Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including David Moyes's defence of Ed Woodward, Nottingham Forest's apparent interest in Dwight Gayle and Fred's verdict on his performances for Manchester United. Scroll down for more!
Moyes: 'Woodward fine to work with'
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes has defended executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward from allegations that he is one of the problems at Old Trafford. Woodward took over from David Gill in the role following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and has since overseen transfer spending of almost £1 billion while appointing four different managers, with little success.
"I found him fine to work with, I've got to say," Moyes told talkSPORT. "He was really new to the job. One of the big losses I found was probably David Gill leaving Manchester United, because he was the one who worked with Sir Alex, and with both Sir Alex and David Gill going it was new for myself and Ed Woodward going in.
"I knew it was going to be tough, but I looked at it and thought I was taking over the champions of England. I also thought, 'why would I not want to manage this club?'. I see it as being the biggest club in the world. I also thought why would I not be able to turn it around? They've always given their managers opportunity and time, and over the years they've never been a club to panic."
Forest plotting move for Gayle?
Nottingham Forest are planning to make a January move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, according to The Athletic. Forest were among a clutch of Championship sides - including West Bromwich Albion, where he spent last season on loan - said to be keen on Gayle over the summer, but he instead remained with the Magpies. The 29-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign last weekend with seven minutes against Chelsea.
Silva: 'Davies is something special'
Everton manager Marco Silva has described Tom Davies as "something special" after the youngster got his first league start of the season at the weekend. The 21-year-old - tipped to be a future captain of the Toffees - had played just 20 minutes in the Premier League prior to Saturday's 2-0 win over West Ham United, in which he played the full 90.
"I like Tom as a lad," Silva told the Liverpool Echo. "Tom is something special for me because he loves the club, he is a lad from our club and he is special, it doesn't matter if he's played ten or thirty games for me."
Fred: "I am adapting"
Fred has admitted that he had a "difficult" first season at Manchester United but insists that he is now "adapting" to the challenges of the Premier League. The Brazilian midfielder moved to Old Trafford in June 2018 from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth a reported £52m but had failed to nail down a place in the side, contributing just one goal in 33 appearances.
"My first season was difficult but that is normal when a footballer changes league," Fred told The Telegraph. "The Ukrainian league isn't as strong as the Premier League. It's faster and more physical here. You need to start games strongly and finish them strongly. It's the full force for 90 minutes, but it takes time to adapt to English football when you come from Ukraine, even though I was playing against some of the best teams in the Champions League, but I believe I am adapting.
"I'm learning day by day. I feel like I'm getting better. I have a big heart. I will play better. I like Manchester. My family are here and they like it too. They are speaking English. I'm having English classes, too, but it's not possible all the time because we travel."
Dortmund 'planning Mertens approach'
Borussia Dortmund have "concrete interest" in Dries Mertens and will look to sign the Napoli striker when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, according to journalist Gianluca di Marzio. The 32-year-old is looking to sign a new deal with the Italian side but should talks fail in the coming weeks, he will seriously consider signing a pre-contract with another club in January.
Stam claims Newcastle approach
Feyenoord boss Jaap Stam has claimed that he was approached by Newcastle United about their managerial vacancy over the summer but turned the Magpies down because he had already agreed to take over the Dutch side instead.
The former Reading head coach told Voetbal International: "Newcastle United contacted me a few days after I agreed to manage Feyenoord. So it was not an option right away. I am a man of my word. It was beautiful and honourable, because the people in England apparently know what I stand for as a coach."
Drinkwater joins Extinction Rebellion
Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater joined climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion last week as he continues to serve a 20-month driving ban for drink driving. The 29-year-old - currently on loan at Burnley - posted a selfie with other protesters in London alongside a salute emoji.
Vialli still undergoing cancer treatment
Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli has revealed that he is still undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer two years after his diagnosis. The 55-year-old, who revealed his battle with the illness last year, has already undergone surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
"Since March I have been undergoing other treatments," he is quoted as saying by The Sun. "I must be in a good physical and mental condition to face this challenge. I'm fine now, I'm continuing the treatment. We must have patience, it is harder than one could hope for. But the results are positive and it makes no sense for me not to continue living a normal life."
