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Report: Erik ten Hag linked with a surprise managerial return to the Premier League

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly being discussed as an option for the Wolves job.

That is according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who has revealed that among names that are being discussed internally by Wolves, is the Dutch manager.

Ornstein claims that Wolves have discussed Ten Hag internally as one of several names in contention for the role.

The Midlands club are exploring all possible options as they look to find the right manager to turn around their disastrous start to the season.

Wolves currently sit 20th in the league with zero wins in 10 games, two draws and eight defeats.

The woeful form has put them right in the thick of a relegation battle and would require someone who could immediately inspire them and get them out of the relegation zone.

Several other names have been mentioned so far. Former Man United midfielder Michael Carrick is one of them after his impressive job at Middlesbrough.

Former Liverpool and Spurs star Robbie Keane has also been linked with role.

Gary O’Neil who was sacked just last year by Wolves was considered the favourite to return to the club, however, as per the latest update from Ornstein, O’Neil has withdrawn himself from the running.

Would Erik ten Hag be the right man for the Wolves job?

Erik ten Ha with the FA Cup trophy
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Erik ten Hag the head coach / manager of Manchester United holds the Emirates FA Cup trophy as Manchester United win the 2024 Emirates FA Cup during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on May 25, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag built a strong reputation at Ajax for his excellent job with the Dutch club.

Taking over in December 2017, Ten Hag inherited a talented but underachieving squad and quickly instilled a clear tactical identity based on high pressing, intelligent positional play, and fluid attacking football.

His Ajax side became known for their fearless approach, combining traditional Dutch total football principles with modern intensity and discipline.

The 2018/19 season remains the pinnacle of his Ajax reign. Under Ten Hag, Ajax produced a remarkable Champions League campaign, defeating Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the semi-finals, where they came within seconds of reaching the final.

He also guided Ajax to multiple Eredivisie titles and KNVB Cup triumphs, re-establishing their dominance in Dutch football.

Ten Hag’s success earned him a move to Manchester United, where his first season brought renewed optimism.

He guided United to a third-place finish and won the Carabao Cup, ending the club’s six-year trophy drought.

However, his second season unravelled amid poor performances and dressing-room unrest, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League.

Despite this, Ten Hag still managed to win the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final, a victory that briefly bought him time.

An awful start to the 2024/25 campaign led to INEOS dismissing Ten Hag and appointing Ruben Amorim as his replacement.

His brief and unsuccessful stint at Bayer Leverkusen further dented his reputation, but the Dutchman’s pedigree, built on his Ajax years and trophy record remains undeniable.

With Wolves desperate to avoid relegation, appointing an experienced manager like Erik ten Hag who would be keen to prove himself in England could be a gamble worth making .

 

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£27m West Ham star’s agent makes big admission about his future at the club

Niclas Fullkrug’s agent has admitted that signing for West Ham has not worked out for this client.

West Ham signed Fullkrug in a £27m move last summer from Borussia Dortmund, coming fresh from a brilliant season at Borussia Dortmund and the Euro 2024.

However, he has not lived up to his expectations at the Hammers, with injuries playing a big role in his struggles.

Niclas Fullkrug’s agent makes West Ham transfer admission

Niclas Fullkrug acknowledges the West Ham fans
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Thorsten Wirth, Fullkrug’s agent, in a recent podcast interview that the German’s move has not worked out and suggested a move away from the London Stadium might be necessary.

He told TOMorrow Business Podcast (via talkSPORT): “Looking back, we have to say the transfer didn’t work out. There’s no point in sugar-coating it.”

“This (leaving West Ham) always has to happen in cooperation with the club, but I believe it can make sense to change something there.”

His agent pointed to recurring injury problems as the primary reason for the failed transition.

“Time and again, just when you thought: Now he’s coming, now he’ll show England it wasn’t just a good Euro and then nothing afterwards, another injury came,” Wirth explained.

“He’s had a bit of negative momentum and also some bad luck.”

Niclas Fullkrug’s time at West Ham marred with injuries

Since his high-profile arrival, the 32-year-old forward has missed a whopping 32 games with injuries across all competitions.

In the 27 games he has been fit, he as only managed to scored three goals and assisted another two.

The German has been slammed for his performances, with former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor stating that he is not good enough to play for West Ham.

What is next for Fullkrug?

With the agent of the player more or less confirming that the striker will be ending his London nightmare soon, it is interesting to see which club will take him of West Ham.

There were shocking reports in the summer that Real Madrid are keen on signing the former Werder Bremen star.

The most likely destination will be a return to Germany where there could be plenty of suitors who”d be keen take the Bundesliga experienced striker.

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“We have it on good authority” – Transfer insider drops exciting Manchester United transfer update as INEOS sanctions blockbuster move; negotiations have begun

Manchester United have been given the green light to make a mega money to sign one of their top transfer targets.

Man United pushed hard to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in the summer but the Seagulls proved to be tough a nut to crack as they refused to sell him for anything less than £120m.

Eventually the door closed on the Red Devils at that time but it was reported that Man United will return for him in the coming transfer windows.

Man United given green light to make official bid for Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

In fact, it has been reported that Ruben Amorim and INEOS have made him him their top transfer priority in 2026.

And there appears to be a significant progress in their pursuit, with reliable transfer insider sharing an exciting update on Monday evening.

As per his sources, negotiations are now underway between Man United and Brighton, with the Red Devils given the go ahead to make an official bid for the player, which is going to be close to £90m.

Taking to X, he reported: “We have it on good authority that Man United and Brighton are once again negotiating for the transfer of Carlos Baleba. Manchester United owners are willing to spend £90m on the player.”

Exclusive ?

We have it on good authority that @ManUtd & @OfficialBHAFC are once again negotiating for the transfer of Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United owners are willing to spend £90m on the player.

Green light given to submit official bid. pic.twitter.com/O5hmz0EfrH

— indykaila News (@indykaila) November 3, 2025

Carlos Baleba would instantly improve the Manchester United midfield

While Casemiro has been a key player in Ruben Amorim’s rebuild this season, his long-term future at the club remains uncertain.

His current contract with the club expires in 2026, and there is yet to be discussions regarding a contract extension.

Casemiro’s defensive profile is characterised by positional discipline and high efficiency in direct confrontation. He maintains an elite rate of 4.07 tackles per 90 minutes.

This, combined with his excellent 62.2% ground duel success rate, confirms his capacity to operate as a specialized positional barrier, maximizing his effectiveness when actively engaged in static, physical duels.

Baleba, on the other hand operates primarily as a defensive midfielder , displays high overall defensive engagement despite his lower total minutes.

He has accumulated 41 total tackles and 26 total interceptions. Crucially, Baleba’s ball-winning is notable for its recovery volume; he averages 6.7 Ball Recoveries per 90.

This figure is higher than any current Manchester United midfielder, indicating a high work rate and excellent spatial awareness for secondary possession recovery.

 

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Report: Michael Carrick linked with surprise managerial role with Premier League club

Wolves are considering appointing former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to replace the recently sacked Vitor Pereira.

Draw against Brighton served as the final straw for Pereira, with the club taking the decision to sack him on Sunday.

The dismissal does not come as a surprise given the club’s poor form, having not won a single game in the Premier League this season, drawing two and losing eight.

Sitting 20th in the table with just two points in 10 games, the club will have to get the replacement right, someone who can take them out of the relegation zone and keep them safe for this season.

Michael Carrick being considered for the Wolves job

Michael Carrick managing Middlesbrough
COVENTRY, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Michael Carrick, Manager of Middlesbrough on the side line during the Sky Bet Championship match between Coventry City FC and Middlesbrough FC at The Coventry Building Society Arena on May 3, 2025 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

According to The Athletic, several names are being considered with former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil among the top candidates.

Having been sacked just one year ago, he is now being linked with a shock return to the club to guide them out of their current rock bottom position.

Other names mentioned in the report are Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards who made a name for himself with his impressive job at Luton and former Middlesbrough manager Carrick.

The report claims that the former Manchester United man is someone who is being discussed internally by the club and remains a potential candidate for the job.

He has also been recently linked with a return to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that Carrick would be tempted by the Manchester United job.

Michael Carrick’s impressive job at Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick retired in 2018 and swiftly transitioned into coaching, taking on roles as an assistant manager at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was then given an opportunity to manage Man United as the club’s caretaker manager in November 2021 following Solskjaer’s sacking.

Carrick managed three games and remained unbeaten in all three, winning two and drawing one.

Date Competition Opponent Home/Away Result
23 Nov 2021 UEFA Champions League – Group Stage Villarreal CF Away W 2–0
29 Nov 2021 Premier League Chelsea FC Away D 1–1
2 Dec 2021 Premier League Arsenal FC Home W 3–2

Ralf Rangnick’s arrival saw Carrick leave the club, but his successful stint served as a launchpad for his managerial career as he landed his first permanent role with Middlesbrough.

The 44-year-old took over a club that was sitting in 21st place in the Championship and facing a potential relegation battle and he made an immediate impact, transforming the team into a an attractive, possession-based playing side.

Under Carrick, Middlesbrough’s form dramatically improved, climbing from near the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot by the end of the 2022/2023 season.

His record included 18 wins in 30 games, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in points-per-game average.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold may have just admitted he planned Real Madrid move all along, contradicting his Liverpool exit story – opinion

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sensational switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer continues to stir controversy, with the England international now appearing to admit that his mind was made up long before his departure.

The right-back’s contract saga dominated headlines throughout last season, as reports claimed he turned down multiple new deal offers from Liverpool, supposedly holding out for improved terms.

Yet speculation linking him with Real Madrid never faded, and many suggested the Trent Alexander-Arnold was deliberately running down his contract to secure a free move to the Spanish giants.

While senior teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk faced the media regularly to discuss their own contract situations, Trent’s absence from interviews became noticeable.

This silence, combined with his eventual exit, frustrated Liverpool fans, who accused their boyhood star of leaving the club in a way that would cause serious financial loss, given he was arguably their most valuable asset.

Trent Alexander-Arnold kisses Liverpool badge
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool kisses the emblem of Liverpool on his shirt as he celebrates as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League)

Trent’s Real Madrid unveiling raised eyebrows among Liverpool fans

Cracks began to appear in Trent’s narrative soon after the move. During his Real Madrid unveiling in June 2025, he slipped up by saying he had been “waiting a long time” for the transfer, a phrase that fuelled claims he’d been planning the switch for months.

He quickly corrected himself, insisting he had only been waiting a couple of weeks since the deal was finalised.

Adding further fuel, Trent spoke fluent Spanish during the presentation, suggesting he had been preparing for life in Madrid well in advance.

Jude Bellingham’s influence behind Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid decision

Now, ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Trent has once again hinted that his decision to leave Anfield was made early, and that Jude Bellingham played a major role in convincing him.

Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Liverpool.com), he said:

“There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude ’ stuff. It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid)… we’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid )… he said it was incredible, and he’d never seen anything like it.

“The drive from the whole club, to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch.”

That admission is unlikely to sit well with Liverpool supporters, who will now feel vindicated in believing that the transfer saga was orchestrated long before it became public — and that the narrative around rejected contracts was merely a way to shift blame back onto the club.

 

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“I would not be surprised” – Fabrizio Romano drops interesting update on Liverpool fan favourite’s future at the club

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa’s future at the club remains a talking point going into the January transfer window. 

The Italian has seen very limited playing time despite being one of the most impactful attackers in the team at the moment.

While other players have struggled, Chiesa has looked like a breath of fresh air every time he has played.

In just 335 minutes across all competitions, and zero starts in the Premier League, he has scored two goals and assisted three.

He came off the bench to score the winner against Bournemouth in the opening fixture and was on the scoresheet again vs Crystal Palace, coming off the bench to score an important equaliser very late in the game (although Palace went on to score a stoppage time winner and win the game later on).

Despite his impressive form, Arne Slot refuses to hand him more minutes, although he was earned it on merit.

This has resulted in speculations about his future, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that the player will have plenty of suitors come January.

Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool reacts during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on October 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano on Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool

Reports have suggested that the Reds will not look to sell Chiesa in January. However, Romano has claimed that numerous clubs could soon be on alert if his limited game time at Liverpool continues.

Speaking on the latest episode of Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that several Italian clubs are keeping tabs on Chiesa’s situation ahead of winter transfer window.

He said: “He needs to play otherwise in January, I would not be surprised if Italian clubs return to the table and try again to get Federico Chiesa from Liverpool.

“I think this might happen. They might try.”

However, Romano also clarified that both the player and the club currently want to continue together.

He continued: “But at the moment, the desire of Liverpool and Chiesa is to continue together.

“So I don’t think it’s going to be an easy move for the January window, but interest remains and so we have to follow the game time for the next two months.

Federico Chiesa says he wants to stay at Liverpool

Chiesa has insisted he is happy at Liverpool despite the limited playing time. Speaking ahead of the Crystal Palace earlier this week, he reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, stating that he wants to win trophies with the club.

He said (as quoted by Liverpool.com):

“At the moment I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“I’m not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we’re not winning, but, personally, I think I’m giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future.

“That’s the main reason I’m doing this. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.

“I want to play good. That’s my main goal, then the coach is going to decide whether I’m starting or not. But if I keep on playing well, then, of course, I’m going to have more minutes. That’s because the coach sees that. He showed that to me because I’ve been playing better.

“Last year I wasn’t fit enough. I wasn’t mentally ready and I didn’t play. I was totally okay with it because I wasn’t up to speed with the other lads.

“This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level. I was playing a lot when I won the Euros (in 2021).

“I’m a different player now, but I like where I’m going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.”

[moresories latest]

Chiesa has established himself as a fan favourite at Liverpool

Federico Chiesa’s rapid rise to fan-favourite status at Liverpool is a testament to his infectious energy, passion, and commitment, qualities that have immediately resonated with the Anfield faithful.

Even with limited minutes due to injury and intense competition, the Italian’s infectious charisma and tangible commitment immediately won over the Kop.

Fans look for more than just goals and assists; they connect with players who visibly embody the club’s ethos, a blend of fierce intensity and a joyful appreciation for the Anfield atmosphere.

Chiesa’s direct, aggressive running, his refusal to shy away from a challenge, and his trademark energetic celebrations all showcase the kind of “fight” that instantly endears a player to the Liverpool faithful.

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Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes boss it as Arsenal extend unbeaten run

Arsenal continued their superb run of form, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon.

First-half headers from Viktor Gyokeres and the impressive Declan Rice were enough to seal the three points, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table and recording their ninth consecutive win in all competitions.

The match saw several players deliver exceptional performances, particularly in a dominant first half. Here is how the Arsenal players rated in their latest win:

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley

David Raya (7/10): A remarkably quiet afternoon. Handled the little he had to do efficiently and distributed tidily.

Jurrien Timber (7/10): Active on the right flank, solid in defence with astute tackles, and provided good forward runs. 2 clearances, 3 recoveries, and 2/3 ground duels won, it was a great performance from the defender.

Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10): Caused headaches with his advanced positioning on the left and linked up well with Leandro Trossard. Defensively solid with 100% tackles won, six clearances, and 3/4 ground duels won.

William Saliba (8/10): Shook off a late fitness worry to deliver his typical ‘Rolls-Royce’ performance. Calm, composed, and rarely troubled, ensuring another clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10): Dominant defensively, dealing with all aerial threats. Crucially provided the flick-on assist for Gyokeres’s opening goal from a set-piece. A true warrior at the back and dangerous threat from set pieces upfront.

Viktor Gyokeres after scoring the opener for Arsenal vs Burnley
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on November 01, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Declan Rice (9/10): A colossal performance. His pinpoint corner led to the opener, and he then scored a thumping header to double the lead. Controlled the midfield with superb technical skill and relentless work rate.

Eberechi Eze (6.5/10): A performance of two-halves from the England midfielder. Hugely involved in Arsenal’s game in the first half but faded somewhat before being replaced in the second period.

Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Kept the midfield ticking over with excellent, progressive passes, though he later had to limp off, an injury scare that will be a concern for Mikel Arteta.

Bukayo Saka (6/10): A relatively frustrating day in front of goal for the star winger, missing two big chances which he would otherwise normally bury.

Leandro Trossard (7.5/10): A constant menace in the final third. Assisted Rice’s goal with a perfect cross and was unlucky not to score himself after an effort was cleared off the line.

Viktor Gyokeres (8.5/10): Perhaps one of his best half in an Arsenal shirt. Scored the opening goal with a classic poacher’s header and his hold-up and link-up play were exceptional, including an exquisite pass in the build-up to Rice’s goal. He was substituted at half-time due to an injury, which is said to be not a very serious one.

Subs: Mikel Merino (6/10), Piero Hincapie (5/10), Ethan Nwaneri (6/10), Christian Norgaard (6.5/10)

 

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Report: Liverpool expected to make big Arne Slot decision in the next 10 days

Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool is expected to be decided by what happens in the next ten days. 

That is according to a report from Football Paparazzi, which claims that the hierarchy at Liverpool are becoming increasingly worried by the current form, and have ‘frozen’ the talks about Slot’s contract extension.

As per the report, while the Liverpool board are ‘fully backing’ Arne Slot in public for now, they have privately set a three-game ultimatum which could decide the manager’s fate.

Liverpool’s next three games

Liverpool manager Arne Slot
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield on October 29, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

The Reds first host Aston Villa at Anfield tonight, before welcoming Real Madrid to Merseyside for a crucial Champions League clash. They then travel to the Etihad Stadium to face fierce rivals Manchester City.

Upcoming Fixture Competition Venue Date
Liverpool vs Aston Villa Premier League Anfield This weekend
Liverpool vs Real Madrid Champions League Anfield Midweek
Manchester City vs Liverpool Premier League Etihad Stadium Next weekend

Aston Villa have proven to be a tough team to beat under Unai Emery. They will be full of confidence having beaten Man City 1-0 last week and will be looking to grab all three points against a side at their rock bottom.

Liverpool will have to be at their very best, both physically and psychologically to beat Villa, which is perhaps the only fixture they can realistically win out of the three they play at the moment.

Win against Villa could be crucial in restoring morale and momentum before facing two European giants in Real Madrid and Manchester City. However, further defeats could have devastating consequences for Slot’s tenure.

These three games have the power to make or break Liverpool’s season. League defeats against Villa and Man City would not only put to bed their chances of a Premier League but would make a top four finish unlikely as well.

And a defeat to Madrid in the Champions League would make it difficult for them to qualify to the next round.

Who could replace Arne Slot if Liverpool make a change?

Despite the report, a managerial sacking still appears unlikely at this stage, especially considering Slot guided Liverpool to a Premier League title last season.

However, the form and the performances have no doubt been abysmal, specially considering the record breaking summer spending by Liverpool. Should the slump continue, Liverpool may be forced to pull the trigger sooner than expected.

If Slot is to be sacked, it is interesting to see who they can bring in at this point. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is a man in demand for the job he has done and will no doubt be one that the club will be looking at.

Moreover, the connection with Richard Hughes makes it even more plausible.

Iraola is also linked with the Chelsea job while Manchester United are also said to be admirers of the Spaniard.

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has also refused to rule out a future return at Anfield in a recent interview and perhaps would take a short-term role back to stable things at the helm.

While it’s too early to predict Slot’s fate, the next ten days could be career-defining. Liverpool’s upcoming results will determine not just their season trajectory, but also whether the club stands by their current manager or looks elsewhere to salvage their campaign.

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