Football news LIVE: Chelsea 'leading chase' for Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku £52m Blues pre-contract 'agreed'

Chelsea are leading the race to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports. Christopher Nkunku's pre-contract agreement with the Blues has been 'agreed'.

Chris Wilder was sacked at Middlesborough. Eight Championship clubs have changed managers since the beginning of the season. Leicester host Nottingham Forest in a Premier League match. Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester. Erling Haaland has scored a hat-trick in three consecutive home games for Manchester Derby. Raphael Varane's injury is not as bad as first feared. Manchester City are the most recent team to have two players score hat tricks in the same match, while Manchester United have three. Manchester derby was highest scoring derby in history. It was 6-3 at the Etihad Stadium.

Steve Cooper is the favourite to be the next Forest manager to leave his job. Ralph Hasenhuttl is second favourite, while Brendan Rodgers is 10/1. Mykhaylo Mudryk has been in fine form for Shakhtar Donetsk this season. Leeds are interested in signing him. Leicester's James Maddison hopes to play at the World Cup. Chelsea are leading the chase for Rafael Leao and Christopher Nkunku. Chelsea's pre-contract agreement with Chelsea is 'agreed'. Chelsea have also agreed to sell Rafael to Chelsea for £52m. Chris N'Kunkusu's contract is also 'negotiated'.

Barca were interested in signing Arsenal's William Saliba. Spurs are considering a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Chelsea are monitoring Edouard Mendy's situation. Bukayo Saka is close to signing a new contract at Arsenal. He is expected to earn £200,000-per-week. Manchester City and Liverpool have been interested. The deal is on the table. He has also invested in taking an executive box at the Emirates. His current contract runs out in 2024. Arsenal are confident of keeping him. They have taken the player’s ‘personal investment in a box as a sign of his loyalty.

Erling Haaland has scored over 100 goals in Europe. Macaulay Langstaff has 15 goals for Notts County in the National League. Sam Hoskins has 11 goals at Northampton Town. Jonson Clarke-Harris is the top scorer in League 1. Oscar Estupinan is top of the Championship with seven goals. Leicester beat Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the King Power Stadium. Leicester are off the bottom of table. Forest are bottom after five consecutive defeats. Chelsea and Chelsea have agreed a deal for Rafael Leao. Christopher Nkunku's pre-contract agreement has also been signed.

Erling Haaland has scored a hat-trick in three consecutive home games. Manchester City are the most recent team to have two players score hat tricks in the same match. Alessia Russo has withdrawn from the England squad with a "small injury". Granit Xhaka has had more touches in opposition penalty area than Son Heung-min this season. Leicester host Nottingham Forest. Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester. Steve Cooper is going all out with an attacking line-up. Raphael Varane's injury is not as bad as originally feared. He limped off in Manchester Derby.