Itthad Barhum Overview

Brentford have ruled out sanctioning a mid-season departure for record signing El Hadji Malick Diouf following fresh transfer links to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool. Having only recruited the 21-year-old Senegal international from West Ham United for up to £40 million in late August, Gtech Community Stadium chiefs consider him untouchable this winter.

Thomas Tuchel has stood firm on his decision to omit Cole Palmer from his latest England squad, admitting he did not even feel the need to contact the Chelsea playmaker before the announcement. Despite Palmer returning to fitness and form at Stamford Bridge, the German coach cited a lack of consistent availability as the primary reason for the high-profile snub.

Xabi Alonso has refused to dwell on Cole Palmer's omission from the England squad, insisting his conversations with the 24-year-old are only about Chelsea. The Blues boss also joked about goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's protective mask and revealed that midfielder Moises Caicedo has "little problems" ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Sunderland.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has caused a stir with his latest squad selection for the upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header against Croatia and Spain. While the headline news sees the Bellingham brothers united in the senior setup for the first time, several high-profile Premier League stars, including Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, have been left out in the cold.