Lee Carsley does have a future as a Premier League manager and there is one club in particular that would be a perfect fit.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit and former Watford captain Troy Deeney.
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Carsley faced a lot of criticism after England were beaten 2-1 at Wembley by GreeceCredit: Getty
Carsley will take charge of his last set of England fixtures as interim manager as the Three Lions face Greece on Thursday 14 November and the Republic of Ireland on Sunday 17 November in the Nations League.
They currently sit second in their table behind Greece, but need to finish top of the group to gain automatic promotion to League A.
The Under 21s head coach has overseen three wins and one crucial loss in the tournament so far and will be succeeded by permanent boss Thomas Tuchel in January.
Carsley will return to his role with the youth side where he has been in his position since 2021.
But given his short experience in one of football’s most demanding jobs, Deeney opened a discussion with talkSPORT’s Jim White and Alex Crook as to whether the 50-year-old might be fit for another job.
When asked by White if Carsley could be put in the mix as a potential Premier League manager of the future, Deeney had no hesitation with his answer.
“I think where Lee could come in at a different angle is that I don’t think his expectation would be that he gets the top four job straight away,” he said.
“Gareth Southgate, it was like Man United was where he was coming in. That was his entry point.
“I think Lee would be great at Brentford where he’s worked before.”
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Carsley has some good memories associated with his time at Brentford
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Deeney thinks he could do a job with the Bees, who have done well to hit the heights they’ve achieved in recent yearsCredit: Getty
Carsley first began working at Brentford back in October 2014, when he took charge of the Development Squad.
Less than a year later, he was promoted to first-team head coach after the departure of Marinus Dijkhuizen and remained in the role until December, when Dean Smith took over the role permanently.
During that time though, Carsley won five of his ten matches in charge and picked up an award for Championship Manager of the Month thanks to a particularly good run.
England interim boss Lee Carsley responds to question over rumours linking him with new job
With Brentford having secured promotion to the Premier League in 2021, Deeney has suggested they would offer the ideal setting for Carsley to hone his managerial skills in the top flight.
While Carsley has faced strident criticism for the loss to Greece especially, the ex-Watford skipper pointed out that he had done an admirable thing by stepping into the vacant job in the first place.
White quizzed Deeney on whether he thought Carsley’s behaviour in the England role had been ‘impeccable’ – and was met with enthusiastic agreement.
“Yeah, absolutely,” he said. “Absolutely. I was on here (previously with Crook and Sam Matterface) wasn’t I? And I was the only one kind of sticking up for him.
“But I think he’s tried. He’s tried something. He’s helped out. He could have easily said, no, thanks, I’m in with the 21s. I’m going to stay here where it’s nice and safe.
“He tried. Boosted his profile. Had a go at some things. And he’s not spoken out of turn. He’s not put us in a dodgy situation. So I think he’s done really well on such short notice.”
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Tuchel will not get involved before he officially takes over in JanuaryCredit: Getty
But while Deeney was generous with his praise of Carsley, he was not quite so approving of the behaviour of incoming boss Tuchel.
It was revealed that Tuchel had no influence when it came to naming the most recent England squad, nor would he be involved with training sessions and the like before he takes over in the New Year.
Deeney admitted it was a move that surprised – and slightly disappointed – him.
“I would have expected that he would have at least been at St George’s, have a look at people, just observe, let people know his presence, not undermine Carsley by any stretch,” he said.
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Deeney would’ve liked to see a more hands-on approach from Tuchel though
“This is your thing. This is what we’re doing. But also I would have expected him to say, this is how I would like to play – so try and implement that. And here’s how and why.
“What people don’t understand is there’s a lot of time between international breaks for these guys to get on the phone, to have a Zoom, to meet in person, however it might be.
“Here’s what I want to do. This is what I’m trying to do. Can you go and do it? And I think to say you’re not starting until January is a bit lazy in my opinion.”
He did go on to concede: “Maybe he’s got some family commitments that we don’t know about. So I hesitate to question his commitment.
“But I think I would expect him to have been trying to get ahead of the curve early doors so that we know what we’re trying to do. This is what I’m looking to do. These are the types of players I want in my squad.
“At least he can have a bird’s eye view, look on it and get ahead of it. But he’s going to come in January. The first time he’s with these players and looking ahead, it’s going to be for potentially a massive match.”
Erik ten Hag is on the brink at Manchester United and the club are already looking at potential replacements.
Ten Hag has overseen Man United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season following an uneventful 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.
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Ten Hag’s future at United is far from certain amid poor formCredit: Getty
They have won just eight points from their opening seven matches and sit 14th in the table, six points outside of the top four.
United held a pre-planned summit meeting in the last week with Ten Hag’s future likely to have been high on the agenda.
He looks set to remain in the job over the international break but surely failing to turn around the form would spell the end for the Dutchman.
And here, talkSPORT.com has taken a look at who could replace him…
Who could replace Erik ten Hag?
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has admirers on the Manchester United board, talkSPORT understands.
Former Chelsea boss Tuchel held talks with United in the summer but had reservations about the club’s recruitment plans.
Should United part ways with Ten Hag and appoint Tuchel, the German would return to management after his May departure from Bayern Munich.
He has not been linked with many clubs since leaving the German giants and still remains free to join a new side.
Tuchel has a track record of success in Europe thanks to two Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain and a Bundesliga triumph with Bayern among other trophies.
The biggest of all of his impressive career honours though, was glory in the Champions League with Chelsea three years ago.
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United could reignite their interest in Tuchel if a change is madeCredit: AFP
Thomas Frank
talkSPORT understands that Brentford manager Thomas Frank is also admired by the Man United board.
Frank has been one of the Premier League’s most impressive head coaches in recent seasons having successfully kept the Bees in the top flight since their promotion in 2021.
The Dane was linked with the Chelsea vacancy in the summer after they mutually parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino, although Enzo Maresca was their eventual replacement.
This season, Brentford have been hit with injury issues to some key players after they lost Ivan Toney in the summer.
But Frank has still managed to make it work with his squad, sitting two points clear of Man United after seven games.
One concern around the Danish boss replacing Ten Hag though, would be the fact he hasn’t managed a big club previously unlike Tuchel.
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Brentford boss Frank is also a potential optionCredit: Getty
Southgate was a speculated option for United before taking the Three Lions to Euro 2024.
Despite this, he remained focussed on the approaching task at hand with his country as he said in May: “Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.”
Southgate left the England job just two days after their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
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Southgate has been heavily linked with the role, even before he left EnglandCredit: Getty
He hasn’t been involved in football since and isn’t planning to come back soon so a move to Man United now seems unlikely.
Speaking about returning to a job, he admitted: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.
“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.
“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.
“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”
Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are among the top 10 longest-serving managers in English football’s top four leagues.
Gone are the days of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, who both served Manchester United and Arsenal for over 26 and 22 years respectively.
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Guardiola is in the top 10, but he’s not the longest-serving managerCredit: Getty
It used to be the norm for managers to at least have a few years at the wheel, unless results went catastrophically wrong of course.
But these days, managers are lucky to last for the duration of their contracts.
Last term in the Premier League alone, there were three managerial changes during the course of the season, with five more coming at the end of the season.
This campaign, the EFL has already seen bosses given their marching orders, the latest being Steven Schumacher at Stoke after being in charge for less than a year.
That’s despite him overseeing two wins and three losses in the opening five games in the Championship this season.
If John Eustace’s sacking at Birmingham last campaign when he had the Blues in sixth place taught us anything, it’s that no manager appears to be safe in football these days.
Currently, the top 10 longest-serving managers’ average time in charge is around five years.
This could soon change though, with one League One manager likely to be on the ropes after a poor start to the season..
So, who are these bosses that have managed to avoid being put on the chopping block, and how long have they been in their post? talkSPORT.com has got you covered…
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The days of managers being at clubs for over a decade are a thing of the pastCredit: Getty Images – Getty
10. Marco Silva – Fulham (3 years, 79 days)
Replacing former Fulham player Scott Parker wasn’t going to be an easy job, but after guiding Fulham to win the Championship in 2022, Marco Silva is a fan favourite at Craven Cottage.
Formerly manager of Watford and Everton, the Portuguese boss has had his longest managerial tenure with the Cottagers.
Former Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson says Mikel Arteta has aura like Thierry Henry that can’t be taught
Last season he led Fulham to their first ever League Cup semi-final, beating Everton on penalties before bowing out to eventual winners Liverpool 3–2 on aggregate in the next round. He has two years left on his deal.
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Silva and Fulham have been a perfect matchCredit: Getty
10. Phil Parkinson – Wrexham (3 years, 79 days)
After joining Wrexham on the same day Silva signed for Fulham, Phil Parkinson makes it in the top 10 longest-serving managers.
The former Charlton and Bolton boss has taken Wrexham up through the leagues after being appointed by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds following their takeover in 2020.
Consecutive promotions up from the National League to League One has earned Parky legendary status in north Wales, and it’s unlikely his story there will end anytime soon.
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Parkinson is loving life under the Hollywood duoCredit: Getty
9. Andy Woodman – Bromley (3 years, 173 days)
After being appointed in March 2021, Andy Woodman has led Bromley to compete in the EFL for the first time in the club’s history.
Formerly a goalkeeping coach at Newcastle, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace, Woodman is now managing Bromley in League Two.
Bromley beat Wrexham to the FA Trophy in 2022, and that success was followed up by promotion from the National League via the play-off final last season.
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Woodman has been a hit at BromleyCredit: GETTY
8. Jon Brady – Northampton Town (3 years, 221 days)
After spending most of his career playing in the EFL, Australian manager Jon Brady has been a success at League One Northampton.
Originally starting as an under-16s coach, Brady has worked his way up the age groups with the Cobblers.
He replaced Keith Curle as temporary manager, and despite overseeing relegation to League Two and a failed play-off campaign the season after, their promotion to League One in 2023 and their 14th place finish last term has cemented his place at Sixfields.
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Brady has got Northampton to be a stable club in League OneCredit: GETTY
7. Nigel Clough – Mansfield Town (3 years, 317 days)
Another manager with promotion to League One under his belt is Nigel Clough.
Son of iconic ex-Nottingham Forest and Derby County boss Brian Clough, Nigel has followed in his father’s footsteps.
Having spent five years with Burton Albion, Clough joined Mansfield in 2020 and got the club promoted back to the third tier after finishing third in League Two last term.
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Clough is doing his dad proud in the dug outCredit: GETTY
6. Ian Evatt – Bolton Wanderers (4 years, 79 days)
Ian Evatt has become a mainstay at Bolton after taking over when the club were in the relegation zone in League Two.
Since then, Evatt has pushed Bolton to promotion in 2021, to win the EFL Trophy in 2023 and to enter the League One play-offs twice.
However, after missing out on automatic promotion and losing 2-0 to Oxford United in last term’s play-off final, the pressure has been on. And his job may be on thin ice, given the Trotters have won just one game in the league so far, leaving them in the relegation spots.
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Evatt has had a tricky start to the seasonCredit: Getty
5. Mikel Arteta – Arsenal (4 years, 271 days)
After taking over from Unai Emery in 2019, former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners.
Despite his only silverware being the FA Cup in 2020, Arteta has led Arsenal to compete in the title race twice in a row, missing out to Manchester City on both occasions.
The 42-year-old is adored in the red side of north London, and should he win Arsenal their first league title since 2004 this season, he won’t be leaving his position anytime soon.
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Arsenal fans love Arteta, and he’ll be desperate to win them more silverwareCredit: AP
4. Thomas Frank – Brentford (5 years, 338 days)
Danish boss Thomas Frank has had the Bees flying since he took charge in the Championship.
After winning the play-off final with a 2-0 victory over Swansea in 2021, Frank successfully guided the west Londoners to compete in the top flight for the first time in 74 years.
As if that wasn’t putting enough credit in the bank, they finished in 9th place in the 2022/23 Premier League. He’s under contract until 2027.
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Frank have taken Brentford to their most exciting chapter in decadesCredit: Getty
3. Mark Robins – Coventry City (7 years, 196 days)
After guiding Coventry through the chaotic ownership struggles under former chiefs SISU, Mark Robins is regarded as a legend in the sky blue part of the West Midlands.
Moves away from their ground to share with Birmingham City and other off-field distractions didn’t stop Robins from getting the club promoted up from League Two in 2018, then up again from League One in 2020.
With a run to the semi-final of the FA Cup last season, as well a play-off final against Luton in 2023 under his belt, Robins is on course to stay in his post for many years to come.
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Robins is much-loved in CoventryCredit: Rex
2. Pep Guardiola – Manchester City (8 years, 79 days)
If you think Man City, you think Pep Guardiola.
The Spaniard has guided City to glory on so many occasions it’s hard to remember all of them, and with his side looking poised push for the title that could see them win and unprecedented five Premier League titles in a row, it’s no wonder he’s been there for so long.
However, Guardiola’s future beyond this season is not clear, with his contract expiring at the end of the campaign. And he’s been tipped to become England manager, too.
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Guardiola has more than earned his long tenure at CityCredit: Getty
1. Simon Weaver – Harrogate Town (15 years, 120 days)
Whilst Guardiola dominates trophy winning in English football, he doesn’t come out on top when it comes to being the longest-serving manager.
League Two Harrogate Town’s Simon Weaver is in his 15th year with the North Yorkshire club, which as you will have gathered, is very rare these days.
When he took over, he was first appointed as a player-manager. That was all the way back in 2009 when the club were in the Conference North. It’s no surprise he takes the crown in this list for the job he’s done.
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Weaver is top of the tree in the top 10Credit: Getty
Longest serving managers in English football
Simon Weaver – Harrogate Town (15 years, 120 days)
Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Leicester was followed by draws in Ipswich vs Fulham and Nottingham Forest v Wolves.
Ivan Toney was at the Gtech Community Stadium to cheer on his old club Brentford after completing a £40million move to Al Ahli, while Everton held a 2-0 lead after 86 minutes, only to lose the game 3-2 to Bournemouth on home soil.
READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
The late game of the day saw Man City earn a 3-1 win over West Ham with Erling Haaland making it 70 goals in 69 Premier League games.
Here talkSPORT duo Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy reveal their winners and losers from Saturday’s action on the Game-Day Phone-In…
Andoni Iraola
The Bournemouth boss masterminded a late comeback against Everton, winning 3-2 at Goodison Park after being 2-0 down with four minutes of normal time left.
Cundy said: “He made great substitutions and the game turned. Let’s be honest, it shouldn’t have happened but he made things happen.
“You always look back at the decisions a manager makes and how he impacts the game – Everton’s fans were booing Sean Dyche and the decisions he didn’t make.
“But you look at the subs Iraola made, the minutes they were made – he rolled the dice and he got it right.
“He’s got the right result and so it’s hard for him not to be a winner this weekend.”
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Iraole and Bournemouth enjoyed one heck of an afternoon at Goodison ParkCredit: Getty
Bryan Mbeumo
The Brentford forward scored an impressive double to help the Bees to a 3-1 victory over Southampton.
With Toney watching on from the stands, it was the perfect way to make a case for being Thomas Frank’s main man.
Cundy said: “Ivan Toney has left and you look at Mbeumo and wonder, how far can this boy go?
Simon Jordan disappointed and ‘sad’ that Brentford’s Ivan Toney has decided to join Al-Ahli
“Is he one of these players who you can see rocking up in the Champions League in the future?”
Erling Haaland
It was another memorable game for Manchester City’s talisman.
Two first half goals meant that City went in 2-1 up against West Ham at the break, before he rounded off his hat-trick in the second half.
“After 30 minutes, he’s scored two goals. We should be calling him half-time Haaland,” said Cundy.
Those goals mean that Haaland has now scored seven goals in three Premier League games this term.
He’s also netted a staggering 70 goals in 69 Premier league games. Astonishing.
Losers
Declan Rice
The Arsenal midfielder was at the centre of the drama after being sent off during the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Clarifying the confusing incident, the Premier League Match Centre shared an explanation on their X account.
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Rice was controversially sent off for delaying the restart against BrightonCredit: Getty
The post read: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Declan Rice for delaying the restart.”
Cundy responded: “What a silly boy! I don’t care what anybody says, you don’t give the referee a decision to make.
“Flicking the ball away, it’s petulant.
“He’ll have been sat in that dressing room and he’ll have known. He’ll have heard the Brighton fans cheering and he’ll know he made a mistake.”
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Sean Dyche and Everton really let themselves downCredit: Getty
Sean Dyche and Everton
Everton will be licking their wounds after letting a two-goal slip against Bournemouth.
The Toffees now sit bottom of the table with no points to their name after conceding 10 goals already this term.
Cundy said: “It’s Sean Dyche. I’ve got to have him in there, along with all of Everton.
“I’m even throwing the players in there and the fans, along with Sean Dyche.
“Goodison Park? They call it ‘Woodison Park’ because it’s so old.
“They’re stinking the gaff out, mate. That’s terrible stuff.”
Aaron Ramsdale
Fresh from joining from Arsenal, Ramsdale had a debut to forget for Southampton as he conceded a trio of goals against Brentford.
Cundy said: “He’s conceded three goals. I felt for Ramsdale with the first two goals, but the third goal…
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Ramsdale’s Southampton debut didn’t exactly go as he’d have likedCredit: Getty
“You’ve got to have stronger wrists. You’d like to see a stronger wrist at the far stick.”
O’Hara added: “He might have another relegation on his CV,” to which Cundy replied: “Oh Southampton are going down,” before O’Hara replied: “They think they’re Real Madrid.”
Deadline day is here, and it promises to be a frantic end to the summer transfer window for many Premier League clubs.
The futures of a number of big-name stars are up in the air as Friday’s 11pm cut-off steadily approaches, with plenty of questions needing to be answered before then.
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Toney has two possible options – Saudi Arabia or ChelseaCredit: Getty
Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at the deals to watch as the clock ticks down.
Ivan Toney
Toney’s future has been one of the hot topics since before the transfer window opened.
The Brentford striker has been far from shy about his desire to move to a bigger club and must have anticipated having a plethora options after making an impact for England at the Euros.
But, despite meeting the Arsenal hierarchy, offers from the top clubs in the Premier League have been in short supply and if Toney is to leave west London a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia looks like the most likely outcome.
Toney has already verbally agreed a three-year contract worth an eye-watering £50m with Al Ahli, however they still need to agree a fee with Brentford.
Newcastle were hoping to have been able to parade Guehi in a black-and-white shirt long before now, but this is another deal that will go down to the wire.
The Magpies have had numerous packages knocked back by Palace, whose chairman Steve Parish is determined to drive a hard bargain, especially after Guehi enhanced his reputation with his stellar displays for England in Germany this summer.
Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell was optimistic at the end of last week that a deal was getting closer, but talkSPORT has since learned that Palace have increased their asking price to in excess of £70m having sold centre-back partner Joachim Andersen to Fulham.
If they cannot get Guehi then Mitchell could well make a move for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi or RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan.
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Newcastle have chased Guehi all summer but could be set to miss out on their top defensive targetCredit: Getty
Jadon Sancho
He may have made peace with manager Erik ten Hag but it is pretty clear Sancho does not have a future at Old Trafford after being left out of the squad for Manchester United’s first two Premier League games of the season.
As talkSPORT reported earlier this week Juventus have been the most serious suitors for the England international – after selling Federico Chiesa to Liverpool for £12.5m – but there is still an issue over the Italian giants’ reluctance to include an obligation to buy in any loan agreement.
It’s been a relatively quiet summer at Arsenal with Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori and Spain Euro 2024-winning midfielder Mikel Merino their only outfield signings.
Mikel Arteta has so far resisted Gunners fans’ urges to sign a new striker, but it has been clear for a couple of weeks now that he would be interested in recruiting another winger to ease Bukayo Saka’s workload.
Arteta is a massive fan of the quicksilver Nico Williams but it is virtually impossible to prise him away from Athletic Bilbao so late in the window.
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Coman has won it all at club level – and has been offered to ArsenalCredit: Getty
One more live option of Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, who has been told he can leave Bavaria.
The presence of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia means this would not be an easy deal to do, but a loan move for the French international is one to keep an eye on.
Billy Gilmour
Brighton fans were left shocked when talkSPORT reported the Seagulls could be willing to cash in on Napoli target Gilmour if they receive an offer north of £14m.
Speculation of a deal being close to fruition has been rife ever since, but Gilmour remains a Brighton player and was one of the stars of their 2-1 victory at home to Manchester United on Saturday.
Boss Fabian Hurzeler is a fan of the Scotland international and Matt O’Riley’s ankle ligament injury means they are a new signing light in the middle of the park, but with Brighton spending more than £200m this summer and needing to trim a bloated squad the situation remains fluid heading into deadline day.
Other players who could depart the Amex include Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Yeremy Sarmiento and big earner Mahmoud Dahoud.
Jhon Duran
The Colombian was close to joining West Ham earlier in the window, but they could not agree a fee with Aston Villa.
The Hammers retain an interest, but it would take a lot of departures for them to be able to raise the funds to reignite a deal.
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Duran has been a target for West Ham for several months, but Chelsea is another possible next destinationCredit: AFP
Chelsea were also engaged in active talks with Villa both in January and at the start of the summer and are desperate to sign a No.9 before the window closes.
The Blues are still trying hard to agree terms with Napoli and Victor Osimhen but Duran would appear a realistic alternative.
Broja is part of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ and has been told he won’t play this season unless he completes a move awayCredit: Getty
talkSPORT has been told Everton have cooled their interest, but do not rule out a late bid from newly-promoted Leicester, who are in the hunt for more firepower.
Southampton also have a historical interest in Broja.
James Ward-Prowse
It was only a year ago that West Ham paid Southampton £30m for their captain, but Ward-Prowse already appears to be surplus to requirements at the London Stadium.
Ward-Prowse is one of a number of players the Hammers are keen to offload along with Maxwell Cornet and Nayef Aguerd.
The England international is on decent money so a loan deal with West Ham contributing to that salary is the most likely scenario.
Interestingly, old club Saints have kept one domestic loan slot free by signing Aaron Ramsdale permanently and their boss Russell Martin is a huge Ward-Prowse advocate.
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Brentford have not received any formal transfer offer from Chelsea for Ivan Toney, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues are believed to be tracking Toney’s situation ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline as one of a number of potential striker options.
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Toney has been reported to be set to be offered a west London switchCredit: Getty
Toney has verbally agreed a lucrative £16million-a-year deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli, but no club has yet made an offer matching Brentford’s £50m asking price.
Chelsea cannot match the salary on the table from the Middle East but can offer Premier League football.
On Tuesday, Brentford Thomas Frank said in his press conference: “Today we have nothing to say about Ivan Toney.”
The Bees talisman has been left out of his side’s games so far this season amid transfer interest.
Chelsea had been interested in signing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but the striker wants £500,000-per-week in wages.
A move to Al Ahli would see Toney earn £327,000-per-week – so should he join Chelsea, he’d be cheaper than Osimhen, but still earning considerably more than he is at the Gtech Community Stadium.
There is, however, a gap in valuation between the two clubs, with Al-Ahli having a £35million bid, plus add-ons turned down. They are now willing to pay £40m.
However, the Bees are holding out for a £50m bid.
That’s despite the England international having one-year left on his contract.
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Brentford striker Toney’s Premier League career has been given a lifelineCredit: Getty
Frank has previously confirmed he expects the 28-year-old to leave in this window.
“I’m always happy when the window shuts,” Frank said after his side’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. “Then I don’t have to talk about ifs and buts and when and maybes, about a lot of players and of course Ivan. It’s all about Ivan!”
Asked whether a deal for Toney to leave Brentford is close, Frank said: “Very good question. I actually haven’t asked about that in the last two or three days, so I don’t know actually.
“He trained well all week with a good attitude.”
Fans have speculated about Toney’s future with the England national team should he move to Saudi Arabia.
Jordan Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq and subsequent dropping from the Three Lions team despite being a veteran was a prime example of that.
A move to Stamford Bridge would keep those dreams alive for Toney, who had minimal minutes at Euro 2024 but had a huge impact when involved, including the penalty shootout against Switzerland.
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Ivan Toney will earn an eye-watering salary if he signs for Al Ahli – but he won’t be anywhere near being the highest earner in the Saudi Pro League.
Since footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s high profile move to Al Nassr after his dramatic departure from Manchester United, other big name players have followed suit.
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Toney would earn big bucks in the Middle EastCredit: Getty
The Saudi top flight has smaller crowds and lacks the deep rooted history the Premier League and other top European leagues offer.
But players are still drawn by the unfathomable wages available, with many signing on life changing deals that will ensure incredible wealth for the star and their families for years to come.
Now, Brentford and England striker Toney is expected to join Karim Benzema and Neymar and other household names in heading to the Middle East.
The Bees have already had one bid from Al Ahli of around £35million including add-ons rejected, as talkSPORT revealed on Friday.
“A lot of things are going on with Ivan,” the Bees manager said. “Especially with transfers, there’s a lot of transfer interest.
“Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad. I can’t give too much away.
“Of course, Ivan is a top player, he has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season we can cope without him.
“Is it his last game? Who knows. There is interest, it’s not close.”
On his current Brentford deal that expires next June, Toney earns £21,000-per-week, according to Sportrac,
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Ronaldo signed the highest football salary ever when he joined Al NassrCredit: AFP
talkSPORT understands Al-Ahli are weighing up whether to make an improved offer for him, with the Bees still demanding £50m.
So, if Toney does sign for the Saudi side, how much will he earn? And where does that salary rank amongst the other big names playing out there?
15 players in the Saudi league currently earn over £10million-a-year.
talkSPORT reported Toney wants £17m-a-year, so he would be included in that list.
That means he would earn £327,000-per-week.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, leads the way in the crazy Saudi wage rankings, with a crazy £3.23m-per-week dropping into his bank account.
That’s over £168million a year, nearly 10 times what Toney is after.
Barcelona legend Neymar is runner up to Ronaldo, making £1.62m a week.
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Firmino will be Toney’s teammateCredit: Getty
Former Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic rakes in £404,000 every week, making him the eighth highest earner.
Ex-Chelsea and Leicester man N’Golo Kante is on the same wages.
Toney would just edge ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino’s Saudi salary of £307,000 every seven days, meaning he would be the 12th highest earner in the league.
Meanwhile, Firmino’s former Reds teammate and Ronaldo’s fellow Al Nassr star Sadio Mane takes home £646,400 a week.
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Toney will be on a healthy salary – but he wouldn’t be the highest paid star
Breaking Toney’s potential salary down puts in to perspective just how much Saudi clubs are willing to spend to attract stars to their league.
On the money he desires, Toney would take home £17m a year, £327,000 a week, £46,714 a day, £1,946 an hour, £32.44 a minute and £0.54 per second.
The move may well cost him his place in the England squad, with ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson experiencing that first hand after he was dropped for Euro 2024 after his move to Al Ettifaq.
That’s despite Toney still only being 28 years old.
But with time ticking on his current deal and Premier League clubs not currently willing to step in, Toney could well be going from League One star to seriously minted Saudi player in the space of four years.
Al-Ahli are weighing up whether to make an improved offer for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, talkSPORT understands.
The Saudi Arabian club have already had one bid around £35million, including add-ons, rejected as talkSPORT revealed on Friday.
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Toney was left out of Brentford’s squad for their win over Crystal Palace amid a potential exitCredit: Getty
Brentford are continuing to demand at least £50m, even though the 28-year-old is out of contract next summer and has made it clear he will not sign a new deal.
Al-Ahli are also in talks with Toney who wants a base salary of over €20m [£17m] with bonuses and accommodation allowance taking the total to double that.
Brentford left Toney out of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, even though talkSPORT understands the England striker wanted to play.
The Bees are still hoping one of the Premier League big-guns comes forward with an offer for Toney closer to their valuation before the transfer window closes.
The England striker is understood to have held talks with Arsenal earlier in the summer.
However the Gunners decided not to pursue a move at that time.
Al-Ahli were willing to pay £50m for Tottenham’s Richarlison, but he rejected a move to the Middle East.
This has seen them eye up a move for Toney, who may have already played his last Brentford game.
talkSPORT told you earlier in the summer how the centre-forward was attracting interest from the Gulf nation.
And Brentford boss Thomas Frank confirmed that the player could be on his way out of the Gtech Community Stadium prior to his side’s 2-1 win over the Eagles.
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Toney has entered the final year of his contract in west LondonCredit: Getty
He said: “A lot of things are going on with Ivan, especially with transfers, there’s a lot of transfer interest
“Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad. I can’t give too much away.
“Of course, Ivan is a top player, he has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season we can cope without him.
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“Is it his last game? Who knows. There is interest, it’s not close.”
And then when asked in his post-match press conference whether it’s a case of when, and not if Toney leaves, Frank stated: “That is fair.
“But let’s talk about how big of a loss he is when we get to that point.”
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Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has accepted referee Samuel Barrott’s apology after having an exquisite free-kick ruled out.
The England international thought he had broken the deadlock from 30 yards out against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.
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Eze found the back of the net with a brilliant free-kick – only for it to be ruled out
Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken was expecting Eze to whip in a cross from the right flank, only for the 26-year-old to catch him out by firing in off the near post.
However the whistle had gone before the ball could even hit the back of the net as Barrott blew for a foul on Brentford defender Nathan Collins from Will Hughes.
But despite replays showing there to be minimal contact between the pair, due to the whistle being blown, VAR was unable to overturn the original on-field decision and award the goal.
Palace’s fury over the decision was compounded when Brentford took the lead through Bryan Mbuemo moments later.
Despite Oliver Glasner’s side equalising after the break, it was Thomas Frank’s side who claimed all three points thanks to a fortuitous Yoane Wissa winner in the 76th minute.
And while Eze expressed his disappointment over the 2-1 defeat, he insisted that ‘everyone makes mistakes’ as he defended Barrott over his controversial call.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Eze said: “It was just one of those games, if we had got one, I think we could have gone on and got more, but we needed to get the second goal.
“They are a good team and made it difficult for us at times, but just one of those games.
“The referee said he blew too early and made a mistake, so fair enough, everyone makes mistakes.
“But that was a goal that could have made the difference today.
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Palace players couldn’t believe Barrott blew for a foul during Eze’s set-pieceCredit: Getty
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Eze’s strike caught out Flekken with his effort smashing in off the post
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The England international has since revealed Barrott apologised to him over his decisionCredit: Getty
“A little bit [hard done by] because as he said, it was a mistake.
“But listen, we had so many other chances to score today, especially me, so one of those days and we just move on to the next one.
“We know that if we play like we did today and keep creating chances, we will score more goals and beat teams by a lot of goals.
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Eze was a bright spark throughout for Crystal Palace, despite the defeat
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“We do have to work a bit on the counter-attack as that is what they worked at and caused us problems.
“But we put in a decent performance today and I am sure it will come good.”
Attention for Palace will now turn towards another London derby with West Ham to travel to Selhurst Park next Saturday.
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Liverpool have quietly been impressing in pre-season under new manager Arne Slot, while Manchester United have also spent money.
As the Premier League is back, we’ve asked the talkSPORT pundits for their predictions ahead of the new season.
Who wins the title?
Jermaine Pennant – Arsenal
“I wouldn’t say it’s controversial, but I’m going with Arsenal and not Manchester City for a fifth time in a row.
“They’re ageing. Kevin De Bruyne is getting older each year and each season he will start reaching a cliff.
“There’s going to come a point in Kyle Walker’s career where he’s losing a bit of pace. It’s just genetics. It’s a thing. You can’t be 38, 39 and still be just as fast as you were when you were at your peak.
“I know that they’ve won a lot and they dominated, but now they’ve lost Alvarez. He is a big, big signing to lose.
“A lot of money by the way and it’s great business. But if Haaland was to get injured, there’s no [Julian] Alvarez.
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Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are the studio’s overwhelming pick for the titleCredit: Getty
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The signing of Riccardo Calafiori is expected to boost Arsenal’s title credentials
“They’d played without a striker. That’s when they had [Riyad] Mahrez. That’s when [Raheem] Sterling was on fire and [Jack] Grealish too. So they’re going to need big players to step up as well.”
Gabby Agbonlahor – Arsenal
“The reason why they are favourites is because last season they only finished two points behind.
“It might not have felt tight, but it was. Arsenal scored 91 goals, Man City got 96. Arsenal conceded less goals too.
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“You look at those goals for and the talk about Arsenal needing a striker, fans will say no they don’t they spread the goals around.
“I do think a striker will help them.
“They aren’t conceding many goals either and Calafiori in there is going to add more stability to that already stable defence.
“Arsenal have every right to be favourites. Mikel Arteta will be saying this is our chance now.”
Simon Jordan – Manchester City
“I’ve gone for something very unconventional and put a lot of deep thought into it, and studied the form and looked at all the statistics, and made a difficult choice, and gone for Manchester City.”
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Simon Jordan doesn’t think Arsenal will be able to get in the way of Man CityCredit: talkSPORT
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New Liverpool boss Arne Slot is targeting a strong debut campaign in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
Jim White – Arsenal
“You see I’ve taken into account all these sort of off the wall methods that Mikel Arteta is using at Arsenal by whipping phones out of pockets, and things like that.
“Taking wallets out of pockets saying: ‘I want you to think more, be more alert about what you’re doing’.
“I’ve gone with Arsenal.”
Adrian Durham – Arsenal
“[The] Title is going to go to Arsenal. Surely they can’t blow it again and surely City can’t do it again.
“This year is Arteta’s year. He’s going to pick the pocket of Man City and come up with the title.”
Shebahn Aherne – Arsenal
“I think it’s going to be Arsenal’s season, I think Arsenal will win it.”
Graeme Souness – Arsenal
“I’ve got a sneaky feeling for Arsenal.
“De Bruyne- his influence will wane. He’s at that age now where he’s going to get muscle injuries, as fabulous as he’s been, that will wane.
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Star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has struggled with injuries in recent seasonsCredit: Getty
“The big centre-forward Haaland will get goals wherever he plays, he might get them out of the river time and time again.
“For me it’s between Arsenal and City.
“City won’t be far away. You know why? Because he’s [Pep Guardiola] got so many good players that he can rotate them, and he’s not shy in doing that.”
Jeff Stelling – Liverpool
“I’ve got Arsenal second, but I haven’t got the winners that you’d expect. I’ve gone for Liverpool.
“They had a bit of a wobble from mid-April last season, which cost them.
“People will make a great deal about they’ve made no signings. Well they haven’t made any signings so far. But equally, they haven’t had any significant losses.
“And for me, I look at Quansah- [he] will be better.
“Bradley will be better, Elliott will be better, Gakpo will be better, Curtis Jones will be better.”
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Jeff Stelling has backed Liverpool’s players to kick on in the 2023/24 seasonCredit: Getty
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Ally McCoist has also tipped Arsenal for glory in the 2024/25 campaignCredit: AFP
Ally McCoist – Arsenal
“I’m going for Arsenal.
“I think I’ve predicted Manchester City in the last three years, and the reason I’m doing it, I think there’s been progression in Arsenal in the last couple of years and I still think there’s progression in them.
“I think Arteta’s doing a great job, I really do. I think they were a great watch last year, I enjoyed them.
“I am not one of these guys who thinks it was failure because they finished second, far from it. I think that’s a very crass thing to say, I think they had a good season.
“The Villa game at home probably cost them at the end. But if you go on your last 18 games, I’ll tell you right now, if you offered Mikel Arteta 18 games to go- you won 16, draw one and lose one, he’d bite your hand off for it.
“I think we’re in for another fantastic season, and I think Arsenal might just pip City.”
Who makes the top four?
Jermaine Pennant
“Obviously Arsenal, because I’m saying they’re going to win it. I would say Man City, obviously because they’re going to be probably second.
“I would say Liverpool [in third place]. I’ll say how it was, I think Aston Villa [in fourth].”
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Can Villa build on last season’s impressive fourth-place finish?Credit: Getty
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Tottenham will be looking to go one further and secure Champions League football this seasonCredit: Getty
Adrian Durham
“In terms of top four, obviously Arsenal, Manchester City.
“I think Manchester United will get back in and I also think, and I don’t say this with much confidence, Tottenham will finish top three.
Shebahn Aherne
“Arsenal, Man City, I’m going to say Spurs and I think I’ll put Manchester United in there too.”
Jeff Stelling
“I’ve gone for Liverpool, Arsenal and City as the top three.
“And then as the fourth. Manchester United, for me they haven’t got enough depth and I know they’ll be signing players.
“But how many players can they sign and are they getting the quality of player required? I’m not so sure.
“I’d rule Chelsea right out. Spurs – if Solanke comes off, I think they’ve got a chance. Villa as well. If they can cope with [the] Champions League, I think they’ve recruited well.
“For me, Newcastle, a lot of injuries last season. I know a lot of clubs did, but this season if they stay relatively injury-free, they do not have Champions League to cope with.
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Newcastle will be hungry to earn their place back in the Champions League this time aroundCredit: AFP
“This time they’ve tried to strengthen the back with Guehi. I’m gonna go Newcastle in fourth place.”
Emile Heskey
“I’ve gone the obvious – City [in first].
“[Followed by] Arsenal, Liverpool, and hear me out on this, Chelsea.”
“I put Chelsea in because of other reasons, and knowing them.
“Knowing how the manager works, and what he wants. I was intrigued with the players that he’s got.”
Ally McCoist
“I’ve changed my mind about six times already. But I’ve gone for Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Manchester United. Controversial!”
Wes Brown
“With deep regret really, I’ve gone Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool [as the top three].
“But I’ve put the boys in there, Man United as well.”
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Ally McCoist, Emile Heskey and Wes Brown all shared their top four predictions
Who gets relegated?
Adrian Durham
“Relegated teams – it’s easy to look at those that came up and think they’ll go down and I do think Southampton will go back down.
“I think that they will surprise a few in terms of how they play but I just don’t think they’ll be good enough to get the results that they need to stay up.
“Ipswich will go down as well. I think they’ve done so well but the gulf between League One and Premier League can’t be bridged in this short space of time.
“I’m going to go for a bold one for the third team to go down and it’s going to be Brentford.
“It probably depends on Ivan Toney. If he stays, they’ve got a chance. If he goes, I think that they will be in the bottom three.”
Shebahn Aherne
“I’m sorry Ipswich, I’m sorry Southampton. I’ll keep Leicester in there, but I think it might be a tough season for [Nottingham] Forest.”
Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to better last season’s tally of 10 Premier League goalsCredit: Getty
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£36.5million new arrival Joshua Zirkzee could be crucial for Man United this season
“If you watched him for Bologna last season he’s very exciting, a little bit cocky but backs it up, superb technique. He can hold it up, bring others in.
Shebahn Aherne
“Even if he only plays half the season I think Erling Haaland still wins the Golden Boot.
“Maybe Rasmus Hojlund for Manchester United. I have a feeling he’s going to come good.”
Who has had the best transfer window?
Adrian Durham
“At the time of speaking, best window I’d say is probably West Ham United. They’ve bought well, signed players that will excite the fans.”
Shebahn Aherne
“I think West Ham have done decent business so far. They seem to have been busy and active in the transfer window.”
And who has had the worst?
Adrian Durham
“Worst window at the time of speaking has got to be Liverpool. What on earth is going on there?”
Shebahn Aherne
“It’s hard not to focus on Liverpool because absolutely nothing has happened so far.”
