Crewe: Crewe have announced they will conduct an independent review into the way they dealt with historical child abuse allegations. The League Two club released a statement yesterday explaining they will appoint an external legal counsel to carry out an investigation. Former Crewe director Hamilton Smith, who was on the board from 1986 to early 1990, had earlier claimed the club held board-level talks about an allegation of sexual abuse made against ex-junior coach Barry Bennell in the late 1980s, but kept him on.
Isco: Barcelona are considering a shock move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco, Mundo Deportivo reported yesterday. The former Malaga midfielder is out of contract at the Bernabeu in 2018 and yesterday report claimed Barca will swoop if he fails to agree an extension. Javier Saviola was the last player to move between the two Clasico rivals, joining Real Madrid in 2007.
Hysaj: Jose Mourinho is keeping tabs on Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj, according to reports in Italy. The Albanian international is reportedly on the Manchester United manager’s shortlist ahead of the January window. Mourinho, who is looking to improve his options at full-back could even offer Matteo Darmian as part of the deal.
Neil: Norwich manager Alex Neil revealed he still has the backing of owner Delia Smith after a fifth straight loss yesterday. The Canaries lost 1-0 to Derby, but Neil, whose side dropped out of the top six, was defiant after a defeat that was tough on the visitors. “I’ve just seen the owner and she literally said to me, ‘Keep going, we keep fighting’,” said Neil. “All you can do is stick together and keep together and we’ll get through it. The one thing I have never been is someone who is going to give up.”
Van Dijk: Southampton will ask for £40m from clubs interested in signing centre-back Virgil van Dijk, reports the Daily Mirror. The Netherlands international has attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool, but only signed a new six-year deal with Saints earlier this year. Southampton paid Celtic around £13m to sign him last year.