Everton’s proposed takeover by Daniel Friedkin is set to hand under-pressure Sean Dyche a stay of execution – at least in the short term.
Dyche could be forgiven for fearing the sack after current owner Farhad Moshiri agreed on Monday to sell his shares to Friedkin after the American brutally axed Roma legend Daniele De Rossi.
The Italian’s termination at the Stadio Olimpico comes just four games into the season, prompting fierce criticism from former players including Paolo Di Canio.
But talkSPORT understands Friedkin intends to follow the example of Sir Jim Ractliffe by conducting a thorough performance review of the Toffees.
This includes manager Dyche with Friedkin keen to not rush into any knee-jerk decisions following Everton’s poor start to the season.
If Dyche fails to convince he can turn their fortunes around after taking just one point from their first five games, ex-Everton boss David Moyes is expected to be considered for a return to the Toffees hot-seat.
The Scot is keen to get back to work after leaving West Ham
at the end of last season.
Ex-Chelsea and Brighton chief Graham Potter and recently-departed England boss Gareth Southgate are other potential targets.
He’s our Man
Manchester United are ready to step up their interest in Sunderland whiz-kid Chris Rigg.
United are among a number of Premier League clubs who have been following the progress of the 17-year-old, who is widely considered as the best youngster to emerge in the Championship since Jude Bellingham.
The Tyneside-born midfielder only enhanced that reputation by scoring a stunning solo goal in Saturday’s derby win over Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light.
Sources close to Rigg have told talkSPORT that United could make their move for Rigg as early as the January transfer window to fend off competition from rivals including Newcastle.
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He perfectly fits the profile of young player INEOS want to build their Old Trafford revamp around.
In your Face
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface went viral after an outrageous double nutmeg followed by a no-look pass helped set up a goal in Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League thrashing of Feyenoord last week.
The Nigerian could have been showing those silky skills in a Tottenham shirt had this summer’s transfer window worked out differently.
talkSPORT understands Spurs approached Leverkusen over Boniface’s availability, before signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a club-record £65million fee.
If the 23-year-old keeps pulling off pieces of magic like we witnessed in Rotterdam, then Tottenham won’t be the only Premier League club on his trail, particularly with the global dearth of forwards.
Leverkusen are braced for interest and value Boniface around the £50m mark.
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Stuck in the Mud
Mykhailo Mudryk is determined to battle for his Chelsea future.
The 23-year-old is in danger of becoming the Blues’ forgotten man following the summer signings of Pedro Neto, Joao Felix and Jadon Sancho.
But the Ukrainian, who has started just one Premier League game under new manager Enzo Maresca, still believes he can be a success at Stamford Bridge.
talkSPORT has been told Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali is desperate for Mudryk to come good after leading the charge to sign him from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £88.5m.
If Chelsea did consider cashing in on Mudryk then his former Shakhtar boss, now at Marseille, Roberto De Zerbi remains a big admirer, having touted him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
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