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After a change of heart, former Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick is back in advanced talks with Middlesbrough to become their new manager, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Lowdown: Carrick off?

As per BBC journalist Simon Stone on October 11, the 41-year-old former midfielder opted out after talks with the Teeside club over the vacant managerial role, concluding it was not the right time for him to return to football.

Previously, Carrick worked as the assistant manager at Man United between July 2018 and November 2021, before assuming the role as the side’s caretaker manager after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Latest: Advanced talks

Downie has now shared a fresh update on Boro’s manager search, revealing a major U-turn with their ‘preferred candidate’.

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter claimed:

“Michael Carrick is in advanced talks to take over at Middlesbrough, as per reports elsewhere. The former Man United midfielder is now the preferred candidate following a clutch of interviews last week. Boro play Wigan & Huddersfield this week & sit 22nd in Champ.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

With Chris Wilder’s dismissal coming after five defeats in the side’s opening 11 Championship games this season, Boro currently sit in the relegation zone in 22nd place.

Therefore, with talks having prolonged over a two-week period, it is imperative the club secure their next manager as soon as possible, as a major direction change is needed at The Riverside Stadium.

Recommended to Boro chairman Steve Gibson by England manager Gareth Southgate, presenter EFL David Prutton has hailed Carrick for his ‘very good reputation’ in the game.

If he really is their top candidate, the Teesiders must try and get the deal done ahead of the side’s weekend fixture against Huddersfield.

Leeds United have made plenty of notorious transfer howlers over their history, with many combining to result in their 2004 relegation.

They then spent 16 years wallowing in the Championship and even League One, where they would be forced to scrape the bottom of the barrel due to their financial constraints.

Whilst there were a few blunders during this period too, they largely made some smart signings which helped to elevate them to a position where Marcelo Bielsa could lead them back to the Premier League.

One such signing who came and went before the legendary Argentine took over was Robert Snodgrass, who the Whites poached as a youngster from Livingston. It was reported that they only had to unload the £35k compensation fee to get him to join.

He spent just four years at Elland Road yet managed to feature an impressive 191 times. During this period, he scored 41 times and set up a further 40 goals, a sensational return.

However, financial constraints would once again force the club to offload one of their key assets, as Norwich City came calling and only had to pay £2.5m for his services.

Whilst it was likely an underpayment, Leeds’ manager at the time Neil Warnock still recorded an astronomical profit of 7,042% on the Scot.

Snodgrass might have been sold on for more in the future, but the only saving grace is that he never again reached the levels he had done for the Whites. The closest he would come to replicating his tally at Leeds after leaving was with the Canaries and Hull City, scoring 14 goals for both clubs.

It must have delighted the Elland Road hierarchy to see sports reporter Ian Abrahams label the winger “so poor” whilst playing for West Ham United.

The 35-year-old now lines out for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and is yet to score in his opening five games as his team occupy seventh place in the table.

Although other clubs might have sold the winger on for higher fees than what Leeds first did, it was the Whites who earned the best profit margin from the initial price that they paid and also got the most out of him on the pitch.

They got it right with this deal.

Sheffield Wednesday correspondent Joe Crann believes Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards was lucky to avoid a red card on Tuesday evening.

The Lowdown: Injury-time heartbreak

The Owls made the long trip back from Home Park empty-handed after an injury-time goal from Sam Cosgrove gave the hosts all three points.

Liam Palmer cancelled out Ryan Hardie’s opener in the first half in a lively top-of-the-table encounter, with Darren Moore bringing off Barry Bannan and Josh Windass with 20 minutes remaining – a decision that puzzled some.

The result leaves Wednesday four points off the automatic places and five off table toppers Plymouth in League One.

The Latest: Edwards tackle

Reece James was on the receiving end of a challenge from Edwards just before half time, with the Plymouth man shown a yellow card.

However, taking to Twitter, Crann said that it ‘looked REALLY bad on the replay’, believing the player may have seen red if VAR was in use.

The Verdict: Not good

James was forced off at half time for Dominic Iorfa as a result of Edwards’ challenge, and it seems as if the Plymouth man was lucky to avoid a red.

Wednesday impressed at Home Park and on another evening would have come away with three vital points, however, attention may turn to Moore’s substitute decisions and the failure to take chances.

Hopefully, the Owls will get back to winning ways against Cheltenham on Saturday and James can make a swift recovery.

Arsenal continued their fine start to the new Premier League season with victory over Brentford on Sunday afternoon, with the Gunners’ display having been a far cry from their limp showing away against the Bees just over a year ago.

A side looking full of confidence, the table-topping outfit produced a ruthless first-half performance to ease past Thomas Frank’s side, ensuring a sixth victory from their opening seven top-flight games of the season.

While that triumph notably saw summer signing Fabio Vieira fire in a 30-yard stunner for his first goal for the club, the game’s headline moment came in the form of a substitution, with Mikel Arteta handing academy starlet Ethan Nwaneri his senior debut from the bench.

That first team bow for the versatile midfielder notably caught the attention due to the youngster’s age, with the 15-year-old becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League in the competition’s history.

The 2007-born gem not only served to leave a host of fans and pundits alike feeling rather old, but also laid down a marker of just how highly thought of he is by the north Londoners, with it a testament to his quality that he has already been handed the trust of his manager.

Although it was a mere late cameo, the suggestion is that the England U17 international will go on to assume a more prominent role in the years to come, having been tipped for a “big, big future” by teammate Granit Xhaka.

Also lauded as a “special” talent by the Switzerland international – who has even coached the youngster at youth level as part of his coaching badges – Nwaneri has likely set tongues wagging among the club’s supporters, with the Gunners fanbase no doubt intrigued as to just how high this emerging prospect can go in the years to come.

The club have of course seen the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe emerge from the academy in recent times, albeit with arguably one of the biggest talents to have been produced that of a certain, Jack Wilshere.

Although the hope will be that Nwaneri can avoid the injury woes that plagued the now retired gem’s later career, Wilshere is still a notable example of the type of impact that a young player can make if thrust into the first team.

Also a playmaking midfielder – like his compatriot – the former England international was handed his debut by Arsene Wenger in a league meeting with Blackburn Rovers back in 2008 at the age of just 16, before going on to a permanent fixture under the iconic Frenchman after a brief stint on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Arguably the 5 foot 8 gem’s most memorable outing in the red jersey came against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2011, as he simply ran the show at the tender age of just 19 against Pep Guardiola’s imperious outfit.

While unable to truly build on that sparkling start to life at senior level – largely due to injury – the midfield magician still produced notable moments of quality in his 198 games for the club in all competitions,  including netting a sensational team goal against Norwich City in 2013.

A true natural talent, Wilshere showcased that age truly is just a number if the player is good enough, with Nwaneri potentially able to have a similar impact if his recent outing leads to a more regular role.

.Liverpool hosted their first Premier League game of the season at Anfield last night against Crystal Palace and the clash certainly didn’t disappoint in terms of twists and turns throughout the game.

The Reds picked up their second draw of the season so far, with just two points tallied up on the league table now in 12th position ahead of one of their most highly anticipated fixtures of the campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford next Monday.

Jurgen Klopp selected a number of surprises, confirming further knocks and fitness issues to the team, as Nat Phillips started in a centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk while Darwin Nunez made his Anfield debut in a red shirt.

Despite having 73% possession, Liverpool only had four shots on target with 24 shots in total and that statistic translated onto the pitch with the side unable to take all three points from the game.

The game was not without controversy as Darwin Nunez saw red after delivering a head butt to Joachim Andersen in front of referee Paul Tierney who gave the 22-year-old striker his marching orders immediately. That put Liverpool down to 10 men in the 57th minute when the side were still trying to find the equaliser to match Crystal Palace.

Luckily, Luis Diaz came to the rescue just four minutes later with a stunning strike that finally found the back of the net, putting his team back into the game, but it wasn’t just the Columbian who was a stand-out in a tight game for the Merseysiders on Monday evening.

Harvey Elliott was the midfielder of choice to start in the team following Thiago Alcantara’s injury alongside Fabinho and James Milner on the right side of the three. A surprise pick, he became Klopp’s unsung hero proving he could really be the solution to Liverpool’s midfield concerns over the coming fixtures.

The young talent was hailed a “class act” by sport journalist Joseph McBride, for his performance last night and it’s not hard to see why as Elliott was integral in holding together the midfield over the course of the game.

The 19-year-old took 74 touches of the ball but only lost possession seven times. He also made two key passes, five tackles, two interceptions and completed 100% of his dribble attempts. A 90% pass completion rate over his 79-minute performance also proved just how effective he can be in both attacking and defensive play.

The Liverpool Echo were complimentary of his showing too, with reporter Ian Doyle handing him an 8/10 in his player ratings, saying: “Great energy in chasing down and blocking passes and a real danger when in possession himself. Very encouraging but tired a bit in final quarter.”

As a result of this encouraging performance from the youngster, it wouldn’t be surprising if he is seen again in the starting line-up at Old Trafford next week as Klopp attempts to navigate his team in the right direction in their upcoming fixtures to secure Liverpool their first win of the season.

With that being said, the transfer window remains open for Klopp and the powers at Anfield to take advantage of. They now need to decide whether they want to add a new midfielder or stick by their rising star.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring James McAtee to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that, despite the interest of Premier League trio Leeds, AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, it is Sheffield United who currently lead the race for the Manchester City midfielder’s signature on a season-long loan.

The report goes on to state that the Championship side are now in talks with both Pep Guardiola’s side and the 19-year-old regarding the terms of his temporary switch to Bramall Lane, with the Blades hoping that the England U20 international will have a similar impact to that of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White – who spent last season on loan at United.

Orta must move

While it is true that Victor Orta has already confirmed the signings of central midfielders Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi this summer, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee undoubtedly is, in addition to the fact that the 19-year-old is incredibly versatile positionally, it would appear an extremely wise move for the Spaniard to launch a late move for the teenager.

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Indeed, the £2.7m-rated talent is one of the brightest starlets currently in City’s academy setup, having scored 14 goals and provided eight assists over 33 fixtures for the U18s, bagged three goals over two outings for the U19s and notched 27 goals and 19 assists over 52 appearances for the U23s – averaging a goal involvement every 90 minutes for the club’s youth sides.

Furthermore, while the vast majority of the £3.1k-per-week midfielder’s appearances have come from attacking midfield, the youngster has also been deployed 31 times in central midfield, eight times as a centre-forward, three times at left midfield, once at right midfield and once on the left wing – proving that he would provide Jesse Marsch with cover in a number of different positions next season.

As such, while it would appear as if Sheffield United are currently in the driving seat for the player who Jordan Elgott dubbed “stunning”, considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee is, it would appear highly advisable for Orta to do everything in his power to land the 19-year-old ahead of the Blades this summer, as the teenager would certainly make a stunning addition to Marsch’s options at Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

West Ham United transfer target Georginio Wijnaldum has been deemed surplus to requirements by Paris Saint-Germain and will look to leave the Ligue 1 club. 

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who wrote on Twitter: “Paris Saint-Germain and Gini Wijnaldum have decided to part ways this summer, confirmed. Work in progress to find new club as soon as possible, PSG are prepared to loan him out in the next days or weeks.

“AS Roma, really interested – but no official bid yet.”

Both Everton and West Ham had registered an interest in the Netherlands international towards the end of June.

Supporters will be buzzing

David Moyes has been a busy man in the transfer market already this summer, although this could be his biggest addition yet if it comes off.

Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek have formed one of the better Premier League midfield pairings in the last couple of years, but adding this slightly different dynamic could be the difference between another Europa Conference League finish or a push for the top four.

Wijnaldum is already considered a cult hero for his Champions League heroics with Liverpool, so he already has the necessary pedigree for that level.

He has struggled to truly establish a place in a stacked PSG line-up, although he still managed a respectable 38 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino, although it was his stint with Liverpool which should excite West Ham fans the most.

Jurgen Klopp was emotional when talking about the 31-year-old’s exit from Anfield last year, stating: “I will miss the player he is like crazy, highest-quality ability, one of the smartest players I have ever had the privilege to coach. His contribution was off the scale, a manager’s dream.”

He featured in all 38 of the Reds’ league matches in 2020/21 and made 37 appearances in the campaign prior as he helped his team to win their first league title since 1990.

Although his goals and assists count are seldom exceptional, what he offers to a team is incredible work rate and intelligence, combined with the ability to push forward and finish neatly from close range.

Last season he ranked in the 96th percentile for non-penalty expected goals among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, suggesting that he is getting into areas of promise. His 90.4% pass completion rate also outlines him as something of a metronome when he features, and he could become integral to Moyes’ side if he moves to east London.

West Ham supporters should be buzzing at the prospect of attaining this exceptional footballer with such experience at the highest level, who would push the fine midfielders already at the club to strive to be even better.

AND in other news – Bid submitted: Gold in West Ham talks for “extraordinary” signing, Moyes will love him

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a club-record deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, according to 90min. 

The lowdown: Off-limits…

Previously the Magpies had been perturbed in their admiration for Diaby when the Bundesliga club’s director of sport Simon Rolfes told the Express that no sale would be possible this summer.

However, despite the hands-off warning and the lofty price tag, the interest in the Frenchman from St James’ Park hasn’t subsided as Eddie Howe attempts to add yet more attacking flair to the ranks.

Now it seems as though the move for the 22-year-old is progressing and the Toon club could be about to smash their transfer record in order to make it happen…

The latest: Record breakers

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle are believed to be ‘gearing up’ to spend their highest ever fee in order to bring Diaby to the North East.

It’s claimed that ‘sources’ close to the outlet have confirmed that the Toon have ‘done considerable scouting work’ on the transfer and representatives from both parties have been ‘talking’ recently.

The report also states that Newcastle hold an interest in Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi and Everton starlet Anthony Gordon but it’s the man hailed for a ‘phenomenal’ display by reputable football analyst Statman Dave against Borussia Dortmund in 2021 who is considered the ‘top target’ this summer.

The verdict: Break the bank

Available for a reported £60mn, signing Diaby – who can play on either wing as well as in central attacking positions – would shatter the current record expenditure of £39.6million that saw Joelinton arrive from Hoffenheim.

But, despite the eye-watering fee, after 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions last season for Leverkusen, the eight-cap Frenchman would be a sensational capture to mark the new era in the North East.

Overall, Diaby earned a 7.07 Sofascore rating comprising of 1.8 successful dribbles, making 1.9 key passes and taking 1.7 shots on average per outing in the German top-flight – highlighting the attacking prowess that makes him a close stylistic match for such names as Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling and Son Heung-min (Fbref).

Ultimately, if Dan Ashworth and PIF can pull this one off, the St James’ Park faithful should be excited over the prospect of watching the explosive winger in action next season.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now in ‘advanced’ negotiations to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Jesus wants City exit

The Brazilian first arrived in the Premier League when he joined the Sky Blues from Palmeiras six years ago, but with just 12 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad, his future at the club has been up in the air after the versatile forward informed City he wants to leave this summer.

As a result, the 25-year-old has been attracting huge interest, in particular from north London, and after a new update has emerged it looks as though Mikel Arteta’s side hold the advantage over their rivals in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Arsenal in advanced talks

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Arsenal are edging ever closer to completing a deal for their transfer target. He wrote:

“Gabriel Jesus deal update. Arsenal are working on it and negotiations are very advanced – Arsenal will now need to be fast on final, key details involving player/agents to get the deal done and avoid twists.”

The Verdict: Lacazette replacement

Following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette, Arteta will of course be looking for a suitable replacement in the final third, and Jesus has a fantastic track record to be the man to come to the Emirates and do just the job.

The 56-cap international, who was once hailed the “best in the world” by his manager Pep Guardiola, 28 league appearances for the Manchester outfit last term in three different positions, and still managed to make 17 goal contributions during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

A proven goalscorer is something that Arsenal have been without ever since Aubameyang fell out of favour, but bringing in Jesus would finally fill that void, with his return up top possibly being the difference between the Gunners securing or missing out on a Champions League place next season.

Wolves look set to complete the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha in the coming days, if recent reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

According to Jordan Davies in The Sun, the Portugal international will join Bruno Lage’s side in a £20m deal this summer, with the 26-year-old likely to be confirmed as an Old Gold player in the near future.

With Ruben Neves seemingly on his way out of Molineux, Lage has worked quickly to bring in a potential replacement for the 25-year-old midfielder, with Wolves seemingly once again taking advantage of their Portuguese connections to secure a deal.

Wolves supporters will be buzzing

Palhinha has been a virtual ever-present for Sporting Lisbon in the past two seasons and has regularly produced excellent performances for the Lions, averaging an impressive 7.03 rating from WhoScored for his performances this term.

At 6 foot 3, he could add some steel to Lage’s side and may offer a different, more physical option to Neves alongside fellow Portuguese maestro Joao Moutinho in Wolves’ midfield.

The former Braga man averaged three tackles per game in the Primeira Liga this season, which was more than any Wolves player in the Premier League, which goes to show just what the 26-year-old could add at Molineux.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim will certainly be disappointed to lose one of his most consistent midfielders, as he was full of praise for the 12-cap international this season, saying: “I tell Palhinha many times that he is very good without the ball and with the ball. More than tactical-technical, I get it into Palhinha’s head that he is a special player.”

While potentially losing Neves will undoubtedly be a blow for Wolves, considering his excellent performances for the club since joining from Porto in 2017 – he was their third-best performer to start more than 10 league games this term, as per WhoScored – supporters will undoubtedly be delighted that the Old Gold have quickly sought out a replacement in Palhinha.

If the 26-year-old can replicate his performances from Portugal in the Premier League, then he would surely prove to be a success in Lage’s side next season.

In other news… Tim Spiers has dropped this exciting transfer hint