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Liverpool face competition from Arsenal for versatile defender playing with European giants

‘It’s a regret I have’ John Terry reveals he was wrong about current Liverpool star

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

“I hope to play for Arsenal one day. I know Dennis Bergkamp, of course. He was a fantastic player. Everyone remembers that goal against Newcastle United.”

Blake looks an exciting prospect, so he could be one for the Gunners to keep an eye on in the near future, while one imagines other top Premier League clubs might be keen to monitor how he develops in the Eredivisie.

Blake played one game in the Championship last season and has three caps and one goal for England Under-18s.

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Former Premier League player fined for punching fan outside the stadium

Mehdi Gokal — Sun, 28 May 2023 22:45:58 +0000

Ajax have confirmed that they have fined Steven Berghuis for punching a fan outside the stadium earlier tonight.

The report earlier showed a footage of him punching a FC Twente fan after he allegedly yelled racist slurs at his teammate Brian Brobbey.

The former Premier League player who briefly played for Watford could be seen lashing out at the fan following an altercation which saw some words being exchanged just before he prepared to board the bus.

? – The reason why Steven Berghuis tried to punch someone outside the stadium, from which the footage is going viral, is because this person shouted 'cancer blackie' [directly translated] to Brian Brobbey. [via @tubantia] pic.twitter.com/a4wH663inV

— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) May 28, 2023

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Ajax released a statement condemning the player’s actions and confirming that the player has been fined for it.

The statement read (via The Mirror h/t De Telegraaf):

“Steven reacted in the wrong way. He quickly made this known to [manager] John Heitinga and immediately apologized.”

“Upon arrival at the Arena [Ajax’s home ground], he had a conversation with Heitinga, Edwin van der Sar and Sven Mislintat. They also wanted to hear his side of the story.

“The conclusion is that his reaction was wrong and that Ajax disapproves. He has been fined.”

The player also released a statement of this own where he revealed that abuses were hurled at him which triggered his reaction. And although he does not mention anything about the slurs being racist in nature but he does hint at something upsetting being said to him.

He said (via The Mirror):

“I regret my action, I should not have done this.”

“After every away game we get a lot of curses thrown at us at the bus, while we make time to hand out autographs to fans who ask for it. I’m used to it now, but people think they can shout anything.

“My response doesn’t solve anything, I understand that. It is not good, I have an exemplary function as an Ajax player.”

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Transfer news: Arsenal deal IMMINENT, Man Utd midfielder approach, Bayern chief speaks out on Kane & more

CaughtOffside Team — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:50:17 +0000

Good morning and welcome to today’s Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for this and more exclusive content straight to your inbox!

AC Milan

AC Milan are closing in on agreement to extend Rafael Leao’s contract — plan is to get all the documents finally signed in the next days. Verbal agreement on new deal valid until June 2028 — Leao’s camp are already in Milano in order to seal the new contract. Leao always wanted to stay at AC Milan, as stated by the player’s lawyer back in February.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract soon as it’s only matter of time. It was agreed two months ago, it’s sealed — there are no changes. New deal will be valid until June 2028 and an official Arsenal announcement is expected soon.

Martin Zubimendi on Barcelona and Arsenal new links: “I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad — I always say that. I love life here, at home, I’m so happy here. The value of this club are same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I’m happy.”

Barcelona

Sergio Busquets leaves Barcelona, it’s official. The club legend will say goodbye after 18 years. His next chapter, expected to be Saudi Arabia. Talks are at a very advanced stage now, despite interest from MLS clubs as well.

Barcelona will now try to sign a new defensive midfielder, but it’s understood that Ruben Neves is not a priority for Xavi, despite some reports to the contrary. Sofyan Amrabat is one player under consideration – he would love to play for Barcelona, but it will depend on Financial Fair Play and on Fiorentina’s stance, as they didn’t want to let him go in January.

Sofyan Amrabat in action for Fiorentina

Raphinha has replied to the news of him giving the green light to leave Barcelona in the summer: “Fake news. Who shared that news is not well informed and not professional.”

Pep Guardiola: “I’m sure Leo Messi will try everything to return to Barcelona. I’m sure Joan Laporta will try to make it happen and Messi the same — I hope he can say goodbye as he deserved, I want to be on my own seat on the field to enjoy his farewell.”

Bayern Munich

Oliver Kahn on Bayern striker plans: “No comment on Harry Kane. I won’t say any thing on players who’re not our players. Kolo Muani? Same. I don’t want to talk about players of other clubs. But we’re assessing the striker market.”

Bayern’s Oliver Kahn on €150m price tag to sign Victor Osimhen: “When it’s about such a fee, we have to ask the question: does the player give you a guarantee for this money? That would definitely be a big risk…”

Juventus

Angel Di Maria: “My future at Juventus? I feel very comfortable here, my family is also very comfortable. We are talking on contract renewal and we’ll see what happens. I’m in a very good shape.”

Liverpool

Liverpool are now close to appointing Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director. The agreement is imminent — he has accepted the role. The former Wolfsburg director will work on the project and new signings together with Jurgen Klopp who will remain a key figure in the club’s transfer strategy.

Manchester United

Sofyan Amrabat was a target for Chelsea in January, but Manchester United asked about him as well. They were informed on Amrabat in the final days of the window but instead they went for Marcel Sabitzer on loan, which was seen as a perfect option. For now, there’s no direct contact with Manchester United, but Barcelona are still there and he could be one of the big names on the market this summer.

Napoli

Bayern’s Oliver Kahn on Napoli’s €150m price tag for Victor Osimhen: “When it’s about such a fee, we have to ask the question: does the player give you a guarantee for this money? That would definitely be a big risk…”

Newcastle United

Newcastle are set to revive their interest in Leicester City star James Maddison this summer (Telegraph)

PSG

Jose Mourinho has denied links with PSG, saying: “Paris Saint-Germain are calling to appoint me? If they’re looking for me, they didn’t find me because they haven’t talked to me.”

Alternatively, some reports suggest he’s already discussed an exciting transfer target with the Ligue 1 giants – full story here!

Real Madrid

To confirm again: Jude Bellingham has said yes to Real Madrid. There is an agreement in principle and he can’t wait to play for Real Madrid. Next will be a meeting between the clubs to discuss a fee – Real and Dortmund have already been in contact, they have discussed the possibility of a meeting later this month, it will take place soon. Madrid believe Bellingham is generational talent and a key part of their future project, regardless of what happens with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who are going to sign new contracts.

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Villarreal

Raul Albiol stays at Villarreal by signing new contract — agreement completed for one more year. Albiol’s now under contract until June 2024.

Watford

Official: Watford have now appointed Valerien Ismael as their 11th manager since September 2019.

“To be able to welcome someone of Valerien’s experience to Watford is good news for our club. We are all looking forward to working with him,” said Watford’s technical director Ben Manga.

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Transfer news: Lionel Messi future impacts Chelsea target, doubts over Arsenal & Man City stars + more

CaughtOffside Team — Tue, 09 May 2023 07:48:57 +0000

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s Daily Briefing – thanks for reading and click here to subscribe for this and more exclusive content straight to your inbox!

Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen are set to renew their interest in Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer (Mirror)

Aston Villa

Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi could leave Marseille in the summer, it’s concrete possibility as he’s attracting interest in Premier League.

Aston Villa have been tracking him for a long time — there are also other clubs keen on signing Guendouzi.

Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone on his future: “I have another year of contract with Atletico Madrid — we’ll see what will happens. There are always incentives because in a club like this, new players, change the system and more.”

Barcelona

Barcelona want Lionel Messi and they are trying to make it work with Financial Fair Play. The main way to do this will be to reduce the salaries of stars like Sergio Busquets, but they could also sell players like Raphinha. None of this will be easy, but they are working on it, they are talking to La Liga, and Messi’s situation is open. Al-Hilal’s offer is also there, and there’s also interest from Inter Miami in the MLS, but Messi’s priority remains European football.

Raphinha to leave Barcelona?

Xavi is happy with Raphinha, but Barca feel there is an opportunity to make big money from his sale. There is nothing concrete on his future, and it will depend on Messi, but there has been long-term interest from Chelsea and Newcastle, so it’s an option for the club to consider.

Fabricio Diaz on potential Barca move: “It’s a dream that a top club as big as Barcelona is eyeing me, it’s fantastic. I am calm, my agent will find the best option for me.”

Bayern Munich

Noussair Mazraoui: “If you look at the whole second half of the season, I’m playing in the team because of injuries. I’m telling everyone at the club, including the coaches: when I’m needed, I’m ready.”

The former Ajax right-back wants to play more after a difficult season at Bayern, a decision on his future will be made soon.

Blackburn Rovers

Ben Brereton Diaz has just confirmed his plan to leave Blackburn on free transfer: “I won’t continue here next year.”

The Chile international is joining Villarreal on four year deal as free agent.

Chelsea

Chelsea could use Napoli’s interest in Christian Pulisic to their advantage as they target a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen (Mail)

Leeds United

Joel Robles future will be decided at the end of the season — he’s expected to play the final games of the season after his good performance vs Man City. Robles’ contract expires in June, more than two European clubs are informed on the situation also waiting on Leeds.

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Liverpool

Arthur has confirmed that he will be leaving Liverpool when his loan comes to an end: “I’m ready for a new challenge. I hope to say goodbye to Liverpool by playing some minutes. I want to say thanks to fans, club and Klopp who always treated me well. I feel very good now. La Liga could be an option for me now.”

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola on Ilkay Gundogan: “He’s so smart, so clever, so competitive. Trust me, he’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career as a whole package. He’s top class.”

Gundogan, out of contract this summer, will decide his future in the next weeks; as Barca want him but City will insist on keeping him too.

The post Transfer news: Lionel Messi future impacts Chelsea target, doubts over Arsenal & Man City stars + more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Brighton close to confirming Joao Pedro signing, final transfer fee reported

Andrew Walker — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:21:06 +0000

Brighton and Hove Albion are close to confirming Joao Pedro as their latest signing.

Pedro, 21, has been on the radar of several clubs since his debut season in the Premier League in 2021, and although the Hornets found themselves relegated at the end of the campaign, their number 10 impressed after scoring three goals and provided an assist in 15 starts.

Now back in the Championship, Pedro is enjoying another fruitful season after netting 11 goals in 35 league appearances.

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However, with Watford 13th in the table and standing no chance of being promoted back to England’s top-flight, the time has come for the Ribeirao Preto-born striker to move on.

And according to leading transfer expert and CaughtOffside columnist Fabrizio Romano, Roberto De Zerbis’ Brighton have agreed a deal with Watford worth £30m for the highly-rated, young Brazilian.

João Pedro deal is done since yesterday, not now. It will be official soon, contract being signed with Brighton prepared to unveil their new star. #BHAFC

Fee will be close to £30m — personal terms agreed.

No doubts as revealed here yesterday night.

Here we go confirmed. pic.twitter.com/Kc9uOfNjK5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2023

Set to arrive at the AMEX Stadium in time for next season, fans will be hoping to see the South American continue his development and build a strong partnership with breakthrough star Evan Ferguson, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the club.

The post Brighton close to confirming Joao Pedro signing, final transfer fee reported appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle handed boost after Magpies told linked striker would relish St James’ Park move

Andrew Walker — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:40:00 +0000

Watford striker Joao Pedro would ‘jump at’ the chance to join Newcastle United in the summer.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who believes the Brazilian hitman would welcome a move to St James’ Park amid mounting interest from Eddie Howe’s Magpies.

Looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season, which could include playing in the Champions League, Newcastle United are believed to be ‘keeping tabs on’ Watford’s number 10.

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And ahead of an important summer transfer window that could see Howe splash the cash, Pedro, 21, is a candidate to move to the Premier League with Watford, currently sitting 12th in the Championship, looking unlikely of winning promotion back to England’s top-flight.

And speaking to GiveMeSport about the possibility of the Magpies luring the talented South American to the northeast, transfer specialist O’Rourke, said: “This is long-term interest from Newcastle for Joao Pedro. They tried to sign him last January, but weren’t able to get a deal over the line. They’ve continued to keep tabs on him.

“He’s obviously been in the Championship with Watford this season, so I’m sure the player would jump at the chance to move back to the Premier League as it doesn’t look like Watford are going to win promotion back to the top flight.

“As I said, the chance to go to Newcastle with potential Champions League football on offer – I’m sure this is something Joao Pedro would jump at.”

During his three years with Watford, Pedro, who has five years left on his deal, has scored 24 goals in 107 matches in all competitions.

The post Newcastle handed boost after Magpies told linked striker would relish St James’ Park move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann has a meltdown – gets sent off after a kung-fu kick at opponent

Mehdi Gokal — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 18:53:13 +0000

Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann was sent off during their Friday night match against Huddersfield, which resulted in a 3-2 defeat for Watford.

The game was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with Watford taking the lead through Asprilla in the 32nd minute, only for Rudoni to equalise for Huddersfield just before half-time.

In the second half, Huddersfield took the lead through Pearson in the 55th minute and then doubled it in the 88th minute with a goal from Harratt.

With just minutes left in the game, Watford got a freekick and Bachmann was sent forward to try and help his team score an equaliser.

However, in his desperation to get to a loose ball, he went in boot first at the defender resulting in a chest-high tackle.

The referee had no choice but to show him the second yellow card, having being already booked for arguing with the referee just moments ago.

The goalkeeper’s frustrations boiled over as he got into a bust-up with players and officials after his red card.

Hey Siri, show me an absolute footballing meltdown…#WatfordFC | #HTAFC pic.twitter.com/8SLuhN1wV3

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 7, 2023

TWO yellow cards in the space of a MINUTE! ?

Watford's goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann was SENT OFF in stoppage time after this Kung fu kick challenge ? pic.twitter.com/ycSFGlJiVp

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 7, 2023

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For more on Kim’s future, click here to read yesterday’s exclusive Ben Jacobs takeover!

To make matters worse for Watford, they did not have a goalkeeper on their bench, and Leicester loanee Hamza Choudhury had to play the role of make-shift keeper for the final moments of the game.

The post Video: Watford keeper Daniel Bachmann has a meltdown – gets sent off after a kung-fu kick at opponent appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Exclusive: Huge Messi transfer offer, next Chelsea manager latest, Liverpool midfield revamp – Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:38:37 +0000

Hello! Welcome to today’s exclusive Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe for the ad-free version and other columnists straight to your inbox!

Barcelona

Dani Olmo is set to be out of contract in June 2024. Leipzig are pushing to get new deal done and will insist again. Barcelona have a long-standing interest in Olmo but their focus is on other targets for now and nothing is happening with Olmo.

Xavi: “Julian Araujo is adapting very well. From next year he can help us a lot, I’m sure he’s gonna be good option for us. He is strong, powerful, positive and he has a very good shot from distance.”

Bayern Munich

Thomas Tuchel has made it clear where he stands on Benjamin Pavard amid doubts over his future: “He’s an underrated player. He can adapt at an extremely high level, defends with big discipline. He’s a top team player. He immediately got my trust and justified it. That should be a clear statement.”

Boca Juniors

The race to sign Mateo Retegui remains open. Eintracht Frankfurt want him but nothing has been agreed yet, not even on personal terms. Inter have already had approaches to understand deal conditions — nothing concrete/advanced with Atletico Madrid at this stage.

Brighton

The fixed amount to appoint Roberto De Zerbi is worth more than €10m and it will NOT be valid during the season, only in the summer — as De Zerbi didn’t want any distraction during the season. De Zerbi is fully focused on Brighton.

Chelsea

Some of Graham Potter’s selection decisions didn’t go down well with the Chelsea squad – click here for further details!

Chelsea want new head coach as soon as possible. Direct contacts with Julian Nagelsmann also today — he remains the favourite candidate with club’s project discussed.

Luis Enrique is also appreciated — he’d be keen on the job. No direct talks yet with Mauricio Pochettino and Ruben Amorim at this stage, but let’s see how this develops later in the week. No chance for Roberto De Zerbi.

Looks like it's between Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique for the Chelsea job…

Who do YOU think should get it, #CFC fans?

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) April 5, 2023

Hertha Berlin

It is my understanding that Hertha Berlin are closing in on agreement to sign professional long term deal with Julius Gottschalk. The talented attacking midfielder (16) had four proposals but he’s close to accepting the new deal offered by Hertha.

Leicester City

Some options being considered for the Leicester job, apart from Rafael Benitez who has been in the frame since Sunday. Curiously three coaches on the radar share the ‘Red Bull structure’ profile: Ralph Hassenhuttl, Oscar Garcia and Jesse Marsch.

Liverpool

One of Liverpool’s main targets this summer will be Mason Mount for sure. Let’s see what happens with the future Chelsea coach, and if that could change the player’s situation… but Liverpool are following Mount’s situation and they appreciate him a lot.

Liverpool want a refresh in the midfield, so Naby Keita will leave as free agent; also the player is ready for new challenge, there are some approaches but nothing advanced yet. He wants to take his time over deciding his next move.

Manchester United

I’ve already said in February and also recently that Manchester United have sent their scouts to follow Kim Min-jae, but at the moment it’s not time for bids or anything as Kim is 100% focused on Serie A and Champions League with Napoli and doesn’t want any distraction. PSG also appreciate Kim but also in this case, nothing is advanced yet.

Despite reports of Manchester United wanting to sign a ‘no.8’ in midfield this summer, my understanding is that the focus is on a central striker, there is where they want to invest. However, it’s important to remember that the budget is not clear yet due to the club sale situation. Once the owners will be clear, we will understand budget, the main striker target, and also other positions to be covered.

Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Luke Shaw after confirmation of his new contract: “I think it is a good message. An England international, he is doing really well this season. He is a modern left full-back, but can also play other positions. He matches the standards we want to have.”

Manchester United want Harry Kane but have other options in mind as well because of their fear of ‘painful’ negotiations with Spurs – click here to find out more!

Napoli

Kim Min-jae is 100% focused on Serie A and Champions League with Napoli and doesn’t want any distraction, despite interest from Manchester United. PSG also appreciate Kim but also in this case, nothing is advanced yet.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contract: “Please, stop to break my balls… his current contract was agreed just one year ago and it’s still valid until 2027. You find an agreement and you have a contract for five years, not just one. No issues.”

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Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

PSG

There is a new bid on the table for Lionel Messi. After a lot of speculation, Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have now made a bid to Messi. The player’s father Jorge Messi is taking care of things on the player’s side, and it’s a huge offer he’s being presented with – more than €400m per year.

After Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo, we know Al-Hilal are really trying to tempt Messi. We know Messi is currently close to becoming a free agent this summer, but he has a proposal to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. Now he also has this proposal on the table from Al-Hilal, but his priority as I understand it is to remain in Europe. He feels he can still be competitive in European football for a bit longer after a fantastic World Cup and a strong season with PSG. He wants at least a year and a half more in Europe, so let’s see if Al-Hilal can change his mind with this huge proposal, but it’s important to understand what’s going on with PSG and Messi as well.

Earlier this season it looked like Messi was close to an agreement on a new deal with PSG, there was a verbal discussion and it was positive, but then the disappointing season, particularly with the early exit from the Champions League, has changed things. The proposal from PSG is still there, but Messi has not accepted it because he wants guarantees on the sporting project – who’s going to be the coach next season? Who are they going to sign? PSG are still pushing for Messi to stay, but let’s see what happens.

We also can’t forget Barcelona – European football is the priority for Messi, and Xavi is pushing, calling and calling Messi and insisting a lot, but we are still waiting for Barca to make an official bid, and Financial Fair Play will be crucial here. They still have to understand how much they can offer to Messi, and the relationship with Joan Laporta will be important as well. The situation is open, the race is open for Messi’s future. We will keep following this incredible story in the next weeks and months.

RB Leipzig

Leipzig director Max Eberl: “Nothing is signed yet. We are in very, very good talk: I told Dani that I signed here to win titles. I hope that at some point he will say: ok, let’s do that.”

Ilaix Moriba is expected to leave RB Leipzig again in the summer as the plans are very clear on that after loan to Valencia this season.

Leipzig director Max Eberl on Moriba: “I don’t want any player who doesn’t want to play for Leipzig.”

Tottenham

Some of Chelsea’s managerial targets could also be in the frame for the Tottenham job – click here to find out more!

Watford

Joao Pedro has had a fine season for Watford and is now prepared to get big move in the summer as clubs in Premier League and in Serie A are already exploring the potential conditions of the deal. His future will be discussed in the next months as interest is growing — Joao, expected to be part of the strikers domino.

The post Exclusive: Huge Messi transfer offer, next Chelsea manager latest, Liverpool midfield revamp – Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Exclusive: Chelsea eyeing another striker transfer, Liverpool star’s suitors, Conte future & more – Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:30:12 +0000

Hello guys! Welcome to today’s exclusive Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe if you want this in your inbox five mornings a week, plus exclusives from some other of the biggest journalists in world football!

AC Milan

There’s been a lot written about Brahim Diaz’s future, so here’s my current understanding of the situation: Real Madrid are in talks with Brahim Diaz to offer him a new long term contract, while AC Milan would love to keep him. But decisions will be made in May. I’m not aware of Chelsea interest, they already have many players in that position.

Almeria

Almeria’s talented striker Marciano, born in 2004, is expected to debut in La Liga soon. He is already training with the first-team and has admirers in the form of Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and Brighton. He also has a €40m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe: “I’m desperate to be playing, the team are doing really well and it’s something I want to be a part of. I’ve got to stay fit now for when the manager needs me. I’m trying to work as hard as I can so I’m ready to perform.”

Barcelona

Barcelona have been interested in Dani Olmo for years, since summer 2020; but their priorities this summer are in different positions or for different players, like Brazilian talent Vitor Roque. For sure Olmo situation in general is one to follow for this summer, but I wouldn’t get too excited about links with Barca as things stand.

There have been no changes on the Sergino Dest situation since December. AC Milan are not planning to trigger the buy option clause in June. The USMNT right-back will return to Barcelona and then discuss his future at the end of the season.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly keen to return to Barca – click here to read more.

Bayern Munich

Hasan Salihamidzic further explains the decision to change coaches during the international break: “We have to win every game and have big goals. The circle of coaches is small — so due to the fact there was Thomas Tuchel available on the market now, we dared to take this step. Coach has to have a certain consistent attitude, a leadership style.”

Borussia Monchengladbach

This looks like being an important summer for Manu Kone. He’s a superb talent – good vision and quality on the ball, very fast, and I can see him being a good option for many top clubs. My current understanding is that three clubs are leading the race – one of those is Chelsea, who have many players on their list, including Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia. Still, they really appreciate Kone, they will be there. Manchester United also like him, and PSG always follow top young French players. With PSG, they still have to decide who will be their coach next season, and what the project will look like, but these are the clubs in the race at the moment.

Bournemouth

Official: Bournemouth confirm the club captain Neto has signed a three-year contract extension. Former Barcelona goalkeeper loves the club and he decided to commit for the future on deal valid until 2026.

Chelsea

I think it’s not new that Chelsea are looking for a striker, this was very clear and remains a priority. The arrival of Christopher Nkunku has not changed Chelsea’s plans to add another signing up front.

As for Victor Osimhen, all the top clubs are interested in him after his outstanding season with Napoli. Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea…they are all following the situation.

Victor Osimhen to Chelsea, Man Utd, or PSG?

Chelsea are one of the clubs leading the race for Manu Kone, but they also still have players like Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia on their list for this summer.

Official: Marcus Bettinelli signs new long term deal with Chelsea. He said: “It is a privilege to be at Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world — it is amazing to be a part of and I am buzzing to be here for an extra couple of years.”

Liverpool

Some Liverpool fans have been asking me to clarify some rumours on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with reports linking him with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton.

From what I’ve been told, there are two clubs in England and two clubs abroad looking at him at the moment. There is interest but is very early and not advanced, at this stage. Newcastle, for example, have different priorities in that position, so I wouldn’t read too much into that particular story.

Lorient

Enzo Le Fee announces: “It’s time for me to leave Lorient. I will no longer extend the contract, I waited for new proposal in December but then it didn’t arrive. It’s time to go. I hope to leave this summer so my transfer brings money to Lorient.”

Manchester City

Josko Gvardiol admits he’s spoken with Pep Guardiola, but has distanced himself from leaving RB Leipzig in the summer: “I congratulated Pep Guardiola — he threw a few words at me. But I will keep them to myself. My future? RB Leipzig is not interested in selling me this summer, there is no point in talking about anything else.”

Manchester United

All the top clubs are interested in Victor Osimhen after his outstanding season with Napoli. Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea…they are all following the situation.

Napoli

I’ve had a lot of questions about Kim Min-jae after his fantastic season with Napoli. It’s true that he has a release clause, and it’s a bit less than €50m, but only valid for a few days in July. So, there will be an opportunity there, but also Napoli want to offer him a new deal. Manchester United are monitoring the situation, but Napoli will push to keep him, and offer him a new contract to change this clause. As for the player, he’s been very clear that he wants to focus on the rest of the season in Serie A and the Champions League, and then we will see.

PSG

Manu Kone: “Interest of PSG? You know that I am Parisien, I was born and trained here. There is a logical link. But whether it’s Paris or another club doesn’t matter to me. I just want to play. If I have to leave, I’ll think about playing as priority.”

Julian Draxler and Leandro Paredes are both expected to return to PSG at the end of the season, waiting for possible new solutions. Juventus are not planning to activate the buy option clause for Paredes at this stage; Draxler, injured and expected to leave Benfica.

Real Madrid

Those Carlo Ancelotti links with the Brazil job don’t seem to be going away, with Brazilian FA president Ednaldo fuelling the speculation by saying: “I really admire Ancelotti. He’s not only players’ favourite but fans’ too. Everywhere I go in Brazil, Ancelotti is the first name the supporters ask me about. Let’s wait for the appropriate time, we’ll see if we can make it happen.”

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