Football News LIVE: Gerrard moving towards Rangers return, Newcastle close on director of football, Tuchel fumes at ‘silent’ England fans

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Gerrard, who led Rangers to the Scottish title during his first stint in charge, quickly emerged as the Gers' top target after sacking Russell Martin on Sunday night.The Liverpool legend led the Glasgow giants to the title during the 2020/21 season before leaving to join Aston Villa the following campaign.His last job was in Saudi Arabia for Al-Ettifaq.Well, that's something You can't accuse Djed Spence of not being a character, and he's been on social media after helping England beat Wales last night 3-0.The Tottenham Hotspur star started at left-back and was up against his club teammate Brennan Johnson.It proved to be an easy night's work for Spence, who has taken inspiration from Grand Theft Auto for his latest post.It's certainly unique...Huge accusationsHenrikh Mkhitaryan is about to release an autobiography, and in it is an extraordinary story about his Manchester United exit.The Armenian international moved to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 under Jose Mourinho.However, he joined Arsenal in January 2018 in a straight swap for Alexis Sanchez.And now, the Inter Milan star has revealed that Jose Mourinho basically forced him out of the club.In the autobiography, he said: "I told him, you’ve been criticising me for a year-and-a-half now, ever since I arrived at Manchester United. "Mourinho told me I was ‘s***’ and I just lost my temper. ‘You are the s***.

A step in the right direction.”England 3-0 Wales - FULL TIMEIt's all over!And England have eased to victory against Wales in their friendly at Wembley.The damage was done in a blistering 20-minute opening period in the first half.Goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka proved to be the difference.England will now turn their attention to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier away at Latvia.England 3-0 Wales – GOALOH MY WORD!WHAT A STRIKE FROM BUKAYO SAKA!England are 3-0 up in the 20th minute!The Arsenal winger cut inside the box and unleashed a thunderous bending strike into the top left corner.That is first time since their 4-1 victory against Yugoslavia in November 1987 that they have been three up by the 20th minute.It's game over.And it could get even worse for the visitors.England 2-0 Wales – GOALAnother one!Ollie Watkins has doubled England's lead in the 11th minute with the hosts threatening to run riot!Once again, Wales failed to clear the danger from a set piece, leading Watkins to sweep home from a yard out into an empty net.It's two for England and two for Aston Villa's star men.It's safe to say that Watkins has taken his chance in the absence of Harry Kane.That's now six goals for England for Wales - his first since the 3-0 win over Greece in November 2024.England 1-0 Wales - GOALEngland have the breakthrough - and it's taken them just three minutes.And it's Morgan Rogers who swept home from close range early on at Wembley.Rogers was picked out by Marc Guehi from a few yards out, with the Aston Villa star making no mistake in finding the back of the net.It is the 23-year-old's first goal for England's senior side.And it's his first goal in 23 games for club or country.What a start!Man United takeover updateThe Glazer family still value Manchester United in excess of £5billion amid rumours of a potential Middle Eastern takeover, talkSPORT understands.Boxing promoter and Saudi tycoon Turki Alalshikh sent United fans into a frenzy by claiming on social media that the Red Devils were close to being under new ownership.He wrote on X: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners."United sources are in the dark over the claims, although any interested parties can negotiate directly with the club's despised owners.The group Alalshikh referenced is believed to be UAE-based and talkSPORT has been told several United legends have been approached about potentially investing. Team newsDeclan Rice has been chosen to captain England by Thomas Tuchel in their friendly against Wales.The Three Lions host their neighbours at Wembley Stadium tonight, with talkSPORT providing live commentary of the clash.Harry Kane has worn the captain's armband on a long-term basis for England since his debut with it in 2017.However, he suffered a knock during his recent outing for Bayern Munich and will not start for his country against Wales.As a result, Arsenal midfielder Rice has been tasked as the leader for England in their 105th meeting.The 26-year-old has been named as captain for the second time in his international career.Rice first donned the armband in March 2024 when England drew 2-2 with Belgium in a friendly.Kane was also absent from the match, and has missed just one fixture for England since then.This was the 2-1 Nations League B defeat to Greece in October 2024, with interim coach Lee Carsley naming John Stones as captain.It's also a first international start for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.United's 'mystery buyers' revealedThe group looking to invest in Manchester United referenced by Turki Alalshikh are from the UAE, talkSPORT understands.However, it is unclear if any talks over a possible takeover or investment into the Premier League giants are as advanced as the Saudi billionaire claims.No Saudi or Qatari investor or investment entity are involved.Maguire contract talksManchester United are in talks over extending Harry Maguire's contract at the club.The centre-back is keen to remain at Old Trafford and extend his seven-season spell with the Red Devils.talkSPORT brought you the news in this week's Transfer Notebook that Maguire would have to accept a pay-cut to extend his deal.It is now understood talks are underway over a deal that includes a reduced salary.However, Maguire penning a new deal would not prevent the club from selling the defender next summer - just as Man City sold Ilkay Gundogan shortly after he signed a contract extension.Maguire, whose currently contract expires at the end of the season, is keen to resolve his future early ahead to the World Cup, to ensure he is not distracted by the future of his career during the tournament.England team newsDetails of tonight's England starting XI to face Wales are starting to surface, with all eyes on who Thomas Tuchel will pick to replace injured Harry Kane.It will be of little surprise that talkSPORT has learned Ollie Watkins will get the nod to start up front at Wembley, with Kane sitting out with an ankle problem.It will be the first time the Aston Villa frontman has started a game under Thomas Tuchel.Declan Rice will also start against the Welsh - one of the candidates to wear the captain's armband in Harry Kane's absence.Wednesday owner 'disgusting' for failure to pay staffUnion leaders are fighting to ensure Sheffield Wednesday's non-football staff receive their salaries in full, with the behaviour of club owner Dejphon Chansiri branded 'disgusting'.Employees of the cash-strapped Owls have been paid late on five separate occasions this year, including last month.Unite, the UK's leading union, has mobilised against the Thai businessman, who indicated during the summer he would be willing to sell the club but has so far failed to secure a deal.The news follows the chairman of English football's new independent regulator David Kogan saying unsuitable owners could be forced to sell clubs.According to Unite, union membership at Hillsborough has 'rocketed' with workers receiving a £1,000 payment instead of their full pay packet for September, and some staff taking out loans to cover bills.Players and coaches have also been paid late.Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said in a statement: "Unite will do everything in its power, industrially and legally, to ensure these workers get their wages."Dejphon Chansiri has millions at his disposal, these workers do not - his behaviour is disgusting."He needs to pay his staff and sell this well-loved club and community asset to a buyer who can run it properly as a matter of urgency."talkSPORT exclusive: "He doesn't want to speak to me"John Obi Mikel claims he's approached Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson after an explosive falling out between them last year.Jackson hit out at Mikel in August 2024 after the Blues legend criticised his finishing ability, posting on social media: "@mikeljonobi shut your mouth, don't talk s***."The pair have not spoken since.And in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT.com, Mikel has revealed that he reached out to Jackson to talk things out in private, but the striker - who is now on loan at Bayern Munich with a view to a permanent move next summer - fobbed him off."Listen, I wanted to have a private conversation, but he declined," said Mikel."But fair enough, he didn't want to speak to me."There was nothing there.

I just wanted to let him know, as a friend, as someone who played for the football club, just to have an honest conversation."United 'taken by surprise'Turki Alalshikh's claim that Manchester United are in talks with new investors raised more than a few eyebrows within the club.The Saudi billionaire took to social media last night to suggest the Red Devils are in advanced stages of a possible takeover, while aiming a swipe at current owners the Glazers and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.Alalshikh's post on X has been viewed more than two million times.talkSPORT understands that the post has taken United sources by surprise.We can also report that Saudi and Qatari groups have denied any talks have taken place.The Glazers still value United in excess of £5billion.Burnley owners complete Spanish takeoverThe owners of Burnley have completed a takeover of Spanish club Espanyol.ALK Capital, Clarets owner Alan Pace’s investment firm, have been in talks to buy the LaLiga outfit from Chinese company Rastar Group.And now a deal has been done to purchase a majority stake in the Barcelona-based side, acquiring a 99.66 per cent stake for €130million.It’s the latest multi-club move from Burnley’s ambitious owners - featuring former NFL star JJ Watt as an investor - who already have a ‘strategic partnership’ with Scottish club Dundee to develop youth talent.And Pace moved to calm any fears from Burnley or Espanyol fans that the new ownership move would affect either club.“This is not about ownership; it’s about stewardship,” Pace said. But Antonio is now training at Jersey Road in West London, not Rush Green.The former Nottingham Forest player made his return to football on June 17, coming on as an 85th minute substitute for Jamaica against Guatemala.New eraSaudi billionaire Turki Alalshikh has claimed that Manchester United are in the advanced stages of a deal with a new investor.Alalshikh, who is chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, posted a message on X on Wednesday night suggesting that the club are ready to sell.He wrote on X: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor – I hope he’s better than the previous owners.”Alalshikh himself has been looking to invest in a football club in England.Former Crystal Palace owner, and talkSPORT host, Simon Jordan revealed in September that he held an interest in buying Bristol City.Other clubs believed to have been of interest were Southampton, Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday.However, talkSPORT understands that no Saudi entities are in talks over an ownership stake of Man United.It is unclear if there is any substance to Alalshikh’s claim, but his post on social media has been viewed more than two million times.Rangers manager latestSteven Gerrard is to hold face-to-face talks with Rangers over replacing Russell Martin, talkSPORT understands.As previously reported, Gerrard is a leading candidate, but Rangers sources maintain they will speak to multiple names.Positive remote talks have already taken place with Gerrard showing an openness to returning to Ibrox subject to certain conditions.Gerrard is willing to work with the Gers' sporting director Kevin Thelwell, but would want a decisive say on transfers.talkSPORT has previously told you how Thelwell has sounded out Sean Dyche about succeeding sacked Martin.The pair worked together at Everton, however Dyche is not believed to be keen on the role.Hearts boss Derek McInnes is another possible option, although the league leaders will fight to keep him.Kane updateThomas Tuchel has confirmed that Harry Kane will not face Wales due to injury.Though the England boss has stated that the Three Lions skipper will be back for next week's World Cup qualifier against Latvia.Speaking of Kane, who is suffering from an ankle knock, Tuchel said: "Harry will miss the game."He got a kick in his last match with Bayern Munich, it was too painful to kick a ball, it was too risky."That he gets another kick and will just be in an up and down situation pain-wise."So we gave him the chance that everything calms down.