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Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has provided an update on Brendan Rodgers’ future at Leicester City.

The Lowdown: International break rumours

The Foxes headed into the international break rock bottom of the Premier League with six defeats from seven.

A 6-2 defeat to Spurs led to speculation of Rodgers being sacked during the international break, with Fabrizio Romano stating there would be internal discussions at The King Power Stadium.

As we know, Rodgers is still in charge, with reports suggesting that it could cost the club £10m in compensation to part ways with the Northern Irishman.

The Latest: Sheth’s comments

Talking to GiveMeSport, Sheth said he’s been ‘told’ by a ‘source’ that it will actually be ‘very difficult’ for the club to part ways with Rodgers due to their ‘financial issues’.

“One source has told me that it will be very difficult to actually sack Brendan Rodgers anyway because Leicester have got a lot of financial issues, which Brendan Rodgers even alluded to during the transfer window.

“We all know what happened with Leicester during the transfer window as well. Even though they brought in so much money by selling Wesley Fofana and getting Kasper Schmeichel’s wages off the bill, they only brought in one outfield player for a cost of around £12-15million. It was a really, really quiet transfer window as far as Leicester are concerned.”

The Verdict: Final life?

The Foxes only recently escaped sanctions from UEFA regarding financial fair play, so their off-field worries may have saved Rodgers’ job.

However, if there are no immediate improvements, then the club may decide to pull the plug no matter what the cost, leaving Rodgers on his final life.

The likes of Sean Dyche, Thomas Frank and Rafael Benitez have all been linked as possible Rodgers replacements, but it seems as if he’ll be in the dugout against Nottingham Forest next Monday.

Arsenal have been handed a potential boost in their bid to bring Leandro Trossard to The Emirates in the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In a recent interview with BBC’s Monday Night Club (via The Mirror), the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder refused to rule out the possibility of a move away from the AMEX this winter, amid the reported interest of both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Regarding his future on the South Coast, the 27-year-old said: “It’s difficult to say anything about that now, it completely depends on which club would come. If I feel good and things are good on a private level…but I also know how good I am at Brighton, also with new coach Roberto De Zerbi it looks promising.

“I’m a little higher up the pitch now, which gives me more chances to score a goal. And the more chances you get, the more you can score. I think that’s the biggest difference from the last few years.”

Edu must move

Considering just how impressive Trossard has been for Brighton so far this season, should the Belgium international be keen to secure a move away from the Seagulls this winter, it would appear extremely wise for Edu to throw Arsenal’s name in the ring to land the 27-year-old.

Indeed, over his seven Premier League appearances in 2022/23, the £13m-rated talent has been one of the stories of the season, having already scored five goals and registered two assists, as well as taking an average of 2.4 shots – 1.1 of which have hit the target – making 1.7 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £42.5k-per-week forward average a simply stunning SofaScore match rating of 7.40, not only ranking him as De Zerbi’s second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 14th-best performer in the top flight of English football as a whole.

In comparison to the Arsenal squad, the player who Andy Naylor claimed causes “so much damage” and Football Whispers dubbed a “game-changing talent” would rank as their joint top-scorer and fourth-best assist provider, in addition to ranking fourth, fifth and seventh for shots, key passes and dribbles respectively.

As such, while it is true that Arteta is currently blessed with a number of impressive forward-thinking talents, it is nevertheless clear to see that Trossard would make an exceptional addition to the Gunners’ attacking arsenal, leading us to believe that Edu must do all he can to beat Chelsea to the Belgian’s signing this winter.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently still waiting to name a successor to former boss Bruno Lage, following the 46-year-old’s recent sacking, albeit with ex-Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui seemingly the name on everybody’s lips at present.

Whether it is the Spaniard – or another – who takes the reigns at Molineux moving forward remains to be seen, although any new appointment will seemingly be met by an undoubtedly talented squad that is simply underperforming at present.

Among that stellar cast of names is a host of emerging youngsters who could well be set to take on a more prominent role in the years to come, with the likes of Hugo Bueno and Chem Campbell just two of the academy assets to have flirted with the first-team so far this term.

Another figure whom any incoming boss may also be wise to look out for is 20-year-old starlet, Joe Hodge, with the promising midfielder having enjoyed his first taste of life at senior level in the defeat to Chelsea at the weekend.

Thrust into the fray at half-time by the interim pairing of Steve Davis and James Collins for that meeting at Stamford Bridge, the Republic of Ireland youth international hardly looked overawed by the occasion, producing a composed display in the centre of the park alongside the experienced Joao Moutinho.

While the hosts were seemingly already in control upon the playmaker’s introduction to the game, having held a one-goal advantage heading in at the break, the youngster was still able to shine against such elite opposition, offering a “bit of a threat” to Graham Potter’s side, in the words of pundit Paul Corry.

The Manchester-born starlet was also notably lauded for his performance against the Blues by journalist Liam Keen, who stated on Twitter: “Joe Hodge should be proud of his first 45 minutes for Wolves’ first team. Tenacious, brave and technical.”

The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani also tipped the diminutive ace to take on a greater role under the new boss, whoever it may be, writing that: ‘he looks like a player to whom Wolves’s next manager – expected by most to be Julen Lopetegui – should give more minutes in the coming weeks and months.’

That glowing assessment is a marker of the former Manchester City man’s obvious quality, having notably caught the eye in the club’s U21 ranks so far this term after netting twice in the EFL Trophy triumph over Shrewsbury Town at the end of August.

A former winner of the Scholar of the Year award during his time with City – whom he left to join the Old Gold last summer – Hodge is clearly a player to keep an eye on moving forward, with a permanent promotion to the first-team likely to see any new manager save themselves millions.

Journalist Dean Jones has been left excited by some ‘really serious’ potential Tottenham Hotspur Stadium naming rights news.

The Lowdown: Spurs in ‘meaningful’ Google talks…

As reliably reported, the Premier League giants are in ‘meaningful talks’ with technological giant Google over a mega-money naming rights deal.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been aiming to secure a blockbuster off-field agreement since the club moved to their state-of-the-art new ground in 2019, with the likes of Amazon and Nike previously linked with a possible naming rights agreement.

To this effect, the north Londoners even hired former NFL executive Todd Kline, who has a wonderful track record with such deals, having helped the Miami Dolphins to secure their own agreement at one stage.

The Latest: Jones excited by ‘really serous’ potential stadium deal…

Jones has been left excited by the prospect of Spurs agreeing a deal with Google over the lucrative naming rights for their stadium.

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Speaking to GiveMeSport, he claims that it would be a seminal moment for Tottenham’s finances, stating: “It would be a really serious moment for the club, because you start to wonder, on the back of a matchup like that, what else could become possible both on and off the pitch?”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Spurs could be line for a real financial windfall if they team up with a stadium sponsor, and we believe that reaching an agreement with a ubiquitous brand name like Google is among Levy’s most serious priorities right now.

The stadium was a drain financially during the pandemic, with the club accumulating real debt as supporters were not allowed to attend matches for almost a year.

If Google and Spurs can shake hands over the naming rights sponsorship, it could hand the north London club a much-needed boost economically after posting massive losses in recent times.

Leeds United will be desperate to return to winning ways today, and there is a clear move that Jesse Marsch can make to boost his chances of securing all three points tenfold.

For their midweek loss against Leicester City, the American opted to start Jack Harrison on the bench in favour of youngsters Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra.

The former, an academy graduate, failed to make his mark despite being handed the full 90 minutes culminating in a 6.4 SofaScore rating.

However, the Columbian is now relied upon heavily in the absence of Raphinha. It stings more when he puts in such underwhelming displays, as he achieved the same rating as the youngster.

Now that that experiment can be chalked up as a failure, Marsch must return his tried and tested speedster, Harrison, to his left flank.

The 25-year-old has maintained a respectable start to this campaign, with one goal and three assists in his opening ten Premier League games.

Harrison has been a mainstay in the Whites side across his various loan spells and subsequent permanent addition, having featured 176 times, scoring 29 and assisting 25.

Last season in particular, he stood up when his side needed him most, scoring the last-minute goal against Brentford to send the travelling fans into raptures as it secured their status in the top-flight.

He has been a constant threat when featuring, having been labelled “fast” and “dynamic” by journalist Callum Williams.

That kind of threat makes him akin to an old-school winger, who can beat a man and put in a wicked delivery.

This season, the £15k-per-week man is averaging 2.1 key passes per game, as well as successfully completing 1.1 crosses per match.

With Patrick Bamford now back in the lineup, he will hopefully be able to start feasting off his creativity.

Bringing Harrison back in could reignite a Leeds side that has won just once in seven league games.

They certainly need something, and perhaps the dynamism aforementioned could be just what is needed to spark the rest of the side into action – especially when they currently sit 16th, only out of the relegation zone due to goal difference.

Marsch needs a spark, and with so much talent in one man patiently waiting on the bench, he must now be unleashed against Fulham.

West Ham United are back in action at home to Bournemouth this evening, with David Moyes’ side looking to pick their first Premier League win since defeating another newly-promoted outfit in the form of Fulham just over two weeks ago.

The Hammers have since been held away to Southampton and been narrowly defeated by Liverpool at Anfield, ensuring that the east Londoners are now 12 points worse off than they were at the same stage last season, following an underwhelming start to the current campaign.

The most recent outing against the Reds saw Jarrod Bowen’s penalty miss ultimately prove costly as the visitors were unable to draw themselves level following Darwin Nunez’s opener, with Tomas Soucek also being denied late on by James Milner.

Amid that potential frustration for Moyes and co, one notable bright spark was that of substitute Said Benrahma, with the fleet-footed winger having produced a “promising cameo” after entering the fray around the hour mark, in the words of The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas.

The former Brentford man notably boasted a 100% pass accuracy rate off the bench against Jurgen Klopp’s side, while also coming close to drawing his side level after firing his effort straight at opposition stopper Alisson at the back post.

While that missed chance has perhaps epitomised the forward’s season thus far – having scored just twice in all competitions – the £22.5m-rated ace may simply be in need of a more consistent run in the side, having been routinely restricted to substitute appearances of late.

The electric gem has only started three Premier League games so far this season – with his only 90-minute outing coming against Nottingham Forest back in early August – with that fact somewhat explaining his inability to find his form so far this term.

Moyes has only recently suggested that the club do “trust” the Algerian international to make an impact, although it remains to be seen if that faith will lead to further chances for the winger moving forward, particularly with playmaker Lucas Paqueta currently sidelined.

In need of a magic touch to replace the Brazilian, Benrahma could well be that figure, having showcased his quality last term after netting eight times in the top flight alone.

On the basis of that undoubted talent – as well as his bright showing in midweek – the 27-year-old simply “deserves to start” tonight, as per the aforementioned Thomas.

Celtic midfielder David Turnbull has to consider making a loan move elsewhere in January to earn more playing time, according to Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Turnbull struggling for minutes

The 23-year-old is a brilliantly gifted footballer but he has really struggled to nail down regular minutes under Ange Postecoglou so far this season.

Turnbull only has four starts to his name in the Scottish Premiership in 2022/23 to date, with other midfielders simply preferred to him in most games.

It could be that a temporary switch during the second half of the season makes sense – that’s certainly the opinion of one former Celtic hero.

The Latest: McAvennie talks up loan move

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie admitted that Turnbull should consider a temporary move in January:

“I do not think he is going to get in the team. He will get his bit part. I like him, I think he is a wonderful talent, he just does not have the pace that other people have got. He stops things and slows things down and I don’t think that is Ange’s way.

“He has got to get more game time and as a player that is really up to him. I am assuming Ange will tell him he is not going to get game time. That is a discussion only they can have.

“It is down to Turnbull and what his ambitions are and what he wants to do. He has got to play to get in the Scotland team. I think he should go on loan for six months if he wants to play.”

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The Verdict: Best decision for all parties

It is a frustrating situation for Turnbull, without question, with the Scot arguably one of Celtic’s most talented youngsters, having been hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Alan Hutton in the past.

As McAvennie alludes to, however, the youngster arguably lacks the physicality to be the right fit in Ange’s high-intensity style at the moment, which is why he is struggling to make his mark.

For that reason, joining another team on loan does feel like the best option for everyone concerned, allowing him to be a key man there and hopefully come back a more rounded player next summer.

The best spell of Jason Puncheon’s footballing career was undoubtedly at Crystal Palace and he will rightly be remembered fondly by Eagles fans.

However, with the 36-year-old now struggling for consistent form in Cyprus, it seems clear that Steve Parish got rid of the midfielder at the perfect time.

After an impressive career in the lower leagues with spells at Barnet, MK Dons, Plymouth Argyle and Southampton, Puncheon earned his Premier League breakthrough with Blackpool in the 2010/11 campaign.

Another less successful loan spell with QPR would follow before the Englishman starred for Southampton in the Premier League the following season, contributing five goals and six assists for the Saints in 32 top-flight appearances in 2012/13.

Somehow, despite his impressive displays on the South Coast, Palace were able to sign Puncheon initially on loan in 2013, with the versatile winger arriving as a replacement for Manchester United-bound Wilfried Zaha.

Following an impressive start to life at Selhurst Park, his move was made permanent in January 2014, and he would go on to notch seven goals and four assists in his first full season with the club.

The 2014/15 campaign was arguably Puncheon’s best in a Palace shirt as he managed six goals and seven assists in the Premier League, so it was no surprise when manager Alan Pardew sang his praises in 2015 after rewarding him with a new four-year deal.

He said: “Since I’ve come in halfway through Puncheon has been the best player. I’ve given him more responsibility than he’s ever had. He’s made himself the intelligence of the team.”

Another two strong seasons as a regular would follow but by 2017/18, Puncheon’s influence on the team was clearly dwindling, as he made just ten appearances in the Premier League.

After just eight minutes of action in the top flight for Palace in the 2018/19 campaign, the veteran midfielder spent the second half of the season on loan at Huddersfield Town before his release from Selhurst Park, which was a sad way to end an excellent career with the Eagles.

Puncheon made the move to Cyprus, first with Pafos FC before his move to Anorthosis Famagusta during the summer. Given that he has no goals and one assist for his new side thus far, it seems clear that Palace’s decision to release him in 2019 was the right one.

Journalist Sam Dean hailed William Saliba’s ‘dominant performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 win away to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Massive win for Gunners

The Gunners faced a huge trip to Stamford Bridge, in what was a major test of their title credentials, not soon after their midweek Europa League commitments.

After a dour first half, Gabriel fired the visitors in front from close range after an inswinging Bukayo Sakah corner, leading to scenes of joy in the away end.

It was an enormous three points for Arsenal, as they returned to the top of the table.

The Latest: Journalist lauds Saliba

Taking to Twitter, Dean praised Saliba’s impact at Stamford Bridge, as he kept Chelsea’s attack quiet:

“Broja’s first one-versus-one battle with Saliba. Saliba wins. He was similarly dominant against Aubameyang in the first half.”

The Verdict: Another superb display

Saliba has been outstanding for Arsenal all season long, looking like a centre-back with a massive future and already proving to be a priceless figure.

Against Chelsea, the Frenchman won two ground duels and enjoyed an 85% pass completion rate, according to Sofascore, as well as winning two tackles.

On this evidence, Saliba will find himself in the Premier League Team of the Season come the end of the campaign, potentially even starting for France at the World Cup, too.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has been left wowed by Liverpool potentially signing Borussia Dortmund and Germany starlet Youssoufa Moukoko.

The Lowdown: Moukoko tracked

It has been reported that the Anfield outfit are ‘tracking’ Moukoko ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.

At just 17 years of age, he has already scored six goals and made six assists for Dortmund this season (Germany squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Latest: Be a ‘great signing’

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan is wowed by the prospect of Moukoko potentially joining the Merseyside club, claiming that he would be a ‘great signing’:

“They need to breathe fresh air into the football club.

“If they can pull this off, they’ll be sorted in attack for the next five years.

“He’s one of the best up-and-coming talents in the world right now and that’s obvious with the fact that he’s going to play in his first World Cup at such a tender age.

“All the signs are good for Liverpool if they can get someone into the club with that stature at such a young age.

“They’ve got to get this transition underway. There are a lot of older players at Liverpool who you can only see lasting another one or two seasons at the top level.

“It’d be a great signing for them and a real positive.

“They’ve got to make their move quick and get something in place now. Otherwise, like we’re seeing with Jude Bellingham – other teams like Man City can steal in and take the lead.”

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The Verdict: Big ask

Having already shone for Dortmund, and set to draw attention in the World Cup, it will be a big ask for Jurgen Klopp’s team to sign Moukoko in January.

The likes of Manchester City have also been linked with his signature, and he is sure to attract plenty of other interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

The Reds are also seven points outside of the UEFA Champions League places this term having not been at their best, and so Moukoko himself may be looking elsewhere for his next big move.

Nonetheless, it could prove to be some coup if they are able to pull a deal off, as Whelan mentions.