❌

Normal view

Before yesterdayCaughtOffside

Just in: Newcastle United plot attacking response after painful Liverpool transfer hijack

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat
18 June 2026 at 17:00

Newcastle United are reportedly scrambling to reshape their attacking plans after missing out on Victor Muñoz to Liverpool in dramatic fashion.

The Osasuna winger looked to be heading towards Tyneside, with reports claiming Newcastle had worked hard on the deal and even had key steps lined up before Liverpool made a late move.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The Reds have now secured the Spanish attacker, leaving Newcastle frustrated after believing they were close to landing one of their priority wide options.

According to The Guardian, Liverpool moved quickly to sign Muñoz in a deal worth around £34.5m, beating Newcastle and several other clubs.

The Liverpool Offside also reported that Newcastle had agreed a fee, personal terms and agent fees before Liverpool hijacked the move.

New attacking options emerge for Newcastle United

However, Newcastle are not expected to waste time feeling sorry for themselves.

According to a source on X, the club are now in contact with representatives of Darwin Núñez and Marcus Rashford as they look for a statement alternative.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Both players would bring something different. Núñez offers chaos, movement and explosive running in behind, while Rashford provides pace, directness and Premier League experience from the left.

Either option would give Newcastle’s attack a different edge, especially if the club want more speed and unpredictability in the final third.

A statement signing now feels necessary

This feels like an important moment for Newcastle’s recruitment team.

Losing out to Liverpool so late is a blow, but the response matters more than the setback itself.

Rashford’s future remains uncertain after Barcelona decided not to activate their permanent option.

Núñez has also been linked with a possible move after his Saudi spell with Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

The links to Núñez and Rashford are still at an early stage. But after the Muñoz disappointment, Newcastle clearly need a fast and convincing response.

Sources: Unsettled Newcastle United star has three suitors as transfer “expected” 

The post Just in: Newcastle United plot attacking response after painful Liverpool transfer hijack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United make their Marcus Rashford plans clear as Barcelona consider another move

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ahad Shaukat
18 June 2026 at 13:23

Manchester United have reportedly made it clear that they do not plan to negotiate another loan deal with Barcelona for Marcus Rashford.

According to ESPN, United have no intention of entering fresh talks with the Spanish champions over a new temporary agreement.

That is a significant development because Barcelona had already passed up the chance to sign Rashford permanently before their deadline expired.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The original loan included an option worth around €30m, but Barcelona chose not to activate it.

ESPN previously reported that the deadline was June 15, meaning United are now looking beyond the Camp Nou when planning the forward’s future.

Barcelona door appears to be closing

From Man United’s point of view, the decision makes sense. Another loan would only delay the problem.

Rashford is 28, still has value, and United need either a permanent sale or a clear decision on whether he has any future at Old Trafford.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Barcelona may still admire the player, but their transfer priorities have changed. They decided against paying the agreed fee, and that tells Man United enough.

If the Spanish club were not willing to commit when they had the chance, there is little reason for United to hand them another short-term solution.

World Cup form could help Man United

The timing is interesting because Rashford is currently with England at the World Cup.

He scored in England’s opening win over Croatia, with talkSPORT noting that his performance sparked fresh debate about whether United should reconsider their stance.

That is the difficult part for United. A strong tournament could increase interest and improve his market value, but it could also raise questions about why the club are so determined to move on.

The message from Old Trafford appears firm. Barcelona will not get another easy loan route.

If Rashford leaves United this summer, the club want it to be on terms that finally bring clarity.

Arsenal and Man United learn latest Newcastle United stance on Sandro Tonali 

The post Man United make their Marcus Rashford plans clear as Barcelona consider another move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Bellingham or Rogers? How England could line up for World Cup 2026 opener vs Croatia

✇CaughtOffside
By:Mark Brus
17 June 2026 at 15:47

England start their World Cup 2026 campaign tonight with their Group L clash against Croatia at 9pm.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

The big team news questions mainly surround Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers for the attacking midfield role, while Thomas Tuchel also has decisions to make in central defence, and wide on the left.

While we think there’s a serious case for Tuchel to go for form over names by picking Aston Villa star Rogers over Real Madrid Galactico Bellingham, it’s perhaps hard to imagine the Three Lions boss taking a big gamble like that for the toughest opponent in the group.

??????? We're all agreed this should be England's first XI for this World Cup, right? ? pic.twitter.com/wBow9ROpLB

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) June 12, 2026

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Likewise, we suspect Tuchel will also opt for experience at the back, with John Stones over Ezri Konsa alongside Marc Guehi in central defence.

England predicted line up to take on Croatia

See below for prediction for how England could line up against Croatia this evening…

England look strong with this line up, but there’s always the possibility that Bukayo Saka’s fitness could be a problem, perhaps meaning a starting spot for Noni Madueke.

Saka has been a world class performer for Arsenal and England down the years, but he has had a few more fitness problems after playing so many games in recent times.

On the other flank, Anthony Gordon has done well after recently becoming more of a key player for England, but Marcus Rashford also goes into this tournament in fine form after a strong loan spell at Barcelona.

The Manchester United outcast is another player who might also be worth choosing for his experience, but we expect Gordon is slightly ahead in the pecking order right now due to his direct style, pace, and work-rate.

The likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice are surely certain to start whatever happens, but it will be interesting to see if they play the full 90 minutes in the blistering heat that has been touted as a bit of an issue in the US.

What do you make of the possible England line up and are you confident about the game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

The post Bellingham or Rogers? How England could line up for World Cup 2026 opener vs Croatia appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Marcus Rashford opens door to Manchester United stay after Barcelona clause expires

✇CaughtOffside
By:Ruairidh Barlow
16 June 2026 at 17:42

England forward Marcus Rashford is no doubt focusing on the World Cup, as his side prepares to face Croatia in their opening game in the United States. When he returns from the Americas, he will have to deal with his future, which remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The 28-year-old will not have failed to notice that Barcelona have allowed their €30m buy option to expire, meaning he is on track to begin preseason at Old Trafford. Rashford has expressed a desire to stay at Barcelona, and Hansi Flick reportedly was keen on keeping him too, but after the signing of Anthony Gordon, the Blaugrana seem less certain they want to move for him. Nevertheless, they are yet to rule it out entirely, but Rashford is not seen as a priority.

Marcus Rashford prefers United stay over Premier League rivals

Marcus Rashford celebrates with Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres
Marcus Rashford celebrates with Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As reported by The Athletic, Rashford would prefer to remain at Manchester United this summer, than join any other sides in the Premier League. Currently he has a £40m release clause that any side can activate, barring Liverpool and Manchester City, and other Premier League sides have expressed interest in him – former loan side Aston Villa have been linked to him on a number of occasions since. Rashford has two years left on his United deal, and it seemed he would be on the move again this summer, but for the first time, it has been suggested he would stay at the club.

Manchester United want to sell Marcus Rashford after Barcelona chose not to trigger his €30m option to buy. Clause expired on Monday.

As it stands, Rashford set to return to pre-season training with Manchester United after the World Cup.

Barcelona are open to another… pic.twitter.com/5SGg0Idq3u

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 16, 2026

Manchester United not planning on Rashford return

Marcus Rashford reacts during a Barcelona game
Marcus Rashford reacts during a Barcelona game (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Rashford is not on the agenda at Old Trafford. MEN say that manager Michael Carrick was keen to reintegrate Rashford, but after holding talks with the leadership group, there are no plans to bring him back into the fold. It seems Manchester United will pursue a permanent sale for Rashford, be it to Barcelona or not.

The post Marcus Rashford opens door to Manchester United stay after Barcelona clause expires appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Euro giants confident of landing 28-year-old Man United ace in bargain deal

✇CaughtOffside
By:Saikat
14 June 2026 at 01:00

Bayern Munich are interested in signing Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford this summer.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are confident they can get the deal done. The 28-year-old has no future at Manchester United, and the club is looking to sell him. Rashford has also been offered to Arsenal.

He was on loan at Barcelona last season, and the Spanish champions had the option to make the move permanent for €30 million. However, they are yet to pay up. Bayern Munich are preparing a €25 million offer to sign the player.

Can Bayern sign Marcus Rashford?

Rashford will look to sort out his future quickly, and joining the German champions could be an exciting option for him. He was interested in securing a permanent move to Barcelona, but they have not made their move yet. Rashford will want to focus on his football, and sorting out a move will be a priority. It remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich can secure an agreement with Manchester United.

Rashford produced 28 goal contributions last season, and there is no doubt that he would be an excellent addition for the German champions. However, they are already well stocked in the attacking unit, and it remains to be seen whether they can accommodate the International in the starting lineup.

Where will Rashford play at Bayern?

Luis Diaz has been phenomenal for them on the left flank, and Rashford operates in a similar role. It is unlikely that they will drop the Colombian International to accommodate the Manchester United attack. The England International will not want to sit on the bench at the German club either. It remains to be seen how Bayern Munich manage to convince the player.

The German champions are an attractive destination for most players, and they can offer the 28-year-old a platform to regularly compete for major trophies. However, they must also be able to give him regular opportunities in the starting lineup.

The post Euro giants confident of landing 28-year-old Man United ace in bargain deal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌
❌