French side Lyon are reportedly targeting Graham Potter as a potential successor for their under-fire manager Laurent Blanc.

Lyon have endured a miserable start to their Ligue 1 season with one point in four games leaving them bottom of the table. 

Players were given a dressing down by the club’s ultras after their 4-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend, with the club now said to be looking into replacements for Blanc.

French outlet L’Equipe have now reported that Potter held an interview with the club’s American owner John Textor on Tuesday over the managerial position.

Lyon are considering him as a replacement for Blanc, while Potter himself is said to be interested in the project at the Groupama Stadium.

Graham Potter is reportedly in talks to become the next manager of French side Lyon

Lyon are bottom of Ligue 1 with one point in four games and players were given an extraordinary dressing down by their fans on Sunday after a 4-1 defeat against PSG

The French side are considering potential replacements for under-fire boss Laurent Blanc

Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in April, after less than seven months in charge.

The 48-year-old suffered 11 defeats in 31 games after replacing Thomas Tuchel, as he struggled to deal with Chelsea’s bloated squad following their heavy spending last season.

Potter though did impress at Brighton beforehand, leading them to their first top-half finish in 2022 since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2017.

He had previously been in contention to become manager of Nice, before the French side instead decided to hire 34-year-old Francesco Farioli from Turkish side Alanyaspor in June. 

Lyon were once the top team in France, winning the Ligue 1 title in seven straight seasons from 2002 to 2008.

However, they have not won a league title since with Paris Saint-Germain dominating the league over the past decade. 

Lyon were 4-0 down at half-time against PSG at the weekend thanks to a Kylian Mbappe brace and goals from Achraf Hakimi and summer signing Marco Asensio. 

Corentin Tolisso’s second-half penalty provided some scant consolation for Lyon, who also suffered a 4-1 loss to Montpellier last month.

Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in April after less than seven months in charge

After the final whistle against PSG, the players stood in front of the Virage Nord, the end housing the Bad Gones ultras – Lyon’s most prominent ultras group and one of the biggest in Ligue 1.

Lyon players sheepishly stared towards the stands as one of the ultras leaders addressed them with a megaphone.

‘To the Olympique Lyonnais 2023-2024 squad, this message is addressed to you,’ he said.

‘To those who assume the status of dressing-room leaders, the message is clear: If there are leaders in this dressing room, they no longer have the right to remain silent.

‘You’re wearing the Olympique Lyonnais jersey. You’re the ones who wear the Olympique Lyon jersey.

‘Others before you have worn it, glorified it.

Lyon players were warned against ‘smearing’ the club’s shirt after losing 4-1 to PSG

One of the leaders of the Bad Gones ultras group urged the team’s leaders to step up

‘You don’t have the right to tarnish it. Now that the transfer window is over, the squad is here. All we ask is to be by your side.

‘But to do that, you’re going to have to earn it. We love and respect this shirt.

‘There’s only one other thing we ask: to sing your names. Sing them with love, not like we sang the names of the little *******. who have left our club in the last six months.

‘We want to sing your names with respect, with love. Because we know you play with love.

‘But we expect you guys to respect our jersey […] and if we have to take our losses to do so with our heads held high. Go OL.’

Neymar‘s £78million move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal has sparked mixed reactions from football supporters.

The Brazilian will rake in the riches in Saudi Arabia after agreeing a deal worth £260m across two-years after deciding to call time on his career in Europe by leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

He is the biggest name in football to move to the oil-rich nation after Cristiano Ronaldo ditched England for the dessert in December last year, although some fans aren’t impressed by the announcement.

Neymar has been hailed as a ‘legend of the club’ by the reigning Ligue 1 champions, but initial reactions highlight an annoyance at seeing a top talent depart while still in the prime years of his career.

The 31-year-old starred for Barcelona before moving to France six years ago and leaves Europe after winning the Champions League, LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Ligue 1 titles and other major honours.

Neymar (left) has completed his £78million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal

The Brazilian departs France after spending six years at reigning Ligue 1 champions PSG

One comment pointed out whether Neymar would be criticised in the same ilk that Ronaldo was after the Portuguese arrived in December to lead Saudi football’s revolution.

Posting on Twitter, they said: ‘So now that Neymar is in Saudi Arabia does that mean he is also finished?? Or that only applies to Ronaldo.’

Another pointed out how Neymar would be welcomed in Saudi Arabia, stating: ‘Neymar is going to be welcomed with open arms and appreciated by Al-Hilal fans. The single biggest club in Asia. Something he didn’t get in Barcelona or in Paris.’

The superstars unveiling in Saudi Arabia is set to cost millions as Al-Hilal spare no expense on welcoming Neymar to his new home.

Others poignantly stated that his departure means the once fabled trio of Neymar, Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will have left European football.

Neymar (middle) leaves European after huge success with both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain

The online post read: ‘With Neymar officially off to Saudi Arabia, all three players who have defined this generation in some capacity are no longer playing European football.

‘Messi, Cristiano, Neymar. Like them, dislike them, deny their greatness, this is still an end of an era. Anyone feel old yet?’

Another labelled his arrival in the Middle East as ‘disappointing’ explaining: ‘Neymar moving to Saudi Arabia at age 31 is disappointing but Kylian Mbappé still playing in Ligue 1 while turning 25 in a couple months might be even more disappointing.’

A final emotional farewell to Neymar read: ‘I can’t believe Neymar is actually gone man. Forever one of the best to ever play the game. I’ll miss him so much.’

Paris Saint-Germain have ‘accepted an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal’ for Neymar, reports have said.

The Brazilian forward moved to Paris from Barcelona in 2017 and has racked up 118 games in 173 appearances for the French giants.

He has won five Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies, but has not added to the one Champions League he won in Spain.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Hilal tabled a ‘huge’ offer for Neymar on Saturday, and RMC Sport claim it was accepted by PSG the same day.

Nothing is confirmed, though, as the French outlet add that the forward is yet to give the deal his ‘green light’ despite ‘advanced’ negotiations between his representatives and the Saudi side.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have reportedly had a ‘huge’ offer for Neymar accepted

There has also been interest in the 31-year-old from the MLS, with LAFC thought to be the most likely location in America.

While Neymar’s next destination is not yet decided, it does look like he’ll be leaving PSG after six years.  

L’Equipe reported that the two parties have ‘agreed to find a common solution before the end of the transfer window.’

If he did move to Al-Hilal, Neymar would join fellow European names Ruben Nuves, Kalidou Koulbaly and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, all of whom joined this summer.

The same team made a world-record offer of £259 million for his teammate Kylian Mbappe, who rejected the move despite his poor relations with PSG.

The same club made a world record £259 million bid for Kylian Mbappe last month

Al-Hilal have already secured a number of European talents including Ruben Neves

The Premier League season is set to kick off tonight with Chelsea taking on Liverpool, but clubs still have until the end of the month to get their key signings over the line. 

There have already been some major deals done so far with Arsenal signing Declan Rice, Man United securing goalkeeper Andre Onana and Man City bringing in Josko Gvardiol.

There are a number of huge deals that could still happen – including Liverpool’s bid to secure Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and Bayern Munich‘s attempt to bring Harry Kane to Bavaria. 

There’s also question marks over the future of Harry Maguire as he mulls over a £30m move from United to West Ham. 

Here, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and transfer gossip on Thursday. 

PSG star Kylian Mbappe has told the club he has no intention of leaving the club this summer 

Tottenham striker Harry Kane is set to join Bayern Munich in a £100m deal after crucial late night talks with the England captain ready to undergo a medical. (Mail)

Liverpool have had a British record bid of £110m for Moises Caicedo accepted by Brighton with the Reds in position to pip Chelsea by securing the midfielder’s signature. (The Athletic). 

Kylian Mbappe has told PSG he won’t leave the club under any circumstances this summer with the superstar gearing up to leave on a free transfer next year. (Sky Sports)

Manchester United have agreed a £13m deal with Fenerbache for Brazilian star Fred, paving the way for Erik ten Hag to sign a new midfielder. (Mail) 

Harry Kane looks set for Bayern Munich after Spurs made a breakthrough on £100m talks 

Tottenham are keeping tabs on Crystal palace midfielder Eberechi Eze with Ange Postecoglou looking to replace the injured Bryan Gil. (Football.London)

West Ham are waiting on Harry Maguire’s decision on joining the Hammers after the club agreed a £30m fee with Manchester United. (Mail) 

The Hammers are also considering a move for Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic despite the Serbian being close to joining Inter Milan. (Mail) 

Aston Villa are attempting to sign Italian midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo from Galatasary with Emi Buendia set to miss an extended period through ACL injury. (Fabrizio Romano). 

Saudi outfit Al-Ahli have made a £10.4m bid for Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara with the Reds fearing another midfielder could move to the Middle East. (L’Equipe) 

Barcelona have given the go-ahead to re-sign Neymar from PSG this summer (Sport) 

Liverpool could see another midfielder join a Saudi club with Al-Ahli targeting Thiago Alcantara

The start of the season across Europe’s top five leagues is rapidly approaching – but many managers remain short of players they are after in a bid to deliver success. 

Plenty of movement is still expected – in spite of the millions already shelled out this summer – with championship-contending sides, as well as teams expected to struggle down the bottom, planning further business.  

Bayern Munich remain locked on landing Harry Kane from Tottenham, while Manchester United are expected to get a couple more through the door as they clear out some of their fringe stars. 

Manchester City could see one in, one out, in midfield with firm interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, while there is a sense that PSG are in selling mode after five players were brutally told they are surplus to requirements in the French capital. 

Here, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and transfer gossip on Thursday. 

Hugo Ekitike has been told he is surplus to requirements at PSG – and there is lots of interest

Everton have made an offer for PSG striker Hugo Ekitike, with the young forward deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Luis Enrique. (Sky Sports) 

Barcelona are refusing to give up on signing Bernardo Silva this summer and are working ‘around the clock’ in a bid to snare the Manchester City midfielder. (Mundo Deportivo) 

Chelsea prepared to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga after completing Robert Sanchez deal amid interest from Bayern Munich – as German champions eye loan deal with option to buy. (Mail) 

Burnley have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign midfielder Aaron Ramsey, in a deal worth around £14million plus add-ons. There is expected to be a buyback clause. (The Athletic)

Napoli remain locked in talks to give star man Victor Osimhen a mega-money new contract in a bid to ward off offers north of £100million from Saudi Arabia. (Sky Sport Italia) 

Napoli are eager to end any speculation over Victor Osimhen’s future with a mega new deal

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta wants to join Manchester City after bidding £70m for the Brazilian – but West Ham are desperate to keep him this summer. (Mail) 

Paris Saint-Germain’s desire to move on from Neymar could see club and player reach an agreement to terminate his contract, which is due to run until 2027. (UOL Esporte – in Portuguese) 

Manchester United sound out Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard as the Red Devils look to find Harry Maguire replacement, with the centre back heading to West Ham. (Mail) 

Sofyan Amrabat is another target for United and Erik ten Hag, but the Moroccon midfielder is leaning towards a move to join Atletico Madrid. (SPORT) 

Brighton forward Julio Enciso is attracting interest from Italian champions Napoli this summer, as they plot a raid on the south coast club. (Telegraph) 

Leeds winger Willy Gnonto asked to be left out of the squad for their Carabao Cup win over Shrewsbury Town as he seeks a move away from Elland Road – but the Championship so far remain adamant they don’t want to sell. (Mail)

Italian winger Willy Gnonto is desperate for a move away from the Championship outfit

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest transfer news on Tuesday, as Neymar tells PSG he wants to leave the club and West Ham continue their pursuit of Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire.

The new Premier League season is just a few days away now and clubs are scrambling to get more deals over the line ahead of the big kick-off.

The Harry Kane transfer saga could be heading for a conclusion with the striker setting Bayern Munich a deadline of Sunday to raise their £86million offer or he’ll commit to Tottenham for the season.

Meanwhile, as our Transfer Confidential column revealed on Monday, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino wants four new arrivals before the window shuts.  

With several deals this summer reliant on one another it’s shaping up to be a very intriguing close to the window.

Below, Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Tuesday.

Harry Kane has set Bayern Munich a deadline of Sunday for any improved bids to sign him

Paris Saint-Germain’s wantaway forward Neymar could be in line for a shock move to Chelsea after telling the French champions he wants to leave (RMC Sport). 

West Ham have made a fresh £30m bid for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire – and also a similar offer for midfielder Scott McTominay (Mail Sport). 

Liverpool have seen a £46m bid for Romeo Lavia rejected as Southampton stand firm on their £50m asking price (Sky Sports). 

Moises Caicedo skipped Brighton training as he tries to force through his move to Chelsea. The Seagulls rebuffed Chelsea’s latest £80m offer last week (Mail Sport). 

Arsenal have rejected a bid from Monaco for Folarin Balogun, with the Gunners demanding £50m for the striker (Mail Sport). 

Napoli have made a £25.9m bid for Liverpool target Gabri Veiga – though the release clause in his Celta Vigo contract is £34.5m (Fabrizio Romano). 

The Brazilian (left) has informed PSG of his desire to leave the club during the summer transfer window – with his representatives reportedly in talks with Chelsea

Southampton are holding out on their £50m valuation for Romeo Lavia amid Liverpool interest

Chelsea and Monaco are both vying for the signature of Brazilian 18-year-old sensation Washington with his club Santos ready to cash in (The Sun). 

Tottenham are prepared to take on West Ham in the battle to sign Southampton and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse, valued at £40m (Daily Star). 

Everton are interested in signing Leicester City striker Patson Daka following the Foxes’ relegation into the Championship (Sky Sports). 

Spurs could offer Djed Spence and Joe Rodon to Nottingham Forest as makeweights in a deal for £50m-rated winger Brennan Johnson (Mail Sport). 

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest transfer news on Saturday as West Ham encourage Arsenal to make a third bid for Declan Rice, while Manchester City consider a move for Achraf Hakimi.

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for all the latest transfer news on Friday, with Arsenal to make an official move for Declan Rice imminently.