Though they’re having a reasonable 2023/24 campaign, Crystal Palace will, like their Premier League opponents, be looking to improve their squad in the January transfer window.

Some well thought out signings half way through a campaign can often be the difference for a team having a good season or a great one.

Roy Hodgson should be happy enough with the Eagles current ninth place showing.

The south Londoners are just a point and a position behind Saturday’s opponents, Newcastle United, and only five points off the top four.

If Palace can put a little run together, there’s no reason why European football should be beyond them next season.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Before then, keeping pace in the English top-flight will be the priority and, according to TeamTalk, Palace are one of a clutch of Premier League clubs that are looking to swoop for the Championship’s best player in September, Sunderland winger, Jack Clarke.

The outlet note that Clarke, who has represented England at U20 level, has already scored seven goals in 11 games and is the Championship’s joint top-scorer.

It’s therefore no wonder that Burnley, Brentford, Wolves and Bournemouth are also circling for the player’s services.

To that end, Palace may have a job on their hands to secure Clarke, however, owner Steve Parish will at least want to be in the conversation as and when Sunderland are ready to talk business.

The post Palace line up move to sign English striker not yet in his prime appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Though Andre Onana will be given much more time to settle into the goalkeeping role at Man United, the fact that the Red Devils are already running the rule over a youngster that rivals Man City are also interested in says much.

Erik ten Hag clearly hung his hat on the 27-year-old custodian whom he managed at Ajax, in preference to David de Gea who is, remarkably, still without a club.

Onana’s start to life at Old Trafford hasn’t been the best though it’s a little unfair to consistently highlight his errors, and is reminiscent of the Massimo Taibi witch hunt.

Across town, Ederson continues to impress at the Etihad Stadium, though Pep Guardiola could well have one eye on the future too it seems.

According to inews (subscription required), both Manchester clubs are casting their eyes north and have been scouting Sunderland’s rising 16-year-old star, Matthew Young, a keeper that’s being compared to Jordan Pickford.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

The youngster is on the verge of England U18 honours and could find himself at the centre of a battle royale between United and City should they follow up any initial interest.

In the meantime, ten Hag will surely be hoping that Onana finds the form he displayed at Ajax, whilst Guardiola can rest easy as the standard of Ederson’s performances remains high.

The post Man United and Man City set to battle for highly-rated goalkeeper set for England bow appeared first on CaughtOffside.

If there’s one way to describe Vincent Kompany as a player it’s ‘no nonsense.’

The former Man City captain took no prisoners when stationed in the centre of their defence, playing the fullest part in their recent successes before turning his hand to management.

It’s clear that the Belgian has always demanded the highest of standards, however, this season his Burnley side have been found wanting in many aspects, not least a leaky defence.

Kompany is unlikely to accept the status quo in his back four for too much longer. Heading into the international break, their 20 goals conceded is only better than bottom-placed Sheffield United’s 22 – and eight of those came in one game against Newcastle.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

It’s perhaps with this in mind that the Clarets will be eagerly awaiting the opening of the January transfer window.

Until then Kompany will have to make do with what he has in situ, though once the first day of the new year comes around, don’t be surprised to see Burnley heavily involved in a deal or two.

According to reporter Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon page (subscription required), Burnley are running the rule over Sunderland’s Dan Ballard, a 6ft 2in beast of a centre-back.

It’s unlikely that the Black Cats will be willing to let him leave without a fight, though the lure of the Premier League will surely be too hard for Ballard to resist.

The post Vincent Kompany hoping to secure the signing of 6ft 2in defender in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Two football fans have been arrested and remain in police custody after they were pictured mocking Bradley Lowery, a young football fan who died from cancer. 

The incident occurred on Friday during Sheffield Wednesday’s game against Sunderland.

Pictures emerged during the match of two fans holding up a picture of Lowery and mockingly laughing, which caused outrage online after the game.

The young Sunderland fan passed away in 2017 aged six after succumbing to neuroblastoma which he has had since he was 18 months old.

According to the South Yorkshire police, a 27-year-old and a 31-year-old were arrested after the match on suspicion of outraging public decency.

“Officers have arrested two men in connection to an on-going investigation into public order offences following a football match. Yesterday (29 September) two men were reported to have carried out an act of outraging public decency following the Sheffield Wednesday V Sunderland fixture held at Hillsborough.” the statement reads.

“Officers have this evening (30 September) arrested two men aged 31 and 27 on suspicion of outraging public decency. They both remain in police custody.”

The Bradley Lowery Foundation released a statement thanking Sheffield Wednesday for their cooperation and support shown by fans.

“We can only apologise for the undoubted distress caused to Bradley’s family and friends.” Sheffield Wednesday said in a statement.

Bradley’s parents received many messages regarding the incident and were contacted by Durham Police.

Mrs Lowery said.: “Like we always say, cancer has no colours – and as we all know it can affect anyone at any time.”

The post Two men arrested after mocking young football fan who died from cancer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle achieved an incredible result on Wednesday night as Eddie Howe’s side knocked Man City out of the Carabao Cup. Still, some fans of the Magpies were not happy with the behaviour of Don Goodman during the draw for the fourth round. 

Newcastle were given a tricky pairing for the next round as Howe’s men will travel to Old Trafford to play Man United – a repeat of last year’s final.

Fans of the Tyneside club were not happy with how the draw was conducted as they believe former Sunderland star, Don Goodman, intentionally looked for Newcastle once Man United was drawn as the pundit was spotted looking at the balls before mixing them.

The clip can be seen below.

What we have here ladies and gents is none other than ex Sunderland player Don Goodman having a good look for that number 16.

Absolutely disgusting. #NUFC #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/bzNGtYXfbd

— GEORDIE MAG (@GeordieMAG_) September 27, 2023

Footage courtesy of Sky Sports. 

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

The post Video: Newcastle fans not happy with former Sunderland star’s behaviour during Carabao Cup draw appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has admitted that Newcastle United could really be in with a chance of signing Sunderland youngster Chris Rigg this January.

The talented midfield prospect has been linked with the Magpies before, as his family are supporters of the club despite him currently being on the books of their rivals.

Discussing Rigg’s future, Jacobs told Give Me Sport: “It’s one to watch, for sure. Even though he is at Sunderland, a vast proportion of his family are all Newcastle fans as well. I think that one could be one to watch in January. Newcastle are concurrently planning for their future as well as the present.

“Newcastle have made a few moves for young players in the market and beaten rivals to them. Rigg is seen as one of the top midfield prospects in the country and he is also only 16 years of age at the moment.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

“He scored against Southampton last weekend. When he got that goal, he also became Sunderland’s youngest ever league scorer. But he needs minutes and time to develop as well, so the player side won’t want to rush into anything.

“However, there’s absolutely no doubt that Newcastle are keeping tabs, and I would say that is exactly the same for Manchester United as well.”

The post Journalist admits Englishman could be first January signing at Newcastle appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Far from being disappointed to have drawn Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan in the Champions League, Newcastle CEO, Darren Eales, was positively delighted – and took the chance to rub Sunderland’s noses in it too.

It’s not unfair to suggest that the Magpies have landed in this season’s ‘group of death,’ though Eddie Howe will surely relish testing himself against three of the continent’s best teams, in the hope that his side make it through to the knockout stages.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Eales recalled a trip to Milan during a previous Champions League campaign, and his “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Mackem in Milan either” quip will make him a legend on Tyneside.

Darren Eales you absolute Legend #NUFC pic.twitter.com/kvvQgDMT6z

— Alfie(Joelinton Enjoyer)???? (@AIfieNUFC) August 31, 2023

Pictures from TNT Sports

The post Video: Newcastle CEO delights in mocking Sunderland fans with Champions League quip appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Fresh from winning the Europa Conference League, West Ham have more than just Declan Rice’s sale to sort out before the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

David Moyes and David Sullivan need to get their heads together so each understands the other’s position and whether any targets identified by the Scot are achievable.

There’ll also be the significant matter of which players the east Londoners need to get rid of because they’re surplus to requirements for any number of reasons.

If Moyes is able to move on the ‘dead wood’ and replace them with players who are a clear upgrade, that would be the perfect scenario for a club who will surely be looking to replicate their European success in the Europa League next season, and go deeper into the domestic cup competitions.

One player that definitely won’t be part of the club after June 30th is youngster, Armstrong Oko-flex.

According to the official West Ham website, the 21-year-old will be released by the club, however, he’s already on trial with a new club despite his contract with the Hammers still being, effectively, current.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

The content creator known only as ExWHUemployee, speaking on his West Ham Way podcast (subscription required), notes that Oko-Flex is training at Championship side, Sunderland.

It remains to be seen whether the Black Cats will give him a new, permanent home at the Stadium of Light.

The post West Ham player already on trial at Championship club after contract revelation appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Amad Diallo’s future at Man United is still up in the air as the youngster wants to play first-team football and where he plays next season lies in the hands of Erik ten Hag. 

The 20-year-old has proven to be a very exciting talent in his most recent loan spell with Sunderland and following his performances in the Championship, the winger is hoping for a chance at Old Trafford.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a decision on Diallo’s future will be made in the coming weeks by Ten Hag, and if the Premier League club do decide to send him back out on loan, the player’s preference would be to return to Sunderland having enjoyed last season in the North East.

Amad Diallo’s future is still open. Man United will make final decision on Amad in the next weeks, he hopes for 1st team chance but it’s up to ten Hag. ? #MUFC

Understand in case Manchester United decide to loan Amad out, the player’s preference would be Sunderland again. #SAFC pic.twitter.com/qcVN6zGIOh

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2023

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Diallo had a very exciting campaign with Sunderland in the Championship where he played a total of 42 matches, scoring 14 goals and assisting a further four. The winger became a fan favourite in the North East and it is not a surprise he wants to return.

However, the winger’s preference would be to stay at Man United and experience the game time Alejandro Garnacho has been granted by Ten Hag.

Those positions are very competitive at the Manchester club and therefore, Diallo may have to wait another year.

The post Future of exciting Man United youngster uncertain with Erik ten Hag to make decision soon appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello and welcome to the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe to get this and more exclusive content ad-free and straight to your inbox!

AC Milan

AC Milan have formally communicated to Eintracht Frankfurt that negotiations are ongoing with Daichi Kamada over a free transfer, with an agreement now at the final stages. Details are being sorted for Kamada to join on a five-year deal, with a medical scheduled for the beginning of next week if all goes to plan.

AC Milan are close agreeing terms with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek over a long term contract, after direct contact started two weeks ago. Talks between Milan and Chelsea are ongoing to come to a full agreement over the player’s transfer fee. All parties involved are optimistic as things stand.

Arsenal

Arsenal have appreciated Ivan Fresneda since January but for now they have NOT sent any official proposal, despite rumours to the contrary. There is no concrete negotiation at this stage, the race remains open, with Borussia Dortmund also interested in the Real Valladolid right-back.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa have submitted an opening bid to Marco Asensio last week after negotiations ongoing for a few days. There’s no final decision yet, they’re still waiting on the player as PSG have also approached Asensio, as well as Italian clubs. Villa are pushing to get an answer ASAP.

Atletico Madrid

Joao Felix will NOT stay at Chelsea next season. Pochettino has decided, the player will return to Atletico Madrid. “We have been informed that Poch does not count with Joao Felix for Chelsea. He will return here, we’ll see… we’ve nothing planned,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has announced.

Atletico Madrid are now prepared to listen to offers to sell Joao Felix permanently. He is not in Chelsea’s plans but also not in Atletico’s, despite recently signing a new contract with the club. They will look for buyers for the Portuguese forward this summer.

Barcelona

Xavi on Lionel Messi return: “Our fans started to mention Leo Messi’s name at every game… I like the feeling but trust me, the comeback of Leo Messi only depends on him. I’d say that it depends 99% on Messi. I have no doubts on football point of view; it’s up to Leo.”

Xavi has hinted he’s leaving the door open for Ansu Fati to potentially leave the club: “I did not want want Auba to leave the club, but everything depended on Financial Fair Play…You’ve to look at economic opportunities, and that happens with all players; not just Ansu but all of them.”

Click here to find out more on Ansu Fati’s future!

Xavi reveals: “We wanted Joao Cancelo at Barca in January, he was offered and we said yes. Man City discussed that internally and then told us they did NOT want to allow Joao to join Barcelona.”

Jules Kounde: “My future? I will stay at Barcelona, of course.” Xavi also confirmed that there’s “no issue at all with Jules” yesterday.

Bayern Munich

Dusan Vlahovic is one of the names in Bayern Munich’s list this summer, he’s really appreciated by Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea and Man United are also well informed on the situation but it all depends on Juventus – it’s up to them. Vlahovic has always been on Bayern’s radar and remains there, as they remain in need of a central striker following last summer’s departure of Robert Lewandowski.

Benjamin Pavard will NOT sign a new deal at Bayern. The Frenchman wants to try a new chapter, and his current deal expires in 2024. Barcelona have different priorities for the moment, while Inter Milan asked for Pavard in January. But for this summer the race looks 100% open.

Official: Bayern announce Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has been appointed as a new member of the supervisory board. He said: “I would like to thank the supervisory board for their trust and I’m looking forward to supporting Bayern in the future.”

Benfica

Benfica will try to tempt Angel Di Maria back to the club in the coming weeks. Talks have not started yet and it’s not the only option for Di Maria, but Benfica want to try for the free transfer. Saudi clubs also keen on Di Maria, but his priority is to remain in Europe.

Brighton

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi told Moises Caicedo in January to stay at the club until the end of the season despite huge bids coming in at the time…and then promised to sell him in the summer in case a good offer arrived again. This pact will be respected; Chelsea are still keen on Caicedo but it looks set to be a race between three clubs.

Chelsea

Joao Felix will NOT stay at Chelsea next season. Pochettino has decided, the player will return to Atletico Madrid. “We have been informed that Poch does not count with Joao Felix for Chelsea. He will return here, we’ll see… we’ve nothing planned,” Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has announced.

This news comes as a bit of a surprise, because Chelsea were happy with Felix and he was also enjoying life in London. Still, Pochettino was key and he wants to count on Christopher Nkunku in that position, so Felix will not stay and will return to Atletico Madrid. The La Liga giants extended his contract before loaning him to Chelsea, but are now prepared to discuss his permanent exit.

Mauricio Pochettino has also decided not to keep Denis Zakaria. The Swiss midfielder will depart Chelsea and return to Juventus in June, he’s not part of the Blues’ plans. There was a buy option clause, but Chelsea won’t activate it and so Zakaria is heading back to Juventus to assess his options.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants Manuel Ugarte, and negotiations are ongoing. David Datro Fofana is not currently part of the discussions, but the Blues are continuing their efforts and insisting on a solution.

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi told Moises Caicedo in January to stay at the club until the end of the season despite huge bids coming in at the time…and then promised to sell him in the summer in case a good offer arrived again. This pact will be respected; Chelsea are still keen on Caicedo but it looks set to be a race between three clubs.

N’Golo Kante’s contract extension is not done yet. Talks were advanced and looking positive in the last few months, but now the situation has become unclear again. More contacts will take place. Parties will talk in order to decide — there are more clubs keen on Kante on a free, including from Saudi Arabia.

More Stories / Latest News

Tottenham eye up Serie A star to complete their midfield

Oct 31 2023, 22:24

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

Oct 31 2023, 22:17

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

Oct 31 2023, 21:37

Juventus

Dusan Vlahovic is one of the names in Bayern Munich’s list this summer, he’s really appreciated by Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea and Man United are also well informed on the situation but it all depends on Juventus – it’s up to them. Vlahovic has always been on Bayern’s radar and remains there, as they remain in need of a central striker following last summer’s departure of Robert Lewandowski.

Denis Zakaria will be returning to Juventus in June. Chelsea have decided not to keep the Swiss midfielder after his loan, and so he’ll be heading back to Juve to assess his situation.

Benfica will try to tempt Angel Di Maria back to the club in the coming weeks. Talks have not started yet and it’s not the only option for Di Maria, but Benfica want to try for him as he comes towards the end of his Juventus contract. Saudi clubs are also keen on Di Maria, but his priority is to remain in Europe.

Liverpool

Jorg Schmadtke has signed a short term deal as new Liverpool director. He’s already taking care of the Alexis Mac Allister and Fabio Carvalho situations.

Mike Gordon: “Jorg will work with our football operations department as it continues to provide support for Jurgen Klopp.”

Liverpool director Schmadtke: “Klopp sets the priorities. We support him so he can then choose from a list of players. My contract? Co-operation is initially scheduled to last three months. If we take a liking to each other, it can be extended.”

Manu Kone is one of the midfielders on Liverpool’s list. He’s highly rated and Liverpool are already informed on the conditions of the deal. Parties feel there’s a good chance for Kone to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, so he’ll be one to watch.

Premier League clubs like Fabio Carvalho and this Champions League club have also made an offer – click here to find out more!

Manchester City

Xavi reveals: “We wanted Joao Cancelo at Barca in January, he was offered and we said yes. Man City discussed that internally and then told us they did NOT want to allow Joao to join Barcelona.”

Manchester United

How realistic are Harry Kane and Mason Mount deals for Man Utd? Click here for full exclusive info!

The post Transfer news: Chelsea duo axed by Pochettino, trio chase Vlahovic, club’s transfer vow to Caicedo, Man City exit blocked appeared first on CaughtOffside.