It seems that the walls are closing in on former Barcelona, Chelsea and Everton ace, Samuel Eto’o.

The Cameroonian, who also played for Inter Milan amongst others is mired in claims of match fixing which could bring an end to his time at the head of the Cameroon Football Federation.

According to CamFoot, Eto’o appears to have promised to promote Victoria United (also known as Opopo) in a recorded conversation with their club president, Valentine Nkwain, aka Bobdidy.

“There are things we can do – but you have to be very discreet, brother,” Eto’o is recorded as saying.

“Don’t worry, we’ll give you your three points and we will suspend the referee. Opopo must go up to the first division. This is our goal. This is our federation. Victoria United will go up.”

The footballing legend denies all of the allegations being levelled at him, but with Victoria United having been promoted in April, things don’t look good for him.

“I was talking to a friend, someone who invests in football and wants to make his club one of the best in Cameroon,” Eto’o said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I just reassured him by saying that I would have done everything possible to avoid any refereeing errors against him.”

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

For a man with such an illustrious playing career, having turned out for some of the biggest clubs on the planet, it’s a sad turn of events.

He may yet be found not guilty of course, but the evidence is stacking up against him.

Police are said to be conducting an investigation into 40 people with regards to the corruption, and it remains to be seen if Eto’o will still be in place once they have come to their conclusions.

The post Football legend Samuel Eto’o in the dock and mired in match fixing claims appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It’s been a terrible few months if you’re a Leeds United supporter, with relegation seemingly the final straw of an awful 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

After Jesse Marsch was dispensed with, Javi Gracia was brought in by Andrea Radrizzani to steady the ship, but the Spaniard did anything but.

In fact, he oversaw some of the worst performances of the campaign and it was no surprise when he was also moved aside.

Bringing in Sam Allardyce to save the Elland Road outfit proved as bad a decision as Chelsea looking to Frank Lampard for inspiration, with ‘Big Sam’ unable to mastermind the results required over his four-game tenure to keep the club in the English top-flight.

If supporters thought things couldn’t get any worse, news on Wednesday morning may give them cause to think again.

According to Reuters, the shareholders of Sampdoria, relegated to Serie B at the end of the season just gone, have approved a plan which sees Radrizzani and his business partner, Matteo Manfredi, take over the club.

Though owning more than one sporting entity isn’t unusual in this day and age, the likelihood of Radrizzani still keeping his hand in at Leeds is minimal.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

Indeed, Sky Sports note that the Italian is in advanced negotiations with 49ers Enterprises, owners of the San Francisco 49ers American football team, to sell the club.

With that deal expected to go through, it will surely mean yet more upheaval for the club at a time when the only thing they need and want is stability.

The post More woe for Leeds United as owner’s new purchase could mean huge upheaval appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It increasingly looks like Sampdoria will take up the option to seal the permanent transfer of Harry Winks from Tottenham this summer.

According to latest reports from Football Insider, the Serie A side are keen to keep Winks and now look set to take up the option to convert his loan into a permanent move for a fee of £22million.

Winks had struggled for playing time at Spurs but has been superb in his time in Italy so far, so it looks like it would surely be good business for Sampdoria to take up this option to keep him beyond this campaign.

It will be interesting to see if Winks himself is keen to remain with the Italian club, or if he might feel he has a chance of returning to Tottenham and competing for his place again.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

There’s clearly a talented player in there somewhere, but it’s just not quite happened for him in north London so far, for one reason or another.

THFC are currently looking for a new manager to replace Antonio Conte, so that will surely be the club’s main focus and it will likely be decisive when it comes to determining the futures of players like Winks.

The post Club likely to agree £22million transfer deal with Tottenham this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Today’s top stories:

• Lionel Messi’s verbal pact
• Manchester United to make a decision on two potential exits soon
• Tottenham closely following the situation of one Brighton star

Arsenal

Where Arsenal plans to play Mykhaylo Mudryk is pretty obvious, I think. He’d play as a winger; he’s 100% a winger.

Mudryk loves Arsenal as a club, but also he knows Mikel Arteta has been following him for a long time and this is a factor in his decision-making.

He’s following all the games. Arsenal consider him a top, top player, potentially one of the best in Europe in the years to come.

Bayern Munich

Harry Kane is still the top target for Bayern Munich in the forward department. They’re aware of how difficult it is to sign an English player from England – it’s like Marco Reus with Dortmund – but he hasn’t signed a new contract yet, which means there’s still hope, says Christian Falk.

Bayer Leverkusen

Belgian top talent Noah Mbamba has signed contracts as a Bayer Leverkusen player yesterday for the 2023/24 season as a free agent.

I understand Bayer are now negotiating to reach an agreement with Brugge to fast-track the deal to January and bring in Mbamba immediately.

Borussia Dortmund

Jayden Braaf leaves Borussia Dortmund to join Hellas Verona, deal fully agreed as revealed last week — medical also completed.

Exclusive details: loan deal will include a buy option clause for Verona but NO buy-back clause for Dortmund. They would have a sell-on clause.

Brighton

The situation between Leandro Trossard and Roberto De Zerbi has been tense in the last few days. The statement on the player’s side is a clear message: Trossard wants to leave as soon as possible.

Brighton have been trying to extend his contract many times with no success, which could create an opening for other clubs to get involved. Tottenham have followed the situation but at the moment there are no concrete talks yet; let’s see if other clubs will appear.

? Which Premier League club should move in for Leandro Trossard if the Belgian doesn’t sign a new contract? Let me know in the comments!

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Chelsea

Jorginho had discussions with Chelsea on a new deal but nothing is advanced; I’m told there’s a chance for him to leave on a free.

There are yet to be discussions with César Azpilicueta, but talks are ongoing with N’Golo Kanté.

For sure, in the summer, they can change many players, but the process will take time; now the full focus is on the January transfer window.

Chelsea are now in direct contact with PSV Eindhoven for Noni Madueke — he’s on the list alongside Marcus Thuram as a potential option.

Opening verbal proposal close to €30m, as Rik Elfrink reported, with a new round of talks scheduled. PSV are open to selling at their conditions.

Dean Jones to GiveMeSport (via CaughtOffside): “I mean they obviously started by going after Badiashile, suddenly going for Mudryk, there’s been the Enzo Fernandez thing which might still come back to the table, Moises Caicedo in the background.”

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp remains the hope of Liverpool, he’s been convincing in terms of his plans for Jude Bellingham but Dortmund, of course, want a lot of money. If they don’t bring the money to the table then Real Madrid will be in the driver’s seat, says Christian Falk.

Manchester United

Manchester United will make a decision on loan moves for Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri in the next few days. Everton are among the clubs interested in the former, but also clubs from other countries are exploring the situation.

Hadyn Dodge in an exclusive interview with CaughtOffside: “If Rashford has the right people around him then they should be in constant dialogue with the club about the player’s motives, depending on what they are behind closed doors.”

Nottingham Forest

Danilo to Nottingham Forest, here we go! Deal already signed with Palmeiras, with the final fee coming to around €20m.

I understand Danilo will fly to England today to undergo medical tests and sign a long-term contract.

Big one for Forest.

Porto

Porto are pushing to extend the contract of their talented striker Jorge Meireles. Talks are in progress — many European clubs are keeping an aye on the situation as his current deal expires next June.

Born in 2004, Meireles’ new deal will be discussed again soon.

PSG

I’ve been saying the same since December: PSG and Lionel Messi have a verbal pact to continue together.

Both parties are just waiting to meet (it could take weeks or months) to discuss the length of any potential new contract, salary and more details but they want to continue together. So I expect Messi to stay at PSG; I’m not aware of any other negotiations taking place.

Sampdoria

Aleksandar Dragovi?, still on Sampdoria’s list for January. Contacts are ongoing with his agent Marcello Brillmann to find a solution.

Deal still possible on loan — but now conditions have to be clear.

The Manchester Derby

I don’t expect big surprises; Marcus Rashford is literally flying and Erling Haaland can be back at scoring, I expect a fantastic game because now Manchester United are on a different level.

? Who will come out on top in this box-office clash? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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Tottenham

? Tottenham are expected to come forward with an enquiry for Leandro Trossard in the near future (Alexandre Braeckman)

Wolves

Official, confirmed: Mario Lemina joins Wolverhampton on a permanent move from OGC Nice.

Wolves will complete documents for Pablo Sarabia deal in the next hours. €5m fee confirmed, add-ons agreed and Sarabia accepted all the conditions

Ruben Neves’ future will be discussed soon as many clubs are tracking him.

The post Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing: Messi’s future, Chelsea’s summer of change, ‘top player’ loves Arsenal, & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello and welcome to today’s Briefing – if you like these transfer round-ups, then please SUBSCRIBE to have it sent to your inbox five mornings a week!

Arsenal

Arsenal had an interest in two Brazilian midfielders in the summer, but what next? Click here for an exclusive update.

Could the Gunners be set to move for this South American wonderkid? Click here to find out more.

Aston Villa

Is Douglas Luiz still an Arsenal target for January?

Barcelona

Is Lionel Messi really all set for a return to Barcelona in 2023? Click here to find out all you need to know.

Bayer Leverkusen

Are Arsenal and Tottenham really working on signing this €40m Bayer Leverkusen talent? Click here to find out more.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn on Jude Bellingham: “We are not thinking about it at all. Of course Bellingham is an outstanding player. But we’ve Kimmich, Goretzka, Gravenberch, Sabitzer … I can say we’re well equipped in that position.”

Bayern are confident of signing Konrad Laimer as a free agent in June 2023. The player agreed terms in July but Bayern couldn’t reach an agreement with RB Leipzig, so it fell through. Still, Laimer wants to join Bayern and Julian Nagelsmann has been pushing to sign him since summer 2021.

Chelsea

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Christopher Nkunku, but could their rivals still hijack the deal? Click here for my exclusive update.

I can confirm that Chelsea’s owners are exploring a multi-club model and are looking at teams in Portugal, Belgium and South America – click here to read more.

Graham Potter on Christopher Nkunku: “I’m not gonna speak about players that are not in our team”.

And Cristiano Ronaldo? “We can spend all day with these questions. Whilst they aren’t our players, I don’t speak about them.”

Callum Hudson-Odoi on Chelsea’s recall clause for January: “It’s not up to me, I don’t know… I can only do what I can do now, give everything that I can. We don’t know what’ll happen between January, or from now until the end of the season, so we just wait and see.”

Inter Milan

Inter CEO Marotta on Milan Skriniar and PSG links for January: “We know Skriniar so well since long time, he’s key player and a guarantee for our squad.”

Inter have offered the defender a new deal as he’s currently heading towards being a free agent in 2023. Chelsea considered him in the summer but focused on Wesley Fofana as a priority, while PSG have shown the strongest interest so far.

Manchester City

Does Erling Haaland have a release clause that becomes active in 2024, and could it pave the way for him to join Real Madrid?

Manchester United

Manchester United were also interested in Christopher Nkunku, so why are Chelsea now in pole position for this deal?

Donny van de Beek wants to play more – is he going to leave Manchester United in January to fulfil his wish?

Nottingham Forest

Steve Cooper is not looking set for the sack at Nottingham Forest, despite rumours. It looks like he still has one more chance to turn things around. Despite 22 summer signings, they’re bottom of the Premier League table with just one win from eight matches.

PSG

Lionel Messi remains focused on winning the Champions League with PSG despite rumours of agreeing a return to Barcelona – click here for more details.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti on Eden Hazard, who has only played 158 minutes so far this season: “He knows the situation very well, every player understands his situation very well: there’s lot of competition here.”

Is everything pointing towards Real Madrid signing Erling Haaland in 2024? Click here for my exclusive insight.

Sampdoria

Dejan Stankovic is set to be appointed as the new Sampdoria manager. A full agreement is now in place, with contracts just needing to be signed.

Tottenham

Are Spurs set to rival Arsenal for this exceptional 20-year-old talent? Click here to find out.

The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, featuring Messi’s future, Nkunku to Chelsea latest + Arsenal transfer targets appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Antonio Conte has reportedly asked Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici to try and sign talented youngster Nicola Zalewski from Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

According to the Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Conte is eyeing up young Poland international Zalewski, who came up through Roma’s youth academy before finding success under Mourinho.

The report states that PSG have also made recent inquiries regarding the 20-year-old, who is under contract with Roma until 2025, with several loan requests also having been made in January by Sampdoria and Cagliari, among others.

However, Mourinho has so far blocked all and any attempts to prise his star asset away from his Italian side, with the versatile player becoming irreplaceable.

Throughout the past season, the 20-year-old has become a key player switching from attacking midfield to left wing by Mourinho and knocking veteran player Leonardo Spinazzola from the first-choice position.

Zalewski joined Roma’s youth academy in 2018 and was promoted to the senior squad last summer. Since then, the Pole has made 25 senior appearances, directly contributing to three goals and is currently valued at £11m by Transfermarkt.

The post Antonio Conte interested in signing versatile 20-year-old attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu is attracting interest from clubs around Europe after recently returning from a loan spell.

Ampadu recently returned from a loan spell at Venezia, where he couldn’t help steer them away from relegation, finishing bottom of Serie A.

The Welsh defender is a versatile player, having played in defence, as well as in midfield at times.

After Chelsea recently signed Kalidou Koulibaly, competition for places in defence is becoming increasingly tough. Jules Kounde is also reportedly close to joining the club, according to Simon Phillips in the tweet below.

After developments today, Chelsea are getting close to agreeing a £51.1m fee to sign Jules Kounde. As of right now, no offer from Barcelona. Kounde is open to both teams and has previously already agreed verbal terms to join Chelsea.https://t.co/eigCuJtf02

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) July 19, 2022

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

Now, according to Club Doria, both Spezia and Sampdoria are considering a move for Ampadu this summer.

The young defender has already spent some time in Italy, so it shouldn’t take him too long to readapt to the league.

The 21-year-old is a highly rated defender, so Chelsea may be reluctant to sell one of their youngsters this summer.

However, with multiple defenders potentially on their way to the club, a loan move to help with Ampadu’s development might be the right decision for all parties.

The post Chelsea youngster attracting interest from multiple clubs appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United are reportedly ready to seal the transfer return of Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira.

The 23-year-old was once regarded as a big prospect at Elland Road, and reports claim Marcelo Bielsa regrets letting him go when he did.

Vieira has since struggled at Sampdoria and has been loaned out to Hellas Verona, but it now seems Leeds could try to bring him back for a second spell.

Italian website Club Doria claim Vieira will be allowed to move on the cheap this January, with the report claiming a fee of just £4.25million is required – and Leeds are said to be ‘trying to convince’ him to return.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

It will be interesting to see if this move works out for Leeds, with Bielsa understandably keen to work with Vieira again.

The England Under-21 international could end up being an important addition for the struggling Yorkshire giants as they fight to remain in the Premier League.

The post Leeds United ready to re-sign former star from Serie A giants appeared first on CaughtOffside.

A standout performer for his country in this summer’s delayed Euros 2020 and a consistent performer for club side Sampdoria, attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s hottest talents. Now, according to recent reports, in light of what has been an excellent breakthrough, several top clubs, including Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are set to all vie for the young Dane’s signature.

That’s according to a recent report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, who claims the attacking ace is wanted by domestic rivals Juventus and Inter Milan, as well as Premier League side Liverpool.

Damsgaard, 21, joined Sampdoria last summer following a modest £6m move from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.

MORE: Chelsea and Man City among clubs interested in prolific Napoli attacker

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

Since arriving in Italy, the young midfielder has gone on to feature in 44 matches, in all competitions, directly contributing to six goals, along the way.

However, despite being arguably his club’s most technically gifted players, as well as having three years left on his deal, it has been sensationally claimed that Damsgaard could be set for a bumper transfer.

Calciomercato claim Liverpool has now joined the race to secure the attacking midfielder’s signature but will face competition from both Juventus and Inter Milan – who are also both big admirers of the 21-year-old.

The post Liverpool set to take on Serie A giants in race to sign highly-rated midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After a stunning start to their 2021/22 Premier League campaign, Tottenham Hotspur have stuttered a little in their last two matches.

From being top of the table after three games, they now sit in 10th position, and were they to lose the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon, an underperforming Arsenal side will draw level with them on goal difference.

That’s a scenario that no one at White Hart Lane surely wants to countenance, though Mikel Arteta’s side have picked up the baton after losing their opening three fixtures.

Nuno Espirito Santo will need more reinforcements if he seriously wants to challenge for trophies.

MORE: Collymore on Liverpool’s ‘advantage’

To that end, Sampdoria’s Mikkel Damsgaard has long been a target for the Lilywhites. Back in August, La Repubblica, cited by Football Italia, noted that Spurs were going to increase their offer for the player.

Unfortunately, the deal didn’t get over the line, and now Spurs face competition for Damsgaard’s signature from Italian giants Juventus according to Tuttosport.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle looking at red-hot striker with 21 goals in 42 games

Nov 1 2023, 8:20

Exclusive: Arsenal had two transfer suitors for important squad player this summer, says Fabrizio Romano

Nov 1 2023, 8:07

20-year-old with over 100 first-team appearances already is a target for Liverpool

Nov 1 2023, 7:53

The outlet note that Pavel Nedved will watch the player intently during Juve’s fixture against current club, Sampdoria, early on Sunday morning.

It will give him, and manager, Max Allegri, the chance to see how well the 21-year-old might fit into their future plans.

If Tottenham are still interested, Daniel Levy needs to get his skates on ahead of the January window.

The post Tottenham face stiff competition from Juventus for Euro 2020 hero appeared first on CaughtOffside.