Reading view

Report: West Ham United star makes decision on future ahead of January window

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta wants to leave the club in the coming months.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the London club in the past as well. According to a report via Claret&Hugh, the South American is seeking a new challenge.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

West Ham must hold on to Lucas Paqueta

West Ham have been quite disappointing in the Premier League, and losing one of their best players would be a blow for them. It remains to be seen whether they are prepared to let him leave in January.

The Hammers will be desperate to secure safety in the Premier League this season. They will not want to go down to the Championship. They need to keep their best players in order to survive. It would be ideal for them to hold onto the Brazilian until the end of the season.

Paqueta will want a step up

Lucas Paqueta celebrates a goal for West Ham
Lucas Paqueta celebrates a goal for West Ham (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

There is no doubt that the South American is good enough to play for a bigger club. He will look to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career. It will be interesting to see if any club is willing to come forward and provide him with an exit route.

West Ham should do everything in their power to convince the Brazilian to stay until the end of the season. They have not been able to perform at a high level, and it is no surprise that their top players are looking to move on. Paqueta is at the peak of his career, and he will want to fight for trophies. West Ham have not been able to provide him with that platform.

It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few weeks.

The post Report: West Ham United star makes decision on future ahead of January window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Postecoglou set for another managerial role after Nottingham Forest sack

Ange Postecoglou was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, and he is already being linked with a move to Celtic.

The Scottish outfit is reportedly looking for a quality replacement for Brendan Rodgers, and they want to bring the Australian back to the club. According to Football Insider, Celtic are expected to make contact with him soon.

Ange Postecoglou did well at Celtic

Postecoglou did a phenomenal job at Celtic during his previous spell with the club. He helped them win multiple League titles and a domestic treble as well. It is fair to assume that he will be attracted to the idea of returning to his former club. He enjoyed great success in Scotland, and he will look to guide Celtic back to the top of Scottish football once again.

Rodgers handed in his resignation earlier this week, and Celtic will need to replace him properly. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they need to bring in a manager who will help them win trophies immediately.

The Australian manager knows the club well, and he will be able to get the best out of their players. He has managed them in the past, and he will be able to settle in quickly.

Postecoglou will look to bounce back

A dejected Ange Postecoglou in his final game for Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou Head Coach of Nottingham Forest looks dejected. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Postecoglou will be desperate to prove his worth at the highest level after an unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest. He was shown the door at Tottenham at the end of last season after guiding them to a bottom-half finish in the Premier League. However, he did win the UEFA Europa League with them last season.

It will be interesting to see if he can guide Celtic to a trophy this season. The Scottish outfit is currently second in the league table, six points adrift of league leaders Hearts. They will be hoping to bounce back in the coming weeks.

The post Report: Postecoglou set for another managerial role after Nottingham Forest sack appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Man United clause in Jadon Sancho loan deal looking like a masterstroke now

Aston Villa signed Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old had a difficult time at Old Trafford, and he decided to join the West Midlands club on loan so that he could get his career back on track with regular football. However, the move has not gone according to plan. He has played just 53 minutes of league football so far.

He has struggled for regular opportunities at Aston Villa, and it will be interesting to see if he can convince Unai Emery to give him more opportunities in the coming weeks.

Villa cannot send Jadon Sancho back

Aston Villa will be disappointed with how the loan spell has panned out so far. However, they do not have an option to send the player back to Manchester United. According to a report from the Mail, Manchester United negotiated a deal which would see the player continue with the West Midlands club until the end of the season.

Having him back at the club in the middle of the campaign would have been unsettling for Manchester United, and the decision to negotiate the ‘no break’ clause looks like a masterstroke now.

Sancho has flopped in English football

Jadon Sancho in action for Aston Villa
Jadon Sancho in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

The 25-year-old was regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football when he joined Manchester United. However, the move to English football has not worked out for him. The 25-year-old simply lacks the physicality to thrive in the Premier League, and he needs to secure a move away from English football at the end of the season. His contract at Manchester United comes to an end in the summer of 2026, and they will be glad to get rid of the player.

Manchester United paid a premium in order to sign the player, but he has not been able to live up to the expectations. Manchester United will have to accept a massive loss on the transfer, but it would be ideal for all parties to go their separate ways.

The post Report: Man United clause in Jadon Sancho loan deal looking like a masterstroke now appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool find out how much they will have to pay to sign ‘Rolls-Royce’ Tottenham star – report

Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is a man in demand with several clubs vying for his signature. 

The Dutch defender has been an incredible signing for Spurs, attracting interest from several top clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

However, Spurs have slapped a massive price tag on their defensive stalwart to fend off the interest.

Tottenham slap €100m price tag on Micky van de Ven

Tottenham have slapped a €100m valuation on their star defender.

The staggering valuation, which would likely set a new world record for a defender, is seen by Spurs as a “barrier” to demonstrate just how much they value the Dutchman’s “continued presence at the club,” according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The club views him as strategically important and “won’t let him leave without a record-breaking transfer.”

The commanding centre-back, who has been instrumental in Tottenham’s form, has already drawn the attention of European giants, with Real Madrid viewing the 24-year-old as a key alternative to bolster their defence in the next cycle.

The report further confirms that Real Madrid are not alone, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also “closely monitoring the situation”.

The Dutch centre-back’s current contract at Spurs does not expire until 2029, but Spurs are hoping to reward the defender with a new contract.

Micky van de Ven celebrating goal for Tottenham vs Everton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Micky van de Ven has been a terrific signing for Tottenham

Since joining Tottenham, Van de Ven has been a revelation, forming a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero at the heart of defence.

Under Thomas Frank’s management, the ‘Rolls-Royce’ defender has elevated his game even further, helping Spurs boast the joint-second best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just seven goals so far this season.

Beyond his defensive solidity, Van de Ven has also emerged as a surprise attacking threat, scoring five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions — an impressive tally for a centre-back.

Tottenham see the Dutch international as crucial to their long-term project, and while interest continues to grow, it would take a monumental bid to tempt them into selling their defensive star.

The post Liverpool find out how much they will have to pay to sign ‘Rolls-Royce’ Tottenham star – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Tottenham ramping up efforts to land “extraordinary player” in January

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

According to a report from Juve Live, they are very serious about signing the 25-year-old striker, and they are hoping to make their move in January.

The player will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Tottenham do not want him to agree on a pre-contract deal with any other club. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done in January. Chelsea have been linked with Vlahovic as well.

Tottenham could use Dusan Vlahovic

They are in desperate need of another striker, and the 25-year-old will add physicality, presence and goals to the side. He has shown his quality in Italy, and he has the attributes to do well in England as well.

Players like Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have been mediocre since joining the club, and Vlahovic would give them more options to work with.

The Serbian could be excited about the possibility of competing in the Premier League, and the move will be tempting for him. They are a big club with an exciting project. They have quality players and a top manager. Vlahovic might be able to fulfil his ambitions with them.

Vlahovic is available at a bargain

Dusan Vlahovic in action for Juventus
Dusan Vlahovic wants to leave Juventus. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Given his contract situation, Vlahovic will be available for a reasonable amount of money in January. The Italian outfit are prepared to get rid of him, and it remains to be seen whether Spurs come forward with an acceptable offer.

The striker is at the peak of his career, and he has been labelled as an “extraordinary player”. He has the ability to hit the ground running in English football and transform Tottenham.

If Tottenham manage to sign the player for a reasonable amount of money, the move could prove to be a bargain in future.

The post Report: Tottenham ramping up efforts to land “extraordinary player” in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Chelsea could offer around €70-75 million for “extraordinary” La Liga utility man

Chelsea are interested in signing the Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga in the coming months.

According to a report from Defensa Central via Chelsea News, the Blues could offer around €70 to 75 million for the French International. The player has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can sign him.

Manchester United have been linked with Camavinga. He is thought to be on the radar of Liverpool as well.

Chelsea keen on Eduardo Camavinga

Chelsea News quotes the report stating: “Chelsea have been chasing Camavinga for some time, a player they’ve always liked but who hasn’t quite settled in at Madrid.

“However, his strong performance, even playing as a right winger, has put the London club on his trail again, and in recent hours, there’s even been talk within the English club of possible offers of between 70 and 75 million euros.”

Blues could use Camavinga

Eduardo Camavinga in action for Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga in action for Real Madrid (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

They could use more quality and depth in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old could complete their midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Both players have been excellent for Chelsea, but they need more support in the middle of the park. Camavinga could be the ideal acquisition.

He is young enough to improve further, and he has the attributes to develop into a world-class player with the right guidance. The opportunity to move to Chelsea could be exciting for the French international as well. He has not been a regular starter for Real Madrid, and Chelsea could provide him with the opportunity to play every week.

He is capable of operating in multiple roles, and his versatility will be a bonus for Chelsea. Camavinga has been labelled as an “extraordinary” player by former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The player could develop into a future star for Chelsea if they manage to get the deal done. €70-€75 million might be an expensive bit of business for Chelsea, but the player has the quality to justify the investment. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

The post Report: Chelsea could offer around €70-75 million for “extraordinary” La Liga utility man appeared first on CaughtOffside.

€150m-rated star “ready to listen” to offers as Arsenal, Chelsea & Man United eye forward

AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao has been linked with a move away from the Italian club in the coming months.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old Portuguese international would be willing to listen to offers if the right project is presented.

Rafael Leao is in demand

Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are keeping tabs on him.

“Rafa loves Milan, but the Premier League is the pinnacle for many,” an insider told.

“If the right project comes, he’s ready to listen.”

They could use more quality and depth on the flanks, and the 26-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. The opportunity to join some of the biggest clubs in the world will be quite exciting for the player. He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for all three clubs.

However, he has a €150 million release clause in his contract, and it seems highly unlikely that any club would be willing to pay that kind of money for him. Milan will have to be reasonable with their demands for the move to go through. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Leao would improve all three clubs

Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan
Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

The three Premier League clubs need more cutting-edge going forward, and the 26-year-old is versatile enough to operate anywhere across the front three. He will add goals and creativity to the side.

The opportunity to move to England at this stage of his career would be ideal. He has shown his ability in Italy, and he will look to take on a new challenge. He is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to move to the Premier League.

All three clubs could be attractive destinations for the attacker, and it remains to be seen what he decides.

The post €150m-rated star “ready to listen” to offers as Arsenal, Chelsea & Man United eye forward appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Tottenham could offer £53 million in order to sign captain of rival club

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen. 

The 28-year-old has been exceptional for Hammers, and his performances have attracted the attention of the North London club.

Spurs keen on Jarrod Bowen

They could certainly use more quality and depth on the flanks, and the England International would be an exceptional addition.

He has been a reliable performer in the Premier League, and there is no doubt that he is one of the best wingers in the country right now. Bowen would improve Spurs immensely. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net regularly.

Tottenham are in desperate need of a player like him. As per Fichajes, they are prepared to offer £53 million in order to get the deal done. It will be interesting to see if West Ham are prepared to sanction his departure. They will not want to sell their captain anytime soon. They have started the season poorly, and they are very much in the fight for survival.

West Ham must keep Bowen

Jarrod Bowen in action for West Ham United
Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Selling one of their best players at this stage of the season would be devastating for them. It would be a huge mistake, and it could cost them a place in the Premier League next season.

Also, West Ham sold Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham at the start of the season. It seems unlikely that they will sell another key player to the North London outfit any time soon.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old England international will certainly fancy the opportunity of joining a big club. He will not be able to fulfil his ambitions with West Ham, and leaving them could be ideal for him. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

The post Report: Tottenham could offer £53 million in order to sign captain of rival club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

25-year-old “presented to Chelsea” as a bargain option as Blues look to improve key area

Chelsea have been offered the opportunity to sign the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. 

According to reports via Chelsea News, the 25-year-old striker has been offered to the London club, and it remains to be seen whether they decide to take up the opportunity to sign him. He is likely to be made available for a fee of £20 million. Meanwhile, the striker is willing to accept a pay cut to move to a Premier League club.

Dusan Vlahovic offered to English clubs

Graeme Bailey has reportedly claimed on The Chelsea Chronicle: “Vlahovic’s people have been doing the rounds. They’ve been talking to clubs in England, touching base. Obviously in England, there’s only so many clubs that obviously can get a Vlahovic, in terms of the big top six. Tottenham, Chelsea are both in the market for strikers possibly.

“They’re being alerted to the fact that Vlahovic is available and he’s probably even available for less than 20 million in January but obviously it’s in the players hands and if he wants to move. It’s an option that the Chelsea have looked at before.

“They’ve been offered him. I’ve been told he’s looking for less money than what he’s on at Juventus now. He didn’t want to take a wage drop, but he’s looking for less money now. So, I think it’s an option that’s being presented to Chelsea and one clearly they know all about him. I mean, Vlahovic isn’t a secret to anyone and he’s only 25.”

Chelsea do not need Vlahovic

Dusan Vlahovic reacts during Juventus vs Hellas Verona
Dusan Vlahovic reacts during Juventus vs Hellas Verona (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea decides to take up the opportunity to sign the player. They have already signed players like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro at the start of the season. It seems unlikely that they will sign three strikers in one season.

They should look to invest in the other areas of their squad. They need a quality wide player who can help create opportunities and find the back of the net as well.

Meanwhile, Vlahovic has been offered to Tottenham as well. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. He is a quality player who has shown his ability in Italy. He will look to make his mark in England as well. It remains to be seen where he ends up eventually.

The player is at the peak of his career, and he will look to join a competitive outfit where he can fight for trophies.

The post 25-year-old “presented to Chelsea” as a bargain option as Blues look to improve key area appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Not a decision taken lightly”: Injury expert hints Liverpool star might need surgery in concerning update

Nothing seems to be going right for Liverpool this season as one injury expert has now shared a concerning news regarding Alexander Isak.

Liverpool signed Isak in a controversial move this summer. After weeks of public discontent at Newcastle United and a dramatic deadline day switch for a British-record £125m.

However, the Swedish star has yet to consistently deliver the world-class performances expected of him, largely due to persistent fitness issues.

Concerns about Isak’s fitness intensified after he was substituted at half-time during the Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt due to a groin problem.

He was then ruled out of the Brentford game with a groin injury and remains sidelined.

Alexander Isak could need a surgery in the future

Injury analyst Ben Dinnery has offered a stark assessment, suggesting the club may need to consider a procedure to ensure his long-term health.

Speaking to Escapist Magazine via ECHO, Dinnery stated: “Is there maybe a need to go under the knife? There will be a point where they look at that and discuss.

“Surgical intervention is primarily taken for two reasons. One is to minimise or mitigate the risk of re-injury so you’re hoping to stop that. Secondly, is to free the player up so they’re returning to those pre-injury levels.

“Now, of course, there is never a 100% success rate guarantee with these surgeries so that’s why it’s not a decision that is taken lightly. The Isak situation, we know that it’s very minor, more of a niggle, but he is being managed.

“You’ve got the form of Ekitike and Isak’s coming off the back of a heavily disrupted pre-season programme. That forms a cornerstone for any player for their upcoming campaign. The more sessions and games that you miss during that block, the higher risk you are of picking up an injury.

“Again, it comes as no surprise that Isak’s going to pick up one or two niggles during these early two months for Liverpool.”

Alexander Isak in action for Liverpool vs Man United
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 19: Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Emile Heskey backs Alexander Isak to come good for Liverpool

Despite the poor start at Liverpool, Isak has received a crucial vote of confidence from a former Reds striker. Emile Heskey has thrown his support behind the 26-year-old, backing the British record signing to eventually come good for the club.

Heskey stated that it is crucial for the player to remain positive and mentally strong and block all the external noises.

Heskey said on TEAMtalk: “I think he will come good. I just think he needs to keep holding his head high, because one thing he can’t do is let it get to you and put your head down.

“We’ve seen it with Darwin Nunez, who, before he came [to Liverpool] was an aggressive player, doing really well, scoring goals. Then he got the energy got sucked away from him. That’s not because of the fans or anything, that’s just your own mental strength that you need to you need to work on.

“Isak needs to work on that. He needs to continue to play well, continue to be aggressive, continue to work hard. He’ll get over this little blip, and he’ll find his feet within that system or the way that Liverpool are playing.”

The post “Not a decision taken lightly”: Injury expert hints Liverpool star might need surgery in concerning update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

How much time has Ruben Amorim bought himself with Man United’s win at Liverpool?

A win at Anfield will do wonders for any manager, but perhaps especially if you’re manager of Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson once said that he judged his players on how well he performed in big games like away to United’s arch rivals Liverpool, so what does Sunday’s result mean for Ruben Amorim’s future as manager?

Make no mistake about it, the Portuguese tactician needed a statement result like this, not to mention the fact that it’s the first time he’s actually managed to win back-to-back league games since taking over last year.

United haven’t had the best start to the season, and there’ll still be concerns there after that shocking Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby, as well as that really poor display in the 3-1 defeat away to Brentford.

But Amorim will be feeling a lot more secure in his position now. The question is, should he be, or was this win against a struggling Liverpool side just a bit of a false dawn?

Manchester United rode their luck in 2-1 win against Liverpool

Football is a results business, of course, so the only real thing that matters after Sunday’s game is that United came away from Merseyside with all three points.

Ruben Amorim looks on during Manchester United's win vs Sunderland
Ruben Amorim looks on during Manchester United’s win vs Sunderland (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Still, there’s no escaping the fact that these games often rest on fine margins, and had any one of Cody Gakpo’s *three* shots against the post gone in, it would have been a very different game.

Arne Slot said after the game that he couldn’t believe how many clear cut chances his side missed, and you certainly feel like a fully fit and firing Alexander Isak would’ve buried that big chance in the first half.

In total, LFC had a whopping 63% possession and a total of 17 shots, 6 of which were on target – if United allow their opponents that kind of dominance too often, you’d be unwise to bet on them winning a lot of games.

Football is unpredictable, though, so if you’re feeling brave you can always try your luck by taking a look at the kind of odds you can get on the wide choice of football sites on FIRST.com.

Is Amorim’s system really working?

On the other hand, Amorim arguably did well to get United creating ten shots, including three on target, when they had so little of the ball.

[morestories_latest]

And some MUFC fans might argue that, for all Liverpool’s dominance, not all their chances were of that great quality.

Matthijs de Ligt has one of his best games in a United shirt, and Amad Diallo really shone in that right wing-back role, so perhaps Amorim is finally winning these players round to his way of playing.

We’ll probably need to see a few more wins in the coming weeks and months to be totally sure of that, but the signs after this big win are looking a little more promising.

The post How much time has Ruben Amorim bought himself with Man United’s win at Liverpool? appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Three conditions Tottenham must fulfil in order to sign South American prodigy

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Endrick from Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old has struggled for regular game time at the La Liga club, and he has been linked with a loan move away from Los Blancos. Manchester United are keeping tabs on Endrick as well.

Conditions laid down for Endrick transfer

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Spanish outfit will only allow the player to leave on loan if they receive a loan fee for him. They would also demand his wages to be paid in full. In addition to that, they will only let him join Spurs if there is a clear plan in place to get the best out of him.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can satisfy all three conditions. They could use more cutting-edge in the final third, and the 19-year-old would be a useful acquisition for them. Signing him on loan until the end of the season would represent a superb bit of business.

The Brazilian will add goals and creativity to the Tottenham attack and help them improve without a significant investment. Furthermore, the player needs more opportunities, and Tottenham will be able to provide him with that platform. The transfer could be ideal for all parties.

Spurs could use Endrick

Endrick applauds the Real Madrid fans
Endrick applauds the Real Madrid fans (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Tottenham are competing in the UEFA Champions League, and they will look to do well across multiple competitions. They need a deeper squad with more quality. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.

They have done well to improve their squad during the summer transfer window, but there are weaknesses in the side that they will need to plug. A versatile attacker like Endrick could be the ideal addition.

Everton and West Ham United are interested in the player as well. It remains to be seen where he ends up.

The post Report: Three conditions Tottenham must fulfil in order to sign South American prodigy appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“The deal is ready for him”: Huge offer on the table for Liverpool star if he wants out

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

The Egyptian International is reported on the radar of Saudi Arabian clubs, and they are prepared to spend a substantial amount of money on him. According to a report from TBR football, Saudi Arabian clubs would be willing to offer him a deal of around £150 million a year.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Liverpool attacker will end up in Saudi Arabia eventually, and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are now patiently waiting for him to decide on his future.

Saudi clubs keen on Mohamed Salah

Bailey told TBR Football: “Mo Salah and Pro League links won’t go away, but he doesn’t want them to; he will end up in Saudi Arabia one day.

“I can confirm that the Saudis’ offer to Salah is an open one, the deal is ready for him as and when he wants it.

“They are not talking to him now, and haven’t talked to him or Liverpool about a deal in January; they don’t really need to, they are ready when he is.”

Salah to move on?

Mohamed Salah applauds the Liverpool fans
Mohamed Salah applauds the Liverpool fans (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

It will be interesting to see if the Egyptian decides to move on at the end of the season. He has been an exceptional performer for Liverpool since joining the club. He has helped them win multiple major trophies, but Salah is showing signs of decline this season. This could be the right opportunity for Liverpool to cash in on the player. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

There is no doubt that he is a quality player, and signing him would be a major coup for the Saudi Arabian clubs. It would attract greater commercial appeal to the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian might feel that this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He has proven himself in the Premier League over the years, and moving to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career could be ideal. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool are prepared to sanction his departure. The Saudi Arabian clubs will need to convince the player to join them as well.

The post “The deal is ready for him”: Huge offer on the table for Liverpool star if he wants out appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea board make secret plans to replace Enzo Maresca with manager they see as future world-class

Chelsea’s struggles under Enzo Maresca continued this weekend as the Blues fell to a shock 2-1 home defeat against Sunderland, with the Black Cats netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge.

The loss marked Chelsea’s third defeat in their last five Premier League games, intensifying pressure on Enzo Maresca amid growing concerns within the club’s hierarchy about the team’s inconsistent form and lack of progress.

Enzo Maresca under pressure as Chelsea chiefs make plans behind the scenes

According to reliable sources close to the club, tensions are rising behind the scenes at Chelsea, with several senior officials reportedly not aligned with Maresca’s vision or approach.

A reputable transfer insider has now revealed that Chelsea are laying the groundwork for a potential managerial change, with plans already being made to bring in a new head coach should results fail to improve.

As per his latest information, Chelsea are making plans to bring in Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as replacement for Maresca who is ‘on thin ice’ with certain officials at the club.

It’s understood that key decision-makers at Chelsea view Iraola as the next big thing in world football, believing he has the tactical acumen and leadership qualities to take the club to the next level.

Exclusive ?

We understand @ChelseaFC are making plans to bring Andoni Iraola to the club in the near future

They believe Andoni Iraola will become one of the leading managers in world football

Enzo Maresca is on thin ice ? with certain #cfc officials according to sources ? pic.twitter.com/ZbOjpBVONL

— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 29, 2025

Andoni Iraola is a man in demand with Man United also keen on him

Iraola is one of the most sought after names in football at the moment due to the excellent work he has done at Bournemouth.

He currently has the Cherries sitting second in the Premier League table, just four points behind league leaders Arsenal, having won five, and drawn three out of the first nine games.

Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into one of the most exciting, intense and tactically sound sides in the Premier League, all while working with limited finances.

Top clubs are after him including Manchester United who have been linked with Iraola amid uncertainty around Ruben Amorim’s long term future at the club.

Juventus are another club interested in securing the Spanish manager’s services, with reports suggesting that they have intensified their pursuit of 43-year-old.

While Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given public support to Amorim, vowing to give him significant time to prove himself, Todd Boehly’s history of hastily replacing managers puts Maresca’s job at risk and increases the chances of the club moving in for the Spaniard.

 

 

 

The post Chelsea board make secret plans to replace Enzo Maresca with manager they see as future world-class appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Arsenal and Tottenham learn asking price for 25-year-old African target

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye. 

The 25-year-old has impressed in the Premier League, and he has attracted the attention of the London clubs. According to a report via Hard Tackle, the player could cost around €50-€55 million. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs are willing to pay up.

Ndiaye could fancy a big move

Ndiaye is well settled in the Premier League. He could make an instant impact at Arsenal or Tottenham. The opportunity to join some of the biggest clubs in the country will be quite exciting for him.

Arsenal are competing for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They could help the African fulfil his ambitions and win major trophies.

Similarly, Tottenham have recently won a European trophy as well. They will be an attractive destination for the player. Everton will not want to lose a player of his quality easily, and they have set a significant price for him.

It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.

Where will Iliman Ndiaye end up?

Iliman Ndiaye of Everton is challenged by Vladimir Coufal of West Ham United
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton is challenged by Vladimir Coufal of West Ham United. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Ndiaye has three goals to his name in the Premier League this season. His numbers will only improve when he’s playing in a better team alongside quality players. He is entering the peak years of his career, and joining a big club like Arsenal or Tottenham could be ideal for him.

Although he is naturally a right-sided winger, he is capable of operating anywhere across the front three. His versatility will be a huge bonus for the two London clubs.

Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank could bring out the best in the player. It is fair to assume that the African will be attracted to the idea of joining the two London clubs. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs are willing to pay the asking price.

The post Report: Arsenal and Tottenham learn asking price for 25-year-old African target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea want 23-year-old who is “one of the greatest talents in the world in his position”

Chelsea are interested in signing the Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki in the coming month.

According to a report via SportWitness, multiple clubs are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old Japanese international and Chelsea are hoping to get the deal done.

Chelsea could use Zion Suzuki

Robert Sanchez has not been able to live up to the expectations at the London club, and Chelsea are looking for alternatives. It will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move for the Parma goalkeeper in the coming weeks.

The Italian outfit signed the Japanese goalkeeper for a fee of around €10 million, and they are likely to demand a premium for him. Chelsea have the finances to get the deal across the line, and they would do well to secure his signature.

Suzuki is a talented young goalkeeper with a bright future. He will only improve with coaching and experience. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him. Chelsea are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them will be quite exciting for the goalkeeper.

Former Sint-Truiden boss Thorsten Fink once told Walfoot: “He is considered one of the greatest talents in the world in his position and we have to polish him.”

Suzuki is a player in demand

Zion Suzuki gestures during a game
Zion Suzuki of Japan looks on during the EAFF E-1 Football Championship match between Japan and Hong Kong. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Italian clubs like AC Milan and Inter Milan are keeping tabs on his situation as well. It remains to be seen whether the goalkeeper is prepared to move to the Premier League and leave Italian football.

It will be difficult for Chelsea to convince Parma to sell the player in the middle of the season. They will struggle to replace him in January. He is one of their best players, and losing him in January would be a blow for them.

It is fair to assume that any move might have to wait until the summer transfer window.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can negotiate a reasonable deal for the Japanese international. Suzuki was linked with Manchester United as well.

The post Chelsea want 23-year-old who is “one of the greatest talents in the world in his position” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

11 goals in 14 games: Tottenham want to sign “super player” who could cost £70m

Tottenham Hotspur want to sign the Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa from Portuguese club FC Porto.

The 21-year-old is a target for the North London club ahead of the January window. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are already planning for the January window, and the 21-year-old striker is on their radar.

He could cost around £70 million, and it will be interesting to see if Spurs are willing to pay up. Aghehowa has a €100 million release clause in his contract.

Aghehowa would transform Spurs

The striker has scored 36 goals since joining the Portuguese club, and he is in red-hot form. He has found the back of the net 11 times in 14 matches this season. There is no doubt that he has the quality to do well in the Premier League, and he could make a big difference for Tottenham in the final third.

Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have been inconsistent since joining the club. Tottenham could use more depth in that area of the pitch, and the 21-year-old could transform them in the attack. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. His physicality and aerial prowess could add a new dimension to the Tottenham attack.

Samu Aghehowa is a top prospect

Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Aghehowa has been hailed as a “super player”, and Spurs would do well to sign him. They are looking to build a formidable squad for the future, and he could develop into an asset for them.

The reported price is quite significant, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are prepared to pay up. The player is a promising young talent with a bright future, and he might end up justifying the investment in future.

Tottenham will look to win trophies regularly, and they need top-quality players at their disposal. The Spaniard would be an exceptional acquisition for them.

The post 11 goals in 14 games: Tottenham want to sign “super player” who could cost £70m appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United defender set for imminent January exit

Danish giants FC Copenhagen are reportedly targeting Newcastle United right-back Emil Krafth as a key signing for the upcoming January transfer window, according to Bold via Campo.

The Superliga champions are in the market for a new full-back following a major setback in defense, with first-choice right-back Rodrigo Huescas sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury.

With limited options available, Copenhagen are now preparing a concrete approach for Krafth, who could be open to a move in search of regular playing time.

Huescas’ injury has left a significant void in Copenhagen’s backline. The Mexican defender had been one of the team’s impressive performers this season, offering both defensive solidity and attacking drive down the right flank.

Newcastle United defender heading for January exit

His absence has forced the Danish champions to reassess their transfer priorities, and after considering several options, the club have reportedly turned their attention to Krafth, a player who fits the profile of experience, international pedigree, and availability.

Krafth, 31, has found himself on the fringes at St. James’ Park under Eddie Howe. The Swedish international has made just one appearance this season, starting in the EFL Cup against Bradford City in September, a game Newcastle won 4-1.

With competition from Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento, the veteran defender has struggled for minutes, and his situation has further worsened as his contract enters its final year.

He was also left out of Sweden’s most recent national team squad, a clear indicator that his lack of playing time is beginning to affect his international prospects.

Emil Krafth to Copenhagen in January?

Emil Krafth of Newcastle United
Emil Krafth of Newcastle United (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The report states that the Danish side are ready to make a move and hope to take advantage of his contract situation to negotiate a modest transfer fee.

His experience in the Premier League, Serie A, and international football with Sweden could bring much-needed stability to a side coping with injuries and fixture congestion.

A January sale would allow the Magpies to clear wages and possibly open a slot for another defensive addition or academy promotion.

For Krafth himself, a move to Copenhagen could reignite his career and keep him in contention for Sweden’s national team.

Newcastle make decision on January signing amid injury woes

The post Newcastle United defender set for imminent January exit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Nuno Espirito Santo keen to axe West Ham playmaker in January

West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo is reportedly ready to part ways with James Ward-Prowse in the upcoming January transfer window, according to The Times.

The England international, who joined the Hammers from Southampton in 2023, has seen his role drastically reduced since Nuno’s arrival.

Once a guaranteed starter under former boss Graham Potter, Ward-Prowse has now fallen completely out of favour, a situation that could see him leave the London Stadium sooner rather than later.

James Ward-Prowse has no future at West Ham

With Nuno keen to reshape his squad, the midfielder’s future looks increasingly uncertain.

Ward-Prowse began the current campaign as a key figure under Potter, featuring in all six of West Ham’s opening Premier League matches.

His set-piece delivery, leadership, and work rate were viewed as valuable assets. However, the managerial change has altered his trajectory dramatically.

Since Nuno took charge, the 30-year-old has been excluded from four consecutive matchday squads, signalling a decisive shift in selection policy and suggesting that he no longer fits into the manager’s tactical plans.

As per The Times, Nuno has informed club officials of his intention to offload Ward-Prowse in January.

Nuno Espirito Santo has identified his transfer plans

James Ward-Prowse of West Ham United
James Ward-Prowse of West Ham United (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

The Portuguese manager reportedly wants to use the funds to reinforce two key areas, a striker to add depth to the attack and a defender to bolster the backline.

Unfortunately for West Ham, there is limited optimism about recouping a significant fee for Ward-Prowse. His stock has declined over the past year, and his wages could prove a stumbling block for potential buyers.

Ward-Prowse spent part of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, a spell that was cut short after just five months due to a reported falling out with Nuno, who was managing Forest at the time.

Their reunion in East London has done little to heal old wounds, with sources suggesting that Nuno has no intention of reconciling with the midfielder.

As a result, Ward-Prowse appears destined for the exit door, even if the club struggles to find suitable offers.

West Ham accept they made a mistake signing player in the summer 

The post Nuno Espirito Santo keen to axe West Ham playmaker in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona plotting unexpected swoop of player who left Man United in 2024

Barcelona are reportedly exploring a surprise move for Scott McTominay, who has been in fine form for Napoli since his switch from Manchester United last year.

According to TEAMtalk, the 28-year-old midfielder is on a three-man shortlist being drawn up by the Catalan giants as they plan for next summer’s transfer window.

The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also interested, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle between three clubs competing for European honours.

However, Napoli are unwilling to part ways with one of their key players mid-season, meaning any potential deal will have to wait until next summer.

Scott McTominay has impressed in Serie A

McTominay’s transformation since arriving in Serie A has been one of the success stories of the Italian top flight.

The Scottish international has quickly adapted to the pace and tactical demands of Italian football, becoming a key figure under Napoli’s management.

So far this season, he has directly contributed to three goals in eight matches, showcasing his growing influence in the final third.

For Barcelona, the interest in McTominay reflects their continued search for midfield stability and physicality, qualities that have occasionally been lacking.

Despite developing a technically gifted midfield core featuring Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong, the Catalan club is keen to add a player who can impose himself physically and provide defensive balance.

McTominay’s versatility, being capable of operating as a defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role, makes him an attractive option for manager Hansi Flick.

However, Napoli’s stance is clear, the club have no intention of selling McTominay in January.

The reigning champions are fully focused on their title defence and European campaign, viewing the midfielder as an essential part of their plans.

Barcelona will have to wait till the summer to sign McTominay

Scott McTominay celebrates a goal for Napoli
Scott McTominay celebrates a goal for Napoli (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Any negotiations would therefore have to wait until the end of the season, when Napoli may be more open to talks depending on their financial situation and the player’s wishes.

Both Tottenham and Newcastle are also keeping close tabs on McTominay’s situation. Spurs manager Thomas Frank is reportedly keen to add depth and Premier League experience to his midfield, while Newcastle see him as a player capable of complementing Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton.

With competition expected from multiple Premier League sides, Barcelona may have to move decisively if they are serious about bringing McTominay to the Camp Nou.

Sources: Arsenal and Barca to battle for ‘one of the best defenders in the Premier League’

The post Barcelona plotting unexpected swoop of player who left Man United in 2024 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Just In: Euro giants prepare fresh approach for ‘talented’ Man United player

Napoli are preparing a renewed push to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the January window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

With the Africa Cup of Nations looming and Frank Anguissa set to join Cameroon, the Serie A champions are prioritising midfield reinforcements to protect their title defence and European ambitions.

Mainoo, 20, was the subject of loan discussions in the summer and remains high on Napoli’s list after his composed performances for United.

Man United have no desire to sell Kobbie Mainoo

However, recent indications from Old Trafford suggest United would prefer to keep the youngster, despite giving the midfielder less playing time.

Napoli’s interest in Mainoo is not new. They tried to sign him in the summer transfer window but manager Ruben Amorim decided to keep the midfielder at the club to keep the depth of his squad intact.

For Napoli, Anguissa’s AFCON absence magnifies the need for a reliable No.8/No.6 hybrid who can slot beside a deeper controller or anchor a midfield when matches tighten.

The Italian club explored a loan in the summer, and a similar structure is expected to be proposed again, a straight loan or a loan with performance-related clauses.

Napoli are expected to make a move for Mainoo soon

Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo in action last season
Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo in action last season (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

United’s stance complicates matters. Mainoo is considered one of the brightest talents of the club’s current generation.

The Red Devils are already braced for international call-ups in other positions and are reluctant to thin out the squad mid-season, especially with injuries and rotation inevitable.

United’s preference to retain the player suggests that any agreement would require strong assurances, a significant loan fee, clear usage plans, and perhaps no option to buy, to even reach the discussion table.

Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider has previously described Mainoo as a ‘talented’ player.

Man United considering £44m January offer for priority target who is the ‘full package’

The post Just In: Euro giants prepare fresh approach for ‘talented’ Man United player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Real Madrid place 25-year-old Premier League hitman at the top of their shortlist

Real Madrid are weighing a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland, with the Manchester City striker reportedly at the top of their shortlist if the club decide to reshape their forward line and move on from Vinícius Júnior.

As reported by Sport, Madrid have been tracking the 25-year-old Norwegian as a potential centrepiece for their next attacking cycle.

Intriguingly, Haaland and his representatives are said not to have closed the door on a future switch to the Bernabéu, despite the fact he recently signed a nine-and-a-half-year contract at the Etihad running to 2034.

Erling Haaland would transform Real Madrid

Haaland is an out-and-out No.9 who guarantees goals at a historic rate. His penalty-box instincts, aerial dominance, and explosive power would give Los Blancos a true reference point through the middle.

Although they already have Kylian Mbappe in their team who has lead the attack exceptionally well this season, that hasn’t stopped them from chasing the Man City star.

For a club that measures seasons in Champions League runs and La Liga titles, securing a striker of Haaland’s pedigree would be a statement of both sporting ambition and financial might.

The potential move is tied, in part, to uncertainty around Vinícius Júnior’s future. While he remains one of the most dangerous wide forwards in world football, ongoing speculation about his role and long-term fit has prompted Madrid to game-plan different configurations for the front three.

Should circumstances push the club toward a reset out wide, pivoting to a central, high-scoring striker like Haaland becomes an attractive counterbalance.

Real Madrid would have to make a record offer for Haaland

Erling Haaland celebrates a goal for Manchester City
Erling Haaland celebrates a goal for Manchester City (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

In such a scenario, Madrid could rebuild around a traditional axis, elite No.9 supported by high-work-rate wide players and midfield runners.

There are, of course, formidable hurdles. Man City are under no pressure to sell a generational forward tied to an exceptionally long contract.

The transfer fee, wage package, and sporting guarantees required to tempt both club and player would likely push the boundaries of even Madrid’s resources.

Madrid see a once-in-a-generation finisher who fits their eternal mandate to collect the game’s brightest stars. City hold the leverage of a long contract and a player central to their project.

Real Madrid willing to pay €100m to win race for Arsenal, Chelsea & Man Utd transfer target

The post Report: Real Madrid place 25-year-old Premier League hitman at the top of their shortlist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“I want to stay here” – Liverpool star clears his future with blunt comments

It has been an eventful season for Liverpool so far.

The defending Premier League champions looked clear favorites to win the Premier League title and that is how they started their season.

Five wins from the first five games and their record of scoring late goals showed that their mentality is unbreakable this season under the leadership of Arne Slot.

The fact that the Reds were doing that without their expensive new signings performing well showed that there is more to come.

However, they have lost all four Premier League matches since then and have fallen seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

Federico Chiesa has impressed this season

One of their key players this season has been Italian winger Federico Chiesa who has made it a habit to make an impact after coming on from the bench.

Slot has still not given him enough starts but Chiesa keeps on knocking on the door.

The former Juventus winger cleared his future ahead of the Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

He said, as reported by Liverpool.com:

“At the moment I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“I’m not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we’re not winning, but, personally, I think I’m giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future.

“That’s the main reason I’m doing this. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.

“I want to play good. That’s my main goal, then the coach is going to decide whether I’m starting or not. But if I keep on playing well, then, of course, I’m going to have more minutes. That’s because the coach sees that. He showed that to me because I’ve been playing better.

“Last year I wasn’t fit enough. I wasn’t mentally ready and I didn’t play. I was totally okay with it because I wasn’t up to speed with the other lads.

“This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level. I was playing a lot when I won the Euros (in 2021).

“I’m a different player now, but I like where I’m going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.”

Liverpool winger wants to prove himself at Anfield

Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Chiesa deserves more opportunities this year. He is fit and in his best form since joining the club.

It is highly likely that he will start against Palace in the Carabao Cup tonight but even in the Premier League, the Italian deserves more playing time than he is actually getting at the moment.

Considering how the first team starters are struggling to perform at the moment, Slot needs to use his bench more in order to keep his squad fresh and happy.

Report: Liverpool prepared to pay over £100 million for “the next big thing” 

The post “I want to stay here” – Liverpool star clears his future with blunt comments appeared first on CaughtOffside.

‘I think he’s the number one contender’ – Carragher tips Arsenal star for PFA award

Football pundit Jamie Carragher has tipped Arsenal defender Gabriel to win the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award if the Gunners win the league.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are leading the Premier League title race at the moment, with a four point lead at the top of the league table.

They are six points ahead of Manchester City and seven points ahead of Liverpool in the standings.
Although it is still too early in the season, they have shown that this could finally be their year to end their league title drought.

The backbone of the team is their defensive strength and their ability to lock down games.

In nine Premier League matches this season, the Gunners have conceded just three goals.

Jamie Carragher praises Arsenal defender Gabriel

All their defenders have been rock solid but the leader of their defensive line is Brazilian centre-back Gabriel.

“I think if Arsenal go on and win the league, right now, I think he’s the number one contender,” Carragher said earlier this week on Sky Sports.

“I look at those other three players (McGrath, Terry, Van Dijk), great players, all leaders for their clubs like Gabriel is.

“Actually John Terry is the only one to win the Premier League in the year he won the PFA Player of the Year award.

“But when you actually look at John Terry and Virgil van Dijk’s role, look at the goals.

“They’re not just big leaders at the back, the number of goals they get… and [Gabriel’s] record is actually far better than theirs when you look at those numbers.”

Gunners have shown brilliance in defense

Gabriel of Arsenal applauds fans
Gabriel of Arsenal applauds fans (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The season is still young and there is a long way to go but the Gunners have made a strong case of winning the league title this year.

Not only because of their brilliance but also because how teams like Liverpool and Manchester City are struggling to find consistency and form.

After the summer transfer business, Arne Slot’s side looked like clear favourites to defend their league title but Arteta and his team have surprised fans with their performances and their defensive grit.

Report: Arsenal involved in transfer battle with Barcelona for French attacker 

The post ‘I think he’s the number one contender’ – Carragher tips Arsenal star for PFA award appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Real Madrid star considering SHOCK January exit after broken relationship with Xabi Alonso

Vinícius Júnior is weighing up a future away from Real Madrid, according to Diario AS.

The 25-year-old winger, long viewed as a cornerstone of Madrid’s attack, has endured a turbulent start to the season under Xabi Alonso, and sources indicate he could even consider a January exit if his status does not improve.

Reports add that Vinícius was left out of the starting XI three times and has been substituted regularly in recent weeks, culminating in a flashpoint during El Clásico.

Vinícius & Alonso are not getting along in Madrid

Relations between player and Alonso have broken after the Brazilian reacted angrily to being taken off in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona, with face-to-face talks expected to follow.

Having already drawn Saudi interest in the summer, the forward suddenly looks unsettled in Madrid.

Once the electric driver of Madrid’s left flank, he now finds himself negotiating unfamiliar territory.

Under the leadership of Alonso, the player’s playing time has decreased. While Vinícius remains a high-usage, high-impact wide forward, capable of breaking games open with acceleration and 1v1 flair, the current setup has occasionally prioritised structural control over pure transition.

Can Real Madrid deal with the loss of Vinícius?

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

El Clásico proved a tipping point. Being withdrawn in a showcase fixture is never simple, tempers ran high, and the optics of visible frustration fuelled talk of a rift.

This is an elite attacker under long-term contract, immensely popular with supporters and commercially significant. Losing him would be a massive blow, whichever way you look at it.

Any January move would require a complex negotiation, not least because Madrid would be reluctant sellers without a succession plan. Yet the player’s leverage rises if minutes stay sporadic and the atmosphere remains strained.

Report: Liverpool set to raid European giants for €70m-rated star on Real Madrid radar 

The post Real Madrid star considering SHOCK January exit after broken relationship with Xabi Alonso appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Just In: Man United ‘green light’ January transfer for striker who cannot stop scoring

Napoli’s pursuit of Rasmus Højlund has moved into high gear.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Serie A side have been given the “green light” to convert the on-loan Manchester United forward into a permanent signing as early as January, activating a £38 million option negotiated with the Old Trafford club.

The 22-year-old has rediscovered his spark in Naples, and with six goals in six appearances across all competitions, the Danish striker’s form is accelerating talks toward a swift resolution.

For Napoli, it’s the chance to lock in a long-term No.9, for Højlund, it’s an opportunity to cement a starring role in a system that clearly suits him.

Rasmus Højlund has impressed at Napoli

Højlund’s impact has been immediate. Freed by Napoli’s front-foot approach and the abundance of service from creative midfielders and wide men, the Dane has shown form that made Man United sign him in the first place.

The goals have arrived in varied fashion, first-time finishes, surges in transition, and decisive touches in crowded areas, showing that he has managed to rediscover his form and confidence.

From Napoli’s perspective, triggering the £38m clause makes sense and as things stand, it looks like a bargain deal.

It provides clarity heading into the second half of the season and protects the club from a competitive summer market in which Højlund’s price would likely rise if his form continues.

The fee also looks sensible for a 22-year-old with significant upside and resale potential.

Man United have decided to let Højlund leave

Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring for Napoli
Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring for Napoli (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

United would be parting with a young striker whose ceiling remains high and whose form in Italy has been sensational. The Red Devils have moved on after the signing of Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer window.

Højlund himself appears comfortable in Serie A. The league’s tactical demands have channelled his movement and decision-making.

Nothing is signed yet, but the momentum, form on the pitch and leverage off it, is all pointing toward a permanent Partenopei chapter for the Danish international.

Man United considering £44m January offer for priority target who is the ‘full package’

The post Just In: Man United ‘green light’ January transfer for striker who cannot stop scoring appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Liverpool & Man City keeping close eye on 28-year-old England international

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa could be at the centre of one of the Premier League’s biggest defensive transfer sagas this January.

The 28-year-old has been a model of consistency for Unai Emery’s side and is now attracting interest from several of England’s elite clubs.

Having also broken into the England national team setup, Konsa’s reputation has soared over the past year, making him one of the most reliable and composed centre-backs in English football. The defender has 16 caps for the national team.

Konsa’s performances have been pivotal to Aston Villa’s strong defensive record under Emery.

Liverpool & Man City among clubs monitoring Ezri Konsa

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring his situation closely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Liverpool were previously interested in Konsa during the summer window but opted not to make a formal bid. With their pursuit of Marc Guehi becoming complicated due to Crystal Palace’s high valuation, Konsa has re-emerged as a more achievable target.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are eager to bolster their defensive depth, particularly given Cristian Romero’s inconsistent fitness record, while Manchester City are keeping tabs as they plan ahead for long-term squad rotation and potential future exits.

Several other clubs, including Chelsea, West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace, have also shown interest.

Chelsea are rebuilding their defensive options after injuries to key players, while West Ham and Newcastle are exploring consistent options for their backline.

Aston Villa might have to sell due to financial reasons

Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Aston Villa, however, remain reluctant sellers. Konsa’s contract runs until June 2028, giving the club leverage in negotiations.

Yet, Villa’s need to comply with PSR regulations could force their hand. Selling a homegrown player would represent pure profit in accounting terms, a crucial factor for clubs seeking to balance their financial books.

Villa reportedly value Konsa between £40 million and £45 million, a figure that reflects both his experience and his importance to the team.

While Aston Villa will do everything possible to retain one of their most dependable performers, financial realities may dictate otherwise.

Report: Liverpool prepared to pay over £100 million for “the next big thing”

The post Sources: Liverpool & Man City keeping close eye on 28-year-old England international appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“The feeling I have is…”: Mikel Arteta opens up on the future of Arsenal attacker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has claimed that Max Dowman has a long-term future at the club, and the player and his family are happy with his progress so far.

Dowman is regarded as one of the finest young attacking talents in the Premier League, and he has been linked with an exit in recent months.

However, Arsenal have no plans to let him leave anytime soon. He has all the tools to develop an important player for the club with the right guidance. Even though he has not had ample opportunities so far, he is still quite young, and he will adapt to the Premier League eventually.

Dowman has a bright future ahead of himself and has revealed that the player is improving every day. The Arsenal manager also added that Dowman has been excellent in training for the Gunners.

Arteta on Max Dowman

Arteta said during the pre-match presser ahead of the Brighton clash: “We look at his passport every day. We watch in training, and you have to play him; otherwise, I’m blind. He’s coped really well. It’s what we want (Dowman’s long-term future at the club) and what he wants. The feeling I have is that he loves it here. Huge Arsenal supporter and his family are happy.”

👀 Mikel Arteta has had his say on the future of Max Dowman at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/L9gf4pxqnk

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) October 28, 2025


Dowman will look to play more often

Max Dowman in action for Arsenal
Max Dowman in action for Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

It will be interesting to see if he can convince the manager to give him more opportunities in the coming months. Arsenal could certainly use more cutting-edge in the final third, and Dowman has shown that he can add pace, flair, and unpredictability going forward.

He will look to establish himself as an important first-team player in the coming seasons.

Arsenal fans will be delighted to hear that the club is looking to keep one of their best young talents at the club for as long as possible. They will hope that he can fulfil his potential with the Londoners.

The post “The feeling I have is…”: Mikel Arteta opens up on the future of Arsenal attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Liverpool prepared to pay over £100 million for “the next big thing”

Liverpool are reportedly interested in improving their attacking unit with the signing of Yankuba Minteh from Brighton.

The 21-year-old has done quite well since joining the Seagulls, and he is impressing in the Premier League with his technical ability and flair. He has been described as “the next big thing”.

Liverpool could use Yankuba Minteh

Liverpool could use more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and Minteh would be an exceptional acquisition. They have missed someone who can take on defenders and create opportunities out of nothing. The departure of Luis Diaz has left Liverpool more predictable going forward.

They need a quality dribbler, and Minteh could be tailor-made for them. The opportunity to join Liverpool will be quite exciting for him as well. It would be a major step up in his career. Minteh has one goal and two assists in the league this season.

Liverpool ready to pay up for Minteh

Yankuba Minteh in action for Brighton
Yankuba Minteh in action for Brighton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

According to a report from FootAfrica, Liverpool are prepared to pay over £100 million in order to get the deal done. They have recently spent a similar amount of money on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to break the bank once again. There is no doubt that the Gambian is an exceptional young talent. He has the quality to develop into a top-class  Premier League attacker. Liverpool could nurture him into a future star. Minteh has played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and both parties could be keen on a reunion.

Despite signing quality players this summer, Liverpool have had a disappointing start to the season. They need to bounce back strongly, and the 21-year-old could certainly help them improve in future.

It seems unlikely that Brighton will sanction his departure anytime soon. They will want to keep him at the club for now. Liverpool might have to wait until the summer transfer window in order to get the deal done. Manchester United and Arsenal are keen on Minteh as well.

The post Report: Liverpool prepared to pay over £100 million for “the next big thing” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool transfer news: Transfer insider drops big Mohamed Salah update amid recent struggles

Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing another offer for Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah at the end of the current season.

The Egyptian King, a global icon and the most famous Arab footballer in the world, has long been a top target for the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League, with interest intensifying as the summer transfer window approaches.

Saudi Pro League wants to sign Mohamed Salah

Despite Salah signing a new contract extension with Liverpool until 2027, the interest from the Middle East remains incredibly strong.

According to transfer insider Indy Kaila, Saudis want to sign Salah in the summer.

Saudi Arabia ?? want @MoSalah in the summer.

— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 28, 2025

An initial, massive offer worth around £200m was rejected by Liverpool previously, but the interest very much remains.

Mohamed Salah’s incredible Liverpool legacy

Salah is currently going through his worst form in a Liverpool shirt, and he still has 7 goal contributions in 13 appearances across all competitions. That stat is enough to showcase Salah’s brilliance.

Since arriving, the Egyptian has been a revelation, consistently performing season in season out.

Salah’s consistent brilliance makes him an irresistible target. His 2024/2025 season was statistically one of his best, where he was a clear contender for top individual honours.

The attacker registered an astonishing 47 goal contributions (29 goals and 18 assists) in the Premier League alone, a stunning haul that cemented his status as one of the world’s elite forwards.

Across his eight seasons at Anfield, he has amassed over 240 goals and 100 assists, an unparalleled record that proves he remains operating at the very peak of the game.

Season Appearances  Goals Assists
2017–2018 52 44 14
2018–2019 52 27 12
2019–2020 48 23 11
2020–2021 51 31 6
2021–2022 51 31 15
2022–2023 51 30 16
2023–2024 44 25 14
2024–2025 52 34 23
2025–2026 13 4 3
TOTAL 414 249 116
Mohamed Salah’s stats for Liverpool season wise via Transfermarkt

How Mo Salah would become the face of Saudi Pro League

Should Salah leave for Saudi Pro League, his arrival would be a massive event for the SPL.

While the league already boasts major names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Salah holds a unique position.

As a superstar Arab and Muslim athlete, he transcends football, carrying immense cultural weight across the region.

His image could become the ultimate marketing tool, driving unparalleled viewer interest, shirt sales, and global media attention, effectively crowning him the undisputed face of the Saudi Pro League and accelerating the kingdom’s ambitious sports project.

Salah might also be tempted to move this time after the recent dip in form this season under Arne Slot where he has looked out of place.

Is this going to be his final season at Anfield?

The post Liverpool transfer news: Transfer insider drops big Mohamed Salah update amid recent struggles appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Experienced ace could leave West Ham in January, former club keen

West Ham United midfielder Guido Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

He is all set to leave the club during the January transfer window. According to a report from Mexican outlet TV Azteca, the player could be heading to Club America in January.

He has played for the club in the past, and they were keen on securing his signature earlier this year as well.

Guido Rodriguez needs a fresh start

Rodriguez joined West Ham United last summer, and he has not been a regular starter for them this season. The Argentina international needs to move on in search of regular playing time, and returning to his former club could be ideal.

However, he is earning €4.5 million per season at the London club, and Club America will not be able to afford that. Rodriguez will have to accept a major pay cut to secure a return to the Mexican club. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Rodriguez should move on

Guido Rodriguez in action for West Ham
Guido Rodriguez in action for West Ham (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and leaving the London club would be ideal for him. Sitting on the bench at West Ham is unlikely to benefit him.

It is clear that Nuno Espirito Santo is not too keen on him. He is unlikely to get more opportunities until the end of the season. It would be ideal for him to seek an exit in January.

West Ham are unlikely to stand in his way either. He is not a player for them, and they will look to get his wages off their books.

It will be interesting to see if Club America come forward with an offer to get the deal done. He will be a free agent in the summer, but West Ham have an option to extend his deal for another year.

The post Report: Experienced ace could leave West Ham in January, former club keen appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Insider claims “there is a possibility” Crystal Palace star could leave along with Guehi

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

He was linked with an exit during the summer transfer window, but the Eagles managed to hold on. Mateta is the best striker at the club, and they will not want to lose him easily. However, he is nearing the end of his contract, and Crystal Palace will be under pressure to cash in on him if he refuses to sign an extension with them.

He will be a free agent in the summer of 2027. It will be interesting to see if the French International is willing to commit his long-term future to the club.

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Crystal Palace could look to sell the player at the end of this season if he refuses to sign a new deal with them. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

Jean-Philippe Mateta set for exit?

“There is a possibility Mateta could leave in the summer,” Mick Brown told Football Insider.

“If it starts becoming clear that he’s not going to sign, they want to maximise the fee they’re going to get.

“So in the summer, I’m sure if he hasn’t signed a contract, Palace will be tempted by offers for him.

“Given his importance to the team, they could well be huge offers, and there are a number of clubs who need a striker and will be willing to pay big money to get one.

“Obviously, Palace don’t want to lose him, but they could end up in a situation where they have to.”

Palace must keep Mateta

Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace have shown improvement in recent months, and they have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield recently. They will look to build on it and establish a team that is capable of securing European football fairly regularly.

They need to keep their best players for that to happen. They should do everything in their power to convince Mateta to sign an extension with them.

Palace are set to lose Marc Guéhi as well. He will be a free agent at the end of the season.

The post Insider claims “there is a possibility” Crystal Palace star could leave along with Guehi appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Tottenham have advantage in the race to sign £20m-rated star in January

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, and Fabio Paratici could be leading the pursuit.

The 25-year-old Serbian has been linked with the move away from the Italian club, and they are prepared to sell him in January. According to TBR Football, he will be available for a fee of £20 million. Tottenham have the resources to pay up, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. 

Tottenham have an advantage in Dusan Vlahovic race

Other clubs are interested in signing the Serbian international attacker as well, but they are hoping to sign him on loan. On the other hand, Tottenham are prepared to offer a permanent deal in January. That has given them an advantage in the transfer race. Juventus are hoping to get rid of the player permanently. 

Spurs could use more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the Serbian would be the ideal acquisition. He has proven himself in Italy over the years, and he has the physicality for English football as well. He could compete with Dominic Solanke for the starting spot. The England International has not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and more competition for places would be ideal. 

Vlahovic could be a useful addition

Dusan Vlahovic reacts during Juventus vs Hellas Verona
Dusan Vlahovic reacts during Juventus vs Hellas Verona (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

If Tottenham manage to get the best out of the 25-year-old striker, he could be an asset for them. He has the technical attributes for English football, and he could add a new dimension to the Tottenham attack. His ability to hold up the play and bring others into the game could prove to be invaluable. Vlahovic has six goals to his name this season.

It will be interesting to see if Spurs follow up on their interest with an official proposal. The reported asking price is quite reasonable for a player of his quality, and he could easily justify the investment in future. 

The post Report: Tottenham have advantage in the race to sign £20m-rated star in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Liverpool & Chelsea “in the mix” to sign 27-year-old star who is “looking the part”

Chelsea and Liverpool continue to be linked with defenders, and the latest name on their radar is Dayot Upamecano. 

The 27-year-old French international has performed well for Bayern Munich, and both clubs are interested in securing Upamecano’s signature. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer in the coming months. 

Graeme Bailey claimed on TBR: “In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.

“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached.

“And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”

Chelsea could use Dayot Upamecano

Chelsea have looked vulnerable defensively, and they need more depth in that area of the pitch. Most of their defenders are struggling with injury problems. The 27-year-old will add more quality and depth to their squad. 

He has done quite well for the German champions, and he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League as well. He has been linked with the move to England in the past, and it remains to be seen whether a move materialises in the coming months. 

Liverpool keen on Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Liverpool need more depth defensively as well. They have looked quite poor at the back this season. They need to improve in that area of the pitch. Upamecano could be the ideal long-term replacement for his compatriot, Ibrahima Konate. Konate will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Liverpool need to fill the void left by him. 

The 27-year-old is at the peak of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. The move to England could be ideal. He has won the league in Germany, and he may now seek a new challenge. 

Chelsea and Liverpool are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them can be hard to turn down for Upamecano

The post Report: Liverpool & Chelsea “in the mix” to sign 27-year-old star who is “looking the part” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Tottenham accelerating move for £88m-rated Arsenal target with 11 goals this season

Tottenham are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Samu Aghehowa from Porto. 

The 21-year-old has been in fine form for this season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. Tottenham are keen on securing his signature, and they are now accelerating their efforts to get the deal done. The player has a £88 million release clause in his contract, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham are willing to pay up.

As per Fichajes, they are not the only club keen on the attacker, and they will face competition from bitter rivals Arsenal. 

Samu Aghehowa would improve Spurs

It remains to be seen whether Porto sanctions his departure in the middle of the season. He is a key player for them, and his departure in January would be a devastating blow for the Portuguese outfit. 

The Spanish attacker is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and Aghehowa could be a key player for Tottenham. Dominic Solanke has not been able to score goals consistently, and Richarlison has been quite mediocre since joining the club as well. 

Arsenal keen on Aghehowa

Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen on the striker as well. They have recently signed Viktor Gyokeres. They could certainly use two quality strikers, and the Spaniard could compete with the Swedish international for the starting spot. The competition for places will help both players improve. 

Arsenal will be hoping to win the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They need multiple quality players at their disposal. Another striker would be ideal. 

The 21-year-old will be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League. It would be a step up in his career, and regular football in England could help him improve further. 

The post Report: Tottenham accelerating move for £88m-rated Arsenal target with 11 goals this season appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Barcelona have made a surprise £26m offer for Crystal Palace star

Barcelona have reportedly made an opening offer for Crystal Palace’s Colombian international right-back, Daniel Munoz.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, which claims that the Spanish giants have made a £26m offer for the 29-year-old.

Barcelona make move to sign Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz

The bid signifies an aggressive move by the Catalan giants to secure a natural, proven presence on the right flank, a position that new coach Hansi Flick has reportedly made a priority for reinforcement.

There are others interested in the player as well with La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid also keen on Munoz but Deco is said to be speeding up his pursuit in order to land the player before competition arrives.

Crystal Palace, however, are not willing to sell the player unless they receive a ‘concrete offer. The Colombian is contracted to the Eagles until 2028, giving the Premier League side control over his future.

Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz in action
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace controls ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 26, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Crystal Palace also set to lose Marc Guehi in the summer

Marc Guehi’s dream move to Liverpool was blocked by Crystal Palace on deadline day, with the club insisting he see out the remainder of his contract.

Despite the transfer setback, the England international has maintained his high standards, continuing to play a vital role at the heart of Palace’s defence.

Manager Oliver Glasner has since confirmed that Guehi will leave the club at the end of the season, with no plans to extend his current deal.

Interest in the defender remains strong. Liverpool are expected to reignite their pursuit, but they face fierce competition from European giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom have been closely monitoring his situation.

Palace could face a defensive rebuild this summer

Crystal Palace are bracing for a potentially transformative summer, with the prospect of losing two of their key defenders in Guehi and Munoz.

Both players have been instrumental in Glasner’s setup, and their departures could leave significant gaps in both leadership and tactical structure.

The combined exit of the two players would strip the Eagles of much of their established backline leadership and quality, forcing the club into an extensive and expensive rebuild of its defence.

The post Report: Barcelona have made a surprise £26m offer for Crystal Palace star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United considering £44m January offer for priority target who is the ‘full package’

Manchester United are interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham. 

The 20-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he is expected to develop into a top-class player. He has not had the best of spells at the German club, and he has struggled for regular opportunities. Naturally, he is being linked with the return to England.

There have been rumours of a loan move for Bellingham as well.

Man United very keen on Jobe Bellingham

According to Fichajes, Manchester United view him as a priority target, and they are preparing a €50 million offer to sign him. It will be interesting to see if the German club is willing to sell the player in January.

There is no doubt that Bellingham is a promising young player with a bright future. He has been described as the ‘full package’ in the past. He will add creativity, control, drive and goals to the Manchester United midfield. They are looking to build a formidable squad for the future, and signing a promising young talent like him would be a wise decision.

Bellingham has been likened to Frank Lampard.

Man United move could be ideal for Bellingham

Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund
Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund (Photo by Frederic Scheidemann/Getty Images)

The midfielder will be desperate for regular football as well. If Manchester United can provide him with the necessary assurance, he is likely to be tempted to join them. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with a platform to showcase his qualities in the Premier League.

Regular football in England could accelerate his development and help bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. There have been tensions between the player’s camp and the German club in recent weeks. Dortmund could be tempted to cash in if there is a lucrative proposal on the table.

Manchester United have shown improvement in recent weeks, and they will look to build on that with quality signings in January.

The post Man United considering £44m January offer for priority target who is the ‘full package’ appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Chelsea and Liverpool keen on “outstanding” 28-year-old Bundesliga star

Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing the Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. 

The 28-year-old has done quite well for the German club, and he helped them with the league title last season. He could prove to be a useful acquisition for both Premier League clubs. As per Fichajes, Tottenham are keen on Min-jae as well.

Chelsea and Liverpool need Kim Min-jae

Chelsea have had multiple injury problems at the back this season, and they need depth in that area of the pitch. The 28-year-old South Korean could prove to be a useful acquisition. He has shown his ability in Italy and Germany. He knows what it takes to play for big clubs, and he could make an instant impact at Chelsea. He has the physicality and technical attributes for Premier League football as well.

On the other hand, Liverpool are keen on the player as well. They need to replace Ibrahima Konate, who will be a free agent at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether they want 28 year 28-year-old Bundesliga star as his replacement.

Will Bayern sell Min-jae?

Kim Min-jae in action for Bayern against Inter
Kim Min-jae in action for Bayern against Inter (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The German club paid around €50 million to sign the defender. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to sell him for a reasonable amount of money. He has been an important player for them, and Joshua Kimmich has described him as “outstanding” in the past.

Chelsea and Liverpool need to tighten up at the back if they want to win major trophies. The 28-year-old could help them improve in that department. It remains to be seen whether the two clubs follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the coming weeks.

The defender is at the peak of his career, and he will look to hit the ground running in the Premier League. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

The post Report: Chelsea and Liverpool keen on “outstanding” 28-year-old Bundesliga star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Chelsea are now “frontrunners” to complete £20-25m transfer in January

Chelsea are hoping to sign Guela Doue during the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has done quite well for French outfit Strasbourg, and Chelsea are interested in securing his signature.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are front-runners to get the deal done because of their relationship with the French outfit. Both clubs are owned by BlueCo, and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can negotiate a reasonable deal for the defender.

Chelsea have recently sent scouts to watch Doue as well.

Chelsea lead race for Guela Doue

Pete O’Rourke claimed: “Obviously, Chelsea are probably frontrunners due to their relationship with Strasbourg as both clubs are owned by Blue Co.

“You’re probably looking between £20-25million for Doue in his current form. He’s under contract with the French club until 2029, so they’re under no real pressure to sell him just now as well.”

They are looking to add more quality and depth to the full back areas, and Doue would be a solid long-term investment. He has shown his quality in France, and he has the ability to do well in England as well. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be quite exciting for him. It would be a huge step up in his career.

Doue could thrive in England

Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain jumps for the head ball against Guela Doue of RC Strasbourg
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain jumps for the head ball against Guela Doue of RC Strasbourg (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways )

Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have done well in grooming young players in the past. They could play a key role in his development.

The 23-year-old will be excited to take on a new challenge at this stage of his career, and he will hope that the two clubs can finalise a deal. The report claims that a deal could be done for a fee of around £20-25 million. Chelsea certainly have the financial muscle to pay the asking price, and the deal could look like a bargain if the defender manages to fulfil his potential with them.

The post Report: Chelsea are now “frontrunners” to complete £20-25m transfer in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Man United ready to offer £53 million for England international in January

Manchester United are looking to improve their midfield unit during the January transfer window, and they are looking to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid. 

The 25-year-old England international has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months. He was heavily linked with a return to English football during the summer transfer window as well. It seems that Manchester United are now prepared to make their move for Gallagher.

Man United keen on Conor Gallagher

According to a report from Fichajes, they would be willing to offer €60 million (£53m) in order to get the deal done. Atletico Madrid do not want to lose a key player in January unless there is an exceptional offer on the table. It will be interesting to see how they react to the €60 million proposal when it is presented.

Manchester United need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the 25-year-old would be the ideal acquisition. He knows the league well, and he could make an instant impact. They need his physicality and work great in the midfield, and Gallagher could be a quality addition.

Man United move could be ideal for Gallagher

Conor Gallagher in action for Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly
Conor Gallagher in action for Atletico Madrid in a pre-season friendly (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The midfielder has struggled for regular game time at the Spanish club, and he could consider returning to the Premier League. Manchester United have an exciting project, and they have done some impressive business in the summer. They have shown improvement in recent weeks, and the player could be tempted to join them.

Even though Manchester United have not been able to fight for major trophies regularly, they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them can be hard to turn down. Gallagher could be tempted, especially if they are willing to provide him with regular opportunities.

The post Report: Man United ready to offer £53 million for England international in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Can’t keep up” – Journalist brutally slams Tottenham star after struggles under Thomas Frank

Tottenham’s high-profile summer signing Xavi Simons has come under criticism from Dutch football journalist Johan Derksen, who believes the young playmaker is finding it difficult to cope with the physical demands and pace of the Premier League.

The Netherlands international joined Tottenham in a surprise transfer after the North London club hijacked Chelsea’s move for him.

They moved quickly to finalise a £65m deal with RB Leipzig, with former Spurs forward Timo Werner reportedly playing a role in convincing Simons to make the switch to London.

However, since arriving in England, the 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life at Tottenham under Thomas Frank.

Xavi Simons’ performances have now drawn mixed reviews, with several pundits questioning whether he can handle the intensity of English football.

Johan Derksen says Xavi Simons not physically ready for Premier League football

Xavi Simons in action for Tottenham.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Speaking on the Groeten uit Grolloo podcast, Derksen delivered a blunt assessment of why the Netherlands international is currently underperforming at Spurs, suggesting the step up from the Bundesliga has been too steep.

His remarks, as quoted by Voetbal Zone, centered on the difference between Simons’ technical ability and his physical stature in the English top flight.

He said: “He’s a great player who often used his tricks in the Netherlands. He also performed well in Germany, but in England, they are much stronger physically. If you look at the English league and switch to a different league, it’s completely different.”

The veteran journalist argued that Simons’ struggles are a direct consequence of this shift in intensity. He continued: “You can see that he can’t keep up with the speed of action and is physically weaker.

“While Tijjani Reijnders doesn’t have that problem; he’s already one of the leading players at Manchester City.”

“In the past, a lightweight with good technique could easily hold his own. Technique is no longer the only thing you need to contribute; you also need physical strength at the top level.”

Why Xavi Simons is finding the Premier League a tougher challenge than expected

While Simons was a creative force in both the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga, the step up in intensity and physicality in England has clearly tested him.

The Premier League’s relentless tempo demands both explosive fitness and physical resilience, two areas the Dutchman may still be developing.

Club Appearances Goals Assists
RB Leipzig 78 22 24
PSV Eindhoven 48 22 11

Despite his early struggles, Tottenham remain confident that the former PSV and Leipzig star will adapt with time.

His close control, vision, and versatility makes him a potentially key figure in Spurs’ long-term project once he adjusts to the demands of English football.

Seen as a natural successor to Heung-Min Son, Simons offers tactical flexibility and can operate effectively across the front three or in a central attacking midfield role.

Here’s the table version of those stats:

Position Appearances Goals Assists
Left Winger 62 18 18
Attacking Midfield 53 22 18
Right Winger 27 7 6
Centre-Forward 11 5 6

His impressive numbers in each of these positions further underline the quality he brings and hint at the significant impact he could have for Tottenham once he fully settles in.

 

The post “Can’t keep up” – Journalist brutally slams Tottenham star after struggles under Thomas Frank appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea ready to reduce their wage bill, Euro giants will offer €50m for wide player

Chelsea are looking to reduce their wage bill and get rid of some of their expendable players like Malo Gusto. 

Malo Gusto could be on his way out of the club, and Italian outfit Juventus are preparing an offer of €50 million to sign him. Bayern Munich were linked with Gusto in recent months as well.

Chelsea to cash in on Malo Gusto?

According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea are prepared to consider selling the French defender. It remains to be seen of the situation develops. Gusto is hardly an indispensable asset for them. If they can sell him for €50 million, it could prove to be a sensible move for the London club.

Gusto could help Juventus

Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The opportunity to join the Italian club could be exciting for the French defender as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to compete at a high level. He has not been a regular starter for Chelsea, and he could look to move on.

There is no doubt that he has the technical attributes for Italian football, and he could do well at Juventus. It seems that the move could be ideal for all parties.

There is no doubt that the 22-year-old is a quality player. However, he has been quite inconsistent with the English club. It would make sense for Chelsea to sell him and invest the proceeds into the playing squad. They have done well to improve the team in the recent windows, but they are not at the level required to win the league title or the UEFA Champions League. They need established stars along with the pool of young talent, they have at the club.

Selling the 22-year-old will certainly help them improve the team in future. It remains to be seen whether all parties can agree on a deal in the coming months.

The post Chelsea ready to reduce their wage bill, Euro giants will offer €50m for wide player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United learn asking price for “exceptional” La Liga star who is a priority target now

Manchester United are hoping to sign the Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. 

According to a report from Fichajes, the 22-year-old midfielder is now a priority target for the Premier League club, and they will have to pay around €80 million in order to get the deal done. Real Madrid have made it clear that they will not entertain low offers for the player.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United are willing to pay up. Camavinga has been linked with Liverpool as well. There have been rumours that Liverpool could look to pay £69 million for the player.

Eduardo Camavinga would improve Man United

The versatile French international would be an exceptional acquisition if they manage to get the deal done. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and Camavinga is tailor-made for them.

Camavinga is capable of operating anywhere across the midfield, and he is capable of operating in the wide areas, as a winger or a full-back. Xabi Alonso recently labelled him as “exceptional” after a solid performance from him in the wide areas.

The French International is quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a key player for Manchester United in the long run. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to him. The asking price is affordable for a club with their resources.

Can Man United convince Camavinga?

Eduardo camavinga takes a throw-in
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Manchester United will need to convince the player to join them as well. They will need to convince him that their project is capable of helping him fulfil his ambitions.

The 22-year-old will want to win major trophies in his career, and he will only join a club where he will be able to win silverware. It will be interesting to see if he is prepared to consider a move to Old Trafford.

The post Man United learn asking price for “exceptional” La Liga star who is a priority target now appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Huge salary on offer: What Liverpool are willing to do to sign “outstanding” South American

Liverpool are looking to improve their defensive unit with the signing of the Ecuador international defender Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge. 

The 21-year-old central defender has done quite well for the Belgian club, and Liverpool views Ordonez as an option to improve their defensive unit.

They have looked vulnerable at the back season, and they will need to replace Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season as well. The French International will be a free agent soon, and Liverpool need to start planning for life without him.

Liverpool could use Joel Ordonez

The 21-year-old Ecuador International could prove to be an excellent addition. He has proven himself in Belgium, and he has done quite well at the international level with his country as well. Ordonez has been labelled as “outstanding” in the past. He has been linked with Chelsea as well.

He has the physicality and technical attributes for English football, and Liverpool are ready to break the Bank for him. According to a report from Bolavip, Liverpool would be willing to pay around €40 million for the defender. They are ready to offer him a huge salary in excess of €3 million per season.

Ordonez could fancy Liverpool move

Joel Ordonez vying for the ball
Mario Pasalic of Atalanta battles for a header with Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

The defender will be attracted to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. It would be a huge opportunity for him, and he will look to prove himself in England. The money on offer is quite tempting for the player as well. It remains to be seen whether his club is willing to accept the €40 million offer when it is presented.

Liverpool should look to get the deal done in January. They have been in disastrous form in recent weeks, and they will look to get their season back on track. Signing the right players in January could help them bounce back strongly.

The post Huge salary on offer: What Liverpool are willing to do to sign “outstanding” South American appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Chelsea and Man United monitoring “generational talent” from English outfit

Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing the Leicester City attacker, Jeremy Monga. 

The 16-year-old winger is highly rated across England, and he has a bright future. The talented young attacker is on the radar of multiple clubs, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to come forward with an offer to sign him

He is not eligible to sign a professional contract with the Foxes until June 2026, and clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United will look to take advantage of the situation and sign the player. On the other hand, Leicester City will hope to keep him at the club until June so that they can persuade him to sign a professional deal with the club.

Manchester City and Tottenham are keen on Monga as well.

Jeremy Monga is a prodigious talent

Graeme Bailey claims on TBR: “Monga is a generational talent. At just 16, he already has more first-team appearances than players like Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman, who have made huge impacts in the Premier League this season.

“But let’s not forget, Monga has already played in the Premier League and previously turned down approaches before signing his scholarship.

“Interest remains high, and there is a belief that by January he could be ready to make a move.

“Leicester are hoping that giving him regular first-team opportunities will convince him to stay until the summer, when he can sign a professional deal.

“At that point, the club could either sell him or at least secure a fee, rather than risk losing him for minimal compensation.”

Chelsea and Man United would do well to sign Monga

Jeremy Monga looks on
Jeremy Monga of Leicester City applauds the fans, after making his debut for Leicester City. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Chelsea and Manchester United have done well to bring talented young players in recent windows, and they are looking to build a formidable team for the future. Monga has been on the radar of clubs like Real Madrid as well.

The 16-year-old would be a solid long-term acquisition. They have done well to groom several talented young players into established stars in the past, and Monga will certainly fancy his chances of fulfilling his potential with the two clubs.

The post Report: Chelsea and Man United monitoring “generational talent” from English outfit appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man City enquire about signing Leicester City star

One of the few bright sparks in an otherwise difficult start to Leicester City’s campaign has been Jeremy Monga, a 16-year-old winger who has quickly emerged as one of English football’s most exciting young prospects.

Despite Leicester’s struggles in the Championship, Monga’s pace, flair, and creativity have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.

According to TBR Football, Manchester City are currently leading the race to sign the teenager, a player they came close to landing last summer before he chose to remain in Leicester’s academy setup.

Jeremy Monga has impressed top clubs in Europe

Monga’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. The young winger has seamlessly transitioned from youth football to the senior setup, becoming a regular starter in recent weeks.

His ability to glide past defenders, coupled with sharp decision-making in the final third, has made him one of Leicester’s most talked-about talents.

So far this season, he has contributed one goal and one assist, and more importantly, has shown the maturity and composure of a player well beyond his years.

City’s interest in Monga is not new. The Premier League champions have been monitoring his development closely and view him as a player who fits their long-term project under Pep Guardiola.

However, what makes the situation particularly intriguing is that Monga, at just 16, cannot yet sign a professional contract.

This leaves Leicester in a vulnerable position, unable to prevent another club from swooping in and securing his services before he turns 17.

Man City face competition to sign Monga

Jeremy Monga of Leicester City
Jeremy Monga of Leicester City (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

City are not alone in their pursuit. Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United are all reportedly interested, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked.

Such widespread attention shows the scale of Monga’s potential. Yet, despite the allure of these European giants, leaving Leicester prematurely could halt his progress.

At the King Power Stadium, he is already a regular in the Championship, gaining valuable first-team experience, something that would be far less likely at a top Premier League club, particularly at Man City, where he would likely return to youth or reserve football.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola eyes blockbuster transfer of Aston Villa defender

The post Man City enquire about signing Leicester City star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Emery admits Aston Villa star is unhappy ahead of Liverpool clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has successfully managed to revive the form of his team after a poor start this season.

The Premier League side started the season in a disappointing manner and even dropped into the relegation zone after the first ew matches.

However, in recent weeks, they have turned around their form and with four Premier League wins in a row, they have managed to accumulate equal points as defending champions Liverpool at the moment.

Both Villa and Liverpool have 15 points so far this season and both of them will come up against each other in the Premier League this coming weekend.

Aston Villa face Liverpool in the league next

The match at Anfield is expected to be a high intensity encounter with the Reds looking to regain their form while Aston Villa hoping to continue their impressive.

Ahead of the match at Anfield, Emery and Villa have suffered a major setback about the availability of one of their best players.

Attacking midfielder Emi Buendia went off against Manchester City in their 1-0 win at Villa Park and he is now set to miss the match against Arne Slot’s side.

Buendia’s injury gave Sancho the opportunity to prove himself but he failed that and ended up getting taken off after coming on as a substitute.

“Yes, sure he’s (Sancho) not happy but I did it before with Morgan Rogers, with Emiliano Buendia, with Leon Bailey, and he played 60 minutes on Thursday,” Emery said, as reported by Liverpool World.

“Today when he (Buendia) was injured, my plan was maybe in case he (Sancho) was going to play 30 minutes, but I decided to play more and he played 45 minutes. But my plan was when he was swapped with Emiliano Buendia, the idea was maybe not playing all the minutes until the last moment. And I told him as well, he can feel it, it’s embarrassing.”

Jadon Sancho has to prove himself at Villa Park

Jadon Sancho in action for Aston Villa
Jadon Sancho in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Losing Buendia would be a major loss for Emery and Aston Villa considering the form he was in.

It is time for Sancho to step up his game and show why Villa decided to sign him in the summer transfer window.

Now is the time for Sancho to show his mentality and deal with the latest setback in a positive manner.

The former Man United winger is looking to revive his career after poor spells at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.

Talks are “not as advanced” but Aston Villa working on agreement with 23-year-old 

The post Emery admits Aston Villa star is unhappy ahead of Liverpool clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sky Sports: Man United are in ‘concrete negotiations’ over the signing of striker

Manchester United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Kevin Filling, a highly-rated young striker from Swedish side AIK Fotboll, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The 16-year-old forward has emerged as one of Scandinavia’s brightest prospects, drawing interest from several top European clubs.

Despite his age, Filling has already made his mark in Sweden’s top flight, impressing with his physicality and finishing quality.

United’s pursuit of the teenager reflects their growing commitment to building a sustainable, youth-driven recruitment model under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership and Rúben Amorim’s long-term vision.

Man United to continue investing in young talent

Filling’s name has rapidly risen through European scouting circles. Standing at 6ft 1in, the young striker combines technical skill with impressive athleticism.

He has already scored two goals in seven appearances, an impressive return for a player still in his mid-teens.

His maturity, awareness, and ability to hold his own against experienced defenders have drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexander Isak, two Swedish forwards who made early breakthroughs before moving on to Europe’s elite clubs.

United could secure the striker’s signature for around €3 million (£2.6m), a modest sum that could prove an excellent investment in the long run.

The Red Devils are not alone in the race, however, as several Bundesliga clubs are also closely monitoring the player’s situation.

Yet, Man United’s strong youth development record and the allure of playing in the Premier League could give them the edge in negotiations.

United have spent heavily on attacking signings

Kevin Filling of AIK Fotboll
Kevin Filling of AIK Fotboll. (Photo via: AIK)

The club have already bolstered their attacking ranks by adding Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and Matheus Cunha during the summer window.

They are looking for more options in the market as Amorim continues to build the team for the future and add more depth to the squad.

By targeting a player like Filling, United aim to replicate the success stories of other European clubs who have benefited from identifying top talents early.

Filling’s development at Old Trafford would likely begin in the academy setup or Under-21s before transitioning to first-team contention over the next few years.

Man United bid of £50 million turned down by Premier League club

The post Sky Sports: Man United are in ‘concrete negotiations’ over the signing of striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United transfers: Ruben Amorim blocks double January move due to AFCON

Manchester United are reportedly determined to keep both Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford this January, despite the pair experiencing limited game time under Rúben Amorim.

According to The Sun, the Portuguese manager has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he does not want to sanction any exits in the winter window, as he anticipates a challenging period due to player absences caused by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

With key squad members set to represent their countries in the tournament, United believe squad depth will be crucial in maintaining consistency across multiple competitions.

Man United duo have struggled or playing time

Man United's Kobbie Mainoo in the pre-match warm-up
Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo in the pre-match warm-up (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Both Zirkzee and Mainoo have found first-team opportunities difficult to come by since Amorim took charge, but their importance to the squad could grow significantly in the coming months.

Due to the signings of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, Zirkzee has struggled to find playing time this season.

Meanwhile, Mainoo, one of the club’s brightest academy graduates, continues to develop under Amorim’s guidance. Although competition in midfield remains fierce, with Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Bruno Fernandes occupying key roles, Mainoo is seen as an essential part of United’s long-term project.

United will be without key players during AFCON

Bryan Mbeumo in action for Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Man United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The manager’s insistence on retaining both players stems from the club’s looming AFCON absences. United will be without Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) for several weeks during the competition.

With such departures affecting both attacking and defensive depth, Amorim is wary of leaving his side short of options during a congested fixture schedule that includes the Premier League and the FA Cup.

With AFCON absences set to test United’s squad resilience, the decision to hold on to the duo may prove vital as the club looks to sustain its push to regain their dominance.

Premier League club demanding £100–120 million for Man United & Newcastle target

The post Man United transfers: Ruben Amorim blocks double January move due to AFCON appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Just In: Chelsea eyeing move for Barcelona star to replace first team starter

Chelsea are reportedly exploring a sensational loan move for Marc-André ter Stegen, with the Barcelona goalkeeper said to be open to a change after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No. 1.

The 33-year-old German has found himself unexpectedly marginalised following Barça’s decision to invest €25 million in Joan García, the former Espanyol star whose rise has prompted a recalibration of the goalkeeping hierarchy at the Camp Nou.

The move has created internal friction, with Ter Stegen understood to be livid at the implied message, that his era could be drawing to a close.

Chelsea interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen

With uncertainty lingering over Robert Sánchez’s long-term status at Stamford Bridge, Sky Sport claims Chelsea are weighing a short-term deal to bring elite experience and leadership back between the sticks.

Chelsea’s interest is rooted in necessity and opportunity. Since Édouard Mendy departed, the Blues have searched for a calming, authoritative presence to stabilise a young back line.

In a Premier League landscape where pressing traps are ruthless, a confident, technically secure goalkeeper can transform a team’s first phase and Ter Stegen is the ideal player who can provide that at Chelsea.

It provides immediate quality without a long, expensive commitment, while allowing the club to reassess Sánchez.

Ter Stegen moves makes financial sense for the Blues

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)

A Ter Stegen-to-Chelsea loan would be one of January’s headline moves. Whether the deal advances will depend on finances and guarantees, but the logic is simple, Chelsea gain a proven leader to guide a developing defense while Barcelona gain clarity in their transition to García.

Sánchez has failed to show consistency at Stamford Bridge despite being made the first choice goalkeeper. Recently in a match against Manchester United, the goalkeeper received a red card for his rash challenge on Bryan Mbeumo which played a huge role on the Blues not winning the match.

Liverpool and Chelsea given update on defender target as “worry” revealed

The post Just In: Chelsea eyeing move for Barcelona star to replace first team starter appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mason Greenwood set to be offered Premier League return by Man United rivals

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, according to a report from TeamTalk.

The North London club are believed to be seeking a “dynamic player” to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, and Greenwood has emerged as a serious candidate.

The former Manchester United forward has rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, becoming one of the best performers in French football.

However, Tottenham face competition from several major clubs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United all expressing interest in the 24-year-old.

Mason Greenwood has excelled in the Ligue 1

Greenwood’s career has experienced a dramatic turnaround since his move to Marseille.

After leaving Man United in 2024, the English forward has rebuilt his reputation and confidence through consistent performances in France.

So far this season, Greenwood has scored eight goals in 12 appearances across all competitions, continuing the fine form that saw him notch 22 goals in 36 games last campaign.

For Tottenham, Greenwood represents a potential game-changer. Manager Thomas Frank has made no secret of his desire to add pace, versatility, and unpredictability to his frontline.

Greenwood’s capacity to play across the front three, as a right winger, left forward, or even a secondary striker, matches perfectly with Frank’s tactical ideas.

Tottenham face competition to sign former Man United star

Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille celebrates after scoring
Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille celebrates after scoring. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

However, Tottenham’s pursuit will not be easy. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both monitoring Greenwood’s progress, with the Spanish giants attracted by his age, adaptability, and proven productivity.

Meanwhile, West Ham United have also joined the chase. Some of the top clubs in the world are taking notice of his consistent performances and goal scoring record.

Greenwood could get the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League after his Man United spell was cut short due to his controversial off the field activities.

Spurs could now give him another chance to play in the Premier League.

Report: Tottenham tracking 23-year-old attacker who finds their interest “very flattering”

The post Mason Greenwood set to be offered Premier League return by Man United rivals appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Thomas Frank unimpressed with 28-year-old Tottenham ace with replacement being lined up

Tottenham could be heading for a change at the top of their attack when the January transfer window opens.

According to Football Insider, the club are considering replacing Dominic Solanke, who has struggled to find his form and fitness under manager Thomas Frank.

The England international was signed with big expectations following an impressive spell at Bournemouth, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from making the desired impact.

With Tottenham eager to stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions, the board are reportedly exploring forward options, with former Brentford star Ivan Toney among the top names linked.

Dominic Solanke has struggled at Tottenham

Solanke’s move to Tottenham was intended to provide a focal point for the Spurs attack.

However, things haven’t gone as planned. Since joining the North London side, the 28-year-old striker has faced multiple fitness setbacks, limiting his rhythm and confidence in front of goal.

Even when available, Solanke has struggled to replicate his Bournemouth form, where his movement, pressing, and ability to bring teammates into play made him one of the Premier League’s most underrated forwards.

Frank has grown frustrated with the lack of consistency. The Dane has made it clear to Tottenham’s recruitment team that the squad needs a striker who can deliver immediately and adapt seamlessly to his high-intensity demands.

Could Ivan Toney replace Solanke at Spurs?

Dominic Solanke of Tottenham
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

In that regard, Toney has emerged as a natural target. The Al Ahli attacker has played previously under Frank at Brentford and the manager and the attacker enjoyed a strong relationship.

Frank was able to get the best out of Toney and he feels that the attacker should return to England from the Middle East.

Should Tottenham bring in a new forward, it could pave the way for Solanke to seek regular playing time elsewhere.

With January fast approaching, Spurs will need to act decisively to strengthen their frontline and keep pace with their Premier League rivals.

Report: Chelsea to battle Spurs for midfielder causing “excitement” across Europe

The post Thomas Frank unimpressed with 28-year-old Tottenham ace with replacement being lined up appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Champions League club eyeing move for Chelsea star struggling for playing time under Maresca

Italian giants Juventus are eyeing a move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, according to Calciomercato.

The French international, still only 22, has impressed in flashes since joining Chelsea from Lyon, but his limited game time and the resurgence of Reece James could open the door to a transfer.

The Juventus hierarchy are said to be long-time admirers of the young defender and see him as a potential solution to the club’s right-back dilemma, particularly after the Bianconeri missed out on signing Atlético Madrid’s Nahuel Molina last summer.

Juventus are looking for an attacking full-back

The Serie A side had been close to agreeing a deal for Molina during the last transfer window but were ultimately unable to complete the move due to financial and timing constraints.

Since then, the need for a dynamic full-back capable of contributing both defensively and offensively has remained a key priority.

Gusto, who is known for his explosive pace and overlapping runs, is exactly the kind of player Juventus are looking to sign.

At Chelsea, Gusto’s development has been somewhat stifled by the continued presence of club captain James, whose return to full fitness has reduced the Frenchman’s opportunities in the starting lineup.

His performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe, and Juventus are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, aware that Chelsea could be open to selling if the right offer arrives.

Malo Gusto has struggled for playing time at Chelsea

Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Juventus are also planning for the long term, seeking to lower the squad’s average age while maintaining quality.

The Turin-based club’s sporting directors are understood to have initiated contact with Gusto’s representatives to gauge his openness to a move, though no formal bid has yet been lodged.

Juventus’ admiration for the French defender is genuine, and with Molina still on Atlético Madrid’s books, Gusto represents a realistic and affordable alternative.

If James stays fit and Gusto continues to find minutes hard to come by, a move to Turin could appeal to all parties.

Report: Chelsea to battle Spurs for midfielder causing “excitement” across Europe

The post Champions League club eyeing move for Chelsea star struggling for playing time under Maresca appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Newcastle United prepare bid for attacker with six goals in nine league games

As the January transfer window approaches, Brentford striker Igor Thiago has become one of the most sought-after names.

The 24-year-old Brazilian forward has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far, scoring goals consistently for the club.

Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are all monitoring his situation closely, setting the stage for a potential bidding war when the market reopens, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are leading Igor Thiago race

Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase. Following the departure of Alexander Isak, the Magpies are actively searching for depth in their attack.

Although they signed Nick Woltemade in a big money move in the summer transfer window, they need more attackers to provide manager Eddie Howe the best platform to perform well this season.

Sources suggest Newcastle are preparing a €40 million offer, hoping to strike early before rival clubs enter the race.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are adopting a more cautious stance. Still adjusting under Thomas Frank, the North London club are weighing the option of a loan deal with an option to buy.

Their proposed package, a €35 million fee plus performance-based add-ons, shows that they are unwilling to commit a large amount of money on the deal. Spurs see Thiago as a valuable rotational option who could relieve the burden on Dominic Solanke and inject competition into the forward line.

Brentford have no desire to sell their star striker

Igor Thiago of Brentford
Igor Thiago of Brentford (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Despite the growing speculation, Brentford remain calm. Having only signed Thiago from Club Brugge last year for €33 million, the Bees hold a long-term contract with him until 2029.

The club are under no financial pressure to sell and are expected to demand a premium well above his initial valuation.

With six goals in nine Premier League matches so far this season, Thiago has quickly become the focal point of Brentford’s attack.

With Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa all positioning themselves to make a move, Brentford face the challenge of holding on to their prized striker.

Newcastle keen to avoid repeat of Alexander Isak saga with star player

The post Sources: Newcastle United prepare bid for attacker with six goals in nine league games appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Arsenal involved in transfer battle with Barcelona for French attacker

A fresh transfer battle is brewing between two European giants, as Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of Lacine Megnan-Pave, one of France’s brightest teenage prospects.

According to L’Équipe, the 15-year-old Montpellier striker has caught the attention of scouts across Europe following a string of impressive performances for the club’s U19 side, where he has already scored two goals this season.

Despite his young age, Megnan-Pave has the physicality and technique to shine at a big club as interest in his services continues to increase.

Barcelona leading Arsenal in Megnan-Pave race?

Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is currently tipped as the frontrunner to secure his services.

Standing at 6 feet tall, Megnan-Pave already possesses a commanding physical presence for his age. Yet it is his balance, intelligent movement, and natural goal-scoring instinct that have stood out most to scouts.

Montpellier have earned a reputation for developing elite-level French talent, from Olivier Giroud and Rémy Cabella to Elye Wahi, and Megnan-Pave could be the next in that line.

The Catalan giants continue to rebuild their squad structure around young prospects, much like they did with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Fermín López.

Barca’s sporting director Deco has already green-lit the pursuit, with talks underway between intermediaries representing the player and the club.

Gunners have a habit of signing the best young talent

Laciné Megnan-Pavé of Montpellier
Laciné Megnan-Pavé of Montpellier. (Photo via L’Equipe)

However, Arsenal remain firmly in the mix. Under Mikel Arteta, the North London club have invested heavily in young, technically gifted players with high developmental ceilings.

The Gunners believe Megnan-Pave could become a star in the future under their environment which encourages young players to shine.

The north-London club have seen the progress of young players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta and have been highly impressed with that.

Montpellier, meanwhile, are aware that keeping hold of the teenager will be difficult. With European giants circling and no professional contract signed yet due to his age, the French club face an uphill task to convince him to stay in Ligue 1.

Sources: Arsenal & Chelsea scouts watched Champions League star worth €70-80 million

The post Report: Arsenal involved in transfer battle with Barcelona for French attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Premier League club demanding £100–120 million for Man United & Newcastle target

The race for one of England’s most exciting young midfielders is heating up.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United and Newcastle United are leading a growing list of Premier League clubs monitoring Elliot Anderson, with both sides having already registered their interest.

The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of some of the top clubs after his move to Nottingham Forest.

As Forest brace for a potential transfer battle next summer, insiders reveal that the club are demanding between £100–120 million, with no release clause in Anderson’s contract, a sign of how highly he is valued at the City Ground.

Elliot Anderson has been impressive for Forest

Anderson has evolved into the creative heartbeat of the team and his ability to make things happen from the midfield is something that both Man United and Newcastle United are particularly impressed with.

Managers Ruben Amorim and Eddie Howe are both looking for a new midfielder next year and Anderson is someone who has earned a place in their shortlist.

United have been scouting the player extensively and see him as a player who can become a part of their long terms plans under Amorim as the Portuguese manager is looking for more stability in the middle of the park.

Man United & Newcastle quoted hefty price tag

Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle
Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Forest, for their part, remain adamant that the midfielder is not for sale, unless an exceptional offer arrives.

Anderson is a central figure in their long-term project, and with no release clause in his current deal, they hold all the leverage heading into next year.

The £100–120 million valuation reflects both his current impact and projected potential, especially given his age and Premier League experience.

Whether Anderson stays loyal to Forest’s project or takes the next step toward the elite, one thing is certain, his talent is undeniable and Forest would find it difficult to keep him at the club for long.

JUST IN: Sir Jim Ratcliffe blocks Ruben Amorim demand to sign legendary striker

The post Premier League club demanding £100–120 million for Man United & Newcastle target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised for “embarrassing” comments – “It’s his job”

Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool, who have lost their last four matches in the Premier League – a run that has seen them drop from 1st to 7th in the standings. The reigning champions have been defeated by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Man United and Brentford, who were 3-2 winners at the weekend.

In the aftermath of that defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium, Slot admitted that his side struggle against “teams (that) have a certain playing style”, which relates to those who are more direct. But these remarks have not gone down well with some.

Arne Slot slammed for comments on Brentford

Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side have lost their last four matches in the Premier League. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Mick Brown responded to Slot’s comments, which he was not a fan of.

“Of course Slot is under pressure at Liverpool and he’ll be frustrated. The result wasn’t good enough, and to lose four games in a row in the Premier League is a disaster, so there are going to be questions asked of him. But you can’t start looking down your nose at other teams and aspects of the game.

“Coming out afterwards and complaining about other teams playing long throws and long balls, it’s embarrassing. It’s his job to prepare for and deal with those. Not every single team is going to play the same way, it’s just the way the game is.

“He can’t be surprised coming up against Brentford, who have made a name from utilising set pieces and maximising the assets they’ve got in their team. It’s up to Liverpool to deal with that, and they didn’t have an answer against Brentford. It’s the same after the game against Man United, when he moaned about other teams changing their starting XIs, honestly it’s embarrassing and it makes him look bad.”

Liverpool and Slot will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before hosting Aston Villa in the Premier League – a match that will be very tricky for them, given the two teams’ contrasting form.

The post Liverpool manager Arne Slot criticised for “embarrassing” comments – “It’s his job” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sunderland poised to receive Aston Villa offer for 25-year-old star

Sunderland have made a fantastic start to their Premier League return, with a number of players impressing for Regis Le Bris’ side. However, they could soon feel the force of this, as clubs have started to take notice.

Saturday’s memorable 2-1 victory over Chelsea elevated Sunderland into the top four of the Premier League, and although they will not expect to stay there, they are well on their way to avoiding relegation, which was their goal at the beginning of the campaign.

One player that has stood out for Sunderland is Wilson Isidor, who scored in the victory at Chelsea. However, there is a feeling that he could be set to leave in 2026.

Sunderland braced for Wilson Isidor offers as Aston Villa circle

Wilson Isidor celebrates a goal for Sunderland
Wilson Isidor celebrates a goal for Sunderland (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in Isidor, and according to Mick Brown (via Football Insider), Sunderland will find it difficult to keep the 25-year-old forward come next summer.

“Unfortunately, this is the way it tends to work. If you get promoted from the Championship and start the season strongly, and your players are proving they can impress at this level, it’s going to attract interest. It’s a difficult situation for Sunderland, really, because they obviously want to keep these players.

“Isidor in particular is attracting interest and a lot of top clubs have had scouts watching him. They’ll have been keeping tabs on his performance against Chelsea, because that shows he can do it against the top sides and not just those down the bottom.

“Sunderland experienced it in the Championship last season, with clubs looking at their players. It’s no different now, and whether it’s Isidor or anybody else, I expect they’ll be determined not to lose them after having such a good start.”

For now, Sunderland will continue to enjoy Isidor, but there may be a feeling that he could be taken away in 2026.

The post Sunderland poised to receive Aston Villa offer for 25-year-old star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Micah Richards explains reason for Virgil van Dijk struggles at Liverpool

Liverpool have had a very difficult few weeks, and their poor form continued at the weekend with a defeat at Brentford. It is now four Premier League losses in a row for Arne Slot’s side, who have slipped to 7th in the standings.

Much has been made of the struggles that new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had, but some of their players that were at such a high level last season have failed to replicate that form – and among them is captain Virgil van Dijk.

Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Virgil van Dijk struggles

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Speaking on The Rest Is Football (via TBR Football), Alan Shearer took aim at van Dijk, as well as centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, for their performances against Brentford.

“They are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean, say what you want about them in midfield – the lack of protection – or up front, the lack of connection between their signings. But defensively, oh my word.

“I mean, Van Dijk and Konate. The two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism, and I understand that, and I get that. But the two centre-backs? They are all over the place. They’ve been terrible. And they were at Brentford — they were awful, both of them, I mean, Van Dijk and Konate, weren’t they?”

Micah Richards agreed with Shearer, although he believes that van Dijk’s struggles are more down to him having little help from Konate.

“Yeah, they were awful. And I think what we’re seeing now is Van Dijk needs help. How many times in previous seasons has Van Dijk bailed them out? You look at partnerships and we’ve always talked about Van Dijk and how good he is. He needs Konate to bail him out at the moment, and that’s not happening. So you can’t have two centre halves not playing well at the same time.”

Liverpool must stop the rut as soon as possible if they are to give themselves the best chance of retaining their Premier League title, which is currently slipping away.

The post Micah Richards explains reason for Virgil van Dijk struggles at Liverpool appeared first on CaughtOffside.

‘Their body language is not right’ – Rooney names two Liverpool stars having negative impact

Following a worrying dip in form at Liverpool, Wayne Rooney has flagged serious concerns around the performances and leadership dynamics of two of the Reds’ senior figures, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds have slipped to seventh position in the league after four Premier League defeats in a row.

Just a month ago, they were sitting comfortable at the top but defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford have completely turned their season into a disaster that not many people expected.

Wayne Rooney has questioned Salah and Van Dijk

Performances of several Liverpool players have come under scrutiny this season and it is easy to see why, considering how poor they have been recently.

Rooney has questioned two of their most experienced and senior members of the squad, Van Dijk and Salah, who both recently signed new deals at the club, for the negative impact they have had over the team.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said:

“I think Van Dijk and Salah, obviously, they’ve signed new deals and whatever, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.

“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them, and they’re the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right that affects everyone else.

“And I don’t know, maybe I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that’d be a big concern for me.”

Liverpool have been poor recently

Mohamed Salah applauds the Liverpool fans
Mohamed Salah applauds the Liverpool fans (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

The timing of the criticism compounds the concern.

Liverpool have splurged on high-profile attacking signings and defenders this summer, yet the results have been underwhelming.

A run of four straight league defeats means the Reds have lost momentum just as the title race intensifies.

“The sooner you sign him, the better” – Liverpool told to make ambitious move in January

The post ‘Their body language is not right’ – Rooney names two Liverpool stars having negative impact appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Shown that he belongs there” – Wayne Rooney waxes lyrical about Man United stars

Man United had a difficult start to the season, but they have kicked into gear in recent weeks, having picked up three wins in a row in the Premier League.

The latest came on Saturday as Brighton were defeated 4-2, in a match where there was a number of standouts for Man United – but perhaps none more so than two of their big-money summer signings.

Wayne Rooney delighted with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha

Bryan Mbeumo in action for Manchester United
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Man United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Brighton, and as per BBC Sport (via TBR Football), Wayne Rooney expressed his delight with the impact made at Old Trafford by the Cameroon international.

“At Man United, he’s had some really good chances in games as well – he just hasn’t always taken them. But I think his energy, his work rate, his desire… that’s what you need to be a Man United player. And yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is that he belongs there.

“Obviously, Cunha’s come in, it’s great to see him get his goal, but Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances – and that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you’ll score. What was it, 20 goals last season he scored for Brentford? And now he’s started well again.

“When you’re a forward, you enjoy scoring goals, and that feeling keeps going. That’s why you see players go on streaks – scoring eight, ten, eleven goals on the bounce – and then sometimes they might go a few games without one. His confidence is very high at the minute, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for Man United this season.”

Rooney also spoke glowingly on Matheus Cunha, who got his first goal for Man United in the victory over Brighton.

“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind. He’s obviously missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored. I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell, and you just hope that it spurs them on.

“Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. I think he can kick on from this, get better, and start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck – because that’s what he’s capable of. He’s unpredictable at times, and that’s what makes him such a threat.”

Man United are now sixth in the Premier League, and they will fancy their chances of climbing higher when they travel to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

The post “Shown that he belongs there” – Wayne Rooney waxes lyrical about Man United stars appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham accept they made a mistake signing player in the summer

West Ham have had a miserable start to the season, and that continued at the weekend with a defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. The Hammers, who have already sacked previous manager Graham Potter and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo, have lost eight of their 10 matches in all competitions, and they currently sit 19th in the Premier League.

West Ham have struggled to stop goals going in, but equally, they have struggled in attack. They have scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances, and only one of those has come from their strikers (Callum Wilson, vs Nottingham Forest).

Striker is a position that West Ham have had a lot of issues in over the last few years, and on the basis of the season so far, they did not fix it during the summer.

West Ham recognise they could have signed another attacker

Callum Wilson has struggled since arriving at West Ham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Wilson was the only number nine to arrive at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, joining as a free agent after leaving Newcastle. However, The Times (via Geordie Boot Boys) have reported that West Ham officials have acknowledged that there should have been at least one more signing in this area.

Alongside Wilson, West Ham only have Niclas Fullkrug as a natural striker option in their squad, which is why Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have been utilised there this season. Both players are better in other positions, which underlines the struggles that Nuno is having in the early stages of his tenure.

It remains to be seen whether West Ham go to the market in January to sign a new striker, but given their struggles so far this season, doing so could ensure that they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The post West Ham accept they made a mistake signing player in the summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds hit by crushing PSR blow ahead of January

Leeds are made a promising start to life back in the Premier League, and in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation, they are expected to seek more signings when the transfer window re-opens in January. However, it turns out that they may not be able to do their desired business.

Leeds spent over the summer to bring in the likes of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, but despite this, there are plans to add another midfielder in January – but that may not arrive be possible.

Leeds will find it difficult to sign Issouf Sissokho in January

Issouf Sissokho (L) in action for Maccabi Tel Aviv. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Issouf Sissokho is wanted by Leeds, but according to Pete O’Rourke (via Football Insider), they will not be able to sign him without making at least a couple of sales.

“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract at Maccabi and I’m sure the opportunity for the Mali international to move to Premier League will be something that he would very much be interested in as well.

“I think a deal will be hard to do due to Leeds were pretty much maxed out on their PSR and FFP in the summer window when they spent heavily on a number of players as well. So it might mean that players might need to be moved on if they are to bring any new signings in like Sissokho, but he’s a young player with huge potential.

“As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on them. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”

Making signings in January could be the difference between Leeds staying in the Premier League or not, so it will be interesting to see how active they are in the transfer market when January rolls around.

The post Leeds hit by crushing PSR blow ahead of January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former referee gives verdict on Liverpool penalty decisions – “It’s clear”

Liverpool are in a very poor moment, having lost for the fourth Premier League match in a row at the weekend. Arne Slot’s side went down 3-2 to Brentford, a result that saw them drop to 7th in the standings.

Slot was not happy after the match in London, and there was focus on multiple penalty decisions that did not go his side’s way at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Mark Clattenburg agrees with van Dijk, Gakpo penalty calls

Dango Ouattara wins a penalty after a foul by Virgil van Dijk. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

As per TBR Football, Mark Clattenburg spoke on the multiple big calls from the Brentford-Liverpool match, including the penalty that the home side were awarded for a foul by Virgil van Dijk. The ex-referee was clear that the decision to award a spot-kick against the Dutch defender was the right one.

“Virgil van Dijk clearly made contact with Dango Ouattara’s foot on the line of the penalty area. The line of the penalty area is part of the penalty area, so any contact would result in a penalty kick. First impression was that the contact was outside, but all the angles show it was on the line.”

Clattenburg also claimed that it was the right decision not to award a penalty for Liverpool after Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge inside the Brentford area.

“Cody Gakpo wanted a penalty kick when he was challenged inside the penalty area. The referee’s decision not to award a spot kick was an excellent one, as it’s clear that Gakpo sees the leg of the defender and throws himself to the ground.

“Referees look for unnatural action from attackers when awarding a penalty kick, and it’s clear from the replays that Gakpo’s arms are above his head; if the fall was natural, the arms would be outstretched, breaking the fall.”

Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before seeking to return to winning ways in the Premier League as they host in-form Aston Villa at Anfield on the weekend.

The post Former referee gives verdict on Liverpool penalty decisions – “It’s clear” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Chelsea given update on defender target as “worry” revealed

Next summer, there could be a number of top centre-backs on the market as free agents, and Liverpool could be at the centre of everything. Ibrahima Konate could fall into this category, but the same can also be said for some of their transfer targets – one of which is Dayot Upamecano.

Upamecano sees his Bayern Munich contract expire in eight months’ time, and as things stand, no agreement has been reached to extend his stay in Bavaria. Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in the France international, although they face competition from Chelsea and Man City, all of whom will be eagerly watching the situation unfold.

Bayern Munich concerned about losing Dayot Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

According to Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football), Upamecano is more likely than not to stay at Bayern, although there are fears that he will not sign a new contract at the Allianz Arena.

“We really have a fascinating summer looming, given some of potential big name free agents that might be available, and especially in the centre-half market. In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.

“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached. And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”

It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds with Upamecano, but without a doubt, he would be an excellent signing for the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.

The post Liverpool and Chelsea given update on defender target as “worry” revealed appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“The sooner you sign him, the better” – Liverpool told to make ambitious move in January

After four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Liverpool have dropped from first place to seventh.

Arne Slot’s side are now seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have now become the favourites to win the Premier League title this season.

It has all turned into a disaster for the Reds after a promising start this season.

Their latest defeat came against Brentford when once again, their defense looked shaky and conceded three goals after their failure to deal with the aerial threat of Keith Andrews’ side.

Liverpool have struggled defensively this season

Their defense has come under scrutiny this season and the performances of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been criticised.

Former Reds defender Glenn Johnson has become the latest person to voice his concerns about the Liverpool defense and he wants Slot to take action soon, as early as the January transfer window.

Johnson has suggested that the Merseyside club should make a move in the January transfer window to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi as he could be the ideal player to sort out the defensive issues at Anfield and support Van Dijk.

“Guehi, everyone’s been speaking about him for a while,” Johnson told Ace Odds, as reported by Liverpool.com.

“I think he’s got all the credentials to slot in perfectly.

“More importantly for me, I think he’s the right age to be able to do it with Van Dijk for a year or two. Whether Van Dijk has been himself or not is debatable.

“But in terms of being alongside someone you can learn an awful lot from playing with or training with or being in the dressing room with, that I think can be massive for Marc’s future as well. The sooner you sign him, the better.”

Can Guehi help Arne Slot solve his defensive issues?

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Guehi was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window. The England international even competed his medical ahead of a potential move to Liverpool but Palace decided to pull the plug in the last minute.

The defender is now set to become a free agent next summer and his availability as a free agent has alerted all the top Premier League clubs along with European giants like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Johnson wants his former club to forget about signing him for free next summer and pay a transfer fee in January to sign him and sort out their defensive troubles.

‘He has to be taken out’ – Gary Neville tells Arne Slot to drop struggling Liverpool star

The post “The sooner you sign him, the better” – Liverpool told to make ambitious move in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

‘He has to be taken out’ – Gary Neville tells Arne Slot to drop struggling Liverpool star

Liverpool suffered yet another Premier League defeat, their fourth in a row, at the hands of Brentford.

Arne Slot’s side are struggling to find form after starting the season impressively.

In their last four matches in the league, they have suffered defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.

The defending Premier League champions have lost ground in the Premier League title race with Arsenal now sitting seven points above them in the league standings.

A number of Liverpool players have received criticism for their performances and the one player that Gary Neville has pointed fingers at is summer signing Milos Kerkez.

Gary Neville wants Liverpool to drop Milos Kerkez

After joining the club from Bournemouth in the summer, Kerkez instantly became a starter at the club, ahead of experienced left-back Andy Robertson.

However, the Hungarian defender has looked shaky at the back and his failure to find consistency is now becoming a huge cause of concern for Slot and the Reds.

Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, the football pundit said:

“Earlier on in the season I felt as though their full backs weren’t right, and maybe Konate at times wasn’t right, but Van Dijk was holding them together and Alisson was in goal and you’ve got two world-class performers there.

“But the virus is catching. It’s not just going into the left back, who I think now is becoming a worry – the left back, Kerkez scored but watching him, he has to be taken out I think.

“I’m worried about the right-back. Frimpong’s not a right back. Conor Bradley’s being given his head and I’m supportive of that because I think there’s a lot of talent there, but it’s difficult when your team is conceding goals and the pressure’s on.”

Kerkez has failed to make an impact this season

Milos Kerkez of Liverpool
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Although the season is still young, Kerkez has looked completely off colour.

During his time at Bournemouth, he was known for his defensive quality and his explosive runs supporting the attack but this season, the left-back has struggled defensively and his lack of confidence doing that is eventually resulting in his attacking game getting affected as well.

Considering that he knows the demands of the Premier League and has played in England for a long time, it is actually worrying for the Merseyside club to see him play like this.

Whether Slot has failed to integrate the left-back or it is Kerkez who is struggling with the demands of playing for a top club, remains to be judged, but his performances have been well under par and opponents are starting to expose that area of the pitch.

Just In: Liverpool owners confident of appointing 58-year-old manager to replace Arne Slot

The post ‘He has to be taken out’ – Gary Neville tells Arne Slot to drop struggling Liverpool star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Oliver Glasner takes swipe at Crystal Palace board

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was not happy after the defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Palace boss has made the club one of the most competitive teams in the Premier League and their recent record suggests that.

The south-London club won the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year under his guidance.

However, the manager is not happy with one of the decisions made by the board of his club and he did not hold back while criticising that after the defeat against Mikel Arteta’s side.

Oliver Glasner sent a subtle message to his board

It was Yeremy Pino who committed the foul that eventually lead to Arsenal’s only goal of the match, scored by former Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The summer signing has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League and Glasner believes that the player not having a proper preseason is the reason behind it.

Pino joined the Premier League side on Deadline Day from Villarreal and that is why he has been unable to acclimatise himself with the demands of the game in England.

“It was a silly foul,” said Glasner, as reported by News Shopper.

“We asked him to double up against Saka, he thought he would get the ball in this situation, but he was a little bit too late.

“Everyone has to adjust to the Premier League, especially when you come from Spain, where it is more technical and faster. We knew this.

“It doesn’t make it easier when players arrive on Deadline Day and we have such a tight schedule so you have to learn through the games.

“He will learn, like all the others did. We are Crystal Palace, we should never forget this.”

Crystal Palace delayed the signing of Yeremy Pino

Yeremy Pino of Crystal Palace
Yeremy Pino of Crystal Palace (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The message is clear from Glasner. The board’s delay in signing Pino is the reason behind his poor form.

He has, in his own subtle manner, conveyed to the club that timely signings are crucial and important to the performance of the team.

Defeat against the Gunners leave Palace in 10th place in the league.

Since beating Liverpool at the end of last month in a dramatic fashion thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s late goal, the have failed to win in the Premier League.

The Eagles travel to Anfield next to face the same opponent, Liverpool, in the Carabao Cup next before hosting Brentford at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace set asking price for “very reliable” star as Barcelona circle

The post Oliver Glasner takes swipe at Crystal Palace board appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola eyes blockbuster transfer of Aston Villa defender

Ezri Konsa’s stock keeps rising and the Premier League’s biggest clubs have noticed.

According to TBR Football, Manchester City and Tottenham are among several clubs monitoring the Aston Villa defender after a run of outstanding performances under Unai Emery.

City, who beat Villa to the signing of highly rated midfielder Sverre Nypan earlier this year, are now considering another raid on Emery’s squad as part of an anticipated defensive reshuffle.

Spurs, meanwhile, are scoping centre-back options with a view toward strengthening their back line ahead of 2026.

Ezri Konsa has interest from several Premier League clubs

The level of interest doesn’t stop there. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all scouted Konsa over the past year, showing how widely admired he has become.

Positionally intelligent and deceptively quick across the ground, Konsa has shown his quality for Villa consistently.

That mix has made him a cornerstone of Emery’s defensive structure, whether Villa set up in a compact mid-block or squeeze opponents higher up the pitch.

Since Guardiola likes to have versatile defenders at Man City, Konsa fits the profile. He can play as a centre-back in a back four as well as in a back three.

As City refresh a back unit that has carried heavy minutes across multiple trophy-chasing seasons, targeting a Premier League-hardened, home-grown option makes complete sense.

Man City face competition to sign Villa star

Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Chelsea retain a habit of stockpiling top domestic talent, Liverpool are attentive to defenders due to the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konate, and Man United are evaluating reliable Premier League profiles as they remodel their squad.

Konsa is a player who is high in-demand at the moment and Man City, along with all other top Premier League clubs are ready to offer him an opportunity to make a step forward in his career.

It remains to be seen who wins the race to sign him. Konsa would not be thinking about anything like that right now. He is currently focused on performing well and sealing his place in the England squad for the World Cup next year.

Just In: Man City suffer setback in pursuit of Pep Guardiola’s successor 

The post Man City boss Pep Guardiola eyes blockbuster transfer of Aston Villa defender appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wolves owners make Vitor Pereira sack decision

Trouble is escalating rapidly at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

According to Football Insider, the club’s owners, China-based conglomerate Fosun International, arrived at Molineux this weekend and are set to decide the future of head coach Vítor Pereira.

The timing could hardly be worse, Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League after just two points from nine games, and a 3-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Burnley has reportedly triggered alarm within the boardroom.

Wolves are ready to make Vitor Pereira decision

The delegation at the stadium included around 11 key figures from Fosun, all watching a performance many believe sealed Pereira’s fate.

The Portuguese coach took over in December 2024 from Gary O’Neil and was rewarded with a contract extension just months later, tying him to Molineux through 2028.

Yet despite the long-term commitment, results have slumped alarmingly.

Wolves are yet to secure a league win this season, picked up a mere two points from nine outings, and now sit at the bottom of the league.

The defeat reportedly deepened the board’s concerns about direction, investment return and leadership.

With relegation fears accelerating, Wolves face what may prove the earliest test of their decision making and strategy.

The Premier League strugglers have several issues

Vitor Pereira, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, applauds the fans
Vitor Pereira, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, applauds the fans. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Beyond results, there are wider questions. Wolves underwent a considerable summer overhaul, six new signings arrived, but the heavy investment has yet to translate into impressive performances.

A decision on Pereira’s future, whether retaining him with added transfer backing or moving for fresh faces, could emerge imminently.

The delegation’s presence at Molineux speaks volumes about the urgency inside the club.

Sunday’s defeat may have been the final straw. While the contract situation implied long-term trust, the immediate crisis has forced Wolves’ owners to make a big decision.

Wolves scouts spotted watching La Liga sensation as value skyrockets – report 

The post Wolves owners make Vitor Pereira sack decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham set to seal £26m signing of super defender

Amid mounting pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham United, the club are reportedly targeting £26 million deal for young Brazilian defender Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro ahead of the January transfer window.

The east-London side have identified Alexsandro as a key piece in their defensive rebuild, a response to their troubled start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

With West Ham floundering and the board keen to demonstrate backing for their new coach, the move signals intent amid growing unease surrounding results and performances.

Alexsandro, 26, has been making waves in Ligue 1 with Lille OSC, where his performances earned him a recent Brazil national team call-up and attention from clubs across Europe.

West Ham find out Alexsandro price tag

Contracted until summer 2026, the Brazilian’s valuation is reported to sit around £26 million, according to ESPN Brazil.

While Alexsandro is said to favour a move to a top English club, his representatives have indicated that the timing must feel right, not only for the player’s development but for his national team prospects as well.

The Hammers find themselves 19th in the Premier League after a sequence of poor results and defensive frailties, and the board appear to view January as a pivotal window in stabilising the season.

With Espirito Santo still seeking his first Premier League win in charge, reinforcing the squad has taken on heightened importance.

Alexsandro is a versatile defender

Alexsandro of Lille runs with the ball
Alexsandro of Lille runs with the ball (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Internally, West Ham’s recruitment department see the deal as suitable because it offers a mix of immediate impact and future value.

Alexsandro’s ability to play both centre-back and left-centre in a back three adds tactical flexibility, while his comfort in possession reflects modern defensive demands.

Despite the defender having reservations about a move to the Premier League as he feels it would take him a lot of time to settle in a new league and environment, the Hammers are confident of bringing him to the club to sort out their defensive issues.

Sources: West Ham & Villa eye transfer move for Man City star who’s unlikely to sign new deal 

The post West Ham set to seal £26m signing of super defender appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Chelsea shortlist 23-year-old goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez

Parma’s rising star Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of Europe’s most-watched goalkeepers, with Chelsea and AC Milan both tracking the Japan international, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.

The 23-year-old has been a mainstay for Parma since 2024, already amassing 44 Serie A appearances.

With Chelsea believed to be assessing long-term options beyond Robert Sánchez, and Milan evaluating depth and succession planning behind their No.1, Suzuki’s name has moved to the forefront.

Chelsea target is learning English and Italian

Interestingly, he is studying English and Italian, a small but telling signal of a player preparing himself for the next step.

Suzuki’s appeal is easy to understand in the current goalkeeping market. He is a keeper who is comfortable advancing off his line, claiming crosses decisively, and initiating attacks with quick, accurate distribution.

While Sánchez offers experience, the London club have consistently researched profiles that can grow into the role over multiple seasons.

A keeper with Suzuki’s range, comfortable in tight spaces, quick to launch counters and reliable under set-piece pressure, would strengthen Chelsea’s squad and the goalkeeping department.

Blues face competition from AC Milan

Zion Suzuki of Parma celebrates with his teammates
Zion Suzuki of Parma celebrates with his teammates (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

The Premier League giants would have to face competition from Milan though, who are looking for a long-term replacement of Mike Maignan.

There has been no public mention on price, but with a 23-year-old international who has already proven himself in Serie A, the starting point will not be modest.

Whether the timeline is January or the summer, Suzuki is about to enter a crucial part of his career where his next move could define the path of his future.

The Blues reportedly have faith in their current goalkeeping options but Suzuki’s performances have caught their attention.

Journalist shares what Chelsea sources have told him about links with 17-goal Tottenham target

The post Report: Chelsea shortlist 23-year-old goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez appeared first on CaughtOffside.

JUST IN: Sir Jim Ratcliffe blocks Ruben Amorim demand to sign legendary striker

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim reportedly had his sights set on a sensational move for Robert Lewandowski next summer, but his plans appear to have been blocked by the club’s ownership.

According to The Mirror, Amorim was keen to bring the veteran Barcelona striker to Old Trafford once his contract with the Spanish champions expires.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has firmly rejected the idea, standing by his philosophy of steering clear of short-term signings, a stance that marks a clear break from United’s transfer policy of the past decade.

Robert Lewandowski faces uncertain future at Barca

Lewandowski, 37, remains one of the most decorated strikers in world football. His contract at Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026, but reports indicate that the Catalan club are unlikely to extend his deal, viewing this as the final chapter of his tenure at Camp Nou.

The Polish international has enjoyed a glittering career, amassing over 600 career goals, and Amorim viewed him as an ideal mentor and short-term attacking solution for a Man United side still searching for consistency in front of goal.

Lewandowski’s presence could have offered guidance to younger players such as Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. However, Ratcliffe, who now oversees the footballing side of Man United operations, is said to have rejected the proposal outright.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants younger players

Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal for Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal for Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The INEOS chairman has made it clear that the club will no longer invest in players nearing the end of their careers.

United’s pursuit of aging stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane, and Bastian Schweinsteiger brought fleeting excitement but limited long-term value, often burdening the club with heavy wage bills and little return on investment.

Ratcliffe’s decision reflects his push for a younger, data-driven recruitment model, focused on players with potential resale value and longevity.

Sources: January exit is likely for 24-year-old Man United star struggling at Old Trafford

The post JUST IN: Sir Jim Ratcliffe blocks Ruben Amorim demand to sign legendary striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United bid of £50 million turned down by Premier League club

Bournemouth made a strong statement of intent in the transfer market, rejecting £50 million bids from Manchester United and Tottenham for star forward Antoine Semenyo, according to The Telegraph.

Both Premier League clubs submitted formal offers at the start of the January transfer window, but the Cherries wasted no time in turning them down.

The decision shows the club’s commitment to holding on to one of their most important players as they continue to build under head coach Andoni Iraola.

Antoine Semenyo has gone to a whole new level

Semenyo’s rise over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Having scored and assisted consistently throughout the first half of the season, it’s no surprise that top clubs have taken notice.

This season, Semenyo has managed to score six goals in ten appearances for Bournemouth.

Both Man United and Tottenham saw Semenyo as a versatile attacking reinforcement capable of playing anywhere across the frontline.

United’s interest reportedly comes from manager Rúben Amorim’s desire to add more power and unpredictability to his attacking unit, while Spurs identified Semenyo as a long term solution to their attacking needs.

Man United move was rejected by Bournemouth

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Despite the financial temptation, Bournemouth’s stance has been firm, Semenyo is not for sale.

Sources close to the club suggest that Bournemouth’s ownership believes the player’s value could soar even higher if he continues his current form.

The 25-year-old’s contract still has several years remaining, and Iraola considers him indispensable.

The player is understood to be happy on the south coast, having developed a strong relationship with Iraola and his teammates.

While the Premier League elite will likely circle again in the summer, for now, Bournemouth’s refusal to cash in on their star forward shows their ambition and forward-thinking.

Sources: January exit is likely for 24-year-old Man United star struggling at Old Trafford

The post Man United bid of £50 million turned down by Premier League club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: January exit is likely for 24-year-old Man United star struggling at Old Trafford

Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United future is heading for a decisive moment.

The Dutch striker has struggled for minutes under Rúben Amorim this season, squeezed further to the fringes by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo.

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Zirkzee knows that regular club football is essential to stay in the Netherlands frame.

Joshua Zirkzee wants immediate solution

The striker wants a solution in the January transfer window with a move away from Old Trafford highly likely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

The club, meanwhile, are looking to cash in, with an asking price in the €35-40 million range.

United hold advantage at the moment with the player contracted to the club till June 2029.

Zirkzee has made five appearances for the Red Devils so far this season.

West Ham United have already made initial contact to test the waters and understand the financials.

West Ham United could present him the opportunity to revive his career and stay in the Premier League.

Another Premier League club interested in the Dutchman is Brighton, however, competition for minutes will be more intense there.

Aston Villa admire Zirkzee’s profile as depth behind their first-choice options, with European fixtures adding to the minutes available.

Italy, however, may be the most compelling arena. Roma want a loan due to Financial Fair Play constraints, proposing to cover wages with an option to revisit a fee in the summer.

Serie A clubs to compete for the signing of Man United star

Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up
Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Both Juventus and Milan are monitoring the situation, aware of Zirkzee’s Serie A pedigree from his impressive spell at Bologna.

Even ambitious Como, under Cesc Fàbregas, have entertained the idea of a marquee move, though the financials would be challenging for them.

Zirkzee looks increasingly likely to depart Old Trafford in search of more playing time and better opportunities.

A striker who was signed with high expectations and hope of a better future is now about to be shown the exit door at Man United.

Bruno Fernandes has a unique clause in his Man United contract that could facilitate his exit

The post Sources: January exit is likely for 24-year-old Man United star struggling at Old Trafford appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United in line to make 50% of transfer fee for player they sold in 2024

Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Marseille striker Mason Greenwood, with a potential move that could reunite him with fellow Englishman Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at the Camp Nou.

According to The Sun, the Catalan club’s scouts have been impressed by Greenwood’s performances in Ligue 1.

Greenwood, now 24, has rebuilt his career in France after leaving Manchester United and continues to attract interest from Europe’s elite.

Greenwood’s journey back to prominence has been closely followed since his move to Getafe in 2023, where he registered 22 goals and five assists across all competitions in his debut season in Spain.

Mason Greenwood is a player in demand

That breakout campaign earned him a permanent transfer to Marseille, where he has continued to make an impact, scoring four goals so far this season and contributing significantly to the French club’s attacking threat.

However, despite thriving on the pitch, reports suggest Greenwood is homesick for England, which could make a move elsewhere more appealing.

Barcelona’s interest is particularly intriguing given the club’s ongoing squad rebuild and their desire to add depth in attacking areas. Manager Hansi Flick is said to be keen on versatile forwards who can operate across the frontline, and Greenwood fits that profile perfectly.

The potential presence of Rashford, currently enjoying a loan spell at Barca, could further tempt Greenwood, offering both familiarity and a smoother transition to life in Catalonia.

Man United could benefit financially

Mason Greenwood in action for Marseille
Mason Greenwood in action for Marseille (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Financially, the move could also benefit Man United, who remain tied to the player’s future through a 50% sell-on clause.

This means United would receive half of any transfer fee Barcelona pay to Marseille, a potentially significant windfall if the deal materialises.

Greenwood was suspended by Man United in January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. The Crown Prosecution Service later dropped all charges, but the case continues to cast a shadow over his public image.

Bruno Fernandes has a unique clause in his Man United contract that could facilitate his exit 

The post Man United in line to make 50% of transfer fee for player they sold in 2024 appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Man United consider shock loan move in January to strengthen midfield

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham, according to the Express.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga giants from Sunderland in the summer for a fee of around €30 million, has found first-team opportunities limited in Germany.

Despite high expectations following his arrival, and the shadow of his older brother Jude Bellingham’s global stardom, Jobe’s early months at Dortmund have been marked by challenges both on and off the pitch.

Man United are looking to strengthen midfield

Now, United are said to be exploring a loan deal in January, though questions remain about whether the player would be open to a move so soon after joining.

Bellingham’s transfer to Dortmund was seen as a natural next step in his development, following an impressive breakthrough season at Sunderland.

Dortmund’s track record of nurturing young English talent, most notably with Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, made the move seem ideal. However, things haven’t gone entirely according to plan.

There are also off-field complications that have added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Reports suggest that tensions have arisen between Jobe’s father, Mark Bellingham, who remains closely involved in his son’s career, and Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

United could take advantage of Bellingham’s situation

Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund in action
Jobe Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund in action (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

This situation has alerted Man United, who are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements.

Manager Ruben Amorim is said to be a strong admirer of Bellingham’s potential.

The Red Devils are considering a short-term loan approach in January, viewing it as a low-risk move that could benefit both parties.

If his playing time continues to stagnate and off-field issues persist, a loan move could make sense for all parties involved.

However, leaving so soon after signing would be a bold step for the young midfielder.

Man United sanction January exit for 24-year-old as Euro giants circle

The post Report: Man United consider shock loan move in January to strengthen midfield appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle make decision on January signing amid injury woes

Newcastle have not had a straightforward start to the season, and injuries have played a significant part in this. They are currently without starting full-back pair Tino Livramento, as well as £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa.

Wissa was involved in an Alexander Isak-style saga of his own during the summer, as he went on strike at Brentford to force through a move to Newcastle. He got his wish, but he has yet to make an appearance for his new club after suffering a knee injury during September’s international break.

Wissa is projected to return in the next couple of weeks, but there are already concerns about him. As such, there has been talk about Newcastle signing another striker to compete with him and Nick Woltemade, but this appears to be far from reality.

Newcastle unlikely to sign new striker in January

Yoane Wissa poses in a Newcastle shirt
Yoane Wissa poses in a Newcastle shirt (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Newcastle are not expected to sign a new striker when the transfer window re-opens.

“I would be surprised if they were to bring in a new striker. I think obviously Woltemade has hit the ground running. We haven’t seen Yoane Wissa yet, unfortunately due to injuries. I don’t think Newcastle will be rushing into anything just yet to make any plans for striker additions. They’ll be hoping that Wissa can get fit and come in and prove his worth to the team as soon as possible.

“So I would say it’s unlikely as things stand that Newcastle will be looking to bring a new striker. I’m sure all their focus is on getting Wissa fit as soon as possible and getting him available for Eddie Howe’s side.”

Despite this, there may be other positions addressed by Newcastle in January, as they seek to improve on their opening two months of the season.

The post Newcastle make decision on January signing amid injury woes appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham prepare documents to sign Barcelona star

West Ham United are quietly laying the groundwork for a major January recruitment push, with a name already under serious consideration, 17-year-old Pedro Fernandez from Barcelona.

The Hammers have begun compiling a dossier on the Spanish wonderkid and are aiming to act before his valuation “goes crazy”, according to Alan Nixon.

While the club awaits their first win under new head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, this move suggests the board are already looking ahead and sharpening their focus on signings that are meant to make a difference in the future.

Pedro Fernandez has impressed at Barcelona

The interest in Fernandez comes on the back of a meteoric rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks.

He made his senior debut for the Catalan giants in September and features prominently in their Champions League campaign.

Having progressed from La Masia’s U-19s and the UEFA Youth League to first-team involvement within months, the winger has drawn attention not just for his advanced technique but also his rapid integration into senior squad training and match-day squads.

He offers versatility, capable of operating as an inside-forward or a high-pressing wide attacker.

Barcelona are aware of Fernandez’s potential, meaning any suitor may face bidding competition and a valuation inflation similar to other La Masia stars.

West Ham are ready to beat competition to sign Fernandez

Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates  with teammate Pedro Fernandez
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Pedro Fernandez (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

West Ham’s early dossier compiling is therefore a tactical attempt to move quickly before the market rises.

In that sense, the club are following the same blueprint that has brought them success in securing young talents ahead of rival interest.

The club will need to manage his development carefully, ensuring he isn’t burdened by expectation prematurely.

Whether the deal materialises will depend on negotiations, valuation and the club’s ability to integrate a young talent into a squad seeking stability. But for now, the early groundwork suggests that West Ham have serious interest in signing the Barcelona youngster.

West Ham make Nuno Espirito Santo sack decision

The post West Ham prepare documents to sign Barcelona star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man City and Tottenham to compete for signing of Aston Villa star

Man City and Tottenham have competed closely on the pitch in recent seasons, and they are set to do so on the transfer front in 2026. Both clubs want to add defensive reinforcements to their squad, and they have set their sights on a particular target: Ezri Konsa.

Konsa has been a very consistent performer for Aston Villa, and at 28, he is in the prime of his career. He has made his way into the England setup in the last couple of years, and this has triggered interest in his services.

Ezri Konsa attracting interest from Man City and Tottenham

Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Man City and Tottenham want to sign Konsa, and although Aston Villa have no plans to sell, they have to consider a transfer if he does not sign a new contract before next summer.

“Ezri Konsa’s name is coming up quite a lot when you talk to clubs about potential defensive options. Clearly, Villa do not want to sell but he has just over two years left on his deal, he is now one of England’s top defenders, and Villa are likely going to have to tie him down to a new deal.

“Konsa is a nailed-on Premier League performer who is now showing it at international level. It is not a shock to me that some very big clubs are keeping an eye on him.”

Konsa was lined up by Liverpool during the summer, so it would be no surprise to see him move on in 2026 – especially if he decides against penning a new deal at Aston Villa. For Man City or Tottenham, he would be a fantastic addition to their respective first team squads, but for now, it remains to be seen whether either club makes a move in the coming months.

The post Man City and Tottenham to compete for signing of Aston Villa star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle keen to steal signing away from Man United

Newcastle are thinking about signings that could be made in 2026, and the January transfer window presents a good opportunity. Alexander Isak’s British transfer record move to Liverpool means that there should be PSR space for additions to be sought, and one area that may be addressed is midfield.

Newcastle have Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes as undisputed starters in the centre of the park, but that third spot is up for grabs. Joelinton has often played, but Eddie Howe could seek another option in January, despite having brought in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa over the summer.

Newcastle set sights on move for Hayden Hackney

Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

According to TBR Football, Newcastle are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from North East rivals Middlesbrough. However, Graeme Bailey has revealed that the 23-year-old, who is also wanted by Man United and Tottenham, is unlikely to be allowed to leave when the transfer window re-opens in January.

“As Boro mount a serious promotion challenge, Hayden Hackney is emerging as the cornerstone of their push. However, I am told that Boro have little intention of allowing Hackney to leave in January – last season they sold Emmanuel Latte-Lath, which Michael Carrick felt cost them the chance of promotion, and they don’t intend on doing that again.

“That said, Boro’s resolve is set to be pushed if Hackney’s form keeps up – there could be some very big offers coming in January. Boro do know that the only way they can keep him, however, is if they get promoted and the only way to do that is by keeping him.”

It’s clear that Newcastle want another defensive-minded midfielder, given that they have also been linked with re-signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Hackney would be a more financially-viable option, but for now, it remains to be seen whether they advance their interest in the coming months.

The post Newcastle keen to steal signing away from Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa reach agreement in principle with midfielder

Aston Villa had a difficult start to the season, but things have been looking up for Unai Emery’s side in recent weeks. They have won three in a row in the Premier League, and they will hope to make it four when Man City head to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

Off the pitch, things are also looking good for Aston Villa, particularly it regards to contract renewals. They are about to finalise an agreement with one of their most important players of the last few years, which would be very welcome news for the club’s supporters.

John McGinn secure agreement with captain John McGinn

John McGinn in action for Aston Villa
John McGinn in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that John McGinn has reached an agreement in principle to sign a new Aston Villa contract, which follows on from Matty Cash sealing a new deal of his own.

“It is great news for Villa that Roberto Olabe has hit the ground running, it shows a real relationship between him and Emery, that he can come in and just continue talks and indeed make quick progress.

“I am told Cash’s deal is done and McGinn is also agreed in principle. Clearly they want to get these deals done before January, which makes sense as they can then attack the window fully. Talks over a deals for Rogers and Tielemans are also continuing, but are not as advanced at this point.”

McGinn has been a fantastic servant for Aston Villa since his 2018 move from Hibernian. He has been linked with a return to Scotland in recent weeks, but there is now little doubt that he will continue at Villa Park for at least another few years, which will be very pleasing for all involved in the club – especially Emery, who has used him all over the park during his tenure.

The post Aston Villa reach agreement in principle with midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa player could be sent back to his former team

Harvey Elliott’s move to Aston Villa on loan from Liverpool has so far failed to spark the transformation many expected.

Villa head coach Unai Emery is calling for more hours in training and greater tactical discipline from the young English star.

But with Elliott having logged just a handful of appearances and a succession of matches on the bench or unused, the warning signs are mounting.

Elliott joined Villa with considerable fanfare. A crucial figure in Liverpool’s recent success and England’s U21-European Championship success, the 22-year-old was seen as an attacking upgrade for a Villa side seeking to rebuild under Emery.

Harvey Elliott has struggled to perform at Aston Villa

The loan deal, reported as lasting a season and potentially leading to a full transfer, raised expectations that Elliott would be a key figure in Villa’s push up the Premier League table. However, the reality so far has been different.

Five appearances into his Villa career, Elliott has not started in the last three matches and has struggled to make an impact.

Emery, while publicly supportive, has urged the young winger not to rely purely on talent, stressing that “hard work and patience are the keys to kick-starting” his Villa career.

Emery said, as reported by the Express:

“I am being very, very demanding myself to choose in each match the player to start and the players on the bench and the subs players, and firstly is always trying to get the best performance collectively, through individual players.

“Harvey is a 10 number in our structure, in our shape, and he plays some matches and there is still adaptation to add himself individually in our structure, the task we have. Of course, he is training well, and his commitment is being very well as well, but his performance was not enough (up to this point).

“At the same time, we have other players who can play as a 10 and they are performing well, and I have different players.

“This is the main reason he is not playing the last matches minutes, but he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and of course getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.”

Youngster needs to work hard to reach his potential

Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first goal
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

While the potential remains high, and Liverpool clearly retain belief in his wider talent, this period could prove pivotal for both his confidence and long-term future.

Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa remains a work in progress. Despite the high early hopes, his adaptation has been slower than anticipated, and Emery has signalled that the player must now match his talent with task-mastering attitude.

If he can combine work ethic and opportunity, the move may propel him forward, if not, he faces a difficult time at Aston Villa.

Talks are “not as advanced” but Aston Villa working on agreement with 23-year-old

The post Aston Villa player could be sent back to his former team appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Man United sanction January exit for 24-year-old as Euro giants circle

Man United may add to their squad in January, but it appears very likely that there will be one or two players that leave Old Trafford. Specifically, it is being increasingly taken for granted that Joshua Zirkzee will depart, having been barely counted on since the start of the season.

Zirkzee has yet to start a match in any competition, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha/Mason Mount preferred to him as striker options. Because of this, he has made it clear that he wants to leave, and Man United are prepared to give the green light.

Roma ready January move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up
Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

As per TBR Football, Man United will sanction Zirkzee’s exit in January, and Roma are currently pushing hardest to sign him. They are prepared to cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan deal, which would open the door for the Dutch forward to return to Italy.

“We are told that Roma are now looking at the mechanisms to send the Irishman back to Brighton, which would enable them to bring in a new front-man, and Zirkzee is their favoured choice. Zirkzee is set to move and the interest in him is very strong, he can stay in England, has options back in Italy as we have revealed, but there are teams in Spain, France and Germany too – he really is going to have his pick.

“United are going to sanction it, they really like his attitude and commitment, but given the summer arrivals of Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo, they all realise he is way down the pecking order. The Red Devils want him to go to the World Cup next summer, and the only chance is for him to play next year.”

It makes a lot of sense for Zirkzee to leave Man United, and it will be interesting to see whether a permanent deal is sought – either in January or next summer.

The post Man United sanction January exit for 24-year-old as Euro giants circle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

West Ham make Nuno Espirito Santo sack decision

Pressure is already mounting on Nuno Espírito Santo at West Ham United, with the Portuguese manager enduring a tough start to life at the London Stadium.

Since taking over in late September, Nuno has managed to collect just one point from a possible 12, leaving supporters frustrated and the team sliding down the Premier League table.

Despite early speculation about his future, reports indicate that the Hammers’ board remain committed to backing their new head coach, particularly in the January transfer window, as they look to correct recruitment mistakes made earlier in the season.

Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled at West Ham

Nuno’s arrival was meant to mark a fresh chapter after the club parted ways with Graham Potter, but results have yet to reflect improvement.

The former Wolves and Tottenham boss began his reign with a draw against Everton, a game that offered brief optimism. However, that was followed by three consecutive defeats, the latest coming in a 2–1 loss to Leeds United.

According to The Sun, the club hierarchy are aware of the missteps made during the last transfer window and are determined not to repeat them.

Senior figures at West Ham have accepted that failing to sign another striker over the summer was a major mistake.

Hammers are looking for January reinforcements

West Ham United against Leeds United
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The club’s problems, however, extend beyond the forward line. Injuries have further weakened the Hammers’ defensive options, with Konstantinos Mavropanos facing an extended spell on the sidelines and summer signing Igor Julio struggling for game time.

West Ham are expected to prioritise reinforcements in defense as well as up front. The board’s willingness to spend in January is being interpreted as a show of faith in Nuno.

Failure to improve, however, may see the board’s early patience tested before spring arrives.

“We were told…”: Club insider reveals why West Ham star has been overlooked by Nuno 

The post West Ham make Nuno Espirito Santo sack decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌