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    Man Utd vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Hojlund leads line as Van Nistelrooy looks to continue strong start – updates

    MANCHESTER UNITED take on Chelsea in a huge Premier League clash at Old Trafford.Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue his reign as interim boss despite the appointment of Ruben Amorim earlier this week.The Portuguese coach will begin his new role as Man United head coach during the November international break.Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to life under Enzo Maresca with the Blues losing only to Liverpool and Manchester City after nine Premier League games.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: Sky Sports Main EventLive stream: NOW/Sky Sports appMan Utd team: Onana, Dalot, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Martinez, Casemiro, Ugarte, Rashford, Garnacho, Fernandes, HojlundChelsea team: Sanchez, Gusto, James, Fofana, Colwill, Lavia, Caicedo, Palmer, Neto, Madueke, JacksonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…A chance to go 3rdThe final whistle has just blown at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, and it was a 4-1 in favour of the hosts, who beat down Aston Villa. However, that makes the Premier League table even more interesting, as it gives Chelsea a chance to go 3RD if they can beat Man Utd away from home. The current Premier League top 7 after Spurs beat Aston VillaCopy linkCopiedA bit of extra motivationCole Palmer seems to love playing against Manchester United.A Manchester boy, it seems to make perfect sense. Last season, he sent Stamford Bridge into bedlam with a hat-trick, including goals in the 109th and 110th minute to take home three points against the Red Devils. In fact, he apparently was a boyhood Manchester United fan, so make of the below picture what you will…Cole Palmer was a boyhood Manchester United fanCopy linkCopiedTwo in a row for Reece?Any Chelsea fan, or consistent watcher of The Blues will tell you that if he could stay fit then Reece James would be one of the finest full-backs in world football. Unfortunately for him, and for fans of him and Chelsea, he seems to be made of glass. Every time he returns from injury it seems to be a matter of one or two games before he’s injured again. That said, he played a full 90 minutes against Newcastle and if he can do so again today then Chelsea fans can start to get excited again.Copy linkCopiedA tough one for Chelsea This has been a tough fixture in recent seasons for Chelsea.In fact that doesn’t quite do it justice.Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 11 home league games against Chelsea (W5 D6).Chelsea haven’t won at Old Trafford since a Juan Mata goal saw them win in 2013…Bruno Fernandes has proved a thorn in the side of Chelsea in recent yearsCredit: PACopy linkCopiedEyes on Rasmus Hojlund Ruben Amorim’s arrival will be a big boost for a lot of players, but perhaps none more than Rasmus Hojlund. It has been incredible to see the development of Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting under the Portuguese boss, which has seen him heavily linked with the Red Devils in recent days. But it would sure save Man Utd a whole heap of cash if Ruben Amorim can start seeing a similar pathway with Hojlund. Undoubtedly, the Dane has got the talent to become one of the most prolific strikers in the league – but we have yet to see the best of him. All eyes will be on him today against a Chelsea defence which has been inconsistent at time this season. Copy linkCopiedChelsea’s line upThis is how the Blues line up, with Reece James looking to complete his second full 90 in a row.Chelsea’s starting XI away to Man UtdCopy linkCopiedMan Utd starting XI This is how Man Utd line up at home against ChelseaMan Utd’s starting XICopy linkCopiedA new role for ColeCole Palmer is one of the finest players in world football at the moment, and part of what makes him so good is his versatility. We usually see him playing just inside the right channel, but Enzo Maresca made a clever change in their last Premier League game against Newcastle to get a bit more out of his main man. Palmer actually drifted over to the left side, where he combined really well with Pedro Neto, allowing Malo Gusto to burst down the right and link-up with Noni Madueke. We saw this come into full effect for Nicolas Jackson’s goal, where Palmer played one of the passes of the season into Pedro Neto, who cut it back for the Senegalese striker to finish. He then also slammed home the winner for The Blues, beating Nick Pope at his near post again from the left hand side. Cole Palmer moved out to the left against NewcastleCopy linkCopiedNew manager bounceA term we have gotten used to hearing of late, Chelsea probably feel disappointed that Erik ten Hag was sacked right before they played Man Utd. Typically, a team feels rejuvenated when their manager is sacked, and the new boss brings fresh ideas and life to a team. That seems to be the case at Man Utd right now, as they smashed in five goals against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge. The question is, will it be enough to beat Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea?Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon and welcome to Man Utd vs Chelsea!Enzo Maresca’s Blues have made a fine start to the season, and a win today will take them into fourth place as it stands, just ahead of Nottingham Forest. Chelsea are looking to bounce back from a Carabao Cup exit against Nottingham Forest, in which they started a heavily rotated XI. They are visiting Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Manchester United, who may look to continue their ‘new manager bounce’ since sacking Erik ten Hag. Incoming boss Ruben Amorim will no doubt be watching the game from Portugal, as he prepares to take over one of the biggest and toughest jobs in world football. This has been a tough fixture for Chelsea in recent years, with Cole Palmer saving the day for them against Man Utd last season – smashing in a FOUR goal haul.Kick-off takes place at 4:30pmCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopied More

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    Son Heung-min in X-rated meltdown on Tottenham bench after being left visibly shocked by Postecoglou subbing him off

    SON HEUNG-MIN was left furious after being substituted early in the second half during Tottenham’s clash with Aston Villa.The Spurs captain, 32, returned from injury on Sunday after two weeks on the sideline.Son Heung-min was surprised he had been taken offCredit: GettyHe did embrace manager Ange Postecoglou when he made his way off the pitchCredit: ReutersBut he was visibly furious as he sat down on the benchCredit: Sky SportsHe could be seen saying some X-rated words while watching the gameAnd it was his superb cross which provided the equaliser for Brennan Johnson.But just six minutes later manager Ange Postecoglou replaced him with Richarlison.Son looked stunned as he realised it was his number being shown by the fourth official.He trudged off and acknowledged Postecoglou as he made his way towards the bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the South Korean forward then appeared to swear and kick off when he eventually sat down to watch the remainder of the match.Reacting to the moment, one fan said: “Fans are as surprised as him.”Another added: “He couldn’t believe it.”A third replied: “Bro was in the mood 😂.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMorgan Rogers also seemed annoyed to be coming offCredit: Sky SportsWhile a fourth responded: “Looks so surprised.”Villa forward Morgan Rogers also appeared surprised as he was also taken off in the second half by boss Unai Emery.Chelsea fans LOVE Eden Hazard’s reaction as Blues legend is pranked by barber with Tottenham shirtRogers scored the opening goal of the game and was not happy to be substituted with the scores level.Meanwhile, Postecoglou was proven right with taking Son off as Spurs ended up winning 3-1 thanks to a late brace from Dominic Solanke. More

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    Viktor Gyokeres ‘REJECTS Man Utd as red-hot striker believes Ruben Amorim only positive aspect of chaos club’

    VIKTOR GYOKERES does not want to follow Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, according to reports.The former Coventry and Brighton striker, 26, has been in red-hot form for Sporting.Viktor Gyokeres has been in red-hot form for SportingCredit: RexRuben Amorim will begin work at Man Utd on November 11Credit: GettyAfter Amorim was confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s Old Trafford successor, it was speculated that he could attempt to raid Sporting for Gyokeres next summer.According to Portuguese outlet Record, however, Gyokeres is not keen on the idea.They claim that he has “turned his nose up” at the prospect of joining Man Utd.It’s then added that Gyokeres believes that Amorim’s presence would be the only positive aspect of moving to Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker joined Sporting from Coventry for around £20million in the summer of 2023.He immediately took to life in Portugal, and has been in outrageous form this season.Gyokeres has scored 16 goals in just 10 league appearances this term.The Swede has also bagged Champions League goals against Lille and Strum Graz.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGyokeres scored four times as Sporting routed Estrela Amadora 5-1 in their first match since Amorim’s upcoming exit was confirmed.The new United boss will remain with the Portuguese side until beginning work at Old Trafford on November 11.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben AmorimAfter the game, Gyokeres was asked about the prospect of joining Amorim in Manchester.He said: “I don’t know, I’m here. I really like being here, it’s not something I think about.”I’m enjoying it here.”Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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    Leicester’s hopes of snatching £18m winger from Premier League relegation rival Ipswich faces major hurdles

    LEICESTER will monitor Jack Clarke’s struggles at Ipswich.But they face a fight to do a deal for him this season.Leicester want to sign Jack Clarke despite his struggles at IpswichCredit: GettyThe winger, 23, went to the Tractor Boys for £18million from Sunderland in August.However, he has failed to impress so far at Portman Road.The Foxes are keen on a transfer but Clarke played for the Black Cats at the start of their Championship term.That means he is ruled out of playing for a third club this season, unless it is a loan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Ipswich are unlikely to help a fellow Premier League relegation-battling side by lending out a player.Steve Cooper has Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu as his key, pacey and tricky wingers.Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jordan Ayew, Kasey McAteer and Facundo Buenanotte can all operate out wide, too. But the addition of Clarke could add extra depth to the Leicester attack. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClarke came through at Leeds before signing for Tottenham in 2019.However, he did not make a single Premier League appearance for Spurs and signed for Sunderland in 2022 following a successful loan spell in 2021-22.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsClarke racked up 27 goals in 94 games for the Black Cats – including on the opening day of this season at Cardiff – before his big-money move to Premier League new-boys Ipswich.However, his start to life in Suffolk has not gone according to plan. Five of his eight top-flight appearances have come off the bench and he has registered just one assist and zero goals.In fact, he has not even managed a single shot on target in 335 minutes of football. His latest blank came in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester.Leif Davis’ expert volley put Ipswich in front ten minutes after half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Kalvin Phillips was sent off on 77 minutes for a second yellow card and Jordan Ayew pounced deep into injury time to rescue a point for the Foxes.That left Kieran McKenna’s side in the relegation zone and still looking for their first win – while Leicester are 15th, five points from safety. The winger played and scored for Sunderland earlier this seasonCredit: AlamyTV fixtures in DecemberHere are all the games that will be televised in December…Tuesday 3 December19:30 Ipswich v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Leicester v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)Wednesday 4 December19:30 Everton v Wolves (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Man City v Nott’m Forest (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Newcastle v Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)19:30 Southampton v Chelsea (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Aston Villa v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)Thursday 5 December19:30 Fulham v Brighton (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 AFC Bournemouth v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)Saturday 7 December12:30 Everton v Liverpool (TNT Sports)17:30 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 8 December14:00 Fulham v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Chelsea (Sky Sports)Monday 9 December20:00 West Ham v Wolves (Sky Sports)Saturday 14 December17:30 Nott’m Forest v Aston Villa (Sky Sports)Sunday 15 December14:00 AFC Bournemouth v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Man City v Man Utd (Sky Sports)19:00 Southampton v Spurs (TNT Sports)Monday 16 December20:00 Brighton v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Saturday 21 December12:30 Aston Villa v Man City (TNT Sports)17:30 Crystal Palace v Arsenal (Sky Sports)Sunday 22 December14:00 Fulham v Southampton (Sky Sports)16:30 Spurs v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Thursday 26 December12:30 Man City v Everton (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Chelsea v Fulham (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Nott’m Forest v Spurs (Amazon Prime Video)15:00 Southampton v West Ham (Amazon Prime Video)17:30 Wolves v Man Utd (Amazon Prime Video)20:00 Liverpool v Leicester (Amazon Prime Video)Friday 27 December19:30 Brighton v Brentford (Amazon Prime Video)20:15 Arsenal v Ipswich (Amazon Prime Video)Sunday 29 December14:30 Leicester v Man City (Sky Sports)17:15 West Ham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 30 December20:00 Man Utd v Newcastle (Sky Sports) More

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    Nottingham Forest star ready to snub Leeds interest to seal permanent transfer to the MLS with LAFC

    LEWIS O’BRIEN looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new year — despite a handful of English sides wanting him back home.The midfielder, 26, has a fixed price of £7million agreed with current club Nottingham Forest when his loan spell in Los Angeles ends in January.Lewis O’Brien looks set to sign for LAFC on a permanent deal in the new yearCredit: GettyLAFC expect the move to go through although some Championship clubs are making background inquiries.Leeds and Hull have been checking on his availability but O’Brien is settled in the States and enjoying his time on and off the pitch.The midfielder has made nine appearances Stateside this year and impressed during his time away. O’Brien even revealed family and friends are getting up at all hours to watch his games. READ MORE FOOTBALLHe said: “Some of my friends and family are definitely waking up at 3-4 o’clock in the morning to watch the games, [which] is a tough thing to do when you’ve got to work a job the next day. “But there’s definitely people tuning in.”But O’Brien has also had to play on artificial turfs like in Vancouver – a stark difference to pitches in the UK.He said: “It takes the body quite a while to adjust to the turf, but that’s after the game, so during it’s not really that much of a problem. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”It probably took me an extra few days to recover from the game. “But if we can do the job when we get there, we won’t have to see the AstroTurf again.”Watch moment raging Lionel Messi ‘calls referee -mean-spirited son of a b****’ in furious rant after Inter Miami draw More

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    ‘He can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres’ – Amorim backed for Man Utd success by boss who managed him as player

    QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES has tipped Ruben Amorim to be a hit at Manchester United — because he knows what buttons to push with the modern-day footballer.The  Portuguese, 39, is tasked with reviving sacked manager Erik ten Hag’s squad when he leaves Sporting Lisbon to start work at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.Ruben Amorim left Sporting Lisbon for Man UtdCredit: PARasmus Hojlund’s future will be in doubtCredit: RexSpaniard Sanchez Flores managed Amorim when he played for Benfica in 2008-09.The ex-Watford chief said: “I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates.“The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.READ MORE MAN UTD“But, more importantly, he understands the mentality of the players in this new generation.”Asked whether Amorim can turn United’s hit-and-miss £64million striker Rasmus Hojlund into a deadly finisher like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with 59 goals in 65 outings for the club,  Sanchez Flores quoted Rudyard Kipling.He said: “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves. He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance.“And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”Most read in FootballThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIncredibly, Amorim kick-started his football career by playing in a trial at Portuguese club Belenenses with a BROKEN ARM!His childhood friend Bruno Simao told the BBC: “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim“Ruben replied, ‘I cannot play, I broke my arm’. I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you’. “Ruben was centre-back and the coaches told the players, ‘Take care of him because of his arm’.“That was the start of his playing career.”Antonio Veloso, a professor at the University of Lisbon where Amorim studied a degree in high performance coaching, added: “Ruben had a tremendous tactical knowledge and understanding of what coaching was about.”Amorim could swoop for Viktor GyokeresCredit: Getty More

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    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim kick-started career playing in trial with BROKEN ARM, reveals childhood friend

    RUBEN AMORIM kick-started his career playing in a trial with BROKEN ARM – as his friend backed the coach to succeed at Manchester United. The 39-year-old has replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hotseat after being prised away from Sporting Lisbon. Ruben Amorim, leftm in the Benfica boys’ team along with Bruno Simao, second right, and Pedro Russiano, rightAmorim started his managerial career with Casa Pia before joining Braga and later Sporting. As a player, he first came through the Belenenses ranks before a nine year spell with Benfica. Amorim had actually been released from Benfica’s academy as a youngster and was given a lifeline by Belenenses. But his trial at the Lisbon-based club could hardly have got off to a worse start as he played on with a broken arm. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOld friend Bruno Simao told BBC Sport: “I said to Ruben: ‘Why don’t you come and play with me again at Belenenses?’ “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game so he could watch him.”Ruben replied: I cannot play, I broke my arm.'””I said: ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you and you will stay with us.'”Most read in FootballRuben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe trial game was arranged, with Amorim playing despite the injury. Simao revealed: “He was centre-back and the coaches told all the players: ‘Take care of him because of his arm’. Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim”He came through the game and stayed with us at Belenenses. That was the start of his professional playing career.”Amorim had a 13-year playing career but retired in 2017 to focus on coaching, spending a week with Jose Mourinho at United the following year. He has led Sporting to two league title wins and emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in the world. Old friend Simao still keeps in touch with Amorim and backed him for success in Manchester. He said: “We keep in touch. Ruben is godfather to my eldest daughter Carolina, who is 18. Even yesterday I messaged him about going to Manchester United.”It’s a good opportunity for him to go there as a coach. They are not in a good moment but it’s still a top club and for Ruben it will be wonderful.”Amorim playing for Benfica in 2015Credit: GettyJose Mourinho with AmorimCredit: Twitter @Mourinho_XtraAmorim left Sporting to take over at Man UtdCredit: PA More

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    Crystal Palace lining up swoop for Ligue 1 striker starlet as they refuse to meet Mateta’s huge wage demands

    CRYSTAL PALACE have put Oumar Diakite at the top of their list of Jean-Philippe Mateta replacements.The Eagles have watched Reims’ Ivory Coast striker for months as we revealed — and again last week.Crystal Palace have put Oumar Diakite at the top of their list of Jean-Philippe Mateta replacementsCredit: GettyMateta faces leaving Crystal PalaceCredit: RexDiakite, 20, could be sold by the French club and Palace want to be at the front of the queue in case contract talks with Mateta stall.Mateta’s run of goals this year and his emergence in France’s Olympic squad has attracted interest.Palace want him to stay and may yet meet his demands for a new deal on around £90,000 a week.The striker has five goals this season but watched as defenders Marc Guehi and Trevoh Chalobah helped Palace to a 2-2 draw at Wolves. READ MORE IN footballManager Oliver Glasner said: “As I mentioned, I think we could have decided the game in the right moments when we had the momentum on our side, that’s what we didn’t do. “But overall, I think [the players] were asked: ‘are they able to score a goal as they are, when so many players are missing?’ And the team, the players, showed the right answer.“I mentioned it at the press conference before the game: it’s time for others to step up. “We had two defenders today scoring goals after set-plays, and also we created a lot of chances so overall, I think the mood is okay, and we go back to London with an unbeaten week, so everything’s fine.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s football, and for me what is [important] is that we play our way, that we play with confidence, we play forward, we try to score goals. “I think this is what we’ve found again this week: this playing forward, attacking style, playing with bravery. This is how we want to play.“Overall, I’m really pleased with the performance.”BBC Sport pundit Shay Given BREAKS TABLE on set celebrating Newcastle’s match-winner as fans say ‘love him’ More