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Tottenham have placed an £80m price tag on star defender Pedro Porro as the North London club try to fend off interest from Man City and Real Madrid in the Spanish star.
The right-back has been a big hit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since joining Spurs in 2023 from Sporting CP due to his attacking style of play.
Porro has become a crucial part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans at the Premier League giants but his performances have attracted interest from other big European clubs.
Tottenham News reported earlier this year that Man City are monitoring Porro’s development at Spurs and are interested in bringing the 25-year-old back to Manchester having played for the Premier League champions between 2019-2022.
City view Porro as an option to replace Kyle Walker long term – who will turn 35 next year.
The Manchester outfit could have major competition for the Spanish star next summer as The Athletic have reported that Porro is on Real Madrid’s list of targets ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. should the La Liga champions fail to lure Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu.
This interest in the Tottenham defender will worry the North London club and in order to fend off the European giants, Spurs have placed a huge price tag on their right-back.
Tottenham place huge price tag on Pedro Porro amid interest
According to Football Insider, Tottenham value Porro around the £80m mark as the Spanish star has a contract with the Premier League outfit until 2028.
Amid all the interest in the Spain international, the London outfit are under no pressure to sell and are aware that it will be hard to find a replacement for the 25-year-old should they allow him to move to City or Real Madrid.
None of the interested parties will pay Tottenham’s asking price and as a result, fans of Spurs can expect Porro to be at the club next season.
The post £80m price tag placed on Tottenham star to scare off Man City and Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/tottenham-pedro-porro-man-city/
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Benfica’s youthful defensive duo Antonio Silva and Tomas Araujo as targets to strengthen their back four.
The Blues could do with bringing in new defensive players as Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi have proven slightly disappointing, with Simon Phillips reporting that both their futures are in doubt as Silva and Araujo are eyed up.
Araujo can also play right-back, which could be another useful thing for Chelsea to factor in as they have had so many issues in that position due to the injury nightmare sustained by Reece James for the last couple of years.
Chelsea might face competition for Silva, however, with the report noting that Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the talented 20-year-old.
Antonio Silva transfer: Could Chelsea bring in the Benfica youngster?
Silva looks a particularly exciting young talent and it perhaps seems inevitable that we’ll see him at one of the Premier League’s big clubs at some point.
The Portugal international might well be tempted by the CFC youth project as it should mean plenty of playing opportunities and a chance to develop and grow as part of a long-term plan.
However, it still remains to be seen if this Chelsea ownership will make their philosophy work, as we’re yet to really see a return on their considerable investment in the squad, while a frequent change of managers surely hasn’t helped move the project along smoothly.
Liverpool might therefore be more tempting, with the Reds rising as a real force under Jurgen Klopp and continuing strongly under Arne Slot this season.
There would also be a clear role for Silva at Anfield, where Virgil van Dijk is nearing the end of his contract and not getting any younger, meaning there will surely soon be some need for a long-term successor.
Man United, meanwhile, have already invested a lot in signings like Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro under Erik ten Hag, so it remains to be seen if they’ll be back in for yet another big-name central defender so soon, even if there could be some need to replace backup players like Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who surely don’t have long-term futures at Old Trafford.
The post Chelsea eye youthful duo, including Liverpool & Man United transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/antonio-silva-transfer-chelsea/
Chelsea are reportedly exploring an ambitious potential transfer move for Ruben Dias amid some feeling that players are becoming a bit unsettled at Manchester City, according to Simon Phillips via Substack.
Dias has been a crucial player for Man City for the last few years and it’s hard to imagine many at the club would want to let the Portugal international go, but it seems that there is some unease setting in at the Etihad Stadium at the moment.
Even though Pep Guardiola’s side remain in superb form on the pitch, there are off-the-field issues that are bound to be a bit of a distraction, such as the ongoing investigation into the 115 charges being made against the club, while long-serving sporting director Txiki Begiristain is leaving at the end of the season, and even Guardiola’s future looks slightly uncertain as he nears the end of his contract.
Could this lead to a big name like Dias looking for a way out? Although it’s at a very early stage, Phillips claims there is genuine interest from Chelsea, even if he accepts it’s an ambitious move to try to pull off.
The 27-year-old is one of a number of names being explored by the Blues in central defence, so it might be that they’ll end up going for someone more realistic, rather than one of the most important players from a major rival.
Ruben Dias transfer: Could he leave City for Chelsea?
Still, the Chelsea project is an exciting one and Dias could come in as one of the more experienced names in this otherwise youthful squad.
CFC certainly need an experienced leader at the back like that after the summer departure of Thiago Silva, so this would be a superb deal if they could pull it off.
Dias has won four Premier League titles during his time at City and if he could bring that kind of winning know-how to Chelsea, then it could be a real boost for the west Londoners as they look to get back to being serious contenders for the biggest trophies again.
The post Chelsea exploring ambitious transfer raid on Man City as a few players become unsettled appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/ruben-dias-transfer-chelsea/
Bologna defender Sam Beukema has revealed that he’d like to play in the Premier League one day, naming both Liverpool and West Ham United as two potentially tempting destinations.
The 25-year-old has shone since joining Bologna AZ Alkmaar, and he’s really making a name for himself with some strong performances in Serie A.
Bologna are also in the Champions League this season, giving Beukema another chance to impress, and he’s spoken about his big ambitions ahead of tonight’s big game away to Aston Villa.
It seems the Dutchman is a big fan of both Liverpool and West Ham, admitting that he’s long been a Hammers supporter, whilst also describing the Reds as a “great club” that he’d relish the chance to join.
Sam Beukema opens up on Liverpool and West Ham transfer dreams
“I also have ambitions and hope one day to be able to play maybe in the Premier League or another big club,” Beukema told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as cited and translated by Sport Witness.
“I was a fan of West Ham. I once visited Upton Park with my father and I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was similar to that of Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles.
“But there are so many fantastic teams in England, so if another great club like Liverpool came along I would be happy to go there one day.”
It remains to be seen, of course, if the interest is mutual, though LFC could probably do well to think about signing a new centre-back soon as Virgil van Dijk is in the final year of his contract at Anfield.
The experienced Netherlands international is not getting any younger, so it could soon be time to think about bringing in a long-term replacement for him, with Beukema perhaps a name worth watching out for.
The post In-form defender reveals he would be “happy” to seal transfer to “great club” Liverpool appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/liverpool-transfer-news-sam-beukema/
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs showing an interest in the potential transfer of exciting young English winger Jamie Gittens as he continues to impress at Borussia Dortmund.
According to Bild, the Blues are alongside Tottenham in eyeing up Gittens, who could cost as much as €100million after his superb breakthrough this season.
The 20-year-old has four goals and three assists in ten games so far this season, showing that he could undoubtedly have a big future in the game, and be a perfect fit for Chelsea’s recruitment model.
The west London giants have done well to bring in some of the best young talent from around the world in recent times, even if the policy as a whole has not quite yet had the impact on the pitch that many fans will have hoped.
Still, Gittens is a promising young player who could also make an impact straight away, so could be perfect to inject some quality into Enzo Maresca’s front three.
Jamie Gittens transfer: Can Chelsea lure the Dortmund star back to England?
One imagines Gittens might be tempted to play in England again after previously having spells in Chelsea’s academy, and other clubs such as Manchester City and Reading.
The England Under-21 international has really launched his career with Dortmund, but we’ve seen in the past that the Bundesliga outfit will cash in on their star names if the right offers come in.
We saw this with other talented young English players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who made big-money moves to Manchester United and Real Madrid, respectively.
Gittens looks like he could be the next to make a similar move, and Chelsea are a club who can surely tempt him with their project as they have shown they’re willing to give playing time to young talents.
Still, other top clubs will also surely join the race for Gittens’ signature if he carries on performing at this high level.
The post Chelsea join race for potential €100m transfer of England sensation appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/jamie-gittens-transfer-chelsea/
Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League by a whisker last season, and Daniel Farke has suggested Patrick Bamford’s omission was one cause.
The striker, who is apparently growing frustrated with his lack of minutes, is considering leaving the club where he has spent the past six years.
That would be a disaster for the all whites, especially when you consider that he can still conjure up goal of the season contenders.
Daniel Farke pays Patrick Bamford huge compliment
The current Championship season is barely underway and Leeds are up there challenging, so in many respects Farke can’t be blamed for sticking with a winning team.
That is what Leeds were for large parts of the 2023/24 season, and it’s arguably no exaggeration to say that the injury to Bamford towards the back end of that campaign coincided with a run of form that saw Leeds pipped at the post to automatic promotion, and then beaten in the Play-Off final by Southampton.
“Patrick has been struggling in the last months with injuries and this is what we have to rebuild,” Farke said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Leeds’ Tuesday night match against Watford.
“But no-one has to be concerned about his mental position, he is an unbelievably smart guy, an experienced guy.
“From the first day I walked in, I haven’t hid my appreciation of him. He’s a top class player.
“I’m 100% sure with a fully fit Patrick Bamford, we would be in the Premier League because we missed him in the run-in. It’s no coincidence including point average when he started.”
Although the 31-year-old won’t be happy until he’s back on the pitch, surely the thought of helping to lead the club to the promised land – at whatever point he gets his opportunity – will stop thoughts of walking out on the club.
The post Farke claimed Leeds would’ve got promoted if 31-year-old wasn’t injured in 2023/24 appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/farke-leeds-bamford-promotion/
After Mo Kudus’ incredible loss of control against Tottenham, one journalist has suggested it will get Julen Lopetegui the sack by West Ham.
The Ghanaian’s sending off means that he will now miss the next three games for the Hammers, two of which are against teams in Everton and Man United that are there for the taking.
There have already been reports given a breakdown on how many games Lopetegui has to save his position at the London Stadium.
Kudus’ sending off might have repercussions for Lopetegui
His players certainly appear to be surprised by some of his decisions, and this might go some way to explaining Kudus’ frustration against Spurs.
Writing for iSport, Kat Lucas certainly didn’t hold back.
“There is no point sugar-coating it – with his ludicrous behaviour right at the death, Mohammed Kudus may as well have marched Julen Lopetegui to the job centre,” she wrote.
“[…] Lopetegui’s advocates will point to this being a transitional phase post-Moyes, but it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when just about everything that could go wrong did.”
It’s difficult to disagree, as things seem to be going from bad to worse for the Spaniard. Indeed, a season that promised so much has already disintegrated before our eyes.
At present, the Hammers find themselves in 15th position with only two wins from eight games.
Their confidence appears shot to pieces, and if the East Londoners aren’t able to get any more points on the board in the next couple of weeks, it could see Lopetegui relieved of his duties.
That would at least give any new man in charge the chance to tweak certain areas ahead of what could be another busy transfer window for the club.
Lopetegui still does have time to turn things around, however, but he’ll need to do so immediately.
The post Journalist claims West Ham player could soon get Lopetegui sacked appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/west-ham-kudus-lopetegui-sacked/
Man United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe have taken a different and more positive direction – at least off the field – but he most allay supporter fears over supposed ‘world class’ plans for the club.
It can’t be forgotten that the fans have become used to abject failure for large parts of the last 11 years.
A rumoured documentary at this stage would therefore be a huge embarrassment for the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe must address fan fears over ‘new’ Old Trafford
The Sir Alex Ferguson era hangs like a millstone around the neck over every manager that’s come after him.
Apparently the decision makers at the club are annoyed by Erik ten Hag’s tactics too.
In any event, sooner or later the club need to puff their chests out and stride forward to reclaim their rightful place alongside the cream of Europe’s elite clubs.
It’s the board that will need to take the lead in this regard, and to that end, Manchester Evening News are reporting a potential leaning towards a new purpose built stadium to replace Old Trafford.
“Work is well under way on the £50million upgrade to the main building at Carrington and consultations are continuing on the various options for the future of Old Trafford,” COO, Collette Roche, was quoted as saying.
“That might turn out to be a new build or redevelopment, but in either scenario, we want to ensure that Manchester United fans can enjoy watching their team play in a world-class stadium at the heart of a vibrant, regenerated community.”
That would almost certainly be enough to excite even the most down in the dumps United fan, however, it appears that not everyone’s happy about it.
A separate Manchester Evening News reports on fears that season ticket prices will have to increase in order to help pay for the cost of the stadium.
The outlet use Tottenham’s move into their brilliant new home as an example, because it has hit supporters in the pocket.
The post Man United fans that are used to failure now expressing fears over club’s ‘world class’ plans appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/man-united-old-trafford-sir-jim-ratcliffe/
West Ham United reportedly have former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic on their list of candidates in case they decide to part ways with the struggling Julen Lopetegui, though the German tactician is also reported to be admired by Manchester United amid uncertainty over Erik ten Hag.
The latest on Terzic’s future is that West Ham are eyeing him up, as he remains available since leaving Dortmund at the end of last season, when his side lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid following a surprising and impressive run in the competition.
One imagines Terzic will have plenty of opportunities to work at a high level again, and now Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says that West Ham are alongside AC Milan as potential suitors…
??? Former BVB coach Edin #Terzic is a candidate in case West Ham United decide to replace manager Julen Lopetegui ??
The 41y/o has a good reputation at #WHUFC, where he worked from 2015-2017 as assistant coach under Slaven Bilic.
Terzic is open to a new challenge and has also… pic.twitter.com/PrWGrpwWqO
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 22, 2024
Terzic has also recently been linked with the Man United job in a report by the Sun, though for now there still hasn’t really been any sign of Erik ten Hag being close to being sacked by the Red Devils.
Could Man United miss out on Erik ten Hag replacement?
Ten Hag may have got United back to winning ways against Brentford at the weekend, but in general the team’s form has been really poor at the start of this season and the Dutch tactician surely won’t be afforded too many more slip-ups.
Terzic could then be an ideal candidate to come in and give the club something different, with the 41-year-old clearly one of the brightest young coaches in the game.
West Ham might struggle to convince Terzic to join if United are also an option, as it would surely be tempting to take on the challenge of bringing the glory years back to Old Trafford.
Still, change will surely be needed at West Ham soon as Lopetegui has made an awful start at the London Stadium since replacing David Moyes in the summer.
The post West Ham could rival Manchester United for one of their candidates to replace Erik ten Hag appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/edin-terzic-erik-ten-hag-blow-for-man-united/
Liverpool would reportedly be the favoured destination for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is also still on the radar of Newcastle United.
Guehi has shone at Selhurst Park and also performed well for England at Euro 2024 in the summer, so it makes sense that he’s now being linked with bigger clubs, especially as Palace’s form has gone downhill recently.
According to Football Insider, Guehi has told friends that his preferred next club would be Liverpool if he ends up leaving Selhurst Park, which could be good news for the Reds.
The 24-year-old looks like an ideal long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, with the Netherlands international edging towards the end of his contract.
Marc Guehi to replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool?
It may still be that Van Dijk will sign a new deal, but even if he stays at Liverpool, they surely need to look ahead to the future anyway.
Guehi is surely good enough to come in and perhaps partner Van Dijk initially before then replacing him in the longer term, though it remains to be seen if LFC will make him one of their priorities.
Even if Guehi is keen to join Liverpool, one imagines the Merseyside giants will also have other names they’re considering at the back.
Sources recently told CaughtOffside that Loic Bade and Goncalo Inacio are two names to watch out for in that position, but there could also be an advantage to pursuing Guehi due to the fact that he’s proven in the Premier League.
At the same time, however, the England international would also probably be more expensive for precisely those reasons, while Palace will also surely be desperate to avoid losing such an important player to a rival.
Palace have suffered since selling Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer, so they could really do without another saga like this after such a poor start to the new season.
The post Liverpool now hold key advantage over Newcastle in race for centre-back transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/10/22/marc-guehi-transfer-liverpool/
