Only a matter of months ago, it looked as though Casemiro’s days at Manchester United were numbered.
But the Brazilian is now one of the first names on Ruben Amorim’s team sheet.
Alex Crook brings you all the latest exclusive news from the world of football
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Alex Crook brings you all the latest exclusive news from the world of football
In fact, of the 20 goals United have conceded this season, only five of them have been when the veteran midfielder is on the pitch.
So impressive has his form been that it is no longer a foregone conclusion Casemiro will leave when his contract expires next summer.
talkSPORT has been told Amorim, who celebrated a year in charge today (November 11), is open to the idea of keeping the five-time Champions League winner.
That is likely to require Casemiro, who turns 34 in February, to take a pay cut as he is currently one of United’s top earners, getting in excess of £300,000-a-week.
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Forget about it
Ivan Toney is unlikely to return to the Premier League in January, talkSPORT understands.
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank would love his former Brentford star striker Toney to follow him to north London.
Everton are also believed to have shown an interest in Toney.
However, Saudi tax rules mean the 29-year-old would have to take a massive financial hit to leave Al-Ahli having only joined in the summer of 2024.
Sources close to Toney also acknowledge he is unlikely to force his way into England boss Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans even if he is playing in the Premier League.
Toney had been linked with a Premier League return to boost his World Cup hopes
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Toney had been linked with a Premier League return to boost his World Cup hopesCredit: Getty
Les get it on
Wolves have held talks with club legend Joleon Lescott about returning as a coach.
Lescott came through the academy at Molineux and made more than 200 appearances, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2003.
He has been working as a coach with the FA and was part of Lee Carsley’s staff when he was interim England boss last year.
Wolves were keen to reunite the former England international with ex-teammate and incoming manager Rob Edwards.
However, at this stage it is looking unlikely Lescott will be part of Edwards’s backroom team.
Lescott is a two-time Premier League winner with Man City and retired from football in 2017
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Lescott is a two-time Premier League winner with Man City and retired from football in 2017Credit: AFP
Tricky Wicky
Former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky is on the radar of several Championship clubs.
Wicky, who led Young Boys to the Swiss League and Cup double in 2023, came close to taking over at West Brom early last year before issues with his assistant’s work permit scuppered the move.
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The 48-year-old is still well regarded by the hierarchy at the Hawthorns with Ryan Mason coming under increasing pressure.
Wicky is also a possible option to replace Rob Edwards at Middlesbrough and Liam Manning at Norwich.