Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner joked the best birthday present he could receive would be a day free from discussing transfer business.
Rumours continue to swirl around his side, with reports captain Marc Guehi could move to Newcastle before Friday’s deadline while Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is linked with a move to Selhurst Park.
The Austrian, whose side advanced with a 4-0 second round victory over Norwich in the Carabao Cup, is unlikely to be granted his reprieve.
Glasner, asked if Guehi’s wave to the crowd as he walked off the pitch bore any significance, said: “Nice try.
“I turn 50 tomorrow and I think I have one free wish, and my wish would be that I don’t have to answer questions about the transfer window, so you can decide if you give me a gift or not.
“Today I pushed everything away from me, and all the players who played the game, they deserved 100 per cent Oliver Glasner and not thinking about the transfer window, not thinking about different players.
“They needed the support before and during the game from all of us so I think it would be terrible from my side if I focused on other players, because they had to win the game.
“They did it fantastically, especially how we scored the goals. It’s almost (midnight), I don’t think about the transfer window, and I hope tomorrow when we meet for training I hope we get some good news.”
The hosts got off to a quick start with Daichi Kamada’s second-minute opener, the summer signing’s first competitive goal of the campaign.
The Japan international then turned provider after the break for the first of two for Jean-Philippe Mateta, a stunning bicycle kick which Glasner noted was “maybe a symbol of confidence, how he finishes”.
Eberechi Eze set up Mateta’s second before netting six minutes from time to wrap up the win.
Glasner had to introduce Chris Richards for Chadi Riad after the defender was forced off in the 10th minute with what Glasner suspected might be a knee ligament issue.
Canaries boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was forced into a change of his own three minutes later when Amankwah Forson went down in midfield after seeming to slip.
He needed air as he was treated on the pitch for some time before he went off using his shirt as a makeshift sling.
Thorup was unable to provide a definitive update but revealed Forson “looked a little better than expected”.
Norwich were not without chances and the scoreline might have looked different were it not for a few sharp stops from Palace keeper Dean Henderson.
Thorup was surprised by Glasner’s selection of such a strong line-up that included Guehi, who will now be cup-tied should he depart this week.
He said: “Yeah (I was surprised) but also it was good for us. I told the boys in the dressing room before we started, ‘It’s fantastic’.
“It’s a good opportunity. If you gave me the option of whether they play with more of the reserves or the Premier League line-up, if I can call it that, I actually prefer to do what they did tonight.
“Then we see what we are all about and what the next level is for us. I think it was a good test and I think we showed some positive signs, but everyone can also see that there are areas of the game where we are not at that level yet.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 9 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal