Man Utd and West Ham target told to consider top six move as Crystal Palace star opens up on Newcastle talk

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been told to consider a move to a ‘traditional big six club’ as he continues to impress with the Bees.

The former Brondby first joined Brentford as assistant head coach to Dean Smith in December 2016 before succeeding the Aston Villa-bound boss in the lead role just under two years later. Frank guided the Bees to a historic promotion into the Premier League with a 2-0 win against Swansea City in the Championship play-off final in 2021 before helping the club maintain its top flight status over the following seasons. Frank has been linked with a number of roles over the course of that time and was suggested as a possible target for Manchester United as the Red Devils hierarchy considered the future of current head coach Erik ten Hag during the summer. One pundit has suggested the Bees boss would ‘do a very effective job’ at one of the top clubs in the Premier League - but insisted it be ‘very bold’ for the Old Trafford club to make a move for his services.

As per CaughtOffside, Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley said: “If he (Lopetegui) was removed from his job, I think Thomas Frank would be a really, really smart appointment. Thomas Frank, I would love for him to get a traditional Big Six job as I mentioned with Man United, I think he would do a very effective job there as well. It maybe feels like he might have missed the boat now that Ange Postecoglou’s at Spurs, are Man United are going to take a leap to go for Thomas Frank? That would feel very bold given his record is at Brentford really, it’s not any higher than that. But I would love to see him get a chance at a club like West Ham because I do think he really deserves it. I think if a club like West Ham came to the table for Thomas Frank, I think he would really consider it.”

The 3AM Verdict: “Frank has done a wonderful ensuring Brentford remained a Premier League club following their historic promotion and it does seem he is ready to make a step up. Whether that will be to a top six club remains to be seen but if he was to leave the Bees, he will not be short of potential suitors.”

Newcastle United target opens up on tough summer

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has admitted he experienced a difficult pre-season after his return from England’s Euro 2024 campaign was dominated by talk of a possible move to Newcastle United.

The Magpies are believed to have made at least three unsuccessful offers for the Eagles centre-back as they looked to boost Eddie Howe’s options at the heart of his defence. With speculation over a move to St James Park until the very last day of the summer transfer window, Palace co-owner Steve Parish remained steadfast in his belief Guehi would remain with Palace. The defender, who appeared in England’s 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday, has reflected on the events of the summer and what has been a difficult start to the Premier League season.

He told talkSPORT: “I’d say [it’s been] quite tough not having a pre-season, not having much of a break and going straight back into it. I kind of handled it as best as I can. The Euros was such an amazing experience, but just not quite getting there. And since then I’ve just tried to get my head down, tried to get to work [with transfer talk continuing]. It’s been a tough start for us at Palace, but I think everyone’s pulling in the right direction to try and get ourselves back to where we want to be.”

The 3AM Verdict: “The talk over Guehi’s possible move to Newcastle dominated the summer and recent reports have suggested it is likely to spark once again during the January transfer window as the Magpies still retain an interest in the England star. Whether a move comes to pass remains to be scene - but Palace are facing a major decision over Guehi’s future as he enters the final 18 months of his current deal at Selhurst Park.”