having the opportunity to improve further in the years ahead given he’s just 24.

There’s little denying that Anderson would be the dream addition for many fans, but it’s evident that Gomes would be a cost-effective addition for the short term.

However, that shouldn’t discredit the Wolves star’s talents, with his numbers this season certainly going under the radar, which could make him a stellar addition for Amorim.

He's "much better" than Sesko: Man Utd pursuing "one of the best CFs in PL"

Manchester United could land a new centre-forward just months after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Celtic have now reportedly been “made aware” of an opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the winger still frozen out at Stamford Bridge.

It’s a busy time for the Hoops, who were thrown into chaos when Brendan Rodgers made an unexpected decision to resign earlier this season – sparking the return of Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.

Celtic keeping tabs on "brilliant" Serie A gem who starred vs Rangers last season

He’s now struggling for form in Italy.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 12, 2025

Since then, the 73-year-old has turned back the clock to get Celtic back on track and send the rumour mill into overdrive that he could yet extend his second stint in charge of the club.

O’Neill, however, has often distanced himself from the permanent job and candidates such as Wilfried Nancy and Kjetil Nkutsen are beginning to emerge as potential options to take the reins.

The next two weeks should be crucial for Celtic in their managerial search, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll have a new name in charge by the time that the international break comes to an end.

If their search is ongoing, then O’Neill has reiterated that he’ll be happy to stick around until the club no longer need his services – telling reporters: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that.”

Of course, whoever is in charge will have plenty of work to do in the January transfer window, with Celtic in need of reinforcements and a number of potential options already coming to the fore.

Celtic "made aware" of Raheem Sterling option

As Graeme Bailey told 67 Hail Hail, Celtic have now been “made aware” of the chance to sign Sterling in January, as Chelsea continue to give the four-time Premier League winner the cold shoulder in West London.

Without an appearance all season, the former Manchester City winger desperately needs a move this winter, but must face up to the reality of a significant pay-cut if he is to move onto a club like Celtic. As things stand, Sterling earns an eye-watering £16.9m-a-year at Chelsea.

To put that figure into context, Celtic’s record signing, Adam Idah cost them £11m so, in one swoop, Sterling’s wages alone would beat the Bhoys’ record transfer fee and that’s simply not doable in Glasgow. The Chelsea man will need to make a major sacrifice.

There would also be question marks over Sterling’s ability to make an instant impact. Although former Chelsea boss Graham Potter dubbed the winger “excellent” during his time at the club, those days are long gone and he hasn’t played a senior game since a loan spell at Arsenal last season. Even if he were to halve his salary, it would be an expensive gamble for Celtic.

Desmond set to hold talks with "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager this week

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller has received an apology after his appearance was mocked by a Go Ahead Eagles player in their Europa League game on Thursday. Second-half substitute Victor Edvardsen was booked shortly after gesturing at the German international's nose during the 4-0 defeat. The Swede was heavily criticised on social media and, after the Dutch club also handed him a fine, he issued an apology.

• Uncomfortable scenes in Europa League game

  Just three minutes into his cameo, Edvardsen mocked how Stiller, who has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid, looked. The incident sparked a clash between the two teams, leading to the former getting booked. After the game, former Inter player Wesley Sneijder said, "I find it sad. Such things are absolutely unacceptable."

  Although Stiller was incensed by the incident, Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth chose his words carefully, rather than adding fuel to the fire.

  "I saw it, but from a distance it was still difficult for me to assess. It's about Europa League points for Deventer just as it is for us," he said. "So if emotions are running high and then quickly subside, and the referee takes the right measures, then it's not all that big of a deal. Therefore, everything's fine."

  Aside from that, the 29-year-old received a huge backlash online for his actions, and subsequently, Go Ahead Eagles have announced he has been fined €500 ($580); along with the player apologising for his very poor behaviour. 

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  'I would like to apologise'

  A statement from the Eredivisie outfit reads: "Go Ahead Eagles regrets that several incidents have taken place during the duel with VfB Stuttgart. The club therefore renounces this."

  And Edvardsen himself announced that he apologised to Stuttgart's players after the contest. 

  He said: "I would like to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. Things have been said and done between the two of us that don't belong on a football field. Afterwards, I went to the dressing room in Stuttgart to apologize. I have an exemplary role, and I have to behave accordingly."

  Go Ahead Eagles added that the €500 fine will be 'donated to the social branch of the club'. General manager, Jan Willem van Dop, said the Netherlands team were "completely dissatisfied" with how their player conducted himself in the Europa League tie.

  He added, "As a club, we are completely dissatisfied with Victor’s behavior and distance ourselves from it. It’s good that he apologised afterward, but it remains a stain on the evening."

• Stuttgart fans criticised

  In the same media release, Go Ahead Eagles criticized Stuttgart fans for standing in a seated section, despite being warned not to. They added that their behaviour was "unacceptable" and the police had to repeatedly get involved.

  It states: "The incident with Edvardsen was not the only incident during Go Ahead Eagles – VfB Stuttgart. Before, during and after the match, unrest arose around the stadium. During Europa League matches, Go Ahead Eagles must make so-called 'Category 1 tickets' available to the opposing team. The German supporters who received these tickets sat in the main stand and were asked several times not to stand during the match. Despite instructions from the security staff, this was not heeded. As a result, the police had to intervene. The behaviour of the German supporters is unacceptable and does not belong in a public stand. As a result, security personnel had to intervene in the home stands as well. Go Ahead Eagles attaches great importance to hospitality, but is disappointed with the disorder in the main stand. It is the responsibility of the opposing team to allocate these cards in a responsible and appropriate manner, which did not happen here. After the match, the police had to intervene again."

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  What comes next for both Stiller?

  Stiller's emergence as one of Europe's best young midfield talents has brought him to the attention of bigger clubs than Stuttgart, which suggests he might soon be playing on a different stage. Manchester United's search for central midfielder who can replace an ageing Casemiro has brought them to his door, but there will be plenty to play ouf over the coming months, especially with a World Cup that could put Stiller even more in the shop window.