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Inside Spain: Good news for Liverpool, Dani Alves released despite rape conviction, Barcelona sales

Inside Spain: Good news for Liverpool, Dani Alves released despite rape conviction, Barcelona sales

29/03/2024, England, Soccer, English Premier League Soccer, Article # 31703190

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Former Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves has been let out of prison this week after he cobbled together €1m for his bail bond on Monday. Fourteen months after he handed himself in to the authorities. That’s despite the fact he was convicted of rape last month.

Alves was sentenced to four and a half years for rape, after paying €150k in damages to the victim. However the prosecution are appealing the case, and so are the victim and the prosecution, who want his sentence extended. The initial trial took a year to get to court though, and it could see Alves out of prison for some time.

On the pitch, Spain drew 3-3 each with Brazil in a game that saw statement performances from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 17-year-old Endrick Felipe. Spain captain Alvaro Morata was booed at the Santiago Bernabeu for playing for Atletico Madrid, and Vinicius Junior was again the centre of attention, but this time for picking fights with four separate Spain players.

Last week news was broken that Real Madrid are closely monitoring the situation of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract next summer. However the good news is that Los Blancos will not move for Alexander-Arnold this summer, after deciding to renew the deal of veteran Lucas Vazquez, along with Nacho Fernandez and the somewhat more notable Toni Kroos.

Barcelona are still in contact with Chelsea and Arsenal target Nico Williams, but his €50m release clause seems unaffordable, particularly when taking into account that they will try to raise €200m in sales from 5-6 exits first.

Meanwhile Jagoba Arrasate announced that he would be leaving Osasuna at the end of the season, after six years in the role. He earned them promotion and took them to a Copa del Rey final, and with Basque managers in fashion, it would be no surprise if he were the next to find his way into the Premier League – although his English may require some work.

 

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Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more

Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more

29/03/2024, England, Multi Sports, English Sports Publications, Article # 31703187

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Liverpool CB transfer targets will depend on new manager, plus Pep Lijnders to Ajax

I reported a few months ago that Liverpool would start speaking with agents to explore the centre-backs market for the summer, but there’s still no major update here for now.

It’s not time for concrete names yet, as again the crucial part will be Liverpool’s next manager. We have to wait for the coach to understand who’s the player they want, how much they want to invest on that position – Liverpool have always involved the manager in their transfer plans.

And speaking of managers, Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has emerged as one of the candidates to be the new Ajax manager for next season. Lijnders is under consideration at the club, but still waiting on a decision. For sure, he will be leaving Liverpool alongside Jurgen Klopp – he’s not staying on beyond the end of this season.

Lijnders is really appreciated around Europe as people believe he’s an excellent assistant and could become a very good head coach. Ajax have included his name in a shortlist for next season, but he’s not the only one.

For sure, Ajax will change manager and begin a new chapter in the summer, and for sure Lijnders will leave Liverpool as he’s also ready for a new challenge after great work alongside Klopp at Liverpool.

Gareth Southgate has NOT held talks with Manchester United

Gareth Southgate continues to be linked strongly with the Manchester United job, with some fans asking me about reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already identified him as a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, and that they also plan to bring in his entire coaching staff from the England national team.

However, it’s important to say that my information is that Southgate won’t speak to any club before the Euros, this is very clear.

Also, Man United haven’t opened talks with Southgate as of now. I’m still told that Ten Hag’s final two months will be important to understand his future but initial talks with INEOS were positive; so it’s time to be patient and see what happens.

Toni Kroos agrees to stay at Real Madrid for one more season

Toni Kroos transfer update as he snubs all interest to stay at Real Madrid

According to my information, Toni Kroos has decided to stay at Real Madrid for one more season and sign a new contract until 2025. Kroos never considered any other option despite many links with the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and several other clubs.

Kroos never spoke to any other club because he was only focused on Real Madrid, and he remains focused on Real Madrid. There was always confidence and optimism around this deal, and now the agreement is imminent. Kroos has decided to stay, and now it’s just a matter of time – everything is set to be signed.

Really important news for Real Madrid as they get one more year of Kroos, who has shown what a fantastic player he still is with his superb performances on his return to the German national team. Congratulations to Kroos as he continues his fantastic career.

Real Madrid prepared to negotiate Alphonso Davies transfer

Bayern Munich want an answer from Alphonso Davies on their contract proposal as soon as possible, but Real Madrid are not worried about any deadlines being set by Bayern, they are only focusing on their position in this story.

Real Madrid are very clear – they have everything ready for Davies in terms of his contract, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. But they don’t want to pay crazy money like €60-70m for the Canadian left-back – it would have to be way less than this.

So now it will be up to Davies and Bayern to fix their position. If there is no agreement on a new contract, Bayern will have to settle on a price. Real Madrid are prepared to approach Bayern and negotiate the fee with them, but they will not pay something like €60m for Davies, that is not their intention.

Let’s see what will happen between Davies and Bayern, but Real Madrid are ready to approach Bayern for club-to-club negotiations.

Olivier Giroud set for LAFC transfer

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is set to leave for the United States. He’s out of contract this summer, and he won’t be extending his contract at the San Siro.

As I said back in October, Giroud has been tempted to try a new experience and he wanted to go to the MLS, and now he’s set to join LAFC. Everything is agreed between Giroud and LAFC, we’re just waiting for him to sign the contract, but everything is verbally agreed on an 18-month contract.

After making history in Europe, it’s now time for Giroud to try a new experience and it’s going to be in the MLS with LAFC and his former French international teammate Hugo Lloris – the goalkeeper was calling Giroud to persuade him to join, and now they will be teammates again in the MLS.

In other news…

Dani Olmo – Despite some media reports about Chelsea being interested in Dani Olmo, I’m not aware of anything concrete happening there for now. Still, he will have a release clause this summer worth €60m, which will become active for the first time. At the moment it’s quiet, but let’s see what happens as he’s a talented player.

Samuel Iling-Junior – There could be chances for Samuel Iling-Junior to leave Juventus this summer. It’s not that he doesn’t want to negotiate a new contract, but simply there are no talks ongoing right now. Iling Junior wants to play on a regular basis, he’s young and he needs to. Juventus will be forced to make a choice – new deal trusting him or make profit in the summer. Spurs were informed about his situation in January but I’m not aware of any development after that, no fresh contacts or talks with Tottenham so far.

Mika Biereth – There will be a race for Mika Biereth this summer for sure, many clubs are interested in the young Arsenal striker. But Arsenal have been clear on their position: no decision will be made now, internal talks about him will follow later this year. So on this one, interest is there and will likely grow in the next weeks but it’s not something serious yet.

The post Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/28/transfer-news-southgate-man-utd-olmo-chelsea-more/
Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more

Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more

29/03/2024, England, Soccer, English Premier League Soccer, Article # 31703191

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

Liverpool CB transfer targets will depend on new manager, plus Pep Lijnders to Ajax

I reported a few months ago that Liverpool would start speaking with agents to explore the centre-backs market for the summer, but there’s still no major update here for now.

It’s not time for concrete names yet, as again the crucial part will be Liverpool’s next manager. We have to wait for the coach to understand who’s the player they want, how much they want to invest on that position – Liverpool have always involved the manager in their transfer plans.

And speaking of managers, Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has emerged as one of the candidates to be the new Ajax manager for next season. Lijnders is under consideration at the club, but still waiting on a decision. For sure, he will be leaving Liverpool alongside Jurgen Klopp – he’s not staying on beyond the end of this season.

Lijnders is really appreciated around Europe as people believe he’s an excellent assistant and could become a very good head coach. Ajax have included his name in a shortlist for next season, but he’s not the only one.

For sure, Ajax will change manager and begin a new chapter in the summer, and for sure Lijnders will leave Liverpool as he’s also ready for a new challenge after great work alongside Klopp at Liverpool.

Gareth Southgate has NOT held talks with Manchester United

Gareth Southgate continues to be linked strongly with the Manchester United job, with some fans asking me about reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already identified him as a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, and that they also plan to bring in his entire coaching staff from the England national team.

However, it’s important to say that my information is that Southgate won’t speak to any club before the Euros, this is very clear.

Also, Man United haven’t opened talks with Southgate as of now. I’m still told that Ten Hag’s final two months will be important to understand his future but initial talks with INEOS were positive; so it’s time to be patient and see what happens.

Toni Kroos agrees to stay at Real Madrid for one more season

Toni Kroos transfer update as he snubs all interest to stay at Real Madrid

According to my information, Toni Kroos has decided to stay at Real Madrid for one more season and sign a new contract until 2025. Kroos never considered any other option despite many links with the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and several other clubs.

Kroos never spoke to any other club because he was only focused on Real Madrid, and he remains focused on Real Madrid. There was always confidence and optimism around this deal, and now the agreement is imminent. Kroos has decided to stay, and now it’s just a matter of time – everything is set to be signed.

Really important news for Real Madrid as they get one more year of Kroos, who has shown what a fantastic player he still is with his superb performances on his return to the German national team. Congratulations to Kroos as he continues his fantastic career.

Real Madrid prepared to negotiate Alphonso Davies transfer

Bayern Munich want an answer from Alphonso Davies on their contract proposal as soon as possible, but Real Madrid are not worried about any deadlines being set by Bayern, they are only focusing on their position in this story.

Real Madrid are very clear – they have everything ready for Davies in terms of his contract, with personal terms not expected to be an issue. But they don’t want to pay crazy money like €60-70m for the Canadian left-back – it would have to be way less than this.

So now it will be up to Davies and Bayern to fix their position. If there is no agreement on a new contract, Bayern will have to settle on a price. Real Madrid are prepared to approach Bayern and negotiate the fee with them, but they will not pay something like €60m for Davies, that is not their intention.

Let’s see what will happen between Davies and Bayern, but Real Madrid are ready to approach Bayern for club-to-club negotiations.

Olivier Giroud set for LAFC transfer

AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud is set to leave for the United States. He’s out of contract this summer, and he won’t be extending his contract at the San Siro.

As I said back in October, Giroud has been tempted to try a new experience and he wanted to go to the MLS, and now he’s set to join LAFC. Everything is agreed between Giroud and LAFC, we’re just waiting for him to sign the contract, but everything is verbally agreed on an 18-month contract.

After making history in Europe, it’s now time for Giroud to try a new experience and it’s going to be in the MLS with LAFC and his former French international teammate Hugo Lloris – the goalkeeper was calling Giroud to persuade him to join, and now they will be teammates again in the MLS.

In other news…

Dani Olmo – Despite some media reports about Chelsea being interested in Dani Olmo, I’m not aware of anything concrete happening there for now. Still, he will have a release clause this summer worth €60m, which will become active for the first time. At the moment it’s quiet, but let’s see what happens as he’s a talented player.

Samuel Iling-Junior – There could be chances for Samuel Iling-Junior to leave Juventus this summer. It’s not that he doesn’t want to negotiate a new contract, but simply there are no talks ongoing right now. Iling Junior wants to play on a regular basis, he’s young and he needs to. Juventus will be forced to make a choice – new deal trusting him or make profit in the summer. Spurs were informed about his situation in January but I’m not aware of any development after that, no fresh contacts or talks with Tottenham so far.

Mika Biereth – There will be a race for Mika Biereth this summer for sure, many clubs are interested in the young Arsenal striker. But Arsenal have been clear on their position: no decision will be made now, internal talks about him will follow later this year. So on this one, interest is there and will likely grow in the next weeks but it’s not something serious yet.

The post Transfer news: Southgate Man Utd, Liverpool CB targets, race ON for Arsenal attacker & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/28/transfer-news-southgate-man-utd-olmo-chelsea-more/
Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White

Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White

29/03/2024, England, Multi Sports, English Sports Publications, Article # 31703188

Former Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed that Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is a better player than Arsenal’s Ben White following the latest international break.

The Gunners defender did not want to be part of the England squad this time around following some tension that caused him to leave the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar early.

Although White has been exceptional for Mikel Arteta this season, Carragher believes there are many better right-backs available to Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euros this summer, which includes Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier.

The 33-year-old has had a difficult season which could be put down to the defender having had to play so much during the injury crisis the Magpies experienced during the current campaign.

Nevertheless, since moving to St James’ Park, Trippier has been exceptional and has been one of the most important players Newcastle have signed in recent years.

Kieran Trippier has been a great signing for Newcastle
Kieran Trippier has been a great signing for Newcastle

Jamie Carragher thinks Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is a better player than Arsenal’s Ben White

When speaking about the right-backs, Carragher points out that you have to take the last three years or so into account rather than the last four months, and that’s exactly why Trippier should be ahead of White in the England team.

“Rightly so Ben White is the fourth or fifth choice to be totally honest. He’s not better than Trent, Walker, Reece James or Trippier,” the Sky Sports pundit said on The Overlap.

“Number one, he’s not going to play anyway. I don’t think so, he doesn’t even play centre-back for his club. He’s probably thinking he can relax and get ready for Arsenal.

“I’m talking in general over the last two or three years, not over the last six months. Don’t just look at this from an Arsenal point of view, Trippier has had a bad three or four months but for the last two or three years he’s been a brilliant player for England.”

The post Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White appeared first on CaughtOffside.



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Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White

Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White

29/03/2024, England, Soccer, English Premier League Soccer, Article # 31703192

Former Liverpool star and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed that Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is a better player than Arsenal’s Ben White following the latest international break.

The Gunners defender did not want to be part of the England squad this time around following some tension that caused him to leave the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar early.

Although White has been exceptional for Mikel Arteta this season, Carragher believes there are many better right-backs available to Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euros this summer, which includes Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier.

The 33-year-old has had a difficult season which could be put down to the defender having had to play so much during the injury crisis the Magpies experienced during the current campaign.

Nevertheless, since moving to St James’ Park, Trippier has been exceptional and has been one of the most important players Newcastle have signed in recent years.

Kieran Trippier has been a great signing for Newcastle
Kieran Trippier has been a great signing for Newcastle

Jamie Carragher thinks Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is a better player than Arsenal’s Ben White

When speaking about the right-backs, Carragher points out that you have to take the last three years or so into account rather than the last four months, and that’s exactly why Trippier should be ahead of White in the England team.

“Rightly so Ben White is the fourth or fifth choice to be totally honest. He’s not better than Trent, Walker, Reece James or Trippier,” the Sky Sports pundit said on The Overlap.

“Number one, he’s not going to play anyway. I don’t think so, he doesn’t even play centre-back for his club. He’s probably thinking he can relax and get ready for Arsenal.

“I’m talking in general over the last two or three years, not over the last six months. Don’t just look at this from an Arsenal point of view, Trippier has had a bad three or four months but for the last two or three years he’s been a brilliant player for England.”

The post Jamie Carragher claims Newcastle have a player better than Ben White appeared first on CaughtOffside.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/28/newcastle-kieran-trippier-ben-white/
Doing this for your school at Twickenham #EnglandRugby #rugby @ContinentalTyresTV

Doing this for your school at Twickenham #EnglandRugby #rugby @ContinentalTyresTV

29/03/2024, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 31703128


Heavyweights Face-off in Semi-final Epic | France v Ireland | LA HSBC SVNS - Full Match

Heavyweights Face-off in Semi-final Epic | France v Ireland | LA HSBC SVNS - Full Match

29/03/2024, England, Rugby, IRB Rugby World Cup 2015, Article # 31703130


24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends

24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends

29/03/2024, England, Multi Sports, English Sports Publications, Article # 31703189

West Ham are in the market for a playmaker this summer and one of their targets, Nicolo Zaniolo, has confirmed he will leave Aston Villa at the end of the season. 

The Italian joined Unai Emery’s side last summer on loan from Galatasaray but the Spanish coach has no interest in making the 24-year-old’s deal permanent. The midfielder has struggled to establish himself at the Birmingham outfit and will return to Turkey at the end of the season with the view of moving on again.

Zaniolo has all but confirmed this when speaking to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport. The 24-year-old said: “I’m focused on Aston Villa, then Galatasaray will decide my future.

“I miss Italy, of course… but my agent will inform me in case of concrete proposals.”

Nicolo Zaniolo is set to leave Aston Villa
Nicolo Zaniolo is set to leave Aston Villa

Could West Ham sign Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo this summer?

West Ham are in the market for a playmaker this summer and the Hammers have previously been linked to Zaniolo. Their need may double should they fail to hold onto Lucas Paqueta as Man City could return for the Brazil star at the end of the season.

Fans of the London club will see this as a big downgrade and it is, but the Italian would be a cheap replacement and it might allow West Ham to bring in two new playmakers.

A lot needs to happen before this scenario plays out but it is something that could happen to the Hammers this summer.

The post 24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends appeared first on CaughtOffside.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/28/nicolo-zaniolo-aston-villa/
24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends

24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends

29/03/2024, England, Soccer, English Premier League Soccer, Article # 31703193

West Ham are in the market for a playmaker this summer and one of their targets, Nicolo Zaniolo, has confirmed he will leave Aston Villa at the end of the season. 

The Italian joined Unai Emery’s side last summer on loan from Galatasaray but the Spanish coach has no interest in making the 24-year-old’s deal permanent. The midfielder has struggled to establish himself at the Birmingham outfit and will return to Turkey at the end of the season with the view of moving on again.

Zaniolo has all but confirmed this when speaking to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport. The 24-year-old said: “I’m focused on Aston Villa, then Galatasaray will decide my future.

“I miss Italy, of course… but my agent will inform me in case of concrete proposals.”

Nicolo Zaniolo is set to leave Aston Villa
Nicolo Zaniolo is set to leave Aston Villa

Could West Ham sign Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo this summer?

West Ham are in the market for a playmaker this summer and the Hammers have previously been linked to Zaniolo. Their need may double should they fail to hold onto Lucas Paqueta as Man City could return for the Brazil star at the end of the season.

Fans of the London club will see this as a big downgrade and it is, but the Italian would be a cheap replacement and it might allow West Ham to bring in two new playmakers.

A lot needs to happen before this scenario plays out but it is something that could happen to the Hammers this summer.

The post 24-year-old confirms he will leave Aston Villa when season ends appeared first on CaughtOffside.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/28/nicolo-zaniolo-aston-villa/
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