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Yesterday — 20 December 2025Main stream

Man City open to selling their star man to Crystal Palace

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 18:46

Crystal Palace intend to add to Oliver Glasner’s squad in January, and one of their new signings could arrive from Man City. There is a strong desire to add depth in the wing department, and Oscar Bobb could be the ideal player come to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace will compete in the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Conference League after Christmas, so there is a desire to add further strength in depth for the second half of the season. Glasner’s squad is particularly light in the wing areas, with only Ismaila Sarr, Yeremy Pino and Romain Esse seen as natural options, although Eddie Nketiah has also been deployed there in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, another option is wanted, and Bobb could be the player that Crystal Palace push to sign when the transfer window opens.

Crystal Palace interested in January move for Oscar Bobb

Oscar Bobb in action for Man City. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

As per MailSport (via CityXtra), Crystal Palace have expressed an interest in signing Bobb, with Man City open to hearing offers for the Norway international, whom they considered selling during the summer.

Bobb has struggled for prominence in recent weeks, with Rayan Cherki’s recent promotion to the starting line-up having come at a cost to him. As such, Pep Guardiola has given the green light for the winger to leave, with the plan being for him to leave on loan, or be cashed in on.

Should Crystal Palace sign Oscar Bobb?

It must be remembered that Bobb, who has been around for a number of years, is only 22. He has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Man City, and the opportunity for regular minutes could allow him to start delivering on his undoubted potential – and Selhurst Park could be the ideal place for that to happen.

The post Man City open to selling their star man to Crystal Palace appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa start talks to sign Barcelona hero

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 18:27

Aston Villa are almost certain to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in 2026, with speculation surrounding the future of Emiliano Martinez. They have been linked with Man City’s James Trafford, but instead, a more established name could be heading to Villa Park.

Martinez continues to be linked with Man United, while there is also a possibility that he heads to Saudi Arabia or the MLS after the 2026 World Cup. Aston Villa are aware of this, which is why work is already being done to secure a replacement – and the player in question could be Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Aston Villa line up 2026 move for Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have made an initial move for Ter Stegen, having asked for information about a potential transfer, as well as where he stands with his fitness. The 33-year-old recently made his first appearance of the season following back surgery in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory over Guadalajara, which he came through well.

Despite featuring in that match, Ter Stegen is not counted upon at Barcelona. Hansi Flick has Joan Garcia, who signed in the summer from Espanyol, as his starting goalkeeper, with ex-Arsenal stopper Wojciech Szczesny being his backup. As such, the door is open for Aston Villa to make their move.

Should Aston Villa sign Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to replace Emiliano Martinez?

Ter Stegen, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham, has performed at a high level for the best part of a decade, so as far as Martinez replacements go, he would be at the very top of Aston Villa’s list. However, the likelihood is that a deal would not be sought until next summer, given the Germany international needs to play in the second half of the season in order to guarantee a spot for next summer’s World Cup.

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Newcastle could sell star player in 2026 amid Man City interest

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 18:05

Newcastle will be keen to avoid any repeat of the Alexander Isak saga going forward, but there could be another case in 2026. Tino Livramento, who is attracting strong interest from Man City, may be the next player to leave St James’ Park.

Livramento has developed into one of the Premier League’s best full-backs since joining Newcastle from Southampton, and his ability to play on either flank has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who has been given a decent chance of getting his man in 2026.

Tino Livramento may use Man City as leverage in contract talks

Tino Livramento of Newcastle United
Tino Livramento of Newcastle United (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Keith Wyness has reported that Newcastle may cash in on Livramento, whose representatives may look to use Man City’s interest in order to secure a bumper new deal at St James’ Park.

“If Livramento wants to go it’s going to be hard for him to do that, and if he’s still going through contract negotiations, then as I say they run the risk of entering into another Isak situation which was really damaging and really hurt Newcastle a lot. 

“So I think it’s going to be the case if they get the right price in January, he may go, but Newcastle are going to have to open the wallet, I think, and open the cheque book and get a new contract deal from if they do.

“Certainly his agent is going to be using Man City as leverage all the way until it’s signed. So I’d expect it to be a bumper contract for him to stay and that’s how they’re going to force it.”

What should Newcastle do about Tino Livramento?

There is no doubt that Newcastle should seek to renew Livramento’s contract, given his importance to Eddie Howe’s squad. In the end, it may be worth it to tie him down to a big salary, as long as it is a deal that lasts for five or six years.

The post Newcastle could sell star player in 2026 amid Man City interest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham have £50m transfer kitty for January – three signings wanted

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 13:59

West Ham are ready to shake up Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad in January, as they seek a vast improvement from the first half of the season. A number of areas are to be addressed, and there will be funds available to spend.

However, it could be that those funds are not enough to address every problem that West Ham have.

West Ham have £50m to spend in January

Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of West Ham United (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Mick Brown has revealed that West Ham have £50m to spend when the transfer window opens in January. They plans to make at least three signings, although there are doubts about whether they will be able to do acceptable business with the funds on offer.

“West Ham won’t solve the problems in their squad. They want a striker for about £20m, good luck. Doesn’t everyone? They need a top striker who will score them goals, they won’t get one for that price.

“It’s typical West Ham, the way the board there operate, they want to solve a problem but they want to do it as cheaply as they can. Instead of brining in quality options to strengthen their squad gradually, they bring in players who aren’t good enough for a lower price.

“They’ve improved since Nuno came in, they look like a better side, but they will never make progress until they’re willing to spend properly. And the big thing for me is, they’ll go and spend £20m on a striker, then £15m on a centre-back, £15m on a midfielder. Then you’ve spent £50m, and your squad is no better off because the players you’ve brought in on the cheap aren’t better than what you’ve got.

“So they’d have been better off spending that £50m on a real top player who they know will improve them, but you can’t tell them that, they don’t listen. The club will keep going backwards unless they’re willing to show a bit of ambition.”

What do West Ham need to do in January?

The big issue for West Ham is in the striker department. Niclas Fullkrug will almost certainly be leaving, so signing a replacement must be priority number one. If they have funds left over from that, then further additions can be made.

The post West Ham have £50m transfer kitty for January – three signings wanted appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace line up January move for Tottenham star

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 13:49

Crystal Palace intend to strengthen Oliver Glasner’s squad in January, as they seek to continue competing across three competitions. The Eagles are sitting pretty in the Premier League, while they will also harbour hopes of defending their FA Cup title from last season, as well as winning another trophy in the UEFA Conference League.

The wing positions is one area that Glasner has little depth, with only the likes of Ismaila Sarr, Yeremy Pino and Romain Esse as natural options. Crystal Palace are hoping to address this in January, and they could do so by bringing in Brennan Johnson.

Crystal Palace interested in signing Brennan Johnson

Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur looks on
Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur looks on (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Mick Brown has confirmed Crystal Palace’s interest in Johnson, whom Tottenham are willing to allow to leave in January.

“I’m sure Tottenham will consider offers to let Brennan Johnson go. It could be on loan, or it could be permanent, because both of those would suit Tottenham for different reasons, so it will depend on the buying club and what they’re after.

“Palace have been watching him, he’s high on their list of targets. So if they get the green light from Tottenham, he’s somebody they could be tempted to make a move for, because he plays in a position where they don’t have many options. They want to strengthen, the manager has been calling for it publicly, and if they want to back him they’re going to want to do it early.

“I think they have to be careful, because of the type of player he is, he doesn’t necessarily fit everywhere. If they think he’d be a good fit for the role they want him to play, then go for it, because as I say, I expect Tottenham will be willing to let him go.”

Is Brennan Johnson the answer to Crystal Palace’s winger issues?

There is little doubt that Johnson would be a fine addition to Crystal Palace’s squad, and if he can be signed on loan, even better. However, they could struggle to win this race, with the likes of Aston Villa also interested in the Wales international.

The post Crystal Palace line up January move for Tottenham star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Eddie Howe has concerns about three Newcastle players

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 13:36

Newcastle have had a difficult season up until now, with Eddie Howe’s side only 12th in the Premier League standings after 16 matches. The team has struggled as a whole, although there have been individuals whose woes have stuck out more than most.

In particular, it has been a struggle in attack, as summed up by Anthony Elanga. The £55m summer signing from Nottingham Forest has managed only one assist in 24 appearances across all competitions, although he is not the only one generating doubts at St James’ Park.

Anthony Elanga among three Newcastle players with concerns

Anthony Elanga in action for Newcastle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Mick Brown has revealed that Howe and Newcastle will only be worried about the form of Elanga’s fellow wingers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.

“Elanga’s form is a concern for Newcastle given the money they spent. It’s not only him, though, there are a few players at Newcastle who haven’t quite lived up to expectations so far this season, and that’s why they’re struggling.

“Gordon, for example, hasn’t been anywhere near the level we expect of him. That will be a concern for England as well as for Newcastle, he hasn’t scored a goal other than penalties in god knows how long and hasn’t managed to influence games.

“Then there’s Barnes, one week he’ll really impress and then the next you won’t see him. So those wide areas are a big problem for Newcastle, and if you can’t create anything out wide, it makes it difficult for the strikers to do their jobs. It’s definitely one of the reasons they’ve struggled so much this season when you look at the players who just aren’t quite where you’d want them to be.”

Do Newcastle need to sign a new winger in January?

Newcastle had been desperate to sign a right winger up until Elanga’s arrival, but so far, he has not been the solution. It would be no surprise to see a new signing made in that position, given there is PSR headroom for the Tyneside club.

The post Eddie Howe has concerns about three Newcastle players appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham given hope of January deal for long-standing target

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 13:20

Tottenham are hoping to add a couple of players to Thomas Frank’s squad in January, with a new winger being high on their agenda. Savinho, whom they tried to sign during the summer, is still a possible option, and their chances of a deal being done when the transfer window opens could be set to go up.

Savinho has struggled for prominence this season, with only four starts in the Premier League. The likes of Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki and Bernardo Silva have been preferred by Pep Guardiola, which is why there are chances for him to leave mid-season.

Insider believes Man City could sell Savinho to Tottenham

Savinho #26 of Manchester City looks on
Savinho #26 of Manchester City looks on (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Mick Brown has given hope to Tottenham that a deal for Savinho can be done when the transfer window opens.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see Savinho leave City in January. He has been relegated to more of a backup role because Cherki has come in and hit the ground running, and Doku and Foden have both stepped up.

“Savinho is a top player, but at the moment, he’s not improving or making himself a regular there. Guardiola doesn’t see him as a starter ahead of those other players I named, so there’s every chance that if they get an offer, they could let him go.

“We know City like to have that depth in their squad, but say someone comes in with a huge offer for him, I think they would let him go. Tottenham were obviously interested during the summer and nothing came of it, but that interest is still going to be there from them and other clubs too.”

Should Savinho join Tottenham in January?

It’s clear that Savinho is not overly counted upon at Man City. The second half of this season is crucial for him, given that he needs to play in order to give himself a good chance of being in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and a move to Tottenham would certainly allow him more playing time.

The post Tottenham given hope of January deal for long-standing target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool star tells-all on Mohamed Salah apology as sympathy revealed

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By:John Menzies
20 December 2025 at 13:04

Mohamed Salah has been reintegrated back into the Liverpool squad, having seemingly been on his way out of Anfield after blockbuster statements in the media about his unhappiness towards manager Arne Slot.

The stories made waves across England and much of Europe, but for now, things have settled now. However, there has been new insight given by one of Salah’s teammates.

Curtis Jones gives backing to Liverpool teammate Salah

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones opened up on Salah’s apology to his Liverpool teammates, as he admitted that he had some sympathy for the Egyptian winger.

“Mo is his own man and he can say his own stuff. He apologised to us and was like, ‘If I’ve affected anybody or made you feel any sort of way, I apologise’. That’s the man that he is.

“I can only speak from me knowing Mo and how he is with us and how he acted on that. He was positive as well. He was the exact same Mo, he had a big smile on his face and everybody was exactly the same with him. I guess it’s just part of wanting to be a winner and I don’t think he will be the last.

“I get that there are certain ways you can go about things, but if a lad’s fine to just be on the bench and he doesn’t want to play and help the team, then I think that’s more of an issue. When there’s been any sort of anger from us, including myself, it’s always been from a good place.

“In the moment, it might not have come out in the right way, but it’s never been to affect the team, the staff, the manager, anybody like that. We’re past that now and we’re gelling well as a team, playing well and starting to win games.”

Will Mohamed Salah leave Liverpool in 2026?

Rumours of a Liverpool exit ramped up in the days after Salah’s remarks, and although this has cooled down now, it would be no surprise to see him call time on his Anfield career at the end of the season.

The post Liverpool star tells-all on Mohamed Salah apology as sympathy revealed appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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