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There is growing interest in Benfica star Orkun Kokcu, who could be allowed to leave for interested clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United for around €60-70m, CaughtOffside understands.
The Turkey international has previously shone under Liverpool manager Arne Slot during their time together at Feyenoord, with the player recently speaking publicly about how highly he rates the Dutch tactician.
Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Liverpool could be in a particularly strong position to sign Kokcu due to the Slot connection, though there have not yet been any contacts over a possible move.
Liverpool ready to SWOOP for Ligue 1 goal/assist machine!
On top of that, there is also understood to be interest from Man United under new manager Ruben Amorim, who will know the Benfica star well from his time managing in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.
Where next for Orkun Kokcu?
Sources have also named Tottenham as a potential team to watch in the race for Kokcu, who has a €150m release clause at Benfica, but who could move for less than that if he pushes to be allowed to leave.
It is anticipated that the 23-year-old’s true value might be closer to €60-70m, while the player is also thought to be keen on playing in the Premier League at some point in the future.
One imagines English clubs might be best-placed to afford Kokcu at this point, as we’ve so often seen them being able to out-bid their European counterparts in recent years.
Liverpool boss Slot would do well to get the chance to work with Kokcu again, as the former Feyenoord playmaker could surely add something a bit different to this LFC side.
Slot has done well with the squad he’s inherited from Jurgen Klopp, but at some point he’ll surely want to put his own stamp on the team, and working with one of his former players would surely make sense as a good move for all involved.
The post Exclusive: €60-70m could bring classy star to Liverpool or Manchester United appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/orkun-kokcu-transfer-liverpool-united/
Chelsea and Barcelona are reportedly exploring a potential transfer move for Santos wonderkid Joao Victor de Souza, who has been compared to Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo.
The talented 18-year-old is fast earning himself a big reputation after impressing for Santos, and it seems Europe’s elite are really starting to take notice.
“PERFECT” Chelsea star eyed by rival manager!
According to AS, Chelsea and Barca currently seem to be showing the strongest interest in Souza, while he could also have the possibility to move to Saudi Arabia.
Souza’s playing style at left-back seems to be drawing comparisons with Marcelo, as Brazilian football fans will be hoping he can eventually prove to be the long-term solution for the country in that position.
Marcelo had a tremendous career at the highest level, winning the Champions League five times during his time at the Bernabeu, as well as numerous other major honours.
The 36-year-old also won over 50 caps for the Brazilian national team, so if Souza can have anywhere near that kind of career, he’ll have done well for himself.
Souza to be Chelsea’s next wonderkid signing?
Chelsea have done well in recent times to snap up the best young talent from across the globe, with their current owners putting a lot of emphasis on building a long-term project rather than just signing ready-made superstars.
Souza could be a good fit for this system, with AS noting that it might actually mean the Blues initially send him to one of their other associated clubs, such as Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Chelsea fans themselves might have to wait a while before seeing Souza representing them, but perhaps he’ll also prove good enough to be challenging for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge sooner than expected.
Chelsea could arguably do with a new left-back anyway, as there have been some question-marks over Marc Cucurella for some time now, while Ben Chilwell is clearly out of favour after issues with fitness and form.
Barcelona would be a difficult club to turn down, though, so CFC might face strong competition for this exciting wonderkid.
The post Chelsea & Barcelona exploring transfer move for wonderkid compared to Brazil legend appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/chelsea-transfer-news-souza/
Crystal Palace is one potential job opening being eyed up by Ruud van Nistelrooy as he looks for new opportunities in the Premier League following his spell at Manchester United.
The Dutchman, who has managerial experience from his time at PSV Eindhoven, has just left Man Utd after a spell on the coaching staff of Erik ten Hag earlier this season, followed by a spell as interim manager before Ruben Amorim took over.
Man Utd ready to swoop for “PERFECT” £52m signing!
According to Football Insider, Van Nistelrooy is now keen to stay in the Premier League and is eyeing clubs with uncertain situations at the moment, such as Palace, Wolves and Southampton.
The report states that Van Nistelrooy was keen to stay at United as part of Amorim’s staff, but the Portuguese tactician decided against it, though we could still see the former Red Devils striker staying in English football.
Would Crystal Palace do well to hire Ruud van Nistelrooy?
It’s been a difficult season at Palace under Oliver Glasner, whose job is surely going to be in serious danger if results don’t pick up very soon.
Glasner made a terrific start when he took over at Selhurst Park earlier this year, but things have gone majorly downhill at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, and it could soon be time to make a change.
Van Nistelrooy looks a tempting option and he’ll surely have opportunities soon, so Palace might do well to move before other clubs pull the trigger.
Southampton and Wolves are also struggling, so Van Nistelrooy might get offers there soon if the Eagles aren’t quick to make the most of this opportunity.
Van Nistelrooy did well during his brief stint as MUFC caretaker manager, and one imagines he’ll surely be in the conversation for the job at Old Trafford at some point in the future, depending on how things work out with Amorim, as well as numerous other factors.
The post Manager has one eye on Crystal Palace job following Manchester United snub appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/ruud-van-nistelrooy-crystal-palace/
Liverpool are reportedly the latest club to show a serious interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo following his superb form this season.
The Cameroon international has already scored eight goals in nine Premier League games this term, and it’s easy to imagine he’ll be making his way up to a bigger club before too long.
We’ve seen Arsenal linked as admirers of Mbeumo in a recent report from Football Insider, and now Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to have taken notice of the 25-year-old, along with Newcastle United, as per the Sun.
Liverpool begin process to sign Ligue 1 sensation!
Mbeumo has the all-round qualities to make a good fit for this Liverpool side, and the Reds would do well to keep a number of players on their radar at the moment due to the ongoing Mohamed Salah saga.
Could Bryan Mbeumo help Liverpool to replace Mohamed Salah?
While no one’s arguing that Mbeumo is in Salah’s league yet, it could be useful to bring this in-form talent in to join Slot’s attack if Salah ends up leaving Anfield at the end of his contract next summer.
The Egypt international still hasn’t agreed a new deal with the Merseyside giants, and it will be important for there to be a plan in place in case he cannot be persuaded to stay.
LFC already have a lot of good options in attack, such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, but Federico Chiesa has failed to make an impact since joining from Juventus in the summer, so there’s probably room for someone like Mbeumo to come in.
The Sun’s report suggests Brentford manager Thomas Frank is not exactly confident of keeping Mbeumo anyway, which could be useful for Liverpool if they do decide to step up their interest.
“He was our key player and has added another layer this season with five goals in six games,” Frank said recently.
“That’s incredible and he’s creating chances. He’s a top player. I’m convinced he will play for a bigger club. I’d buy him if I was at a bigger club.
“We convinced him to stay and he’s very happy. All our players might need to leave us one day but a lot of them are happy because we have a top environment, with good people. We push each other.”
The post “Incredible” PL star emerges as Liverpool transfer target, current manager resigned to losing him appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/bryan-mbeumo-transfer-liverpool-2/
Man United are “interested” in bringing Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku to Old Trafford in January as the French forward struggles to earn a starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old has been with Chelsea since last summer after the West London club triggered the £52m release clause in the former RB Leipzig star’s contract.
Nkunku’s first season at Stamford Bridge was a disaster as the player struggled with fitness issues, leading to just 14 appearances. The French talent has made up for that throughout the opening phase of the 2024/25 campaign as the Blues talent has already produced 10 goals and one assist across 17 games.
However, the 27-year-old has 154 minutes of action in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca currently prefers Nicolas Jackson leading his line – which has led to the France international becoming unhappy in West London.
This has led to rumours linking Nkunku away from Chelsea in the build-up to the January transfer window and according to former Premier League scout, Mick Brown, Man United are one club “interested” in signing the former RB Leipzig star.
Christopher Nkunku fits “perfectly” into Ruben Amorim’s Man United team
With the January transfer window getting closer, Mick Brown has provided an update on Nkunku’s future at Chelsea with the former scout admitting that Man United are one of the clubs interested in the 27-year-old.
“From what I hear, Man United are certainly interested,” Brown told Football Insider. “I’m told he’s on their list of targets and one they could look to snap up either in January or the summer.”
The former scout continued by saying: “He’s one of these modern-day players where he’s not really a striker, not really a midfielder, and not really a winger. He’s sort of a combination of all three.
“So when you look at Amorim’s Sporting team, the forwards are all quick and they play off the back of defenders and put them under pressure.
“Nkunku strikes me as the sort of player who would fit into that perfectly. He’s also more than good enough to play every week at this level.”
The post Man United “interested” in £52m Chelsea talent who fits “perfectly” into Amorim’s system appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/christopher-nkunku-man-united-chelsea/
Liverpool are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki in 2025 as the Reds look to pounce on the current financial situation of the Ligue 1 giants.
Last week saw the French football financial watchdog (DNCG) hand a severe sanction to Les Gones as the French outfit have been hit with a provisional Ligue 2 relegation, the supervision of their wages and a transfer ban.
This is due to their current financial situation and one way out of facing these punishments is to raise money to meet the required threshold.
Selling valuable players is the fastest way to achieve this and one of the stars attracting a lot of interest is Cherki.
According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool have intensified their efforts to sign the 21-year-old, having been linked to the midfielder in recent weeks. The Reds are looking to add to Arne Slot’s squad in 2025 having done very little business this summer and Lyon’s situation provides the Merseyside outfit with an opportunity to sign a very exciting talent.
Cherki has been with the Ligue 1 giants his entire career, featuring 152 times for Les Gones, providing 19 goals and 28 assists.
How much will Rayan Cherki cost Liverpool in 2025?
Last weekend Lyon owner John Textor stated that Cherki’s exit would the be player’s “choice” as it is clear that the Ligue 1 club would be open to selling the midfielder at the right price.
Cherki is believed to be valued at around €25m with L’Equipe reporting that Liverpool have already enquired about the playmaker before stepping up their efforts. The Reds seem to be the most serious pursuers of the 21-year-old, however, the French talent is believed to be dreaming of a move to Real Madrid.
€25m is a bargain for a player with the potential of Cherki and it is a deal Liverpool may seek to get done in January before other clubs become interested in the young midfielder.
The post 19 goals and 28 assists: Liverpool begin process to sign Ligue 1 youngster valued at £25m appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/rayan-cherki-liverpool-lyon-2/
Man United have made Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies one of their “dream” targets for the summer as the Premier League club look to bring the Canadian talent to Old Trafford for free.
Left-back has been an issue for Man United for some time now as Luke Shaw’s inability to keep fit has made the Manchester club vulnerable in that area of the pitch. The Englishman’s backup, Tyrell Malacia, has also had fitness issues of his own, which left Erik ten Hag to improvise with the left-hand side of his defence.
United want this fixed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is a “dream” target for the Red Devils.
The Canadian international is out of contract with the German giants at the end of the season and the full-back is uncertain about signing a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit, despite being a key player for Vincent Kompany.
The Bavarian club are keen to keep the defender at the Allianz Arena long-term as the 24-year-old has featured in 15 matches for Bayern this season, providing three assists throughout the opening phase of the 2024/25 campaign.
Overall, Davies has been a big success at Bayern Munich throughout his 210 appearances, contributing 11 goals and 34 assists on the way to winning every trophy possible – which is why he is a major attraction for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Man United ready to win race for Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies
Should Davies decide not to renew his contract with Bayern Munich before the end of the season, Man United will be waiting ready to pounce on the left-back’s situation as they look to provide Ruben Amorim with world-class talent.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Manchester club have the 24-year-old on their list as a “concrete” target and have already gathered extensive information on the Bundesliga star ahead of next summer.
The Premier League club will face tough competition for the Canadian international as Real Madrid also plan on making a move for the defender.
The post 11 goals and 34 assists: Champions League winner “dream” target for Man United admits Sky reporter appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/alphonso-davies-man-united-bayern-munich-2/
Tottenham will face Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, 28th November as Ange Postecoglou and his side look to regain their form.
The North London club is currently struggling to find consistency and their results this season have been unusual.
They managed to beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup but lost against Ipswich Town in the Premier League. Their season has been disappointing by their high standards and the demands of the fans.
They are currently 10th in the league after 11 matches and in the Europa League, they have done much better with nine points from their first four games, sitting comfortably in seventh position.
Meanwhile, Italian giants Roma are currently 20th in the Europa League with just five points from their first four games.
A win will be crucial for both the teams as they look to stamp their authority in the competition, with Roma more desperate to get the three points but Spurs will have home advantage in the big clash in Europa League.
BUY TICKETS FOR TOTTENHAM VS ROMA
How Tottenham could line up against Roma
Tottenham are likely to be without key players Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison for the match against the Italian side.
Spurs have now lost three of their last five matches across all competitions and they could struggle with some of their key players missing the match.
Will Lankshear will be suspended for the match against Roma after getting a red card in the previous match against Galatasaray.
Tottenham Predicted Line Up: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Sarr, Johnson, Solanke, Son.
BUY TICKETS FOR TOTTENHAM VS ROMA
How Roma could line up against Tottenham
The Italian giants are going to be without Paulo Dybala and Mario Hermoso, two crucial members of their team who will miss the match due to fitness issues.
However, both Lorenzo Pellegrini and Alexis Saelemaekers are expected to be fit for the match against Spurs and they will be a part of the squad that will travel to London to face Postecoglou’s side.
Predicted Roma Line up: Svilar, Mancini, N’Dicka, Angelino, Çelik, Cristante, Kone, El Shaarawy, Malvano, Pisilli, Dovbyk.
How to buy Tottenham tickets
Tottenham tickets will be available on their website through the official channel, however, with the demand of the match pretty high, it is not going to be easy to get your hands on the tickets for the match.
To conveniently get the tickets for the match, you can use livefootballtickets.com which is a reliable platform to buy tickets and it provides the users good prices and a 150% money back guarantee.
How to buy Roma tickets
The strongly supported Italian side will give the chance to their fans to buy tickets from their official website but it can prove to be difficult at times due to the high demand.
In that case, livefootballtickets.com is the ideal option to get your hands on the tickets for the big match in London. It is a reliable source to buy tickets and it provides the users a 150% money back guarantee.
BUY TICKETS FOR TOTTENHAM VS ROMA
Tottenham vs Roma Head to Head Record
The two clubs have come up against each other twice but both times in club friendlies.
In 2008, Spurs managed to beat the Italian side 5-0 but in 2022, Roma got their revenge with a 1-0 win.
The Premier League side have often struggled against Italian sides, winning just six of the 21 matches they have played against them.
Roma are struggling to perform this season, with the Italian side winning just twice in their previous nine games in all competitions, which should give Spurs hope of winning the match at their home.
BUY TICKETS FOR TOTTENHAM VS ROMA
The post Tottenham vs Roma: How to buy tickets, predicted line ups & head-to-head record appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/tottenham-roma-buy-tickets/
Ange Postecoglou has decided that youngster Archie Gray will not leave Tottenham on loan in January as the Australian coach has plans for the midfielder throughout the second half of the season.
Coming off the back of a very impressive season with Leeds United, many clubs had an eye on the English talent heading into the 2024/25 campaign, however, it was Spurs who would secure the services of the 18-year-old as part of a £30m deal with the Yorkshire club – becoming the second-highest paid teenager in the English top flight.
Gray featured 52 times for the Championship outfit last season but the current campaign has seen the midfielder struggle for minutes.
The 18-year-old has only managed a total of 46 minutes of Premier League football this season so far, with the youngster mostly being used by Postecoglou in the Europa League.
This led to rumours that Gray could leave Tottenham on loan in January, with Leeds one of the clubs open to offering the Englishman more game time.
This will not be the case as Tottenham have plans for Gray throughout the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
Ange Postecoglu has plans for Archie Gray at Tottenham
A report from Football.London claims that a loan move for Gray in January is unlikely to materialise, as the outlet anticipates that Postecoglou will begin to use the youngster more often as the season progresses.
Another reason the Tottenham boss wants to keep the English talent is the Australian coach hopes to utilise his versatility as the 18-year-old can be deployed in multiple roles.
Gray is without doubt a top talent but the youngster needs to be patient at Spurs. The former Leeds star will have his time to shine and he just needs to be ready to grab it with both hands when it arrives.
The post Ange Postecoglou refuses to allow £30m talent leave Tottenham in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/archie-gray-tottenham/
Man United have held further talks in recent weeks with Everton to assess whether a move for Jarrad Branthwaite is possible in January.
The England international has been on the Manchester club’s list of targets since the summer after the Red Devils saw a second bid worth £45m plus £5m in add-ons rejected.
Everton are believed to want in the region of £70m to part ways with Branthwaite but that was a price Man United were unwilling to pay for the defender.
It was reported recently by the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel that the Manchester club remain interested in Branthwaite, with a move on the cards for January or next summer – although there is some doubt over a mid-season switch.
The Daily Mail add to this further as the outlet reports that Man United’s board have held more talks in recent weeks to assess the feasibility of making a January move for Branthwaite.
The 22-year-old has had a miserable start to the 2024/25 campaign due to injury but having returned to the Everton starting 11 against West Ham before the international break, the Toffees will not want to sell one of their key men mid-season.
Man United face tough competition in the race for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite
Man United are not the only club that were impressed with Branthwaite’s performances last season as Real Madrid have also added the Everton star to their list as Carlo Ancelotti looks to strengthen the La Liga champions’ defence in 2025.
According to Football Insider, the Spanish giants are “pushing” for the England star ahead of the January transfer window following the long-term injury suffered by Eder Militao recently. The report states that Carlo Ancelotti’s son, David, is really pushing for this move as the Italian duo are big fans of the 22-year-old having previously worked with the defender at Everton.
Real Madrid are said to be aware that a deal for Branthwaite mid-season will be difficult to complete especially with The Friedkin Group’s takeover of the Toffees yet to be complete.
2025 could be a very interesting year for the young centre-back as his next move could see him join one of the biggest clubs in the world.
The post Talks held: Man United board exploring £70m January deal for England international appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/man-united-jarrad-branthwaite-everton/
