Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including Xavi's alleged desire to buy Raheem Sterling should he take over at Barcelona, Joe Gomez's frustration over game time and Thomas Meunier's apparent dig at PSG teammate Neymar. Scroll down for more!
Martin O'Neill linked with Stoke job
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Ex-Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has been linked with a move to Stoke City should the club decide to part company with manager Nathan Jones. The Potters are enduring a dismal start to their season, having taken just two points from their first eight Championship games and being knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two Crawley Town in midweek. Other names in the frame include Chris Hughton, Tony Pulis and Phil Neville.
Xavi 'would want Sterling at Barcelona'
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Xavi has reportedly earmarked Manchester City's Raheem Sterling as his dream signing in the event that the Barcelona legend becomes manager of the Catalan side. Current boss Ernesto Valverde is under some pressure following Barca's lacklustre start to the season, leading to speculation that he could be dismissed in the near future. According to the Daily Mail, Xavi is a big admirer of Sterling - linked with Real Madrid over the summer - and would be willing to spend as much as £150m to land his signature.
Meunier aims dig at teammate Neymar?
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Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier has appeared to criticise Neymar by describing some of his teammates as "superstars". The Brazilian was linked with a big-money return to Barcelona, as well as a move to rivals Real Madrid, over the summer window but a deal failed to materialise and he instead stayed put in the French capital.
"We do not take a goal, the opponents are very dangerous, we have good communication," Meunier is quoted as saying by talkSPORT. "And transfers, masterful, Gueye, Herrera – they are 'club men', players fighting, not superstars, people who know what they have to do on the field. Marketing is important, but I prefer to play with ten guys who have a leg of wood than ten superstars, because they will give everything."
Carles Puyol rejects Barcelona return
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Barcelona legend Carles Puyol has turned down an offer to return to the club in the capacity of general manager following Pep Segura's departure from the role over the summer. The 41-year-old wrote on Twitter: "After thinking about it a lot I decided not to accept the club's offer. It was not an easy decision. I always said I would like to return to the place I consider my home, but various personal projects I find myself immersed in at the moment would stop me from giving the exclusive dedication this role deserves."
Ranieri in line for Saint-Etienne job?
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Leicester City legend Claudio Ranieri has been linked with a return to Ligue 1 to take over at struggling Saint-Etienne. Current boss Ghislain Printant is close to the axe after a run that has seen the side fail to win since the opening day of the Ligue 1 season. Ranieri managed Nantes in 2017-18 following his axe from the Foxes and most recently had a caretaker spell in charge of Roma at the tail end of last season.
Eros Grezda closing on Rangers exit?
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Out-of-favour Rangers winger Eros Grezda has interest from two Qatari clubs and could complete his Ibrox exit this weekend, according to the Daily Record. Gers boss Steven Gerrard is said to have told Grezda he will never play for the side again after he allegedly spat at an opposition player during a Colts game last week. Qatari champs Al Sadd, as well as rivals Al-Rayyan, are said to be interested in him but only have until Monday evening to get a deal done before the local transfer window closes.
Joe Gomez admits Liverpool frustration
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Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has admitted frustration at his limited opportunities to play for the high-flying side. The 22-year-old has played second fiddle to Joel Matip as partner for Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Reds defence but did start in the side's EFL Cup win at MK Dons in midweek.
"Obviously I have not been playing and obviously every footballer wants to be playing," he told reporters after the game. "At the same time I understand that we are the European champions and the lads are doing very well at the minute so all I can do is keep my head down, keep working hard in training and keep waiting for the right time. Until then, I have to keep working hard. You cannot sit there and be down. You have to stay positive and do yourself justice when the time comes. You need to show the good attitude otherwise you will do yourself harm."
Watford keen on Brescia defender?
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Watford had scouts in attendance to watch Brescia defender Andreas Cistana in action against Juventus on Tuesday night, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The 22-year-old has been an ever-present in Serie A so far this season, scoring one goal, and is also being tracked by La Liga side Villarreal.
Neil Wilkes
