Brazil and Tottenham forward Richarlison said he was in a “depression” after the 2022 World Cup.
The 26-year-old was his country’s top scorer in Qatar, with three goals in four games as they went out in the last 16, but he struggled mentally after the tournament.
He has admitted he saw a psychologist, who “saved my life”.
“I’d just played in a World Cup, man, at my peak,” Richarlison told ESPN Brasil. “I was reaching my limit, you know? I don’t know, I’m not going to talk about killing myself, but I was in a depression there, and I wanted to give up.
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“Even I, who seemed to be mentally strong. After the World Cup it seemed like it all fell apart.
“I think the therapist, like it or not, saved me, saved my life. I only thought rubbish. Even on Google, I only searched for rubbish, I only wanted to see rubbish about death.
“Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because, I don’t know what was going through my head. I even went and told my dad I was going to give up.
“It’s kind of sad to talk like that, you know? What I went through after the World Cup, discovering things here at home from people who had lived with me for over seven years. It is crazy.
“To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, ‘Dad, I want to give up,’ is crazy.”
Richarlison, who has scored 11 goals in 26 games for Spurs this season, was sceptical of seeking therapy prior to his episode, but now recommends it to anyone struggling.
“Today I can say, look for a psychologist, if you need a psychologist, look for one because it’s nice for you to open up like that, for you to be talking to the person,” he said.
“Today a (psychologist) came to thank me for taking this to the world of football, to the world, outside the pitch too, because it is very important and, whether we like it or not, it saves lives.
“I had this prejudice before, I thought it was nonsense, I thought I was crazy. In my family, there are people who think that anyone who goes to a psychologist thinks they are crazy, they think they are insane.
“But I discovered this and thought it was wonderful. The best thing, really the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will make a return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face his former club in August.
A friendly game between the German giants and Tottenham will take place as part of the Visit Malta Cup on Saturday, August 10.
The match marks a return to north London for Spurs’ all-time leading goal-scorer, who joined Bayern for £100million last summer.
Team-mate Eric Dier will also face his former club after the defender left for Bayern in January.
A statement on the Tottenham website read: “This mouth-watering curtain-raiser to the new season takes on extra significance, with the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane and long-serving defender Eric Dier having recently joined the Bundesliga champions.
“This will be a 12th meeting with Bayern in our history and only the fourth to have taken place on home soil.
“We memorably overcame the German giants on our way to UEFA Cup success 40 years ago.”
England captain Kane has been impressive in Germany this season, scoring 37 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
He leads the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 31 so far for Bayern, who currently sit second, 10 points off league leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the table.
Last time Bayern and Tottenham met was in the 2019/20 Champions League group stage and Spurs were beaten 7-2 at home before Bayern won 3-1 in the reverse fixture.
What the papers say
Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker has received some encouragement from a potential target. Newcastle’s Sweden forward Alexander Isak, 24, admitted “things can happen” during the summer according to the Daily Mail.
The Gunners have been tracking another Sweden forward but the Sun reports scouting trips to see Viktor Gyokeres, 25, at Sporting have seen the Lisbon club’s Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande, 20, catch their eye.
Wolves are in pole position to sign Southampton’s Scotland striker Che Adams according to The Daily Telegraph. The 27-year-old becomes a free agent in the summer.
Brighton are looking at Nigerian winger Philip Otele at Romanian club Cluj, reports the Evening Standard.
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Erling Haaland: Barcelona are keen on the Manchester City striker in 2025 according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, which says the 23-year-old’s agent met with the La Liga club last month.
Joao Gomes: The Wolves midfielder, 23, has been identified by Manchester United as a replacement for fellow Brazilian Casemiro, 32, reports Spanish outlet Sport.
Introducing an independent regular will serve up some "easy wins" as well as settling the ongoing financial disputes between the Premier League and lower tiers of the English footballing pyramid.
That was the message from football financial expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke to Stats Perform as charges continue to be pressed against the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.
Everton had an initial 10-point deduction reduced down to six for a breach of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules in the 2021-22 reporting period, though the Toffees are this week arguing a second case, which refers to the 2022-23 reporting period.
Forest saw four points taken away for their own misdemeanours under the same ruling, while Championship title contenders Leicester could face a points deduction for a breach from last season, when they were relegated from the top flight.
The UK government has already reaffirmed its commitment to introducing an independent regulator for English football, which would be a standalone body to rule over existing competition authorities.
That move is welcomed by Maguire, who believes the additional form of governance would protect the future of clubs and have the best interests of fans in mind.
"I think [English football's independent regulator] is going to cover a variety of issues, some of which, I think it's fair to say, are easy wins," academic, broadcaster and author Maguire said.
"The setting up of fan advisory boards, who will potentially have the right to a golden share in the club, would give them the ability to veto a change of the club's home shirt [for example].
"[That] is always a very emotive issue as far as clubs are concerned."
A plethora of clubs have suffered from lacklustre ownership across the English Football League in recent years, with League One side Reading the current strugglers under Dai Yongge's stewardship.
Former Premier League side Derby County also went into administration in 2021 owing to ownership struggles and they remain in League One after a downturn in performances on the pitch following off-field issues.
Maguire insists an independent regulator could somewhat avoid these issues, adding: "It's likely that there's going to be a series of tests to make sure that prospective owners are of appropriate, good character and have sufficient funding."
Funding remains a topic of discussion at English football's top table, too, with the Premier League still negotiating financial deals with the English Football League (EFL).
Maguire believes if agreements between the two competitions over lucrative financial rewards cannot be agreed, the regulator would serve a purpose as an independent and unbiased adjudicator.
"I think this is why the Premier League have been so against the idea of the regulator due to its ability to determine a financial agreement between the Premier League and the rest of football," he added.
"We've seen the Premier League reject the proposals for the EFL to have 25 per cent of the overall TV deal. The Premier League has rejected the EFL's desire for the abolition of parachute payments.
"Could the regulator step in? My understanding is that it would much rather Richard Masters and Rick Parry corral both their sets of troops and come to an agreement.
"But it is prepared to say, 'Well, if you fail to do that, then we will step in and be a decider of last resort'."
What the papers say
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to battle it out for 20-year-old Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande. According to The Sun, Arsenal have matched their London rival’s £51million plus bonuses offer to lure the Ivory Coast international from Lisbon.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is attracting interest from Bayern Munich among other clubs for his work at the Seagulls. But the Daily Mirror reports the Italian coach is in no rush to decide on his future.
Everton’s England Under-17s goalkeeper Douglas Lukjanciks is attracting attention across Europe. The Daily Mail reports Bayer Leverkusen are among the clubs interested in the 16-year-old.
Promising Nigerian striker Hafiz Umar Ibrahim is set for a trial at Chelsea, thanks to a little help. Raheem Sterling played a key role in linking the 18-year-old with Stamford Bridge, according to the Evening Standard.
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Timo Werner: Tottenham are keen on making the 28-year-old RB Leipzig and Germany forward’s loan deal permanent, but are in no rush to trigger a £14.5million option to buy, according to Four Four Two.
Federico Chiesa: Liverpool and Manchester United want to sign the Italy forward, 26, from Juventus, reports Teamtalk,
Nottingham Forest have lodged an appeal against the four-point penalty imposed last week for breaching Premier League financial rules.
Forest issued a terse statement confirming the course of action, in contrast to their lengthy and indignant response when the sanction was initially handed out on March 18.
The club’s statement on Monday read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four-point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).
“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
The points deduction dropped Forest into the Premier League’s relegation zone, leaving them 18th with nine games to play.
The Premier League said Forest admitted breaching profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) by £34.5million above their permitted threshold of £61m.
Clubs are usually allowed maximum losses of £105m over a three-year assessment period but this is reduced by £22m per season for any seasons within the period spent in the Championship.
What the papers say
Manchester City are the latest club to track Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail. They join city rivals Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid in following the 21-year-old.
United have also been linked with another defender in the summer. The Daily Mail says they could make a bid for Senegal youngster Mikayil Faye, 19, from Barcelona.
The Daily Star says Scott McTominay is going nowhere, despite being linked with a move away from Old Trafford. The club plan to offer the Scotland midfielder, 27, an improved contract.
Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, 24, is being watched by Arsenal, reports the Daily Star. He may be available as Nottingham Forest look to balance their books.
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Conor Gallagher: Tottenham are looking to make a summer bid in excess of £30million for Chelsea’s England midfielder, reports Football Insider.
Mason Greenwood: Juventus are looking at the Manchester United forward, 22, who is on loan at Getafe in Spain, according to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
England boss Gareth Southgate says he will not speak to any interested parties until after Euro 2024 and called speculation linking him to Manchester United “completely disrespectful” to Erik ten Hag.
This summer could well prove the 53-year-old’s fourth and final tournament in charge of the national team with his Football Association contract expiring in December.
Southgate says contract talks are on the back burner with his full focus on glory in Germany, but the background noise dialled up this week following reports of Manchester United’s potential interest.
“I think there are two things from my point of view,” Southgate said.
“One is that I’m the England manager. I’ve got one job, basically, to try and deliver a European Championship. Clearly before that, two important games this week.
“And the second thing is Manchester United have a manager and I think it’s always completely disrespectful when there’s any speculation about a manager that’s in place.
“I’m president of the LMA so I don’t have any time for that sort of thing, really.”
United’s ambitious new co-owners Ineos are understood to admire Southgate, who has a good relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford as well as potential incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.
But he would not be the only candidate if the job came up and the Red Devils are planning for next season with Ten Hag as things stand.
And irrespective of whether that role comes up in the coming months, Southgate says he will not speak to anyone until after the Euros.
“I think I’ve answered this every time I’ve sat with you,” Southgate said. “Yeah, my focus is a European Championship.
“If we did something, a contract, here before everybody would be saying, ‘why are you signing a contract before a Euros where you’ve got to prove yourself?’.
“I’m certainly not going to speak to anybody else ahead of that. I never have.
“I’ve been eight years in the job. I wouldn’t entertain speaking to anybody else when I’m in the job.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson says it is “like a dream” to be taking charge of Liverpool for their ‘Legends’ charity match at Anfield this weekend.
The 76-year-old former England boss, who revealed in January he had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, will be part of the management team as the Reds play Ajax Legends in Saturday’s LFC Foundation fundraiser.
During interviews when he revealed his health issues, Eriksson said he had always been a Liverpool supporter and wanted to manage the club.
And on Friday the Swede told a press conference ahead of the charity game: “It’s like a dream.
“When I was a manager I always dreamt about Liverpool, but that never happened. It was close once, it was some discussion once, many years ago…it never happened. But now it happens!
“When they asked, I thought it was a joke. I said of course, and then it’s charity, which makes it even more lovely.
“’You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is magic. I’m looking forward to it. I’m very honoured and thankful to Liverpool that they gave me this opportunity.
“I think it must be maybe the best atmosphere in the world, in all big football stadiums I have been to, and part of that is the song when the players come out. The atmosphere is incredible.”
Eriksson said his love of Liverpool came from his father supporting the team.
He also said that around 1979, when he was young manager in his homeland, he wrote to the club asking if he could come to watch some training, and in reply received an invitation.
“I saw a game and some training, I was honoured to go into the Boot Room. That was great, fantastic,” he said.
“All the training sessions, they were playing one touch, two touches. The quality of the play was incredible, and ‘make it simple’ the coaches told me. I learned a lot of course.”
Eriksson said his father’s interest in the Merseyside outfit remains strong, saying: “He will not miss one game on television when Liverpool are playing. He phoned me the other day because he couldn’t find the right channel. The amazing thing is this game is going to be on television in Sweden live, so he will see it.”
Eriksson will have former Liverpool players Ian Rush, John Barnes and John Aldridge alongside him in the dugout as he oversees a side including Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.
Eriksson became the first foreign England manager when appointed in 2001 and subsequently led the team to the quarter-finals of two World Cups and one European Championship.
On his five-year England tenure, Eriksson, who feels Gareth Southgate’s team have a “huge chance” of winning this summer’s Euros in Germany, said: “If you are the coach or manager of England, that for me is the biggest job you ever can have.
“We didn’t win anything, but I was extremely proud and happy every day I had that job because I know it is one of the biggest football jobs you can have in the world. It is very special.”
Asked if he missed management, the ex-Lazio, Manchester City and Leicester boss said: “If I said no, I would lie. Of course you miss it.
“But I realise that I am a certain age. It’s OK. What I have done, I have done, and I’m happy about that. Now it’s over, almost – this will be the last game I suppose. So that’s great.”
With close to 60,000 tickets sold, there is set to be a record crowd in attendance for what is the eighth annual LFC Foundation match. Previous games have raised over £6.4million.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has given his “absolute, full support” to a new county-wide community health initiative launched on Friday by Nottingham Forest.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis welcomed Sunak to the City Ground as Forest announced their project, A New Vision For Sport, in front of local businessmen and dignitaries.
Forest hope to unite professional and semi-professional sports clubs across the county and will conduct a comprehensive review of Nottinghamshire’s sporting facilities.
Speaking at the launch, Sunak said: “I think Nottingham Forest and E.ON’s initiative to get everyone in Nottinghamshire – regardless of their age – out playing sport for an hour a week is a fantastic campaign and it’s a real example of the good that a club really grounded in its community can do.
“Nottinghamshire will be a happier and healthier place because of this initiative.
“Indeed bringing together all the sports clubs in Nottinghamshire to not just promote sport, but to provide a pathway into professional sport for children who have got the talent and dedication is also a great idea.
“And one that may just quicken Nottingham Forest’s return to being a European footballing powerhouse once again. This initiative has my absolute, full support.”
Greek businessman Marinakis, who became Forest’s owner in 2017, said: “Whatever is needed in order to make this project a success, whatever investment is required, I am personally committed to do so for this region.
“I am particularly proud that we can contribute to a project which can change the futures of our children and everyone in this region.
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his support and all those who will contribute towards making this project a success.”
The club said A New Vision For Sport “champions the collaboration between the public and private sector across Nottinghamshire, including its professional and semi-professional sports clubs, local councils, higher education institutions and commercial entities”.
Forest added: “It recognises the pivotal role of sports clubs in fostering greater equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting the benefits of an active lifestyle to improve health outcomes in the region.”
The club’s chairman Tom Cartledge told the PA news agency: “When the idea came about, the Prime Minister’s office was made aware and he thought it was a great initiative that he wanted to support, so we’re delighted he’s here today.”
Cartledge said Marinakis was “absolutely adamant that the project of Nottingham Forest was not just about on the field, but off the field as well”.
“He has committed financial support to whatever reasonable level to ensure that the initiative happens,” Cartledge said.
“He’s absolutely passionate as a family man that the kids of Nottinghamshire feel the energy that Premier League football brings to the city.”
Forest were docked four points for breaching Premier League financial rules earlier this week and dropped into the relegation zone.
When asked if they would be launching an appeal against the punishment, Cartledge said: “At the moment we’re digesting the points deduction.
“We’ve got a big game against Crystal Palace to win (on March 30) and that’s what we’re focusing on.”
What the papers say
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag‘s job is safe for the rest of the season, claims the Guardian, with the embattled manager understood to have impressed new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his early stages at the club.
Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has told the Italian club he wants to leave this summer, with the Metro reporting he has been linked with Liverpool.
The Telegraph writes that 28-year-old RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner is keen to turn his loan to Tottenham into a permanent move, which may only cost Spurs £15million or less.
Social media round-upPlayers to watch
Mason Greenwood: Spanish club Getafe’s hopes of signing the English forward for another loan are set to be dashed, with the Sun reporting that Manchester United want a permanent deal.
Joao Gomes: Manchester United are targeting the Wolves midfielder to replace Casemiro, says The Mirror.
Rodrygo: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all keen on Brazil forward Rodrygo, and Real Madrid are open to offers north of £85m, says Sport.
The Premier League risks losing credibility in the face of points deductions for financial breaches, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have received points deductions of six and four respectively this season for breaches of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Forest received a deduction on Monday, which left them in the relegation zone, a point behind 17th-placed Luton Town, after they admitted a breach of the rules.
Everton, meanwhile, were initially deducted 10 points in November for a breach of the rules in the 2021-22 reporting period, before that was reduced to six on appeal. The Toffees sit 16th, having not won in 11 league matches, though Sean Dyche's team might yet have to grapple with another deduction, with the club having been charged with a breach in the 2022-23 financial reporting period.
Maguire fears for the Premier League's reputation in response to the deductions, with Championship side Leicester City also charged by the league on Thursday for PSR breaches during their time in the top flight, while Manchester City are facing 115 charges for potential financial discrepancies. Chelsea are under investigation for potential off-book dealings, while the Blues could be under pressure to sell players before the end of June in order to come under the threshold in their next set of accounts.
"I think the credibility of the Premier League as an organisation which is capable of governing itself has taken quite a few knocks recently," Maguire told Stats Perform.
"There is now news coming out that the independent regulator bill, the football governance bill, will be placed before parliament. That's a further blow to the Premier League in terms of its ability to be seen as a self-governing organisation.
"The Premier League hasn't come out of these cases particularly well. You wait years and years for a PSR judgement and then you get two in two months. Then we've got the Manchester City case which is probably going to take another 12 months."
Maguire joked: "You've got people outside the stadium that won't be selling programs and shirts, they'll be selling asterisks because there is so much uncertainty."
Maguire also explained that perceived superior cooperation with the Premier League from Forest is the reason for their smaller deduction compared to Everton, despite the midlands club having overspent by £34.5million, compared to the Toffees' breach of £19.5m.
He said: "Forest have been given a three-point penalty for breaking the rules, and another three points for going so far over the limit.
"But because Forest has cooperated and made the life of the commission relatively straightforward, we're going to effectively knock off two points for good behaviour. So that's why we've ended up with this final deduction of four points compared to Everton's six."
Maguire also pointed out that Forest did have other circumstances to contend with.
"Anybody that follows football knows that Forest were promoted with effectively six or seven players remaining in the squad because players were out of contract, a lot of players on loan. Therefore, they had to spend a lot of money on recruitment," he said.
"Their argument also is that if you want to survive in the Premier League, and survival was just as hard as getting there in the first place, then you've got to spend money. They've done that."
When asked if Forest could see their penalty reduced in the same way Everton's has been, Maguire replied: "I think if we have a look at the Everton appeal, that was reduced from 10 points to six on points of law.
"The second commission said that the initial commission brought accounted for tariff factors, which weren't actually in the Premier League rules, and therefore the initial penalty was too harsh. Whether Forest can do the same, I'm uncertain.
"Forest have got seven days to have an appeal and we could be left in the pretty awful scenario that the appeal is heard in late April, then the verdict is announced four or five days after the end of the season. I think the integrity of the game would be tarnished if we do end up in that situation."
Alex Iwobi insists he was unmoved by the online abuse he suffered after Nigeria lost the Africa Cup of Nations final to Ivory Coast.
The Fulham midfielder was targeted on social media, leading him to remove all of his previous Instagram posts as he was singled out for criticism following the 2-1 loss to the hosts in February.
Iwobi, 27, had already been questioned during the competition for perceived poor form.
But the former Arsenal winger said he did not even see the earlier posts as he focused on getting as far as he could with Nigeria.
“The whole competition I didn’t see it,” he said on his new Project 17 podcast.
“I remember in a press conference they said, ‘where is the creativity?’ and I had to address the role I was given and I said I am the kind of guy who will listen to my coach and try to do the job I’m told to do.”
Even after the loss to Ivory Coast, Iwobi was instead reading messages of support from friends and family rather than scrolling through any abuse on his social media accounts.
“The game is done now, obviously I’m disappointed – I’m on my phone but I don’t check Twitter. I’m on Snapchat and WhatsApp with all my people telling me I’ve done my nation proud.”
It was not until the following day that Iwobi was made aware of any comments as Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and other members of the squad rallied round and attempted to put out a collective statement condemning the insults.
“At two o’clock there was a knock on the door, I was like, ‘I don’t want room service’ but I looked through the keyhole and it is Victor Osimhen,” added Iwobi.
“I’m half-asleep with my hair everywhere but he said, ‘I’m not going to lie to you, they’ve been talking about you a lot on social media and I want to make sure you’re good. They’re saying you’re apparently going to retire, you’re depressed’.
“It is what it is, it is not the first time. The first AFCON where I got sent off it happened, at Arsenal it constantly happened, at Everton when I signed for two years it happened, that is football. I would rather be off social media, I don’t want to see that and I don’t care.
“They wanted to put out a statement saying cyber bullying is wrong and I said, ‘I hear that but we are just going to create a bigger scene’ but they said we needed to stand as one.
“They were standing up for me but I said no because the world would think I was down, I’m actually calm, just listening to music.”
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Iwobi is now back on Instagram and posts the occasional message on X and, while he condemns cyberbullying, he maintains he has not let it impact his life.
“I’m really tired of socials, really and truly,” he added.
“I would rather just be real in real life. I have seen people come off socials, like Stormzy and Jay-Z don’t have it and I feel they are living life peacefully.
“I don’t want people to think I am affected because I’m not. We came to the conclusion I needed to jump back on socials and it was important for people to see how I felt, rather than a statement where I thank you for the support and say that cyberbullying is wrong.
“Obviously now I’m back and seeing messages, I said thank you but I didn’t want to go into detail. It was a crazy period.”
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness admits it will not be easy to prise Xabi Alonso away from Bayer Leverkusen due to competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
The reigning German champions look set to lose their Bundesliga title to Alonso’s Leverkusen side as they trail their rivals by 10 points.
That situation prompted the early announcement of Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel’s departure at the end of the season but Jurgen Klopp revealing in January he was leaving Anfield in the summer has hastened proceedings as a host of big-name clubs battle to find new managers this summer.
Alonso, 42, is rated as one of Europe’s top young coaches with Leverkusen still unbeaten this season and heading towards their first Bundesliga title and has been installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to replace Klopp at Liverpool.
However, with two of the ex-Spain midfielder’s other former clubs also seemingly in competition for his services, the race is more complicated, although Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real currently appears secure with the team eight points clear in LaLiga with the Italian signing a contract extension to 2026 in December.
“He’s (Alonso) proven that he can be a coach for the big time. There are hardly any suitable coaches who are currently free,” Hoeness told a panel at the Munich Trade Fair.
“Rather they are coaches who are under contract somewhere and possibly have great success.
“And that makes it much more difficult because clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, Leverkusen and FC Bayern are working on it (securing Alonso).
“It’s not so easy to tell them that Bayern is the measure of all things.”
The public comments made by the 72-year-old, who is also a supervisory board member with the Bavarian club, are unlikely to impress Bayern’s new director of sport Max Eberl.
On Wednesday, Eberl gave an interview to German newspaper Bild in which he said he did not want to provoke Alonso headlines and insisted he had not spoken to any potential candidates, which numbered “more than four but not 40 names” on an “unusual” list of successors.
“We have a list that we would like to work through in peace and have conversations in peace,” said Eberl.
Liverpool’s attempts to find Klopp’s replacement are expected to accelerate following Wednesday’s appointment of a new sporting director in Richard Hughes from Bournemouth.
Hughes was the driving force behind the appointment of Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola, whose agent Inaki Ibanez is the long-time representative of Alonso.
However, Hughes would have secured the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi – another being linked with Liverpool – had there not been a delay due in the change of the club’s ownership which allowed Brighton to secure the Italian.
Sporting’s Ruben Amorim is another likely to be on Liverpool’s short list.
Jordan Pickford says speculation over Gareth Southgate’s future makes “no difference” to an England squad fully focused on winning the European Championship.
Having reached the World Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals either side of finishing as Euro 2020 runners-up, the team are favourites to be crowned continental champions this summer.
Euro 2024 could well be Southgate’s fourth and final tournament in charge, with the former England defender’s Football Association contract expiring at the end of the year.
The 53-year-old says contract talks are on the back burner as his focus is on glory in Germany, but background noise has increased this week following talk of Manchester United’s potential interest.
Asked what difference speculation about Southgate’s immediate future makes, England goalkeeper Pickford told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think there’s no difference. I think there’s one goal and that’s to win a European trophy.
“Us as players, and I think the manager and the staff, that’s all our goal is, to be focused on winning the European Championship.
“I think all the noise around anything else will probably come after that.”
Southgate handed Pickford his England debut in November 2017 and made him number one heading into the following year’s World Cup in Russia.
“His character has not changed,” the 58-cap goalkeeper said. “He’s a top man manager and he’s got a great set of staff around him.
“The training’s always good with the manager and everything we do is good.”
Southgate is currently working with Pickford and his team-mates ahead of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, when the Everton goalkeeper could be joined on the pitch by some familiar faces.
Anthony Gordon came through the ranks at Goodison Park and has gone on, in Pickford’s opinion, to become Newcastle’s best player this season.
The 23-year-old was part of the England side that won last summer’s Under-21 European Championship, as was highly-rated Toffees centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
“He’s been really good, a bit of a Rolls Royce,” Pickford said of the defender after his first senior call-up. “He’s calm and he makes the right decisions as well.
“He’s been quality this season and it’ll be a massive honour for him and his family to get called up for England, but fully deserved as well, I would say.”
Gordon, Branthwaite and fellow new boy Kobbie Mainoo are desperate to make their England debuts in a camp Ben White opted not to join.
The Arsenal defender went to the last Euros and World Cup, but Southgate revealed last week that he does not currently want to be selected by the national team.
White left Qatar early due to “personal reasons” and reports emerged of a fall-out between him and assistant Steve Holland, although the England boss last week stressed there was “never any issue” between them.
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Asked about White’s decision to snub an England recall, Pickford said: “Nothing’s been said. We just crack on as normal.
“That’s his own decision and you never know what’s happening at home, so you can’t really judge anyone I would say.
“But, for me, I love nothing more than wearing the England shirt and when I get the opportunity I grab it with both hands, which I’ve done for the last six, seven years.
“There’s not a better buzz than putting the England shirt on.”
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