Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Real Madrid eye Erling Haaland to replace Saudi-target Vinicius Junior

Ex-Man Utd star in frame for Rangers job after Gerrard says no

Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick is in frame to take over as Rangers manager after Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard decided to step away from the race to replace Russell Martin at the Scottish club.

Now that the Gerrard chapter is over, the Daily Mail claims that Rangers officials have started looking at other options, including Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, while Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl is also being considered by sporting director Kevin Thelwell, CEO Patrick Stewart and Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises. But the name that has stood out is United legend Michael Carrick, who is currently without a job.

Real told they can re-sign wonderkid Paz 'whenever they want'

Real Madrid have been told that they can re-sign their youth player Nico Paz 'whenever they want' as Como president reveals their transfer plan.

Como President Mirwan Suwarso told Sportitalia: "I couldn't care less. It's a situation we agreed on from the beginning. Real Madrid are allowed to buy him back whenever they want. It's up to Nico to decide what he wants to do with his future. We are very happy to have him. We like to build a home for him in Como. He chose to stay this season, and we take it day by day. We see how it goes. Does he go back to Madrid next season? Madrid have every right to do that. Will he stay with us? It's up to him whether he wants it or not."

Crystal Palace chief reacts to Man Utd interest in Wharton

Manchester United have been sent a message over their interest in Adam Wharton's transfer as Crystal Palace chief admitted that the midfielder would want to play in the Champions League in the future. Addressing Wharton's transfer links, Palace co-owner Steve Parish told talkSPORT: "I think Adam at some point will want to play either in the Champions League with us, if we can make that happen, or probably with another club. He's an extraordinary talent. I think right now, and I can't speak for Adam, but I think he's focused on his time at Crystal Palace. He had a broken season last season with the groin issues that he had that a lot of young players get.

When asked particularly about United's link, Parish said there was no "real pressure" from Wharton to move to Old Trafford: "If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, that's nothing surprising really about that. The fact of the matter is he's got a long contract to run. There's no pressure on us to do it, and I don't think there's any real pressure from the player either."

USMNT striker Wright advised to snub January transfer

Haji Wright has been in impressive form for Coventry City, suggesting that there is a Premier League future for him somewhere, but the USMNT star has been advised to shun any interest shown during the January transfer window.

Quizzed on whether Wright is heading there - even if Coventry, who currently sit top of the Championship, do not - former Sky Blues striker Matt Jansen, speaking in association with Palantir Financial Planning, told GOAL: "He has eight goals this season, USA international, good player. You can never say you are going to succeed in the Premier League until you get there.

'I'll definitely return'- Zidane outlines plan to be France boss

Zinedine Zidane has outlined his plan to become the next manager of the France national team as the former Real Madrid boss opened up on how his 'life changed' after retirement. Speaking at Trent Sports Festival, Zidane said: "When I stopped, my life changed. After three years, I didn't know what to do; I tried so many things until I signed up for the coaching course. Of all the coaches I've had, the one I learned the most from was Lippi: he was very important, because when I arrived in Italy, it was difficult for me at first, but he always believed in me. I first had Ancelotti as my manager, then I became his assistant: he's a friend, he was important to my career. He was a good coach because he listened to us players."

The France legend then added: "He must be passionate about football, deeply passionate. It's not just those who win who are good; there are good coaches who can't win. The most important thing for me is to convey something to the players. When you're passionate, then you convey something to the players. I will definitely return to coaching. Me at Juventus? I don't know why it didn't happen. I always have him in my heart because he gave me so much. In the future, I don't know, one of my goals is to coach the French national team. We'll see.

No deal, Lewandowski! Barca decide against new contract

Robert Lewandowski could be set to leave Barcelona when his contract expires next summer, as the Catalan giants are not expected to offer a new contract to the 37-year-old ahead of the expiry of his current deal in June 2026.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, sporting director Deco said: "We're not going to talk about renewals in October. We're taking it step by step. He's one of the best strikers of recent years, a top-level player. He's helped us a lot. He's scored more than 40 goals, but we will analyse it. It's time to talk about getting injured players back. "You shouldn't get obsessed with a '9', you might be wrong. Maybe you can play without a '9'. It's not the time to talk about signings. Ferran can play as a '9'. PSG, the European champions, won the Champions League without a striker. Talking about a '9' is a bit of a mistake, even though there are good players. We wanted a team that didn't need to go to the market so much. When we renew, we also sign players. We have been able to avoid selling any important players. Many clubs would like to have these players. We have a championship team, a top-level team, that we need to improve. It's better to go to the market, more calmly."

Postecoglou made 'unusual' decisions but Forest manager defended

Alan Shearer has come to the defence of under-fire Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou, calling his tactical tweaks "really unusual" but insisting he shouldn't be sacked despite a dismal start.

Shearer, speaking on the situation with Betfair, admitted that while Postecoglou's job may be under threat, he doesn't believe the Forest boss deserves the sack. "It wouldn't surprise me if Ange got the sack, but he shouldn't," Shearer said. "It wouldn't surprise me if they make a change at Forest. I don't think they should. Seven games is ridiculous."

Chelsea, Liverpool hope to agree cut-price deal for Ronald Araujo

Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool are eyeing a cut-price deal for Barcelona defensive mainstay Ronald Araujo. According to Pete O'Rourke via Football Insider, Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on signing Ronald Araujo for a cut-price fee. Both Premier League clubs are looking to add more quality to their backline, and the Barcelona mainstay seems to be quite high on their wishlist.

Upamecano set for showdown talks as three clubs circle

Bayern Munich are reportedly planning to hold one final round of talks with Dayot Upamecano as pressure mounts over the French defender's unresolved contract situation. With negotiations stalling over salary demands and signing fees, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely - raising the prospect of another Bayern star walking away for free.

Maguire to turn down £500k-a-week offer amid Man Utd talks

Harry Maguire is reportedly prepared to reject a staggering £500,000-a-week offer from Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United - but only if the club give him the assurances and new contract he's looking for. The England defender, whose deal expires next summer, is said to be open to extending his stay at Old Trafford if United make clear he remains part of their long-term plans.

Madrid earmark Haaland as Vini Jr replacement

According to Caughtoffside, Madrid have already started to plan for the next summer transfer window, as they look to make some key changes in the squad, including signing a new midfielder and a centre-back. They already have their eyes on Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate, amid rumours that Antonio Rudiger could exit the club as he is yet to sign a new contract. The La Liga giants will also look to sell Vinicius Jr for a massive fee of €250million (£217m/$290.5m) if he does not put pen to paper on their new contract. In case the Brazil star does exit Santiago Bernabeu, Florentino Perez will go after Manchester City star Haaland, who continues to remain the club's priority.

Rashford lines up permanent move to Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has lined up a permanent move to Barcelona next summer after a prolific start to his life in Barcelona. After being put in Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' this summer, Manchester United outcast Rashford was sent out on a loan move to Barcelona. The Catalan giants have the option to make the transfer permanent next year for a fee of £26million ($34m).

After displaying tremendous form at the Catalan club in the last one month, Rashford has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, who are keen on signing the Englishman. However, according to The Mirror, Rashford is happy at Barcelona and would love to sign a permanent deal and realise a childhood dream of playing for the reigning Spanish champions.

Nottingham Forest replacement for Postecoglou revealed

Sean Dyche has emerged as the leading candidate to take the helm at the City Ground should Nottingham Forest choose to dismiss Ange Postecoglou, according to the Telegraph. He would also become the third man to take charge of Forest this season, following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo at the start of last month.

Ex-Arsenal star Wilshere to land first managerial role

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has emerged as a surprise leading candidate to take the vacant managerial position at struggling Luton Town, according to BBC Sport. The Hatters are seeking a new boss after Matt Bloomfield was shown the exit door and have turned to the 33-year-old to take the reins, despite Wilshere never having held a permanent managerial role at a senior level.