Transfer Centre

News Extra: Vertonghen's black eye, Madrid 'considered Conte', Hughton 'rejects Stoke'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 05 October 2019

The latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including the truth behind Jan Vertonghen's black eye, Real Madrid's aborted pursuit of Antonio Conte and Chris Hughton's reported rejection of the Stoke City job.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including the truth behind Jan Vertonghen's black eye, Real Madrid's aborted pursuit of Antonio Conte and Chris Hughton's reported rejection of the Stoke City job. Scroll down for more!

Eriksen 'gave Vertonghen black eye'

Jan Vertonghen waits to come back on for Spurs on April 30, 2019 © Reuters

Christian Eriksen gave Spurs teammate Jan Vertonghen a black eye during a training session this week - but the incident was a complete accident, according to The Sun. In recent days the pair have been forced to deny wild internet rumours that Vertonghen slept with Eriksen's wife and that speculation intensified after the Belgian was spotted with a shiner. The bruise was caused by Eriksen, although it was said to have resulted from a 'completely accidental collision during training'.

Real Madrid 'considered Conte'

A despairing Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on October 2, 2019 © Reuters

Real Madrid reportedly considered appointing ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte as their new manager over the summer. According to Fichajes.net, Los Blancos skipper Sergio Ramos vetoed the appointment of the Italian, who instead wound up at Inter Milan.

Haaland delighted to score at Anfield

Erling Braut Haaland celebrates scoring for Salzburg on October 2, 2019 © Reuters

Red Bull Salzburg youngster Erling Braut Haaland has admitted his delight at scoring past Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League this week. The highly-regarded striker matched the same feat as his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who scored for Leeds at Anfield in 1997.

"Now I have the same number of goals here," Haaland is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "He's always telling me 'I scored at Anfield, I scored at Anfield!' Now I can say it back to him: 'So have I!'"

Barcelona vp denies 'war with Pique'

Gerard Pique in action for Barcelona on October 2, 2019 © Reuters

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Cardoner has denied that the club have issues with Gerard Pique after the defender held "clear-the-air talks" with the Barca hierarchy this week. The Spaniard is said to have requested a meeting with top brass following the side's relatively poor start to the season and rumours of escalating tensions among the playing squad.

"There is no war with Pique," Cardoner told Catalunya Radio. "There has been a meeting between the president and Pique, which has been done to rectify a situation. Normality has returned and the players are at ease, and the fans are with the team, yesterday they showed great support."

LA Galaxy keen on Alfredo Morelos?

Alfredo Morelos in action for Rangers on October 3, 2019 © Reuters

MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy are reportedly keeping tabs on Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos as he continues his prolific form. The Colombian bagged 30 goals for Steven Gerrard's side last season and already has 12 to his name across all competitions this season. According to the Daily Star, Galaxy's technical director Jovan Kirovski personally scouted Morelos during Gers' 5-0 thrashing of Aberdeen last weekend.

Isaac Promise dies, aged 31

Isaac Promise in action for Austin Bold on June 12, 2019 © Reuters

Nigerian striker Isaac Promise has died suddenly at the age of 31 after a suspected heart attack. Promise spent most of his career in Turkey and captained his country to Olympic silver at the 2008 Games in Beijing. Most recently he had been turning out for second-tier US side Austin Bold.

Chris Hughton 'turns down Stoke'

Brighton manager Chris Hughton on April 23, 2019 © Reuters

Former Brighton boss Chris Hughton has turned down an offer to replace Nathan Jones as manager of Stoke City, according to The Mirror. The Potters have a disastrous return of just two points from their first 10 Championship games, leaving Jones on the brink of the sack.

Dummett admits Leicester thrashing 'hard to take'

Paul Dummett in action for Newcastle United on October 20, 2018 © Reuters

Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett has revealed that the squad exchanged tough words with each other after their 5-0 humiliation at Leicester City last weekend. Manager Steve Bruce allegedly subjected the players to a foul-mouthed tirade after the game, while midfielder Sean Longstaff admitted that their performance had been "f*cking embarrassing".

"There were a lot of things said between ourselves in the dressing room," Dummett told The Mirror. "No matter what team you play for, losing 5-0 is tough to take. There has been a lot said in the media. We have to accept the critics because everyone involved knew it wasn't good enough. It was not a nice feeling. We know it is tough to take. We have taken the criticism and we have been back out training looking to put it right at the weekend."