talkSPORT

Harry Kane has a release clause in his Bayern Munich contract, which has dropped significantly in recent days.

The England captain joined Bayern from Tottenham in a staggering £100million transfer in 2023.

While he has yet to lift a trophy with the Bavarian giants, his performance has been nothing short of impressive, scoring 70 goals in 72 games.

Yet, clubs have the power to activate a release clause in his Bayern contract if they desire, according to Sport Bild, hinting that a return to the Premier League could be a possibility.

Kane was available for £67m in the January transfer window, but that clause will now be reduced to £54m next winter.

However, there’s no indication the 31-year-old wishes to leave Bayern. He has forged a life in Munich and is fervently hoping to end his trophy drought this season.

Bayern currently stand at the top of the Bundesliga table, six points clear of Bayer Leverkusen, preparing to face Celtic for a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Kane remains under contract with Bayern until 2027, but club executives are eyeing potential long-term successors, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres reportedly on their radar.

The striker still has Tottenham close to his heart and played a role in Mathys Tel's move to north London on deadline day.

"He told me it's a big club with a lot of very good people.

"The pitch is very nice and the training centre is very good, and if you go there you can enjoy it. Everything was positive."

Tel signed on a loan deal with Tottenham despite initially turning them down after chairman Daniel Levy flew to Germany to persuade him to join.

In Germany, Kane celebrated a personal milestone in his 50th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern as they triumphed over the struggling Holstein Kiel 4-3.

Kane's impressive double in the game means he has outscored former Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland in goals during their first 50 Bundesliga games.

Kane's remarkable 55 goals in 50 league games aren’t the only Bundesliga records he’s shattered this season.

He became the quickest player to reach 50 goal involvements in September, coincidentally against Holstein Kiel.

Kane had already etched his name in Bundesliga history by scoring 36 times in 32 games last season, marking the most goals in a debut campaign.

His time at Tottenham was filled with record-breaking performances, and with this kind of exceptional form, Kane could be a tremendous asset to any Premier League club if he chooses to make a return.

Rising through the club's academy, Kane blossomed into one of the Premier League's most prolific strikers, smashing records and becoming Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves.

He led Tottenham’s ascent to regular Champions League contention, highlighted by a memorable run to the 2019 final.

Yet, despite personal accolades and team progress, the major trophies eluded him during his time at Spurs.

This need for silverware ultimately prompted his departure.

Kane has been in exhilarating form recently for Bayern, netting four goals in his last three matches, and will be hoping to extend that streak on Friday against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

Tottenham Hotspur beat their north London rivals to the signing Mason Melia for a League of Ireland record transfer fee.

Melia has left St Patrick’s Athletic for a reported initial fee of £1.6m and signed a deal that will see him move in January 2026 on a five-year contract.

The unusual timing of the move is due to Brexit-related regulations.

Melia was previously on trial at Manchester City and reportedly had interest from Arsenal.

Chelsea, Everton, Celtic and Bayer Leverkusen were also linked.

Spurs also bolstered their youth ranks with Luca Furnell-Gill from Liverpool, Daniel Batty from Manchester City, and Reiss Russell-Denney from Chelsea, all joining this window.

Prior to this move the record stood at £500,000 when Celtic bought Liam Scales from Shamrock Rovers in 2021.

The 17-year-old made his senior debut for St Patrick’s Athletic in May 2023 and later became the youngest scorer in league history aged 15.

The centre forward has appeared 54 times for the Irish club with 10 goals and three assists to his name.

He was a regular in the squad last season as St Pats progressed to the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.

“Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work,” Kenny told the club's website,” said St Pat’s manager Stephen Kenny.

“He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.

“Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country.”

Melia has been a regular in the youth age groups for the Republic of Ireland, representing them at the 2023 European Under-17 Championship finals. He earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad in October, 2024.

Melia embodies what it means to be a modern day striker. Being able to drop deep and link up with teammates or drive with confidence at the opposition.

Speaking about Melia, St Pat’s sporting director Ger O’Brien said: “When we recruited Mason in 2022 we knew we had signed an incredible talent. We had watched his development with St Joseph's Boys and Bray Wanderers for a number of years.

“He has been fantastic during his three years at the club, and we're delighted for Mason that he'll be making the move to the Premier League early next year.

“Mason has really developed, technically, physically and mentally and I'd like to thank all of the coaches who have worked with him in our Academy and also with the First Team over the last three years.

“There has been a lot of interest in Mason from the UK and Europe over the last number of years and our Chairman has been negotiating this deal for a number of months, it's a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player and something the club is proud of.”

In regards to the senior team, 19-year-old striker Mathys Tel joined on loan from Bayern Munich to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s injury ridden side alongside goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Harry Kane has outlined what Bayern Munich teammate Mathys Tel needs from his next club amid continued Premier League interest.

The England captain's former side Tottenham were among the teams interested in a move for Tel before Monday's deadline.

They had been working overtime to persuade the 19-year-old to join them amid competition from rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

However, talkSPORT revealed earlier this week that Tel had rejected the opportunity to sign for Ange Postecoglou's outfit.

Kane, who had already talked up the France Under-21 international to Jamie Redknapp, has now sent a message to the player directly.

The Three Lions skipper urged Tel to carefully consider his options if he is to leave the Allianz Arena before the winter window shuts.

Speaking to reporters after Saturday's 4-3 win over Holstein Kiel, Kane said: "Mathys is a great young player.

"I've worked with him for 18 months. He has a lot of potential, works and trains hard. He can still improve, but he has the right mindset.

"My advice is wherever he goes, he should make sure he gets game time and experience."

Tel, who has featured in just eight Bundesliga games so far this season, was left out of Bayern's squad for their latest victory.

His departure hasn't been accepted as a foregone conclusion, though, with sporting director Christoph Freund admitting that the teenager could remain in Bavaria.

"There has been a lot going on with the boy in the last few days – he is only 19 years old," Freund told Sky Sports Germany.

"Yesterday we decided together with him that his head is full and that it therefore makes no sense for him to be in the squad today. But that doesn’t mean anything.

"It’s quite possible that he’ll still be a Bayern Munich player on Tuesday.

"He’s undecided. There’s been a lot going on with him in the last few days and he should now take his time to think things through."

With Kane leading the line at Bayern, Tel has struggled to impose himself in Vincent Kompany's pecking order.

He scored ten goals and assisted six times last season but has failed to open his account this campaign.

Tel has only played 458 minutes this campaign and is yet to play more than 65 minutes in a game.

Tottenham meanwhile are scrambling to sign a new forward following Tel's rejection, having also missed out to Juventus on PSG's Randal Kolo Muani.

As reported by finance expert Stefan Borson on talkSPORT, Spurs could splash £180m and still not break financial regulations.

Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens has admitted his regret following a comment about Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

The O's boss had seen his team lose 1-0 to fellow League One play-off hopefuls Stockport County.

And after the match he had been asked if injuries had played a part in the defeat, with Sean Clare and Omar Beckles absent.

He responded: "I'm not Ange Postecoglou who will keep using it as an excuse."

The clip soon went viral with Tottenham fans furious at the lack of respect shown by the Orient boss.

Spurs currently have two players out on loan with the O's with Josh Keeley starring in goal and Jamie Donley who has been key in their recent form with five goals and six assists.

Some supporters immediately demanded those players should be recalled due to the commnets.

"Unprofessional to a high degree imo," said one.

While another added: "Recall our players back."

And a third said: "And we should cut all ties with them for the foreseeable future."

The two clubs have had good relations for many years with several loans taking place, including one for Harry Kane in 2011, which helped kick-start his incredible career.

The clubs also kept strong ties after the death of ex-Leyton Orient manager and Tottenham League Cup winner Justin Edinburgh.

And currently Tottenham Women play the majority of their home games at Brisbane Road too.

Quickly Wellens returned with an swift and unerring apology.

“After today’s game, I was asked about the injuries within our squad and, without thinking, I made a stupid comment about Tottenham Hotspur," he said on Orient's official website.

“That comment was brought to my attention later in the evening and having watched my interview back I am deeply embarrassed and regret what I said.

“At Leyton Orient, we have a strong relationship with Tottenham Hotspur and it was never my intention to say anything that would jeopardise that. Their manager, Ange Postecoglou, is a world-class coach and I want to apologise for my comments and wish Spurs all the very best for the second half of the season.”

After the 1-0 loss, Orient now sit sixth in the League One table.

They have 44 points, 15 points off second place Wycombe Wanderers, as they occupy the final play-off place.

Championship club Burnley are close to signing winger Marcus Edwards from Sporting Lisbon, talkSPORT understands.

Edwards is set to join the Clarets on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season with an obligation to buy for around £8million if they are promoted to the Premier League.

Talks are at an advanced stage ahead of the transfer deadline at 11pm on Monday night.

And it is understood that Edwards is flying over to Burnley having been given permission by Sporting to undergo a medical.

The stunning move would see Burnley boss Scott Parker reunited with Tottenham academy graduate Edwards after their paths crossed at Spurs.

The 26-year-old Sporting winger spent 13 years at Tottenham but never made a Premier League appearance.

Edwards joined Tottenham's academy at the age of eight and signed his first professional contract with the north London club in 2016.

He only went onto make one appearance for Tottenham's senior team before moving to Portugal for around £6m.

Parker played at Tottenham for two years from 2011 until 2013, during which time Edwards was still part of the academy.

It has been claimed their pre-existing relationship was a significant factor in persuading Edwards to joining Burnley.

Edwards is now a player with Champions League pedigree and has previously been linked with Premier League clubs such as Everton.

Edwards has represented England at every level from Under-16 to Under-20s.

In 120 games for Sporting, he has scored 24 goals and assisted 26 times.

He played for two years under Ruben Amorim, impressing in Europe and winning the Primeira Liga title in the 2023/24 season, before the manager took over at Manchester United.

However, since Amorim was replaced by Rui Borges, Edwards has fallen down the pecking order in Lisbon.

Questions have been asked of the player's commitment and Borges recently left him out of the Champions League squad to face Bologna with little explanation.

If Edwards joins Burnley permanently, is understood Tottenham would be entitled to a sell-on clause as part of the deal which saw Edwards sold to Sporting in 2019.

In January 2023, Sporting acquired a further 15 per cent of Edwards' economic rights from Tottenham when Pedro Porro was initially loaned and then bought by the north London side.

Edwards is now thought to be valued at around £7million.

Burnley are currently third in the Championship, one point off the automatic promotion places and three points off top, having conceded only nine goals in 29 matches this season.

Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has rejected a move to Tottenham, talkSPORT understands.

It means Spurs have been dealt a bitter blow late in the January window as Tel decided to snub a switch to North London.

They had been working overtime to persuade the 19-year-old to join them amid interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United.

The fact that they were willing to bring Tel in on a permanent deal was appealing to Bayern and the move was agreed, but the final decision came down to the player.

And unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham, Tel was not keen on the move and won't be joining the club.

On Wednesday evening, after a 3-1 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava, Tel stayed behind for what seemed to be his final goodbye to Bayern fans.

Meanwhile, for their game on Saturday against Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga, he's not expected to be part of the German giants' squad.

“He has said he would like to leave,” said Bayern sporting director Max Eberl. “Now we have to think about whether we will do it and what we will do.”

It's clear that Tottenham won't be his destination but reports claim that a loan move to another club could still be on the cards.

As many as seven clubs are said to be trying to sign Tel before the window closes on Monday night.

Among them are Spurs' top-flight rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United, as well as Aston Villa.

But Tottenham were pushing the hardest, with technical director Johan Lange going to Bavaria to convince the Frenchman of a move.

However, despite the effort, the deal has come crashing down.

With Harry Kane ahead in Vincent Kompany's pecking order, Tel has struggled for minutes despite showing promise.

He scored ten goals and assisted six times last season but has struggled to replicate that form with the Frenchman yet to score this term.

Tel has only played 458 minutes this campaign and is yet to play more than 65 minutes in a game.

But after missing out on him, Spurs remain desperate to sign a new forward before the transfer window closes after missing out to Juventus on PSG's Randal Kolo Muani.

As reported by finance expert Stefan Borson on talkSPORT, Spurs could splash £180m and still not break financial regulations.

Postecoglou’s side continue to struggle amid a host of crippling injuries, currently sitting 15th in the Premier League.

They face Brentford on Sunday afternoon before full focus turns to their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

The club will want to have a new striker by that time after the transfer window closes on Monday night.

It won't be Tel, so they are going to have to assess their options.

One of their back-up strikers, youngster Will Lankshear, has left the club on loan for the rest of the season.

So that leaves them with even shorter options up top.

There is also a shortage at the back for Spurs after injuries ran through almost all of their key defenders.

talkSPORT understands that they are now in talks with AC Milan over a late move for England defender Fikayo Tomori.

It remains unclear whether the former Chelsea centre-back would agree to the move though.

Tomori has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, - including Newcastle, West Ham and Brentford.

It comes after he has fallen out of favour at the San Siro.

Raul may be Real Madrid's biggest legend - but he could have become a Tottenham hero had it not been for club chairman Daniel Levy.

The 47-year-old is regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation following a glittering 21-year professional career.

No player in Los Blancos' history has featured more times for the club than Raul, who played in 741 matches from 1994-2010.

He is also third in Real's all-time scoring charts with 323 strikes - with only Cristiano Ronaldo [450] and Karim Benzema [354] finding the back of the net on more occasions.

His knack in front of goal failed to wane towards the end of his Madrid career, banging in 23 times in all competitions during the 2007/08 season.

Incidentally, that campaign saw Tottenham end their nine-year trophy drought by lifting the League Cup at Chelsea's expense under the tutelage of Juande Ramos.

That trophy - Spurs' only piece of silverware this century - was supposed to be the springboard for continued success.

The 2008 summer window saw the north London outfit bring in midfielder Luka Modric and striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

And Raul has revealed he held talks with Ramos to become their next high-profile star with the 2009 winter transfer window on the horizon.

Spurs were in the market for a new centre-forward having sold fan favourite Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United.

And Raul - then 31 - was open for a new challenge in England, where he would have competed with Pavlyuchenko, Darren Bent and Robbie Keane up top.

However, having guided Spurs to their worst ever start to a league campaign after picking up just two points from their opening eight games, Levy axed Ramos after 12 months in the dugout, with Harry Redknapp swiftly replacing him.

As luck would have it, Ramos, who shared the same agent as Raul, was then snapped up by Real in December 2008 - winning ten of his first 12 matches.

He was lauded by Raul for turning around Real's fortunes, while the legendary striker also divulged just how close he came to joining Spurs.

Speaking to Digital Plus in February 2009, Raul said: "Four months ago, Juande and I had a meal with Gines Carvajal, who is our agent and a friend of mine.

"They called me because I like English football and I wanted Juande to tell me about his experience of Tottenham and of The Premier League.

"He is a football man and speaking with him is a pleasure.

"A chain of events meant that he was sacked and then Madrid were interested in him.

"The fact that we share the same agent led to unfortunate interpretations.

"Juande is a winning coach and he has proved that he is good enough to manage Real Madrid."

When Raul decided to leave Real in 2010, Tottenham were touted as as one of his destinations.

Fuelling rumours, Raul stated at the time: "My future lies in Germany or England."

In the end, he decided to make the move to join Schalke on a free transfer

Raul eventually remained at Real until 2010 - scoring 40 goals in 98 games - helping them lift both the DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup.

Moves to Qatar and America followed at Al Sadd and New York Cosmos, before he decided to hang up his boots in 2015.

A true legend of the game, Raul has left a lasting legacy during his lengthy stay the Bernabeu.

He was part of the Real squad that scooped three Champions League crowns in five years.

The 102-cap Spain international scored in both the 2000 and 2002 final victories over Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

He also won six LaLiga titles - winning the Pichichi Trophy in both 1999 and 2001 for being the division's leading scorer.

But the question mark will always remain over whether he would have sealed his place in Spurs folklore had Ramos have been given more time by the board.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a tough season and no matter if Ange Postecoglou stays or goes all eyes are on the north London side to see how they get out of the rut they're in.

As Spurs now sit 15th in the table they face a potential relegation battle if they don't bounce back and talkSPORT BET have boosted the odds on a bottom three finish.

talkSPORT BET BOOST: Tottenham to finish bottom 3 - NOW 20/1

Add to your betslip HERE

talkSPORT BET - Bet £10 get £30 in free bets - CLAIM HERE*

Tottenham are still in a great position for two trophies this season, which hasn't quite aligned to their Premier League form.

They sit comfortably in the knockout spots in the Europa League while they have one foot in the final of the League Cup, as they have a 1-0 lead going into the second leg of the Semi-Final against Liverpool next week.

Losses to Leicester City and Everton have ramped up the pressure on the Tottenham manager who could be given more time to turn things around having started the season pretty well.

Thursday night sees them take on Elfsborg in the final Europa League game of the league phase of the competition.

A win would cement their top eight finish but another shock result could force a play-off finish meaning another game to add on against their already injury-stricken side.

The lack of European football next season would be a huge loss so they need to get a win at home on Thursday to help their cause.

In the league, it's looking more dire though as they've lost to two teams below them and sit eight points above the relegation zone.

Spurs have scored a staggering 46 goals this season, 27 more than Everton who sit just one point below them.

Tottenham 2024/25 odds

Premier League - Top 4 finish: 250/1

Premier League - Top 6 finish: 50/1

Premier League - Top Half finish: 3/1

Premier League - Bottom 3 finish: 20/1

EFL Cup winner: 5/1

FA Cup winner: 16/1

Europa League winner: 9/2

talkSPORT BET - Bet £10 get £30 in free bets - CLAIM HERE*

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing

Only gambles with money they can afford to lose

Never chase their losses

Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed

GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

*18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly

Tottenham's stance on Ange Postecoglou hasn't changed, talkSPORT understands.

It is understood the club's board remain behind the embattled Australian despite a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on Sunday.

However, should Tottenham change their minds, assistant coach Ryan Mason stepping up as the interim boss remains a strong possibility.

Should that situation transpire, it would mark Mason's third stint as Tottenham's caretaker manager.

The 33-year-old first stepped in following Jose Mourinho's sacking in April 2021.

Mason was thrown into the deep end as he led Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in just his second game in charge.

Unfortunately the Tottenham academy product could not end the club's trophy drought as City prevailed 1-0.

Mason ultimately finished his first caretaker stint with a record of four wins and three losses.

He stepped in once again after Cristian Stellini had departed following Antonio Conte's axing in March 2023.

Mason's record during that spell was less successful as he won twice, drew once and lost three games.

The 33-year-old was also heavily linked with his first full-time managerial role earlier this season at Anderlecht.

However, the Belgian giants and Mason mutually decided not to go ahead with the appointment.

The calls for Mason come amid Tottenham suffering their 13th loss in the league this term as the result left the north London outfit languishing in 15th, one point and one place ahead of Everton.

What made the loss all the more humiliating was the fact Leicester were winless in their last eight league matches and had lost seven on the bounce.

But goals from Jamie Vardy and Bilal El Khannouss after Richarlison opened the scoring for the hosts gave the Foxes a much-needed boost to snap their horror streak.

As for Tottenham, the stats behind their recent run are damning.

Since the beginning of December, only Southampton have lost more games (nine) than Postecoglou's side (eight).

However, a mitigating circumstance amid Tottenham's dire run is the fact they have been ravaged by injuries.

Key trio Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined with injuries while midfielder James Maddison was absent from Sunday's defeat.

Despite the ever-growing casualty ward, Tottenham picked up a midweek victory in the Europa League away to Hoffenheim to keep the boo boys at bay, at least momentarily.

But Tottenham fans made their displeasure known following the Leicester defeat, with one supporter particularly angry as they shouted at the Australian: "You're taking us down, we're going down with you."

Former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara also voiced his frustrations regarding the state of the team and believes the club is opting to stick with Postecoglou rather than twist because they're 'scared of making a change.'

"You can't keep sticking with a manager when you've got relegation form, just because of who's going to come in," O'Hara said on talkSPORT Breakfast.

"That's your job as the chairman to find a manager to come in.

"There's plenty of great young managers out there, plenty of coaches all across Europe that would love to have the opportunity to manage Spurs.

"I feel like we're just sticking with Ange Postecoglou because we're scared of making a change."

Postecoglou is under no illusions he is under the pump either.

"I'm a football manager and I get judged on results, that is the way of the world," Postecoglou said following the defeat.

Tottenham will be back in front of their own fans on Thursday as they welcome Swedish side IF Elfsborg for a Europa League clash.

Another loss could prove to be one too many for Postecoglou.

Down to a McA-tee

Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race to sign James McAtee from Manchester City, talkSPORT understands.

TalkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has confirmed Xabi Alonso's side have made no formal offer for the England starlet yet.

City and manager Pep Guardiola's preference is to retain the 22-year-old, who has scored one goal in six Premier League appearances.

However, the reigning champions have always adopted a fair stance of allowing players to leave if they push for a transfer.

TalkSPORT revealed earlier this month that Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart are all keen on a move for McAtee.

McAtee, who came through City's academy, scored a hat-trick in their FA Cup third-round 8-0 win over Salford City.

Police investigate threats made to referee Oliver

Police are investigating threats and abuse aimed at referee Michael Oliver following Arsenal's game against Wolves on Saturday.

The PGMOL - the body responsible for refereeing professional games in England - said they were appalled by the vitriol Oliver has received over his decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly during their 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

The PGMOL have since released a statement condemning abuse that has been sent to Oliver following the decision.

"We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture," the PGMOL said.

"No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.

"The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced. We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.

"Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times. We will continue to support all investigations."

On a cliffe edge

Angry Manchester United fans confronted Sir Jim Ratcliffe to express their anger at the rising ticket prices.

The Man United minority shareholder was in attendance for the 1-0 victory over Fulham in west London.

But instead of enjoying the game, Ratcliffe's ears were left burning after listening to derogatory chants from the away fans throughout.

Fans at Craven Cottage could be heard chanting "Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe's a c***," and "£66, taking the p***again."

That was then followed after the match when some Red Devils' fans approached a car in which Ratcliffe was travelling

The supporters could be heard saying: "66 f***ing quid, you're taking the p***.

Rube Awakening

Ruben Amorim suggested he'd pick Manchester United's 63-year-old goalkeeping coach ahead of Marcus Rashford.

The Red Devils got back to winning ways in the Premier League by edging out Fulham 1-0 in an uninspiring clash at Craven Cottage.

It was the seventh time in the last eight Premier League matches Rashford wasn't selected by Amorim.

Amorim admitted that Man United's performance lacked the pace Rashford possesses in abundance, but added that he'd rather select his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than any player who wasn't willing to pull their weight.

When asked about Rashford's absence, Amorim said: “It’s always the same reason. The reasons is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. In training, in life and it’s every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.

"It’s the same situation for every player. If you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player."

"And you can see it today on the bench – we miss a little bit of pace to go, to change the game, to move some pieces but I prefer like that.

"I will put Vital before I put a player that don’t give the maximum every day so I will not change in that."

Evan Almighty

TalkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook has delivered the latest news surrounding the future of Evan Ferguson.

Brighton's out-of-favour Irishman is Graham Potter's first choice for the striker's berth at West Ham, talkSPORT understands.

The pair previously worked together during Potter's time at the Seagulls and that is why the Hammers believe they have the edge.

However, West Ham face competition from as many as half a dozen clubs, which could even include Arsenal.

The Gunners are on the hunt for extra firepower and might consider a loan deal.

Bournemouth have also made an inquiry, with Everton among the other clubs keeping tabs on the 20-year-old.

Brighton will leave Ferguson's future until late in the window, with Danny Welbeck's injury history a factor in sanctioning any exit.

Ferguson himself has been struggling with an ankle problem and has scored just one goal in 12 Premier League outings this season.