Slaven Bilic has been sacked as Watford head coach after just six months in charge, with Chris Wilder taking over for the rest of the season.

Wilder will be the Hornets' third permanent boss of the season after Rob Edwards was relieved of his duties in September having overseen just 10 league games, with Bilic named his replacement.

But after a 0-0 home draw with Preston North End at the weekend, Bilic now leaves Vicarage Road after a run of just one victory in his last eight Championship fixtures and with the club four points off the play-off spots.

Ben Manga, Watford's technical director, said a change of coach was "the only option available to re-energise for the final games ahead".

Wilder, who led Sheffield United from League One to the Premier League during a hugely successful spell between 2016 and 2021, was sacked earlier this season by Watford's fellow Championship side Middlesbrough, who were in the bottom three when he was sacked in October.

He becomes the 17th permanent boss at Vicarage Road since the Pozzo family acquired the club in June 2012.

Wilder's first game in charge will come away at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola backed Vincent Kompany to become Manchester City manager after the Premier League champions were drawn against their former captain in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Kompany will face City for the first time as a coach when Burnley visit the Etihad Stadium in the last eight.

The former centre-back spent 11 years at City as a player, captaining the club four Premier League titles.

Kompany has similarly impressed with Burnley, who were relegated from the top flight last season but are clear at the top of the Championship, 19 points clear of third place with promotion almost assured.

To Guardiola, it is clear his ex-skipper is cut out for the top job at the Etihad Stadium.

"I'm impressed with the consistency. The Championship is so difficult for the amount of games," Guardiola said. "The consistency so far is unbelievable.

"They are close to being promoted again to the Premier League next season. Personally, I'm delighted with his success, what he is doing in Burnley. I think all of us, our fans are happy he'll be back.

"He will be back sooner or later. So, I think his destiny to become the manager of Manchester City is already written in the stars. It's going to happen. I don't know when, but it's going to happen."

Asked if Kompany could be his direct successor, Guardiola replied: "Sooner or later, he will be manager for Manchester City. When? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure."

It is not a topic Guardiola has discussed with Kompany as he added: "No, it's my feeling.

"Maybe I'm wrong, but he has all the attributes – work ethic, knowledge of the game, well respected, experienced. Doing what he has done is so difficult, and he's doing really, really well.

"He knows the club, knows the environment, knows our fans, knows what our people need. The destiny is there."

Birmingham City have said they are "appalled and saddened" after it was alleged that one of their own fans racially abused captain Troy Deeney after Tuesday's home defeat to Cardiff City.

Deeney came on as a substitute at St Andrew's in the 73rd minute with the game goalless, before late strikes from Perry Ng and Callum Robinson gave the Welsh side a much-needed 2-0 win.

The Midlands club issued a statement on Wednesday revealing that the player and several of their fans had reported someone racially abusing Deeney after the match.

"After the full-time whistle of Tuesday night's Sky Bet Championship match against Cardiff City, Troy Deeney and a number of supporters have reported hearing the 34-year-old subjected to racist abuse," the statement read.

"The club captain and those inside St Andrew's identified this as coming from the home section of the Gil Merrick lower when players were leaving the field of play towards the players' tunnel.

"This incident has been referred to the relevant authorities and the club will assist in their investigation. 

"Blues gives its full support to Troy and is appalled and saddened that yet again, one of our players is not safe from discrimination on the football pitch.

"There is no room for racism in the game. No further comment will be made at this time."

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge recently reported he had been racially abused by opposition fans during Birmingham's FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Deeney joined the Blues from Watford in 2021 after 12 seasons at Vicarage Road, six of which were in the Premier League where he scored 47 goals in 165 top-flight appearances.

And the Premier League echoed Birmingham's comments, tweeting: "No one should have to suffer abuse of the kind received by Troy Deeney.

"It has no place in football or society. The Premier League condemns all forms of discrimination. Football is for everyone."

Neil Warnock has come out of retirement to take over as manager of Championship strugglers Huddersfield Town.

The 74-year-old announced his retirement last April, five months after leaving Middlesbrough.

Warnock is now back in the dugout for the 18th permanent position of his managerial career, with this his second spell in charge of Huddersfield.

He returns to the club almost 30 years after his first stint, during which time he earned the Terriers' promotion to the second tier via the play-offs in the 1994-95 campaign.

"I'm really excited about this challenge," Warnock told Huddersfield's official website. 

"My first spell at Huddersfield Town had everything; we went to Wembley twice, moved into the new stadium, and really built the club from nothing. It was a special time.

"I'm coming back to help the club, but also [chairman] Dean Hoyle. I know what he has done behind the scenes and I've always had a lot of time for him.

"I've looked at the fixtures and we've got some fantastic games to come. I want to come back and put smiles on faces."

At the age of 74 years and 74 days, Warnock is 10 years older than the next-oldest manager in England's top four tiers – recently appointed Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy.

Warnock, whose coaching career started with Gainsborough Trinity in 1980, has managed 1,599 games in the top four tiers of English football, including the Premier League.

That is just two short of equalling the all-time record held by former Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi.

His longest spell came at Sheffield United, where he managed for 388 games across eight years at the helm. 

Huddersfield are one point from safety in the Championship relegation zone and travel to Stoke City in Warnock's first game back in charge on Wednesday.

Reported Leeds United target Carlos Corberan has signed a contract extension as West Brom head coach after links to the Premier League club.

Spaniard Corberan was part of Leeds fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa's backroom staff amid the Argentine's spell at Elland Road.

Corberan subsequently took a head coach role at rivals Huddersfield Town, guiding them to the Championship play-off final in 2022 before resigning amid reported disagreements with the club's board.

Jesse Marsch's dismissal by Leeds on Monday created speculation the Whites would move to bring in Corberan, who has taken West Brom from second-bottom in the Championship to the play-off positions since his appointment in October.

Leeds majority owner Andrea Radrizzani told supporters on Tuesday a decision would soon arrive, posting on Twitter: "We are on it ….hopefully white smoke by tonight or [tomorrow] morning"

But West Brom swiftly dispelled talk of Corberan leaving, posting a teasing clip from British television series Happy Valley that said: "Why's everyone saying you are going to Leeds when you're not?"

"I have enjoyed my time at Albion, and I am pleased to have secured a contract extension," Corberan told the club's official website upon confirmation of his new deal until June 2027.

"I believe that success can only be achieved when everyone works together and the way I have been made to feel welcome at this great club has made me confident that this is the right place for me.

"It is important to me that we do not let this moment distract us from our target, which is to ensure we improve every day, making the team more and more competitive for the challenges ahead.

"My focus is always on earning a positive result in our next game and we are working hard to achieve that at Birmingham City on Friday night."

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot and Rayo Vallecano Andoni Iraola are among the reported favourites for the Leeds head coach vacancy.

Liverpool are expected to bid for Athletic Bilbao duo Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet at the end of the season.

Williams is one of LaLiga's brightest young stars, with the 20-year-old winger having already earned seven senior caps for Spain, including four appearances at the World Cup in Qatar.

Attacking midfielder Sancet, 22, netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Cadiz on Saturday to take his tally of LaLiga goals this season to seven.

Williams in particular received heavy interest during the January transfer window, but Bilbao will reportedly be faced with tough decisions about both players at the conclusion of the campaign.

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE SIDES TAKE A LIKING TO BILBAO PAIR

According to AS, Liverpool were joined by fellow Premier League side Aston Villa in testing Bilbao's resolved over Williams in January, although they were informed no figure would be accepted below his €50million (£45m) release clause.

That report also mentions Sancet's release clause is only slightly lower at €45m (£40m), while Fichajes add he has received interest from Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Both players only have 18 months remaining on their contracts, meaning Bilbao will either need to sort out some extensions or be prepared to cash in.

ROUND-UP

– The Sun is reporting Manchester City, Milan and Inter are all admirers of Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, although they will not meet the £35m asking price.

– According to the Daily Star, City will look to avoid any further depletion of their full-back stocks by offering Rico Lewis a new contract that would quadruple his salary.

– Journalist Rudy Galetti is reporting Galatasaray have agreed personal terms with out-of-favour Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, and have offered a fee of €22m to the Serie A club.

– Newcastle United and Fulham target Sander Berge wants to remain with Sheffield United until his contract expires in 2024, with the Norway international excited by the club's potential Premier League promotion, per The Sun.

– According to Football Insider, Newcastle will return after the season for another attempt at signing Conor Gallagher, with the belief Chelsea would have allowed him to leave in January if their signing of Enzo Fernandez had been completed sooner.

Kolo Toure has been sacked by Wigan Athletic less than two months after taking charge of the Championship club.

Toure, the former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool defender, was appointed Wigan manager on November 29. It was his first job in management.

However, the 41-year-old was sacked on Thursday after just 59 days having failed to win any of his nine games in charge.

Toure's Wigan lost six of those fixtures and sit bottom of the Championship with 25 points from 28 matches.

The Latics' chief executive Malachy Brannigan said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank Kolo [for his] efforts during [his] time at the football club. 

"Unfortunately, the results on the field have not been as we would have liked and as tough a decision as this was, the Board felt it necessary to give us the best possible chance of remaining a Championship club next season."

Manchester United are reportedly planning an audacious move for Tottenham star and England captain Harry Kane at the end of the season.

Kane, 29, has put together a spectacular goalscoring resume during his time at Spurs. He is one goal away from tying Jimmy Greaves as the club's all-time leading scorer, while he has already tied Wayne Rooney for the most goals in an England shirt, and is third all-time for Premier League goals.

This season has been more of the same, as Kane has started all 20 of Antonio Conte's side's league fixtures and hit 15 goals, trailing only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (22) in the race for the golden boot.

Tottenham have no interest in parting ways with their frontman, but his contract situation could force their hand.

TOP STORY – KANE INTERESTED IN A MOVE TO OLD TRAFFORD

According to the Daily Mail, United boss Erik ten Hag has put Kane at the top of his recruitment plans at the conclusion of the season, when the 29-year-old will have only 12 months remaining on his contract.

Crucially, the report states Kane "is open to joining United", providing further indication that he is unlikely to sign an extension to remain at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs will demand a fee of at least £85million, while Bild adds both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain interested.

ROUND-UP

– The Guardian is reporting Liverpool will look to pursue 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount at the end of the season if he does not sign an extension at Stamford Bridge.

– According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are hoping to bring in 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga on a short-term loan.

– Calciomercato is reporting West Ham have proposed a loan with a mandatory £30m (€34m) buy clause for Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, but the Italian side want an immediate permanent deal.

– Roma will look to replace Zaniolo with 23-year-old Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi, who is valued at €30m, per Gazzetta dello Sport.

– The Daily Mail is reporting Leicester City have returned with a second offer for 24-year-old Stoke City and Australia centre-back Harry Souttar after their initial £10m bid was rejected.

New Manchester United signing Wout Weghorst is adamant his willingness to press makes him a good fit for Erik ten Hag's style of play at Old Trafford.

The Netherlands international completed a loan move from Burnley on Friday after United secured his release from a temporary stay at Besiktas in Turkey.

Weghorst was in the stands the following day as United came from behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford in the derby, with Bruno Fernandes scoring the equaliser before Marcus Rashford got the winner.

Victory moved Erik ten Hag's men to within a point of second-placed City, highlighting the remarkable improvement instigated at the club by the new manager, who is seemingly maximising the team's potential.

Nevertheless, they have often been stretched in terms of their attacking options, particularly since Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious November exit, and Weghorst emerged as a surprise target earlier this month.

While some supporters may not have been enthused about the arrival of a forward who only scored twice as Burnley were relegated last season, the fact he engaged in the fourth-most pressures (54.1) per 90 minutes in the league (minimum 1,000 minutes played) in 2021-22 saw him dubbed a "pressing monster" in the media.

He believes this approach aligns itself to that of his new manager, as he told United's official website: "I think [pressing] is something that's one of my strengths. Especially without the ball, to put pressure on an opponent [and] be active.

"That's something I am capable of and that's also something in the way the trainer [Ten Hag] wants to play.

"He wants to play aggressive; he wants to go high on the pitch, try to recover the ball there, as quickly as possible, and I think I can help the team with that."

Weghorst was considered a disappointment following his brief spell in the Premier League with Burnley, as his poor goals return did not match the expectations that came with his reputation.

The Clarets reportedly paid £12million (€14m) to Wolfsburg for the striker, but he averaged only one Premier League goal every 10 appearances and was loaned to Besiktas when Burnley dropped into the second tier.

He is desperate to prove a point upon his return to England.

"For me, it was not done, it was not finished," he continued. "It didn't work out the first time as I hoped and I'm really hungry to show myself, to help the team.

"Of course, we are on a really good track now. The last couple of weeks, months actually, it's going really positive [at United] and I just want to contribute and give my best and give my all for the club and try to be a part of the successful [direction] we are going."

In terms of the direction United are going, Weghorst has no doubt where he sees the destination being.

"Trophies. That's quite easy. Trophies, and that's also what the manager told me about, the expectations that are there.

"Also my role, that's also something I want to bring. Like I said, I'm just going to give everything I have for the club to be successful, to win the games and, of course, to win trophies.

"We are still active in four competitions, so four trophies to go, that's the only thing that's counting, and I think also that fits for a big a club as United is."

Manchester United have secured the arrival of Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley until the end of the season.

Weghorst had been playing for Besiktas, but United have taken over that arrangement, with the Turkish club confirming they received €2.8million (£2.48m) for the inconvenience.

Erik ten Hag was in the market for a new striker following the acrimonious split with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract was terminated in November after he criticised the manager and club in a controversial interview.

The United boss was open about his desire to bring in attacking reinforcements and seemed to confirm the club's interest in Weghorst when acknowledging Anthony Martial could not handle the physical demands of being their only striker.

Links with Weghorst surprised many given the 30-year-old's lack of impact – he scored two goals in 20 top-flight games – with Burnley in the Premier League last season.

But he has netted eight goals in 16 Turkish Super Lig outings this term and scored twice for the Netherlands in a lively cameo against Argentina at the World Cup.

Weghorst's arrival is the continuation of a pattern in the transfer market for United, who have largely relied on signing either ageing or cheap centre-forwards for over a decade, with Romelu Lukaku – who lasted only two years at Old Trafford – arguably the only exception since acquiring Robin van Persie from Arsenal in 2012.

United confirmed the signing on their official website on Friday, though the former AZ player will not be eligible for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

"I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United," Weghorst said. "I've played against the club in the past and it's a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.

"I've seen United's progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can't wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.

"Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here.

"I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away."

Besiktas have denied "completely untrue" reports on-loan striker Wout Weghorst is close to joining Manchester United.

Netherlands international Weghorst emerged as a surprise target for United last week as manager Erik ten Hag widens his search for a new attacking player.

The 30-year-old has impressed for Besiktas this campaign, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances after joining on a season-long loan from Burnley in July.

Weghorst was reported to have an exit clause in his loan arrangement that would allow him to leave should the Super Lig side be paid a €2.5million (£2.2m) compensation fee.

However, Besiktas refuted those claims on Monday in a statement published on their official website.

"After our match against Kasimpasa, there was a need to make a statement due to speculative news in the media about our player Wout Weghorst," the statement read.

"The claim there's an exit clause in our player's contract, stating it can be terminated with a €2.5m compensation in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious. 

"The news the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative regarding Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Besiktas.

"We also state that if there is a development on this issue, our esteemed community and the public will be informed."

Weghorst came to global prominence during the 2022 World Cup when scoring twice as a substitute in the Netherlands' quarter-final against Argentina, which they lost on penalties.

He previously scored 70 goals in 144 games for Wolfsburg and 45 goals in 86 outings for AZ, but he netted just twice in 20 Premier League matches with Burnley, who were relegated at the end of last season.

Discussing Weghorst's future at the weekend, Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci told NTV: "He is our football player now. 

"There is no clause in our contract with Burnley that includes returning or leaving at half-time. Our contract ends at the end of the season.

"If we accept [any proposals], the contract will be terminated. Otherwise, he won't be able to go anywhere until the end of the season."

While Besiktas are hopeful of retaining Weghorst, the Turkish side are reportedly looking to terminate the loan of midfielder Dele Alli and send him back to Everton.

Alli has scored one goal in seven league appearances for Besiktas, who are fifth after 16 matches.

Wout Weghorst could be on his way to Manchester United in a shock January move, but Besiktas will not be easily parted from the Netherlands international.

The 30-year-old appeared to wave goodbye to fans of the Turkish club after scoring the second goal in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa on Saturday in the Super Lig. Former Everton striker Cenk Tosun got the opening goal.

Reports have claimed United want to bring in Weghorst, who is on loan to Besiktas from Burnley, on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

United manager Erik ten Hag has signalled his need for a striker, with Weghorst a surprising choice.

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes said after the Kasimpasa game: "I have not seen Wout Weghorst's move and I do not know. I cannot speak about what I do not know.

"Wout plays from the heart. He contributes. I do not find it appropriate to talk about someone's future, there is no such thing on our agenda."

He added: "Weghorst is an important player for us. It's not enough to say goodbye to the crowd to say goodbye. He has to talk to the club as well."

Besiktas would be reluctant to see Weghorst go, believing they struck a deal with Burnley that would keep him at the Istanbul club for the duration of the season.

They would be seeking compensation, according to sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci.

He told broadcaster NTV: "I don't understand why Weghorst said goodbye to the fans, why he made such a move. He is our football player now. There is no clause in our contract with Burnley that includes returning or leaving at half-time. Our contract ends at the end of the season."

Kazanci added that Burnley would need to sound out Besiktas about any change to the loan agreement.

"If we accept, the contract will be terminated," he said. "Otherwise, he won't be able to go anywhere until the end of the season."

Weghorst struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Burnley in a short spell last season, after a previous prolific time at Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga.

The 6ft 6in target man came to global prominence at the World Cup, scoring twice as a substitute in the quarter-final against Argentina before the Netherlands were ousted on penalties.

Kolo Toure has been announced as Wigan Athletic's new manager, with the former Arsenal and Manchester City defender joining on a contract through to June 2026.

The ex-Ivory Coast international departs Leicester City, where he was a first team coach under Brendan Rodgers, to take charge at the struggling Championship outfit.

Wigan, who are currently 22nd and embroiled in a relegation battle, dismissed Leam Richardson after six losses in seven games earlier this month, just weeks after he signed a new contract.

"We are delighted that Kolo has become the new manager of Wigan Athletic," chief executive Malachy Brannigan issued in a statement.

"From the earliest of conversations we had with Kolo, it was evident to us that he had instantly bought into the values of the club. We look forward to working closely with Kolo and his team."

Toure, a two-time Premier League winner during his playing days with Arsenal and City, will take charge of his first match on December 10 against Millwall.

Michael Beale has been appointed as the new manager of Rangers on a three and a half year deal.

Beale replaces Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the role after the Dutch coach was sacked by the Scottish club last week.

Formerly part of Steven Gerrard's backroom staff during the Liverpool legend's time in charge at Ibrox in which they ended the club's 10-year wait for a Scottish Premiership title in 2021, Beale has returned to take on the main job, leaving his post in charge at English Championship side QPR.

The 42-year-old has previously coached at Chelsea and Liverpool's academies, as well as working in Brazil with Sao Paolo, before taking on first-team coaching roles under Gerrard at both Rangers and Aston Villa.

Beale left Villa Park to take on his first managerial role at QPR at the start of this season, where he won nine of his 21 league games in charge (D4, L8), leaving them in seventh place in the Championship.

He turned down an approach from Premier League side Wolves in October, but has accepted the challenge of taking on the reins at Rangers, who currently sit nine points behind Celtic in the league.

"It is fantastic to be back and to see everybody this morning," he said after being announced on Monday. "There are some new faces but some people that I know really well so it is great to see everyone.

"I am hugely proud, it is a wonderful, wonderful football club, it is an institution. For everyone that works here it is a huge privilege, but to be the manager of this football club, that is extremely special. Some wonderful people have sat in this chair prior to me, and I am hugely proud to be the person sat here now."

Van Bronckhorst was dismissed after a disappointing start to the campaign that included being thrashed 4-0 by Celtic in September, as well as producing the worst Champions League group-stage finish in history, losing all six games with a goal difference of -20.

Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United this week has put plenty of clubs on alert.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is a wanted commodity, given his quality and sudden availability.

Ronaldo and United parted ways with a mutual termination of his contract after his explosive interview with TalkTV.

TOP STORY – SAUDI AND BRAZILIAN GIANTS TO MOVE FOR RONALDO

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal and Brazilian giants Flamengo are among the clubs queuing to sign free agent Cristiano Ronaldo according to reports.

Sky Sports claims that Al Hilal are exploring a deal with the Portuguese, who had declined a £305m bid from an unnamed Saudi Arabian club in the off-season.

Brazilian outlet Veja reports that the 2022 Copa Libertadores winners intend to formalize a proposal to Ronaldo's representatives, although an offer has not yet been made, nor have talks commenced.

ROUND-UP 

- Football Insider reports that Chelsea are set to open talks with Brighton and Hove Albion's Belgian forward Leandro Trossard with his contract to expire at the end of season. New Blues boss Graham Potter knows Trossard well from his time at Brighton.

- Chelsea are ready to swoop for Manchester United target Diogo Costa, having made contact with him, according to Relevo. The goalkeeper recently re-signed with Porto and has a €75 million (£64.5m) release clause in his contract.

- Amid talk that Chelsea will try to sell Romelu Lukaku at the end of this season, SkySport claims Inter will extend the Belgian forward's loan for another year.

- Torino's Ivorian defender Wilfried Singo could snub interest from Juventus to remain with his current club, reports Calciomercato.

- Fabrizio Romano claims that Scottish champions Celtic are in talks with Canada international Alistair Johnston, with personal terms already being discussed. The right-back is currently with MLS club Montreal.

- QPR are anticipating the departure of manager Michael Beale to take over Rangers, claims Talk Sport. The Gers sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst earlier this week.