Coach 'wants' Crystal Palace job as Brentford 'enter race' for £12.4m star

The Premier League’s return is almost upon us, with the last international break of the year now over and done with. There are no further breaks until the new year, and that will make this a vital run of fixtures.

Crystal Palace need wins more than most, in serious danger of being sucked into a relegation battle, winning only once so far. Meanwhile, Julen Lopetegui may be fighting for his job at West Ham, but things are much easier at Brentford and Fulham, who have both enjoyed strong starts. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the top flight.

Van Nistelrooy claim

Now former Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is said to be interested in the Crystal Palace post, even if it is not currently vacant. According to Football Insider, the Dutchman is eyeing a job in the Premier League and he sees the Eagles as a potential landing spot.

Glasner is safe for now, continuing to have the backing of the board, but that could change if the losses continue. Wolves and Southampton have also reportedly been mooted as potential landing spots for Van Nistelrooy.

Diouf links

Brentford are said to be interested in a deal to sign El Hadji Malick Diouf. According to Africa Foot, the Slavia Prague star is attracting plenty of attention from Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest and the Bees said to be interested.

Villarreal are also said to be interested in a deal, but whoever wants to buy the 19-year-old will need to put up big money. Sparta Prague are said to be asking for £12.4million. That’s more than £10million more than they paid for him at the start of the year.

Fatawu injury

Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury. Steve Cooper has confirmed ahead of his side’s clash with Chelsea: “It's not good, it's a serious injury. He's had an ACL injury which is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It's a real blow, first and foremost for him.

“He's a young player and having an ACL injury can be quite common, it's part of football, but it's still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us. It's difficult news - he's obviously a big talent and a young player who's exciting. Every player his age has lots to learn but there is so much to be excited about with him.”