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“They both stepped up” – Ian Wright singles out England duo for praise in “brilliant” World Cup win

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By:Mark Brus
18 June 2026 at 11:57

Former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright praised Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as the key players that stepped up for the national team last night.

For those who weren’t following the World Cup live, England started their campaign with an impressive performance to beat Croatia 4-2.

Wright was really pleased with the “brilliant” performance and style of play from England as they picked up an important three points from what looks, on paper at least, like being the toughest game in their group.

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Kane scored twice on the night and Bellingham also got an important goal to put the Three Lions back in front after Croatia had twice pegged them back.

Speaking after the game, Wright said it will be significant for England this summer if those two players can continue to perform at that high level.

Ian Wright praises Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

“What we saw tonight is they both (Kane and Bellingham) stepped up and I’m sure when the games get tougher they will do that again,” the pundit said on ITV, as quoted by the Metro.

“We’ve got to make sure we are funnelling it into those two because they will deliver, they both will deliver.

“It’s been a long time since I watched an England team going forward with as much gusto as we saw from them tonight. It was brilliant.

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“Croatia weren’t as good as we thought they might be given their experience but we beat them quite comfortably which was really promising.”

Who else impressed for England?

England can take a lot of positives from last night’s game, with Kane and Bellingham perhaps the stand-out stars, but with the likes of Declan Rice and Noni Madueke also doing an impressive job.

Reece James and Nico O’Reilly also showed a lot of promise as the two full-backs, but the defence probably should have done more to prevent Croatia’s goals, even if the first one in particular was a fantastic finish.

Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka impressed off the bench, and that kind of depth is hugely encouraging for Thomas Tuchel, though perhaps Anthony Gordon and Elliot Anderson could’ve done more.

The post “They both stepped up” – Ian Wright singles out England duo for praise in “brilliant” World Cup win appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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

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By:Mark Brus
18 June 2026 at 11:36

Newcastle United have been the focus of a lot of the biggest transfer stories so far this summer as Anthony Gordon has left for Barcelona while interest in Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, and Lewis Hall continues.

On top of that, another major sale from St James’ Park this summer could be Nick Woltemade, with my sources informing me about three clubs showing a concrete interest in the Germany international, as first reported via the Daily Briefing.

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It’s no secret that Woltemade struggled in his first season for Newcastle, and my understanding is that there have been some differences in opinion between himself and Eddie Howe about his best position and role in the team.

Nick Woltemade surely leaving Newcastle after difficult debut season

Woltemade’s spell at Newcastle is now seen as being highly likely to be a short one, and my understanding is that Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Aston Villa are all keeping an eye on his situation.

There have not been any formal contacts yet, but there’s the sense that these clubs could make approaches soon, with Newcastle open to offers.

“Nick Woltemade is expected to leave,” one source with ties to the agents industry told me. “Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Villa are interested, and Newcastle will listen to offers. One issue, though, is that they’re keen on a permanent sale for around €65m, but for now it’s probably more likely that clubs will seek a loan with an option to buy.”

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Big clubs like Bayern Munich were keen on Woltemade before he made the move to Newcastle, which was seen as a real coup for the Magpies at the time.

It could still be that the 24-year-old can revive his career, but it’s unlikely to happen for him in Howe’s tactical set-up.

“Woltemade’s camp have not been entirely happy with how his development’s been handled under Howe,” one source said.

“The manager has given slightly mixed messages about his best position, initially saying he sees him as a number 9 but then using him in midfield. I’m just not sure there’s a future there without a more fixed tactical plan and proper clarity about what the manager wants from him.”

It’s worth noting that other sources played this down and simply suggested that Woltemade’s struggles have not been anything abnormal and can mostly be put down to adapting to a new league and country.

Almost everyone I’ve spoken to, however, thinks it’s inevitable that they’ll go their separate ways this summer.

The post Sources: Unsettled Newcastle United star has three suitors as transfer “expected” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Update: Liverpool “optimistic” about signing another World Cup star alongside Victor Munoz

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By:Mark Brus
18 June 2026 at 10:31

Liverpool are reportedly optimistic about their chances of signing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande alongside Victor Munoz during the World Cup this summer.

It’s been reported that the Reds have hijacked Newcastle United’s move for Osasuna and Spain star Munoz, with the possibility of a medical happening in the US, according to BBC Sport.

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On top of that, it seems Ben Jacobs is aware of Liverpool still being keen to land Diomande, who is also at the World Cup this summer to represent the Ivory Coast.

See below for details as Jacobs reports on LFC being up against PSG for the 19-year-old’s signature, with the possibility of these two exciting winger deals being done during the World Cup…

? Understand Liverpool are still working on Yan Diomande in addition to Victor Muñoz and are optimistic.

There is competition from PSG, and it is not discounted by suitors that a deal for his signature is closed during the World Cup.

? @alex_crook pic.twitter.com/qX7uKlKXax

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 17, 2026

“Understand Liverpool are still working on Yan Diomande in addition to Victor Muñoz and are optimistic. There is competition from PSG, and it is not discounted by suitors that a deal for his signature is closed during the World Cup,” Jacobs posted on X.

MORE: England World Cup star delivers important injury update

Liverpool looking for major investment in attack – and they need it

Liverpool have just lost the legendary Mohamed Salah and are also set to be without the injured Hugo Ekitike for the rest of the year.

Diomande, Munoz, Gakpo stats comparison
Diomande, Munoz, Gakpo stats comparison (DataMB)

With the likes of Cody Gakpo and last summer’s signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz looking underwhelming, it’s therefore no surprise to see the Merseyside giants going big on new attacking signings this summer.

If they could bring in both Diomande and Munoz, that would surely be a huge boost for incoming new manager Andoni Iraola.

Diomande in particular looks like a world class talent in the making, even if he’s still young and inexperienced.

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Munoz also looks like someone who could have a fine career, even if he’s perhaps not yet looking like being in the same bracket as someone like Diomande.

This kind of investment is surely needed, though, so Liverpool fans will be pleased to see transfer rumours like this hotting up.

The post Update: Liverpool “optimistic” about signing another World Cup star alongside Victor Munoz appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Andoni Iraola driving Liverpool’s transfer deal for 23 G/A star as constructive talks held

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By:Mark Brus
17 June 2026 at 10:24

Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly playing an active role in pushing for the transfer of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.

The exciting young attacker, who finished with 13 goals and 10 assists in the season just gone, is a top target for the Reds, with constructive talks taking place, according to TEAMtalk.

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Their report adds that Iraola is very much in tune with Liverpool’s recruitment team on this potential deal, and is actively pushing to make it happen.

Iraola only recently left Bournemouth and was quickly snapped up by Liverpool as they decided to sack Arne Slot after a disappointing season.

It will be intriguing to see how the Spanish tactician gets on at Anfield, but it would certainly help him to have a talent like Diomande to work with.

Andoni Iraola to get Yan Diomande transfer boost?

Diomande looks like the next big thing in football after some electrifying performances in the Bundesliga, and the 19-year-old’s playing style could mean he’s the perfect long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

It won’t be easy for Iraola walking into a Liverpool squad that’s just had to bid farewell to a club legend like Salah, who leaves Anfield with a stunning record of 257 goals in 442 games on Merseyside.

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There’s no guarantee Diomande will ever quite hit those exceptionally high standards, but it would certainly help Iraola if he could rely on a pacey and skilful wide-player with a serious goal threat.

LFC fans will surely be concerned about life after Salah, as it’s never easy replacing a once-in-a-generation talent like that, but Diomande looks like the real deal and like someone who’s well worth pursuing.

Iraola worked well with young players at Bournemouth, so this could also be a really good match if they end up working together.

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Medical set for £45m Bayern Munich transfer after breakout moment on world stage

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By:Will Faulks
15 June 2026 at 16:19

Ismael Saibari is close to a deal to join Bayern Munich, and could join in a matter of days after doing his medical in the USA.

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The World Cup is well underway – but that won’t stop transfer deals being done. Real Madrid just confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, and other deals are soon set to follow.

One of the next to happen could be the arrival of Ismael Saibari at Bayern Munich. TalkSport are reporting that Bayern are closing in on a £45m deal to sign the attacker from PSV as competition for Harry Kane up top in their impressive attacking unit.

Medical set for €45m transfer

Saibari has been one of the big winners of the tournament so far, netting a superb goal for an impressive Morocco team against Brazil in the most high profile game so far.

But Bayern aren’t signing him off the back of that moment – the speed at which this deal is coming together shows they have been working on it for a while. If anything, Bayern might be annoyed that a big moment on a big stage has potentially boosted Saibari’s price even more.

The TalkSport report says that the 25 year old will do his medical in the USA, and the deal could be concluded in a matter of days.

In other news…

Chelsea are going to make a number of signings this summer – but Alex Scott won’t be one of them if you listen to quotes from sources close to the club.

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The post Medical set for £45m Bayern Munich transfer after breakout moment on world stage appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United and Man City to battle it out for £70 million-rated Premier League star

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By:Saikat
14 June 2026 at 15:00

Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Everton defensive mainstay Jarrad Branthwaite.

Jarrad Branthwaite has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League with his consistent performances for Everton, resulting in significant interest in his services.

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are keen on signing the English international. All three clubs are keeping a close eye on him and could launch a move in the summer if any of their key defenders end up leaving.

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Jarrard Branthwaite could leave for £70 million

While the Toffees would love to have him around for years to come, they would be open to sanctioning his departure for £70 million. On the back of an impressive loan spell at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 season, he got an extended run in the Everton first team and hasn’t looked back since.

However, things haven’t been that great for him over the last 12 months. He could only make 10 appearances during the 2025/26 season, as a hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines. Despite his recent injury struggles, the interest in his services remains sky-high.

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European giants could battle it out for Branthwaite

Manchester United, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are three clubs that are interested in his services. With Kim Min-jae’s future uncertain, the German giants consider him an ideal replacement.

Meanwhile, he has been on United’s wishlist for a long-time. With Harry Maguire in the final phase of his career and Matthijs de Ligt struggling to stay fit, investing in the 23-year-old would make a lot of sense.

Even City have a long-standing interest in his services and could make a move if Ruben Dias leaves the club. While all three clubs are monitoring him and would love to add him to their ranks, it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to meet Everton’s demands.

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Liverpool overtake Man United in race for €50m breakout forward

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By:Saikat
14 June 2026 at 14:00

Liverpool are leading the race for the signature of Aston Villa and Manchester United attacking target Bazoumana Toure.

Bazoumana Toure enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last time out. He is considered one of the most exciting talents in Germany, and a number of clubs are now keen on prising him away from TSG Hoffenheim.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have leapfrogged Manchester United and Aston Villa in their pursuit of the signature of the Ivorian international. He is valued at around €40-50 million, which shouldn’t be a problem for any of the interested English clubs.

Bazoumana Toure is a top target for Liverpool

Toure joined the German outfit at the start of 2025 and has since established himself as a key figure in the team. He was one of their best players last season, as he finished with five goals and 12 assists in his 30 league outings.

The 20-year-old is equally effective on either flank. While he is clinical in the final third, Toure loves creating chances for those around him. He is a complete package in the sense that he is lightning quick, can create, dribble, and score.

His immense potential has attracted interest from several English clubs. Liverpool are one of the clubs that have expressed interest in the youngster. They struggled in wide areas last season, and with Mohamed Salah leaving, they seek more quality on the flanks.

The Reds could look to use Cody Gakpo more centrally and deploy the 20-year-old on the left flank, or he could even replace Salah on the right. He is certainly an interesting option for the Merseyside club, who are looking to build for the future.

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Manchester United and Aston Villa are also keen on Toure

They are already ahead of Manchester United and Aston Villa, who are also keen on his signature. The clubs are set to feature in the Champions League next season and are looking to add depth in multiple positions, including out wide on the flanks.

The Red Devils are looking for more competition for their current options, while Villa see him as a potential replacement for Jadon Sancho, who is unlikely to stay at the club beyond his loan spell.

The post Liverpool overtake Man United in race for €50m breakout forward appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool hoping to strike a deal with player who could be a ‘huge star’

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By:Saikat
14 June 2026 at 10:00

Liverpool are pushing hard to agree a new deal with their attacking sensation, Rio Ngumoha, amidst interest from Bayern Munich.

Following a sensational rise, Rio Ngumoha has attracted considerable interest from across Europe. While there is a significant amount of time left on his current deal, his future has become a massive talking point amidst interest from Bayern Munich.

According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Liverpool are worried about his future and will look to tie him down to a new deal once he turns 18, as there have been suggestions that the German giants have agreed personal terms with the teenager and will look to secure his services.

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Liverpool to push for a new deal for Rio Ngumoha

While speaking about the English youth internationals’ future, O’Rourke said, “Obviously Liverpool are not planning to lose Rio Ngumoha any time soon. He’s seen as a huge star for the future for the Anfield club.

“He’s under contract until 2028, but I think Liverpool’s officials will be very keen to sit down with Ngumoha’s representatives and try and thrash out a new deal when he turns 18 in a few months.

“Liverpool are obviously unhappy with this suggestion that Bayern Munich have agreed personal terms with the player to try and get a deal done.”

Ngumoha was officially promoted to the Reds’ first team last summer, but he had already been playing first-team football. While he is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football and Liverpool considers him an integral part of their long-term plans, his future has been up in the air following a season where he was underused by Arne Slot.

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Bayern want to lure Ngumoha away from Anfield

Although he was involved in 29 first-team games, he logged fewer than 1,000 minutes and contributed to three goals. Bayern see this as a great opportunity to try and lure him away. They are looking for more quality on the flanks. They want someone who can both support and compete with Luis Diaz for a place in the starting XI.

The German club consider Ngumoha an ideal fit for their project. Reports suggest they have already agreed terms with the 17-year-old. These rumours haven’t pleased the Reds, who are now looking to secure his future with a new deal.

While he signed his first professional deal weeks after turning 17 last September, and the contract runs until 2028, Liverpool are now pushing hard to agree a new contract with the versatile forward. They will offer him fresh terms once he turns 18 later this year. They are looking to ward off interest from Bayern and other top clubs with a new long-term contract.

The Merseyside club consider him an integral part of their plans going forward, and they believe he will have a big role under Andoni Iraola next season.

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