Round-up: Hasselbaink speculation, Perch, Conte on Luiz, Fabregas and Alonso
Les Ferdinand told West London Sport on Thursday morning that QPR have no plans to replace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as manager and are not considering Tony Pulis as a possible successor.
After West Bromwich Albion boss Pulis was seen sitting alongside Ferdinand during Rangers’ 6-0 hammering by Newcastle this week, The Times suggested the former Stoke manager could end up at Loftus Road if he leaves Albion.
But QPR director of football Ferdinand has insisted that the club have no intention of changing manager.
Speculation that Pulis could take over at Rangers brought a mixed reaction from fans on Twitter.
Meanwhile, swelling around James Perch’s injured knee means Rangers have had to wait for news on the extent of the problem.
Antonio Conte has confirmed that David Luiz will start for Chelsea against Liverpool on Friday – and is adamant he has full confidence in the Brazilian.
Conte has also responded to ongoing speculation about Cesc Fabregas’ future by insisting the midfielder is in his plans and the club are not planning to sell him.
And the Blues boss has indicated that recent signing Marcos Alonso will make his debut in Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie at Leicester.
Fulham winger Floyd Ayite has been ruled out for the next few games with an ankle injury.
Brentford boss Dean Smith has revealed that a tactical change was behind their second-half dominance in the 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.
And in cricket, Middlesex will go into next week’s County Championship title showdown with Yorkshire nine points clear at the top after a draw with Lancashire at Old Trafford.
