Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a defiant hands-off warning to Tottenham Hotspur and other suitors, insisting goalkeeper James Trafford will “absolutely” remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the January transfer window.

Speculation surrounding the 23-year-old’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly identifying Trafford as a potential solution to their own goalkeeping crisis.

Spurs’ current number one, Guglielmo Vicario, has come under increasing scrutiny following a string of high-profile errors, prompting rumors that Thomas Frank’s side could launch a mid-season bid for City’s backup shot-stopper.

However, despite Trafford’s struggle for minutes since his £27 million return to Manchester City in the summer, Guardiola has moved quickly to shut down any talk of an exit.

Pep Guardiola says James Trafford is not for sale in January

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s League Cup quarter-final clash against Brentford, where Trafford is expected to start, Guardiola was unequivocal about the goalkeeper’s immediate future.

When asked if there was any chance of Trafford leaving in the upcoming window, Guardiola told reporters (via ESPN): “James Trafford stays in January. He’s staying with us this season, absolutely.

“He’s an incredible keeper. Unfortunately for him, Gianluigi is the first-choice keeper, but he is an incredible keeper. I know the position of the keeper is so special, and during the year, in one game, you can change.”

?? Pep Guardiola: “James Trafford stays in January. He’s staying with us this season, absolutely”. pic.twitter.com/RpLyLLiRxq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2025

Vicario has been poor this season for Tottenham

Since arriving at Tottenham from Empoli in 2023, Guglielmo Vicario’s spell in north London has been a mixed one.

The imposing Italian has delivered standout moments, showcasing sharp shot-stopping and some incredible leadership qualities.

Particularly last season, he played a key role in Spurs’ 2024/25 Europa League campaign, contributing significantly to their continental success.

However, this season, Vicario’s performances have been overshadowed by a series of costly, high-profile mistakes.

Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has also stated that the club are now starting to look at goalkeepers.

The post Blow for Tottenham: Manager confirms Spurs transfer target is not for sale appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United remain firmly in the race to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, despite Liverpool and Manchester City both pushing hard for his signature.

That is according to the latest from Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas and Rob Dorsett who share the latest on the much talked about transfer saga.

Several Premier League clubs are interested in signing Semenyo in the January transfer window.

Liverpool have previously been currently considered favourites, with reports suggesting the Reds have already opened official talks with Bournemouth.

It has also been claimed that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Semenyo, matching an offer already put forward by Manchester City, who are also said to have terms in place.

Arsenal have also been linked with the Ghana international, although reports indicate the Gunners may need to offload players before making a formal move.

Manchester United remain in the race for Antoine Semenyo

Manchester United’s interest in Semenyo is long-standing. The Red Devils are understood to have had an approach turned down by the player last summer, after which he went on to sign a new contract with Bournemouth.

Despite that setback, United have not walked away and are said to remain serious contenders in the race.

As per Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola’s side are leading the race to land him but Man United are ‘firmly in the race’.

Ruben Amorim is actively targeting a new attacker in January, and there is belief within Old Trafford that triggering Semenyo’s £65 million release clause is an opportunity worth considering.

However, finances remain a significant obstacle. Sky Sports report that spending £65m mid-season could have serious repercussions on Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.

Semenyo could be a great signing for Manchester United

Semenyo would no doubt be an excellent addition. The 26-year-old recently showcased his quality against United, scoring during Bournemouth’s dramatic 4-4 draw at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Across all competitions this season, Semenyo has registered seven goals and three assists in 16 appearances, underlining his growing influence at Premier League level.

One of his biggest strengths is his versatility. Semenyo is capable of playing as a central forward, on either wing, or in advanced midfield roles, consistently delivering goal contributions from multiple positions.

While previous reports have suggested the player may favour a move to Liverpool, his future remains open.

Whether Semenyo ends up joining Arne Slot’s Liverpool or makes the switch to either Manchester clubs is expected to become clearer as the January window approaches.

The post ‘Man United firmly in the race’: Sky Sports drops intriguing Manchester United transfer update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made a surprising admission after naming a Manchester City star as the most annoying player in the Premier League.

The Portuguese midfielder openly conceded that his Manchester derby rival is even more frustrating to face on the pitch than he is himself.

Bruno Fernandes calls Bernando Silva the most annoying

Bruno Fernandes spoke to Portuguese outlet Canal 11, where the conversation turned to on-field reputations.

Fernandes, who is often on the receiving end of criticism from rival fans for his demeanor during matches, was asked directly if he considered himself the most annoying player in England’s top flight.

In a surprising deflection, he named his international teammate and club rival, Bernardo Silva, as the true holder of that title.

As quoted by Daily Mail reporter Nathan Salt on X, Fernandes said: “My image on the pitch makes me seem like someone who’s always complaining, but Bernardo Silva is more annoying than me! He’s politically correct and I’m not! My problem is talking with my arms.”

Bruno Fernandes got asked if he's the most ANNOYING player in the PL…

"My image on the pitch makes me seem like someone who's always complaining, but Bernardo Silva is more annoying than me!

"He's politically correct and I'm not! My problem is talking with my arms." #mufc

— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) December 16, 2025

This lighthearted admission highlights a friendly rivalry between the two midfielders, who often face off in high-stakes Manchester derbies but line up together for the Portugal national team.

Why Fernandes and Silva frustrate opposition fans

Since joining Manchester United, he has been a transformative player in terms of statistics, providing crucial goals and assists.

However, his on-pitch body language has frequently made him a target for pundits and opposition supporters.

Critics often point to his tendency to throw his arms up in frustration when a pass goes astray, his frequent complaints to referees, and his visible annoyance when decisions go against his team.

While United fans view this as passionate leadership and a desperate will to win, neutrals often perceive his ‘always complaining’ attitude as annoying.

Fernandes’ choice of Bernardo Silva is not surprising because the Manchester City playmaker shares similar traits.

Like Fernandes, Silva is a tenacious competitor whose supreme technical skill is matched by an aggressive work rate.

The City star is known for his relentless pressing, tactical fouling to break up play, and an ability to get under the skin of opponents through persistent harrying.

While Silva might not be as visibly demonstrative with the “arm-waving” theatrics that Fernandes admits to, his ability to frustrate defenders and nibble at opposition players has made him a figure that rival fanbases love to hate.

The post Bruno Fernandes names who he thinks is the most annoying player in the Premier League appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United are increasingly expected to part ways with Ruben Amorim before next season, according to a reliable insider.

Sources close to Old Trafford claim the club’s hierarchy believe the Portuguese coach is not the right man to lead their long-term rebuild, with discussions already underway over his replacement as pressure mounts both on and off the pitch.

Manchester United make Ruben Amorim decision

According to the insider, the decision has effectively been made behind closed doors. The source claims there is a ‘growing belief’ among the Manchester United hierarchy that the Amorim experiment has failed.

In a move that will likely dominate the back pages, Oliver Glasner has been identified as the primary target.

The Crystal Palace manager, who has earned plaudits for his work at Selhurst Park, is reportedly ‘desperate’ to take the reins at Old Trafford.

The report suggests that Oliver Glasner is certain to leave Palace this summer, making him a prime candidate for the United board.

The pressure on Ruben Amorim has intensified following a series of lackluster results.

However, the issues extend beyond the pitch. Amid the uncertainty surrounding the manager’s future, Manchester United have seen several key transfer targets slip away, with players reluctant to commit to a project in flux.

This instability has forced the board’s hand. As per the insider, the club is ready to sack Amorim if results do not drastically improve.

Contingency plans are already in motion; if the situation becomes untenable before the season ends, United are prepared to appoint a temporary manager to steer the ship until Glasner can potentially take over in the summer.

Exclusive ?

?? Ruben Amorim to leave @ManUtd
?? Oliver Glasner desperate for job
?? Temporary manager plan

????? ?????? ???? ??? ?? ??? ??????? ?? ?????????? ?????? ???? ??????.

While club officials may deny this,… pic.twitter.com/LuROkaEi6A

— indykaila News (@indykaila) December 16, 2025

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Could Michael Carrick return if Ruben Amorim is sacked?

If Amorim is dismissed mid-season, there is a possibility Manchester United could once again turn to Michael Carrick as a temporary solution.

The Old Trafford dugout is familiar territory for the former United midfielder.

After retiring in 2018, Carrick moved directly into coaching and served as an assistant manager under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, gaining nearly four years of elite Premier League experience.

That period proved crucial when Carrick was appointed caretaker manager in November 2021 following Solskjaer’s departure.

Charged with stabilising a struggling side under intense media scrutiny, Carrick delivered impressive results during his brief spell in charge.

He remained unbeaten across three matches, including two Premier League fixtures.

His tactical approach was widely praised, particularly after guiding United to a resilient 1-1 draw away at Chelsea and a dramatic 3-2 home victory over Arsenal.

If Manchester United opt for a short-term fix before making a permanent appointment, Carrick’s previous success as caretaker could make him a natural option once again.

The post Manchester United ready to make ‘dramatic’ Ruben Amorim decision as replacement ‘desperate’ to takeover appeared first on CaughtOffside.

AC Milan are keen on raiding Premier League club West Ham for one of their attackers.

The player in question in Niclas Fullkrug who has been linked with a move away this January transfer window.

The German’s high-profile move to the London Stadium has failed and the player is now eyeing an exit in the upcoming transfer window ahead of the World Cup.

Despite a strong reputation as a centre-forward, the 32-year-old has struggled for form and goals, managing just three goals across 29 appearances across all competitions.

With the player keen on regular minutes to boost his chances of making the World Cup squad, a return to Europe is a major possibility.

AC Milan in talks to sign Niclas Fullkrug

Among the clubs interested in him are Italian giants AC Milan. According to an update from Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan are looking to sign a new striker in the January transfer window, with the future of Santiago Gimenez uncertain.

As per Romano, the Italian club are in contact with Fullkrug’s camp, with talks currently ongoing between the player’s entourage and Milan.

Romano shared the update on X: ” AC Milan are working on new striker for January transfer window regardless of what’s gonna happen with Santi Gimenez.

“Talks ongoing with Niclas Fullkrug’s camp as target as reported in the recent weeks and days.”

???? AC Milan are working on new striker for January window regardless of what’s gonna happen with Santi Giménez.

Talks ongoing with Niklas Füllkrug’s camp as target, as reported in the recent weeks and days.

??? https://t.co/md6pbSt59D pic.twitter.com/BMTdFjFYJx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 15, 2025

West Ham could strike swap deal to sign Santiago Gimenez

Gimenez has been long linked with a move to the English league.

Tottenham were interested in him in the past and so were Nottingham Forest, who even made a failed attempt to sign him before his move to AC Milan from Feyenoord.

He continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League. Among the clubs linked are Leeds United, who are reportedly hoping to land the hitman.

Interesting, West Ham have also been linked with Gimenez, which opens up the possibility of a potential swap deal.

His excellent goalscoring record with the Dutch club earned him a strong reputation in Europe.

In 105 games for Feyenoord across all competitions, the Mexican international scored 65 and assisted 14, which eventually earned him the high profile move to Italy.

The post Talks ongoing: AC Milan in discussions to sign West Ham star in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are monitoring Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams ahead of the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old midfielder has emerged as a shock transfer target for the Red Devils in January.

The Daily Mail previously reported that Man United are keen on a double Bournemouth swoop, as they look to sign both Antoine Semenyo and Tyler Adams.

And now Romano has confirmed that the Red Devils are indeed monitoring the Bournemouth midfielder.

According to Romano, United currently operate with two separate transfer lists. The elite list includes Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, players viewed internally as “top, top targets” but extremely difficult to sign in January.

Tyler Adams, however, sits on a second list of more realistic January options, though any potential deal remains complicated.

Romano added that Bournemouth see Adams as a key figure under Andoni Iraola, making negotiations difficult in both timing and valuation.

Giving the latest on Adams on his YouTube video, Romano said:

“Tyler Adams, from what I’m told is one of the names that Manchester United are monitoring, not the only one because there are several players in the list of Man United.

“There are two kind of separate list. There is the top top targets players like Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton. These players are considered top top targets but very unlikely for January.

“For the January window, there could be more about opportunities but Bournemouth want to keep a player like Tyler Adams.

“Bournemouth believe that Tyler Adams is a really important player for them and so it’s not going to be easy eventually for Man United to try to find a solution in terms of pricing and in terms of timing.”

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However, the Cherries may not be willing to part ways with Adams. This is because Antoine Semenyo is increasingly likely to leave in January, with Liverpool considered favourites to sign him despite strong competition from Man City, Tottenham and Arsenal.

Romano continued: “Bournemouth want to keep him also because there is the Antoine Semenyo situation. And so for Bournemouth, imagine losing two players like Tyler Adams, Semenyo after they already sold many important players in the summer transfer window.

“At the moment, Bournemouth insist on keeping Tyler Adams at the club. Then we will be following the situation. We will see what’s going to happen.

“For the moment, it’s an appreciation from United. Man United like the player, see him as an eventual option, but at the moment again he’s not the only one and is not an easy one because the club insists to keep the player in the January transfer window and to complete the season with Tyler Adams as one of the crucial figures for Andoni Iraola.”

Why Tyler Adams appeals to Ruben Amorim and Manchester United

From Manchester United’s perspective, Tyler Adams fits several of the key traits Ruben Amorim values in a midfielder.

The American is tactically disciplined, press-resistant, and capable of operating as a single pivot, a role that is central to Amorim’s preferred system.

A new midfielder remains a priority for Amorim, and even more so if Kobbie Mainoo leaves in the January window.

While the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson remains the clubs top targets, they could bring in Adams in the winter.

The post Fabrizio Romano names surprise Man United January target as second transfer list emerges appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Mohamed Salah’ situation at Liverpool.

The last couple of weeks have been turbulent for Salah, with the player benched for four consecutive games and dropped from Inter Milan game.

After his zero minutes against Leeds, Salah came out in public claiming that someone at the club wants him out. He even hinted that the game against Brighton could be his farewell.

Ultimately, peace talks were held and the issue between Slot and the player has seemingly been resolved.

And while he started from the bench against the Seagulls, an injury to Joe Gomez early in the first half saw Slot bring him on, who came on and assisted Hugo Ekitike’s second goal, etching his name in the Premier League history with most goal contributions for a single club.

After the game, Salah lapped around Anfield as the fans serenaded him with his song, actions that some could interpret as possible goodbyes.

View this post on Instagram

Three Saudi clubs are interested in signing him and the Saudi Pro League CEO has also publicly admitted the desire to bring the Egyptian to the league.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool’s stance on Mo Salah

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the latest on the situation, confirming that Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas is set to hold definitive talks with the club in England while the player travels for AFCON duties.

As per his information, Liverpool’s stance is clear that they are not in a hurry to sell Salah as long as the player is happy to stay in his current conditions.

That said, if the player wishes to leave, Salah and his representatives could bring an offer to the table and it could be discussed.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

“Many of you asking me what’s next now with Mo Salah. Well, Mo is traveling for the AFCON. So Mo will not be available for the next weeks for Liverpool.

“What’s going to happen in England and in Liverpool is that the agent of Mosara Ramy Abbas will be in England to have conversations with Liverpool management and to discuss the situation of Mo.

“So after Mo out of the squad against Inter, after Mo was back against Brighton, after Mo entering in the first half and delivering an assist, breaking another record and showing his quality once again.

“Now it is going to be time for Mo Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas to talk to the club and to take a decision together on what’s going to happen next.

“Again guys, I maintain my information on what Liverpool believe. Liverpool say ‘we are not in a hurry to sell Salah, to find a solution for Salah. If he wants to stay at these conditions. we’re more than happy’.

“If he wants to go and he was maybe suggesting in that interview was not even that clear but was insinuating let’s say like this Liverpool say okay ‘bring a proposal to the table show us the proposal and this could be the the topic let us know uh what you have for us’.

“But at the moment no official proposals apart from Saudi interest arrived on Liverpool table for Salah so this is why also there is going to be this meeting with his agent and to try to understand how to move forward in the next weeks.”

Salah’s incredible numbers for Liverpool

Despite the ongoing transfer turmoil, Salah has continued to demonstrate his world-class quality and commitment on the pitch.

His immediate impact off the bench against Brighton, which included delivering a crucial assist, saw him break yet another record.

The Egyptian superstar recently cemented his legendary status by surpassing Wayne Rooney, securing the record for the most goal involvements for a single club in Premier League history.

Since arriving at Anfield, Salah’s overall statistics are staggering: he has registered 367 goal contributions (250 goals and 117 assists) in just 421 appearances across all competitions.

This incredible output is why many have expressed their surprise over the recent snub from the starting XI which has strained the relationship between the player and the club.

The January transfer window outcome hinges entirely on the impending talks between Ramy Abbas and the club hierarchy.

The post “In the next weeks”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge Mo Salah update; definitive talks scheduled appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has taken a fresh swipe at club legend Jamie Carragher, following the pundit’s controversial comments about Mohamed Salah earlier this week.

Carragher sparked intense backlash last Monday after launching into an eight-minute rant criticising Salah after his explosive interview following draw vs Leeds United.

Many fans felt the criticism crossed the line, accusing the former Reds defender of pursuing a personal vendetta rather than offering balanced analysis.

Among several claims, Carragher suggested that Salah routinely “threw his right-backs under the bus” during his time at Anfield, suggesting that the Egyptian winger failed to track back defensively.

The comments quickly went viral, with Liverpool supporters slamming Carragher for attempting to rewrite history and downplay Salah’s immense impact on the club’s success.

Dejan Lovren aims dig at Jamie Carragher in support of Salah

Dejan Lovren, who shared the Liverpool dressing room with Mo Salah for years and remains one of his closest friends, has emerged as one of the Egyptian’s most vocal defenders during the ongoing controversy.

The former Croatia international has repeatedly taken to social media over the past week to defend aggressively defend Salah.

And he was at it again on Monday, as he threw a subtle shade at Carragher for his crazy comments.

Salah recently broke yet another Premier League record after providing an assist for Hugo Ekitike in Liverpool’s clash against Brighton.

The contribution saw Salah become the player with the most goals and assists for a single club in Premier League history, registering an astonishing 277 goal contributions for the Reds.

After Salah posted the milestone graphic on social media, Lovren reposted it on X with a sarcastic caption clearly aimed at Carragher: “Not good enough Mo. You need to cover your full back.”

Not good enough Mo. You need to cover your full back. https://t.co/oaGJDog2eK

— Dejan Lovren (@Dejan06Lovren) December 15, 2025

Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah’s friendship

The bond between Lovren and Salah goes far beyond their time together at Liverpool.

During their years at Anfield, the pair developed a close personal relationship, often referring to each other as brothers and regularly sharing moments together both on and off the pitch.

Lovren has previously spoken about Salah’s humility, professionalism and relentless work ethic, frequently pushing back against narratives that portray the forward as selfish or unwilling to contribute defensively.

Even after leaving Liverpool, Lovren has continued to publicly support Salah, defending him against criticism from pundits, rival fans and now even former teammates.

During Salah’s contract saga last season, the Croatian called for the club to pay Salah whatever he is asking for because he ‘deserves it’

Their friendship has been especially visible during difficult moments, with Lovren consistently standing up for Salah when he feels the Egyptian has been unfairly targeted.

This latest sarcastic post is simply another example of Lovren’s unwavering loyalty, reinforcing just how strong their relationship remains long after their Liverpool careers no longer overlap.

The post Dejan Lovren mocks Jamie Carragher with brutal sarcastic dig over Mo Salah appeared first on CaughtOffside.