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Tottenham Hotspur are set to attempt a bid for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, with Lilywhites chiefs now holding an intriguing theory behind-the-scenes.

A move for the 27-year-old has been brought to the very forefront of Thomas Frank’s transfer plans, especially after the Dane lost star playmaker James Maddison.

Maddison is expected to miss a large portion of 2025/2026 after rupturing his ACL in a pre-season draw against Newcastle nearly two weeks ago, so Spurs’ glaring need for a new playmaker has now intensified.

Tottenham were already in the market for number 10 and failed with a once-very advanced move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month. Daniel Levy originally planned to head into the new season with both Maddison and Gibbs-White, but Frank’s now got neither at his disposal for their opening Premier League game of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

As Levy and technical director Johan Lange attempt to end the summer transfer window on a high, they’re set to make a formal bid for Eze to solve Tottenham’s shortage of attacking options.

“Tottenham are set to make a bid for Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze,” wrote talkSPORT earlier this week.

“Spurs view the England attacker as a No.10 and their pursuit is separate to the club’s interest in Manchester City winger Savinho as a result.

“Spurs are hoping to move quickly and have been told by Eze’s camp terms will not be a problem. Eze is open to the move, and wants to both play Champions League football and ideally stay in London.”

A move for the England international, who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, is very much alive.

Eze’s £68 million release clause is believed to expire on Friday, but it is likely irrelevant, as Tottenham want to pay a similar fee to that of Mohammed Kudus – who they signed for around £55 million earlier in the window.

Tottenham hold behind-scenes Eberechi Eze theory amid Crystal Palace talks

This is backed up by TEAMtalk, who also report that Spurs are growing in confidence when it comes to potentially completing a deal.

The outlet states that Eze is likely to have already “played his last game for Palace”, with Levy and co working on a plan to make a “quick breakthrough” in negotiations to sign the ex-QPR star.

Tottenham also theorise that they’ve put together the frameworks of a deal for Eze which will satisfy Palace and chairman Steve Parish, even if there is a £13 million gap in valuation between the clubs right now.

Even if their initial approach for him gets snubbed, Spurs will follow up in quick fashion.

By all accounts, Eze is worth this late-window effort.

The Eagles superstar was, by some distance, their standout attacking asset last term – bagging 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions – including the FA Cup-final winning strike against Man City.

His goal against City at Wembley ended Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy, so Eze is absolutely no stranger to the big occasion.

If Levy is serious about winning the Premier League and Champions League, which he pledged was the case earlier this year, Eze is exactly the kind of primed, proven player that Tottenham need to be signing.

When Marcus Rashford was unveiled as a new Barcelona signing in August, he kept coming back to one word: discipline. For a player who had missed training after going on a drunken night out in Belfast a year ago and been forced out of Manchester United by Ruben Amorim for his lack of application, it was an intriguing theme for him to draw upon.

He appeared to be saying that he was ready for this new challenge and had put all his past misdemeanours behind him. "It's one thing to say you're motivated and determined, but these are things that you know can change day to day, depending on how you're feeling," he said. 

"But really, the thing that I bring back to my life, not just the sport, is the discipline. And, you know, discipline is something that stays regardless of whether you wake up and you don't feel like it on a given day. Discipline is the thing that keeps you going."

However, little more than a month into his loan spell at Barca, Rashford has already shown a lack of discipline after arriving late for a team meeting. 

He was only two minutes late and he is not the first Barca player to have been punished for tardiness by Hansi Flick but the infraction cost him a place in the starting line-up for Barca's game against Getafe, ruining the chance for him to kick on after his tremendous performance against Newcastle.

If Rashford is not careful, then, he risks blowing the incredible chance he has been given to revitalise his career at one of the greatest clubs in the world.

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  Negative headlines

  When most United fans read the headline 'Marcus Rashford dropped for arriving late to training', they would have reacted with a wry smile. During the previous two seasons, they grew weary of all the examples of Rashford's attitude problems. 

  Even when he was in his best form during the 2022-23 campaign, he arrived late for a team meeting before facing Wolves and was dropped from the starting line-up, only to come off the bench and score the only goal.

  He had prepared for that season, in which he scored 30 goals, by going on an intense strengthening and conditioning course at Nike's headquarters in Oregon. But after demonstrating that he was capable of being one of the best forwards in the world and earning one of the most lucrative contracts in United's history, he rested on his laurels again. 

  He made headlines for partying in Miami during the summer of 2023. Everyone obviously deserves a holiday but it was his attitude once the season had started again that caused concern. He lacked the same explosiveness as before and often seemed to lack desire. 

  He continued to provoke bad press, going to a nightclub after the derby defeat by Manchester City – which Erik ten Hag called "unacceptable". His two-night stint in Belfast in January, when he lied to the club about his whereabouts, was the nadir, provoking justifiable outrage from fans and his team-mates.

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  Can't perform if lifestyle not right

  He was expected to turn a corner the following season and Ten Hag referenced his not-always-professional attitude in September 2024, while expressing his belief that he was on the right path again.

  He said: "I think he is on the way back. He always knew, and every player knows, when your lifestyle is not right, you can't perform. You don't get the right levels when you don't have a good and disciplined life away from Carrington. 

  "He has to set his life right, his training attitude right, he has to set his match attitude right. When he sets his professionalism, he will perform because he's a class player."

  Rashford should have been looking to make a big impression on Ruben Amorim when he succeeded Ten Hag in November, but despite scoring the first goal of the Portuguese's new era against Ipswich, he struggled for the rest of the game. And the coach, who had only been working with him for a couple of weeks, did not take long to hint at his attitude problem. 

  "We'll try to find the right solution for him but he has to be Marcus, first of all, to try to return to that moment," said Amorim. "Then he will have all the help of the staff, the club and the fans because he is a Manchester United boy. But he has to be the first one to want it."

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  Amorim tried something different

  Rashford scored two more goals the following week against Everton but Amorim learned he had gone on a night out two nights previously, something he was very concerned about. 

  When he took him off after a disappointing display against Viktoria Plzen, the coach and player barely acknowledged each other. Amorim sensationally dropped Rashford altogether for the next game, the derby at Manchester City.

  Explaining his thinking a few days later, the coach appeared to say that other coaches had been too lenient with Rashford. "For so long, for example with Rash, you try a thing, it doesn't work," he said. "Let's continue to do the same thing? Or something different?"

  If Amorim was hoping that making an example of Rashford would spring him back to life, he was mistaken. He said in January: "Our team should be so much better with Rashford. But he has to change. If he changes, we are more than welcome to put in a talent like Rashford and we need it. 

  "In this moment, I think it’s really clear that we have to set some certain standards. We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants it really, really bad."

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  An undeserved move

  Rashford did get his career back on track during his loan at Aston Villa but it ended on a bad note when he got injured against Manchester City in April, missing the remainder of the season. While it was not his fault that he got injured, him going to a boxing match the very same day as Villa's FA Cup semi-final defeat by Crystal Palace did not go down well.

  Given the downward trajectory his career was on, Rashford's ambition to join Barcelona was mocked. 

  "I hope Rashford doesn’t get the move he’s hankering for," said former United forward Teddy Sheringham. "If you’re going from Man United to Barca, that’s a step up. But he doesn’t deserve it! You can’t deserve it if you haven’t put the hard work in."

  Barcelona were initially lukewarm about signing Rashford and talks in May between sporting director Deco and the player's brother and agent Dwaine Maynard went nowhere. Barca president Joan Laporta made Nico Williams his top target, only to be let down when the Spain forward chose to sign a new contract with Athletic Club. 

Ipswich Town have now submitted a gigantic bid for an “exciting” forward, who has been likened to Antoine Griezmann, a report has revealed.

Ipswich keen on new forward after Hutchinson departure

Following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, it was always going to be a tall order to keep hold of Omari Hutchinson, and the forward has now completed a £37.5m move to Nottingham Forest.

While it is a bonus that Kieran McKenna’s side were able to command a huge fee for Hutchinson, the manager has admitted he is disappointed by the way in which the move came about, with Hutchinson not making himself available to play in recent weeks.

The Town boss said: “I do think the situation could have been handled differently. I think it’s a shame that it wasn’t because he’s a player who has had a really special connection here with his team-mates, with the staff, with the supporters. But in the end, it wasn’t.”

The silver lining of the 21-year-old’s departure is that the Tractor Boys should now have plenty of money to splash out on a replacement, and they have now made an offer for a new winger.

That is according to a report from Tipsbladet, which states Ipswich have now submitted a ‘gigantic’ €20m (£17m) bid for FC Nordsjælland’s Sindre Walle Egeli, with the Championship side willing to pay the Danish club’s full asking price.

There are still some aspects of the deal that need to be sorted before it goes through, but it is thought to be close to completion, with Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven no longer in the race for the 19-year-old’s signature.

Ipswich Town now in race to sign "untouchable" defender with 20 int'l caps

The Tractor Boys have set their sights on a new target.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 17, 2025

The youngster is set to be one of the Danish league’s biggest-ever sales, with a move to Portman Road seemingly very much on the cards if personal terms can be agreed.

"Exciting" Egeli likened to Griezmann

Former youth coach Peder Jalland clearly believes the starlet is capable of going on to achieve great things, saying: “He has always had some abilities in the final third in relation to shooting.

“The ability in the box, to show up and be in the right place, and a surprisingly good right foot, which he sometimes forgets himself! He has some abilities there that are special. (Egeli as a player is) very exciting, one I have not seen very often.”

Not only that, but the FC Nordsjælland star, who picked up 16 league goal contributions last season, has also been likened to Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann.

With Hutchinson departing for Forest, it makes perfect sense for Ipswich to bring in another up-and-coming winger with great potential, and Egeli could be the ideal replacement.

Jack Grealish admits he holds some regrets over his past partying but has refused to cite that as the reason why he left Manchester City by joining Everton on loan in the summer. The midfielder has made an excellent start to life at the Toffees, recording four Premier League assists in five appearances so far this season.

• Grealish makes immediate connection with Everton fans

  Grealish has been quick to establish himself as a hero among the Everton faithful after playing a significant role in their bright start to the 2025-26 campaign. The 30-year-old has been back to his creative best by driving David Moyes’ side to seven points from a possible 15 with victories over Brighton and Wolves, as well as a draw against former side Aston Villa.

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  Midfielder has fallen back in love with football after joining Everton

  The switch to Merseyside has led Grealish to “feel the love again” for football after going through a difficult period at City last season. The England international made just 20 league appearances in 2024-25 with 13 coming as a substitute in a campaign which saw him fall out of favour under manager Pep Guardiola.

• City spell was a success despite holding regrets over his partying

  However Grealish, who has often found himself in the newspapers for enjoying the nightlife, insists while he could have chosen better times to attend parties as a City player, he believes his spell at the club was a successful one. Grealish made 157 appearances in all competitions under Guardiola's stewardship, winning the treble in 2022-23.

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  England star lifts lid on life at City under Guardiola

  In an interview with his former Villa boss Tim Sherwood on Grealish said: “People go, 'he likes to go out, he likes to party' – and I do. I want to be able to live my life as well and enjoy myself, but there's a time and a place to do that.

  "I'll be honest with you, I probably haven't picked the right times – sometimes at City, for example, I didn't help myself at times, I'll openly say that – but then I don't think it was all down to that. 

  “People say to me, 'what happened at City?' But I had two good years there. The first year I was getting used to everything, going there for that amount of money, the pressure and just getting used to the way the manager wanted to play and the environment. The second year we won the treble and it was an unbelievable year. I loved it. The third year, I put that down to myself really and I feel like I didn't do certain things right in that year.”

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano highlighted the influence of Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, one of the marquee summer signings in MLS who has taken control of the Herons’ midfield. Miami will look to bounce back Saturday at Chase Stadium against the New England Revolution after a midweek 5-3 loss to the Chicago Fire.

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  De Paul a key piece

  World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul has wasted little time making his mark in MLS. The 31-year-old midfielder, on loan from Atlético de Madrid, joined Inter Miami this summer and has emerged as a vital part of the Herons’ midfield while also serving as a trusted on-field ally for Lionel Messi.

  Mascherano praised De Paul’s versatility and intelligence, stressing that his value goes beyond numbers.

  “For us, the most important thing is performance on the pitch,” Mascherano said. “He has a gift – in many situations it’s not about how much you run, but how you run. Rodrigo has given us a lot since his arrival. He brings versatility and personality.”

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  De Paul by the numbers

  De Paul has featured in nine league matches, tallying four assists and scoring once during the Leagues Cup, a tournament in which Miami eventually reached the final. His arrival has helped stabilize a midfield that lost Federico Redondo (to Spain’s Elche) and Benjamín Cremaschi (to Italy’s Parma) earlier in the year.

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  Miami without both Messi and De Paul?

  Questions remain about availability for upcoming MLS fixtures, as both De Paul and Messi have been called up by Argentina for October friendlies. The schedule could affect Inter Miami’s pending match with Atlanta United, set around the same time as Argentina’s game against Venezuela in Miami.

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  New England is next

  Winless in their last two matches and chasing the top spot in the Eastern Conference, Miami will try to bounce back on Saturday, when they face the Revolution.

Manchester United are now considering a move for a “sensational” midfielder who is also being chased by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, having pulled out of the race for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd eyeing midfielder after EFL Cup disaster

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, there have been some difficult moments for Man United, but being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town is without doubt a low point, with the League Two side progressing after winning on penalties.

In Ruben Amorim’s post-match interview, the manager made it clear that the best side won on the night, despite an improved second-half performance, with Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire leading the fightback.

With Andre Onana making yet another error leading to a goal, following on from a key mistake from Altay Bayindir on the opening day against Arsenal, bringing in a new goalkeeper should undoubtedly be one of United’s key objectives in the final days of the transfer window.

However, Amorim has also been keen to bring in a new central midfielder throughout the summer, with Baleba previously emerging as a major target, before the interest was ended, in light of Brighton’s high asking price.

Now, Man United are in the race for another midfielder, according to a report from The Boot Room, which states they are considering a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, after deciding against pursuing Baleba.

Man Utd "very optimistic" they'll sign £22m colossus "in the next two days"

The Red Devils believe they will be able to finalise a deal for an “elite” Manchester City target very soon.

By
Dominic Lund

Aug 27, 2025

A number of Premier League clubs are in the race for Gallagher, with Crystal Palace believed to be keen admirers, and it has been widely reported that Oliver Glasner’s side have already made contact, as have Newcastle United.

Newcastle were said to be leading the race for the midfielder earlier this summer, with Howe well-known to have wanted him for years, but there are indications that United could now be willing to hijack the move.

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid signing for Man Utd

In truth, the 25-year-old, who Atletico paid £33m for last summer, wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he has impressed Diego Simeone since arriving in Spain, with the manager saying: “He is a hard-working player who has quality and a good ability to arrive in the area from deep and who never fails to give everything in every ball.”

There are also indications the Atletico maestro could have the personality to succeed at Old Trafford, with reporter John Cross praising the central midfielder for his “sensational” attitude during his time with Chelsea.

That said, the former Crystal Palace man probably shouldn’t be brought in as a direct alternative to Baleba, given that he has predominantly featured in a central or attacking midfield role throughout his career, while the Brighton star has a more defensive mindset.

Not only that, but Man United’s number one priority before the transfer deadline should be to sign a new goalkeeper, after Onana made yet another blunder against Grimsby.

Tottenham have joined the list of teams keen on signing Brentford attacker Kevin Schade, with the Bees’ former boss lining up a potential switch. Frank signed Schade from Freiburg in 2023 and now wants to reunite with the Germany international.

• Rapid rise from Bundesliga to Premier League

  Schade's rise has been an impressive one. He began his career in the youth ranks at Energie Cottbus and then Freiburg, making his Bundesliga debut in August 2021. Schade then moved to Brentford in January 2023, initially on loan before making the move permanent for a club-record fee reportedly around £22 million ($29.3m), in a deal which runs until 2028. He has faced injury setbacks during his time at Brentford, including a significant abdomen injury in September 2023 which sidelined him for several months. Despite this, he has shown promising form, particularly last season where he scored 11 goals. He also earned his first call-up to the senior German national team in March 2023. 

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  Why the clamour for the young German?

  Schade has been hugely impressive since arriving in west London, demonstrating impressive talent and potential in attacking areas. His blistering pace is a significant strength, allowing him to exploit spaces behind defences and stretch opposing teams. Schade's athleticism is further highlighted by his strength in the air, making him a valuable target man and contributing to Brentford's set-piece threat. He recorded a top speed of 22.6mph while playing for Freiburg, marking him as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history. Schade's growing goal contributions reflect his development. Beyond his attacking contributions, Schade is known for his relentless work rate and defensive intensity, a valuable attribute for Brentford's high-pressing style of play.

• High praise from Frank

  Speaking after Schade scored a brace against Manchester United last season, Frank said: "He’s grown a lot this season. Scoring 10 goals – not many players have scored 10 goals in the Premier League in their career – and he’ll most likely become even better next year. That’s the plan. With his pace going in behind, his threat in the box on headers – two fantastic headers (against United), the first one is an incredible header, the second one is just top class – but also if we go longer he’s one that can win a flick-on and, with set pieces in both boxes, he’s working hard."

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  Spending spree for Spurs?

  Tottenham Hotspur have received a £100 million cash injection from their billionaire owners, the Lewis family, in what the club is calling a “statement of intent” – and could pave the way for Schade’s switch across London. In a powerful club statement released on Thursday, Tottenham confirmed the fresh equity boost was designed to “strengthen the club’s financial position” and “equip the leadership team with resources for long-term sporting success.” It read: "We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club. "This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."

  Peter Charrington, Non-Executive Chairman, Tottenham added: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai Ventakesham and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward."

  Spurs face Aston Villa after the international break, before taking on Monaco in the Champions League. Brentford, by comparison, play West Ham prior to a clash with champions Liverpool.

Already thinking about the January transfer window, Manchester United are now reportedly eyeing a fresh move to sign an alternative midfielder to Carlos Baleba.

Man Utd complete late Lammens deal

After much deliberation over whether to sign the Belgian or Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Manchester United finally settled on Senne Lammens in a deadline-day deal for Ruben Amorim. Finally putting their goalkeeper struggles behind them, the Red Devils will be desperate for the 23-year-old to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

After putting pen to paper, the new shot-stopper told United’s official website: “I am extremely proud to be joining Manchester United; it is a real dream come true. The past few years have been an amazing journey; it’s now ended in an incredible destination and hopefully the beginning of something special.

“You can feel the positive atmosphere that is being created here, and I know that I can make a real impact at the club in the coming years. I cannot wait to get to know my team-mates and begin working with Ruben and the coaching staff. This is the perfect place to keep developing, grow together with this exciting team and achieve my career objectives.”

To say that United needed Lammens’ arrival would also be quite an understatement. Andre Onana’s performance against Grimsby Town as United suffered a shock exit in the Carabao Cup was enough for INEOS to step up their search, whilst Altay Bayindir also failed to impress when offered starting opportunities.

Even after welcoming Lammens, however, Manchester United are still not satisfied on the transfer front and have already reportedly turned their focus towards another Belgian talent for January.

Man Utd eyeing Romeo Lavia move

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Romeo Lavia from Chelsea in the January transfer window. The Red Devils’ search for a midfielder was a fairly open secret during the summer window, but they were ultimately priced out of a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

There’s no guarantee that the African’s price tag changes anytime soon, either, and that could force those at Old Trafford to assess their options. If that does prove to be the case, then Lavia would be an ideal option to turn to in January.

The Chelsea midfielder has been riddled with injuries since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but his quality has been clear every time that he has been fit and firing. Now that Enzo Maresca’s midfield is settled, though, he may struggle for starts and could need Manchester United just as much as they need him.

Dubbed an “elite” prospect by scout Jacek Kulig, Manchester United should take full advantage of Lavia’s Chelsea woes and swoop in when January arrives.

Arsenal managed to offload out-of-favour midfielder Fabio Vieira by the skin of their teeth at the end of the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese was once tipped for a big future by manager Mikel Arteta, after former sporting director Edu orchestrated a £34 million deal to sign Vieira from FC Porto in 2022.

However, while the 25-year-old came to north London with plenty of promise, things didn’t quite go to plan.

Vieira failed to play his way into Arteta’s plans, making 19 of his 22 Premier League appearances off the bench during his debut campaign, even if he did impress at times with a goal and two assists in eight Europa League starts that year.

His game time was even more limited in 2023/2024, thanks partly to groin surgery. Vieira started just two top flight matches all season, and it soon became apparent that the playmaker wasn’t at Arsenal’s required level for their quest to become English champions.

Vieira was sent back on loan to Porto in 2024/2025, where he managed to impress in parts with eight goal contributions in 26 league appearances.

However, it was nowhere near the kind of form which originally prompted Arsenal to splash the cash on him, with the player’s best season to date still that exceptional 21/22 season in the Primeira Liga.

Vieira racked up six goals and 14 assists in the top flight alone that year, and he’s now been given another chance to rediscover that level of quality on another loan spell at newly-promoted Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

In a last-minute summer deal, Arsenal managed to agree a loan exit with Hamburg for Vieira, and the versatile creative ace once very similar to club captain Martin Odegaard is now in danger of becoming a real waste of club funds.

Vieira’s Arsenal contract expires in 2027, but luckily for the Gunners, sporting director Andrea Berta made sure there was a way to make some money back off him in 2026.

Arsenal could be set for record-breaking Fabio Vieira windfall after news

According to German news outlet BILD, Hamburg’s deal for Vieira includes an option to buy worth £17 million, and if activated, it would break a record.

Indeed, Vieira could become Hamburg’s most expensive signing in history, but the caveat is that Merlin Polzin’s side might not have to pay their £346,000 loan fee if he becomes a regular starter for them.

In any case, Arsenal could still recuperate half of the transfer fee they paid for Vieira, but it depends on Hamburg making a big decision. The deadline for Polzin and co to take up his £17 million buy option is the middle of May in 2026, right after the end of the Bundesliga season, and Arsenal will be hoping he can impress in the meantime.

Rangers’ bid to appoint a new manager as successor to Russell Martin is in danger of becoming slightly farcical, with another leading candidate reportedly withdrawing himself from the running. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is said to have performed a U-turn after holding initial talks, with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl seemingly heading in the same direction.

• Martin sacked after forgettable 17-game reign

  Ex-Swansea and Southampton coach Martin was relieved of his duties on October 5. He had taken in 17 games at the helm, having been welcomed to Ibrox over the summer. The 39-year-old won just five of his games in charge, suffering six defeats – including failure to qualify for the Champions League and painful losses in two Europa League fixtures. He bid farewell with the Gers languishing eighth in the Scottish Premiership table and with a police escort required when leaving his final game in the dugout.

  Disgruntled supporters are glad to be rid of Martin, but it remains to be seen who will be next to fill a demanding role in Glasgow. According to , Rohl no longer forms part of that process. The 36-year-old German is said to have turned down the chance to become Rangers’ new boss.

  That decision was taken just five days after Gerrard supposedly ruled out a return to familiar surroundings. The ex-England captain led the Gers to title glory in 2020-21 and spent 193 games in charge of Old Firm giants. He would have been a popular appointment among supporters.

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  Rangers prepared to be patient in manager search

  Rohl is also out of the running, with former Rangers star Kevin Muscat the clear favourite to pick up the baton dropped by Martin. Patience will, however, be required if a deal is to be done there. That is because the Australian tactician is currently working with Shanghai Port in China, and they have four games left to complete in their domestic season. Muscat would not leave that role prematurely.

  BBC Sport are, however, reporting that “more than one person remains in contention for the job” at Ibrox. Rangers are prepared to take their time in ensuring that their next appointment is the right one.

• McInnes another now out of the running

  Rohl was considered to be a good fit having shown at Sheffield Wednesday that he can deliver positive results in testing circumstances. He became the youngest manager in the EFL when heading to Hillsborough in October 2023 – having previously filled backroom staff roles at RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and with the Germany national team.

  He guided the Owls away from relegation danger during his first season at the helm, before delivering a solid 12th-place finish last season. Rohl quit his post over the summer amid uncertainty regarding Wednesday’s ownership and financial situation.

  It appears unlikely that his next job will come in Glasgow. Former Gers midfielder Derek McInnes is another to have ruled himself out of that race, with the 54-year-old very much focused on his current role at Hearts – having guided them to the top of the Premiership table.

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  Could Gerrard be lured back to Ibrox?

  It has been suggested that Gerrard may yet be talked into taking the Gers job, with his fellow former England international, Alan Shearer, telling Betfair of why a second stint at Ibrox should be considered: “There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either.

  “Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over.”

  The Gers will be back in action after the international break when playing host to Dundee United on Saturday.