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News Extra: Derby duo 'safe from axe', Sunderland takeover doubts, Palace in for Stepanenko

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 30 September 2019

The latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including Derby's stance on Mason Bennett and Tom Lawrence after their car crash, fresh doubts over Sunderland's US takeover and Crystal Palace's pursuit of Taras Stepanenko.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including Derby's stance on Mason Bennett and Tom Lawrence after their car crash, fresh doubts over Sunderland's US takeover and Crystal Palace's pursuit of Taras Stepanenko. Scroll down for more!

Dalglish gives Gerrard Liverpool backing

Kenny Dalglish pictured on October 14, 2017 © Reuters

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has echoed Jurgen Klopp's endorsement of Steven Gerrard as a future manager of the side. Speaking last week, the German said that Gerrard - currently in charge of Rangers - would be the perfect successor when he decides to depart Anfield in the future.

"Let's be clear. Jurgen is going nowhere, and nobody with the club at heart wants to see him depart," Dalglish told the Sunday Post. "At some stage, everybody needs a rest, a time to draw breath and take stock. When that scenario unfolds, Steven Gerrard, I'm quite certain will come into the thoughts of everyone at Liverpool. He knows the club inside out and is proving himself to be a very capable manager at Rangers. Steven is doing very well at Ibrox. He has improved the team, and helped the club make huge strides forward off the park. The next step, of course, is to try to win silverware."

Sunderland takeover 'on brink of collapse'

General view of Sunderland's Stadium of Light from January 2017 © Reuters

Sunderland's takeover by an American consortium is "in the balance", according to The Sun. Black Cats owner Stewart Donald has been in talks with MSD Partners over the last month but the New York firm are "still haggling over some of the details of the deal" and there are now fears it could collapse.

Barca 'furious with Arthur over Neymar'

Arthur Melo is unveiled as a Barcelona player on July 12, 2018 © Reuters

Barcelona are said to have been left "furious" with Arthur Melo after pictures emerged of him on a night out with Neymar last week. The Brazilian was seen with his countryman less than two days before his side's 2-0 win at Getafe on Saturday. Neymar is currently in a legal dispute with his former side over the finances surrounding his £200m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

Nice player accused of stealing Kasper Dolberg's watch

Kasper Dolberg in action for Denmark on September 8, 2019 © Reuters

Nice striker Lamine Diaby is said to be facing the sack after being accused of stealing teammate Kasper Dolberg's £62,000 watch from the changing rooms. The Denmark international reported the incident to the police after the watch went missing and according to L'Equipe, 18-year-old Diaby has now been identified as the prime suspect.

Derby 'will not axe Bennett, Lawrence'

Tom Lawrence in action for Derby County on August 5, 2019 © Reuters

Mason Bennett and Tom Lawrence will not be sacked by Derby County despite being involved in a drink-drive crash that left skipper Richard Keogh with a broken knee, according to The Sun. The trio were involved in the smash last week after a team-bonding meal and now face a police investigation. The Rams are expected to heavily discipline the players but will reportedly keep them on their books.

Barca 'want Fati for El Clasico'

Barcelona's Anssumane Fati celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates on September 14, 2019 © Reuters

Barcelona reportedly want teenage starlet Ansu Fati to remain with the club for next month's El Clasico rather than head to Brazil for Under-17s World Cup duty with Spain. The youngster is in the process of being fast-tracked so that he can turn out for Spain at the tournament, which takes place between October 26 and November 17. October 26 is also the date that Barca are due to face Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

Palace 'back in for Stepanenko'

Taras Stepanenko in action for Shakhtar Donetsk on September 18, 2019 © Reuters

Crystal Palace are preparing a fresh move for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Taras Stepanenko in January, according to The Sun. The Eagles are thought to have failed with an approach worth £8m in the summer but have now been informed that he will be available for transfer in the next window.

Rodrygo dismisses Ronaldo comparisons

Rodrygo celebrates scoring for Real Madrid on September 25, 2019 © Reuters

Real Madrid teenager Rodrygo has played down comparisons to Ronaldo after he became Los Blancos' quickest debut goalscorer in the league since the Brazilian legend 17 years ago. "I don't want any comparisons with Ronaldo being made because he's one of the game's all-time best and one of my country's best," he told reporters after taking just 93 seconds to score in the 2-0 win over Osasuna last week. "As for the goal - I controlled it well and knew that from there on in things would work out. I have to always show that I'm capable of playing here."