Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Pedro Neto 'incredibly happy' at Wolves, says head coach Gary O'Neil

Posted Tuesday, October 24, 2023 by Skysports.com

O'Neil: Neto 'incredibly happy' at Wolves amid transfer speculation

Wolves head coach Gary O'Neil insists Pedro Neto is "incredibly happy" and "settled" at the club amid speculation over the forward's future.

Neto has been in sensational form for Wolves this season, registering six assists and scoring one goal in nine Premier League appearances.

The 23-year-old's contract at Molineux runs until the summer of 2027 but his impressive performances have reportedly attracted the interest of several clubs, including Arsenal.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, O'Neil said: "He's incredibly happy at Wolves. He's enjoying his football, he's rediscovered some fantastic form.

"He had a tough couple of years with injuries and form, and now he's performing at his best.

"He's incredibly settled, happy at the club, and we're going to try to achieve some big things while he's here."

Back Pages: Is Arteta to blame for Raya's nervy performances?

The Mirror's John Cross believes Mikel Arteta's lack of public confirmation on who is Arsenal's No 1 goalkeeper is to blame for David Raya's nervy performances.

The Question: Should Arteta stick with Raya?

Sky Sports' Ron Walker is joined by Oliver Yew to discuss whether it is time for Mikel Arteta to bring Aaron Ramsdale back into the Arsenal side for David Raya.

Kepa to stay at Real Madrid?

Kepa Arrizabalaga admits he would like to stay at Real Madrid beyond his initial loan following his move from Chelsea in the summer.

The 29-year-old has kept five clean sheets in 10 games across all competitions so far this season.

Ajax sack boss Steijn with club second-bottom in Eredivisie

Ajax have sacked head coach Maurice Steijn with the club sitting second-bottom in the Eredivisie.

The Dutch giants were beaten 4-3 at Utrecht on Sunday for a fourth league defeat of the season which has left them with just five points from their opening seven games.

Their poor form means Ajax, who have won a record 36 league titles in their history, sit 17th in the relegation zone.

A club statement read: "Ajax and Maurice Steijn will part ways with immediate effect.

"The club management and Steijn have agreed that the coach will step down from his position. Steijn (Den Haag, November 20, 1973) transferred from Sparta Rotterdam to Ajax this summer and signed a contract until June 30, 2026."

Ajax's managerial change comes just three days before they face Brighton in the Europa League at the Amex Stadium.

Ajax chief executive Jan van Halst said: "We have worked intensely and professionally together over the last few months. But the sportive successes and the development of the team were lacking.

"That is why we decided to sit down together again today. This time, Maurice also expressed his concerns on whether he was the right man in the right place. Together, we decided that it would be best to part ways.

"Hedwiges Maduro will do the honours for the coming period."

Steijn told the club's official website: "This morning, I sat down with the board, and we continued our talks later this afternoon. We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that.

"Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. But I failed to do so.

"I want to thank the supporters and the people I have worked with here, and I hope Ajax will find its way up again soon."

Louie Barry: Villa's 'little Vardy' crafted by La Masia

Louie Barry discusses Stockport, comparisons with Jamie Vardy, his time at La Masia in Barcelona and the inspiration he takes from Harry Kane's loan journey to stardom.

Chelsea offered Cubarsi swap deal

Chelsea have been offered a swap deal opportunity with Barcelona, with young defender Pau Cubarsi heading to Stamford Bridge and Ian Maatsen heading to the Nou Camp, according to the Daily Express.

Ten Hag: Hojlund goals will come

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has leapt to the defence of Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund missed a good chance in United's 2-1 win over Sheffield United and the Dane is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old has scored three goals in nine games, albeit all of those have come in the Champions League.

"I am sure he will score goals," said Ten Hag. "I'm confident, he's gonna do that and Rashford too. I think Rasmus is a player who'll always be in scoring positions in our team."

Hyypia: Van Dijk will show he's Premier League's best once more

Former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia believes Virgil van Dijk will prove this season he is once again the best centre-back in the Premier League.

The Netherlands international has faced questions about whether can rediscover the form which arguably made him the world's top defender prior to a knee ligament injury in October 2020.

However, there are signs the current Reds skipper is edging closer to his best with his commanding performance in the weekend's Merseyside derby win over Everton another indicator of a return to his previous high level.

"He is one of the best in the business in the world," Hyypia told the PA news agency at a Nike Game On initiative which, in conjunction with the LFC Foundation, has provided more than 8,000 local schoolchildren with access to a range of sports.

"I think he has raised the standard with everyone expecting him to play at that level every time and that is very difficult.

"But he is doing well, he is a big part of our team and a big leader of the team so I think we all need to be patient and his best is coming.

"I think this season he has shown in some games he is still at the level and I have no doubts he will be the best centre-back in the league this season."