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29-year-old prices himself out of Man United move with €25m demands

West Ham co-chair Karren Brady appears to take swipe at Newcastle owners

317-time Man Utd player left without club as talks collapse over contract demands

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32-time international nearing Aston Villa exit as transfer deadline looms

CJ — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 17:20:12 +0000

Leander Dendoncker could leave Aston Villa ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Dendoncker joined Villa from Wolves in the summer of 2022 but has struggled to establish himself as a regular, playing 36 games for the club across all competitions over the last two campaigns combined.

After featuring just eight times in the Premier League in the first half of last season, Dendoncker secured a loan move to Napoli at the end of the January transfer window but once again struggled, playing just 21 minutes in Serie A across three appearances.

Leander Dendoncker of Aston Villa during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Walsall and Aston Villa at Poundland Bescot Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Walsall, England.

Anderlecht lining up bid for Aston Villa’s Dendoncker

Dendoncker’s position at Aston Villa has become even more difficult following the summer arrivals of the likes of Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley.

The 32-time Belgium international still has two years to run on his contract — which according to Capology earns him £90,000 per week — but is unlikely to force himself into Unai Emery’s plans any time soon.

According to The Mirror, Dendoncker’s former club, Anderlecht, are lining up a loan move for the midfielder — who can also play centre-back — ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window.

While the transfer window in Europe’s ‘big five leagues’ and the rest of the United Kingdom closes on Friday, Belgium’s window remains open until September 6th.

That means that as long as Emery is happy to sanction the deal, there is no immediate rush for Villa and Anderlecht to get the deal done.

Another of Dendoncker’s former clubs, Wolves, have also been linked with a move for the 29-year-old, although they would have to move much faster than Anderlecht.

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Transfer news: Osimhen Chelsea still ON, crazy Liverpool saga, risky Man United sale & more

Fabrizio Romano — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:35:00 +0000

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

Chelsea still in the race for Victor Osimhen

There have been many reports on the Victor Osimhen story in the last 24-48 hours, but some of these are, from what I’m hearing, not 100% accurate, so I wanted to clear that up here.

First of all, if you’ve been following me on here, you’ll know I always said Osimhen was going to be something for the final days of the window. The only club that had the chance to change this was Paris Saint-Germain back in July – they had an agreement with Osimhen back then, but then everything collapsed.

Then, in August, Napoli and Chelsea started to talk about Osimhen, as well as Romelu Lukaku and these kind of things. I always said that Osimhen would not go on loan – it would have to be a permanent transfer or a loan with obligation. So, now we’re at the final days, what’s going on?

Al Ahli have a delegation in Italy to meet with Napoli and the agent of Osimhen. Meanwhile, Chelsea are still talking with Osimhen and his agent – they are still in a negotiation for Osimhen, as of late last night.

Al Ahli have presented a very important proposal to Osimhen, worth €25-30m per season for the next four years. It’s not true that the player doesn’t want to go to Saudi. He’s never said no to Saudi, he’s never rejected them, despite the statement from his agent. Al Ahli never gave up on this deal, they are still there.

The most important thing for Osimhen, however, is a release clause. He always wanted a release clause with Al Ahli and they have accepted this. They have basically given Osimhen everything he wants – everything is on the table for Osimhen to go to Saudi, and talks are also taking place with Napoli.

But it’s important to say that Chelsea are still not giving up on this deal. Osimhen is still talking to Chelsea and waiting to see if they can reach an agreement – he is giving them a chance, and forget any stories about deadlines, it’s the final two days of the window so it’s obvious that there is not much time to get this done and the next 24 hours will be important, but there is no deadline being set by Osimhen.

Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

So, now it’s important to see if Chelsea can make it happen on the salary point of view and the transfer fee point of view. They have a chance because Al Ahli have made Osimhen exactly the proposal he wants, but he’s still waiting, and it’s on Chelsea to reach an agreement, or he’ll be ready to go to Saudi. It’s not easy for Chelsea to compete with the kind of money the Saudis can offer, but they are really making an effort.

Jhon Duran also remains super appreciated by Enzo Maresca and people at Chelsea, but it looks really complicated now because Aston Villa would need to sign a replacement and there’s not much time left. Ivan Toney could be an opportunity for the final hours, because if Chelsea or other clubs who are interested in a striker find that other strikers are not available, then Toney is there. But as of last night, Chelsea are still trying to find a way for Osimhen.

One in, one out in midfield for Manchester United, plus truth about those Ben Chilwell links

Scott McTominay will be in Napoli today, ready for his medical tests and contract signing. Manchester United will receive €30.5m and a 10% sell-on clause – it’s 100% confirmed. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte is coming in at Man United and has been in Manchester already for the formal steps.

Rio Ferdinand has spoken out to warn United about selling McTominay and I can see what he means, even if it’s not an easy situation. The player wanted to play regularly, Napoli can offer that. But I agree with Rio when he says that Scott is probably an underrated, important player and I really rate him. It’s a fantastic signing for Napoli; but for United it was the only way to get the green light on the Ugarte deal.

I also wanted to clarify some further Man United transfer rumours about Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell. We’ve heard this story a few times, but my understanding is that there are no talks, no negotiations have taken place. United are not looking to sign Chilwell, it’s not happening.

Stefan Bajcetic saga and the truth about Darwin Nunez transfer speculation

I wanted to clarify the situation with Stefan Bajcetic as it’s been an important few hours at Liverpool. Firstly, everything was agreed for Bajcetic to move on loan to Red Bull Salzburg, but then Barcelona called and presented Liverpool with a proposal for a loan. It was a €4m loan fee, with no buy option or obligation, and Barca also called the player to try to persuade him.

So, what happened? While Barcelona tried to make this deal happen, they also had big issues with Financial Fair Play, so it was an issue for them to get the green light from La Liga. They spent all day trying to find a way with La Liga, but as of now, still nothing has been approved, so the expectation of the agents of the player, and of Salzburg and of Liverpool and all parties involved, is for Bajcetic to travel tomorrow to Salzburg and complete his move there.

Pep Lijnders, the Salzburg manager and former assistant of Jurgen Klopp, has been calling Bajcetic all day long – he’s been fighting to get the player and to present the project to him in the best way possible. Salzburg are now confident of getting it done.

Staying with Liverpool, I also wanted to say something on Darwin Nunez after some surprise stories about Arsenal. I don’t know where this has come from, but I’ve had many questions about this and so I spoke to some of my sources, and I can honestly say there is nothing.

In general, it’s also not true that Nunez is pushing to leave Liverpool – it’s important to clarify that he is absolutely not planning to leave Liverpool, I can guarantee this. He is really focused on Liverpool and really happy with Arne Slot. Of course it will be an important season for him, but it’s never been a possibility for him to leave this summer and he never asked to go.

As reported yesterday, it’s ‘here we go’ for Federico Chiesa to Liverpool, and I also wanted to clarify that Barcelona never made any bid for the player. It was never anything concrete, and in the end Liverpool moved really fast, though they had also been thinking of Chiesa for a long time. Richard Hughes knows Italian football really well, and he knew Chiesa was a fantastic opportunity.

He’s a player who’s been unlucky with injuries, but I think it’s also important to say that he was unlucky to be at Juventus under a manager like Massimiliano Allegri, who was playing a style of football that was not a good fit for a player like Chiesa. If you look at how Liverpool play, it looks like a very good deal.

Arsenal continue to do well with player sales, but Jakub Kiwior is staying

Aaron Ramsdale to Southampton is a ‘here we go’. The goalkeeper will have his medical today as he’s set to join for a £25m package. And remember that Arsenal have been prepared to go for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia in order to replace Ramsdale.

He was in the list of Wolves and Bournemouth but they both didn’t want to invest £25m on a GK, Southampton yes and it was quite fast. I think it was a good summer for Arsenal especially on sales, Edu did an important job. It’s never easy to sell players.

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Meanwhile, Arsenal have told Jakub Kiwior and his agents two days ago that he has to stay as he’s going to be an important player for them this season. Kiwior was never desperate to leave – he rejected approaches from Premier League and he was only open to returning to Italy, but it was never close.

There have been plenty of stories about a possible Reiss Nelson exit as well, but it depends on proposals, and while I’m writing there is still nothing close on this one.

In other news…

Trevoh Chalobah – Chelsea are still trying to find a solution for Trevoh Chalobah, and his agents too. It’s an open story ahead of the final 48 hours. There’s no lack of suitors but Chelsea have been asking for a permanent move for £30m and it’s difficult for many clubs to invest this kind of money.

Matheus Nunes – Despite rumours, there is nothing concrete into this one as far as I’m aware. Manchester City have not received any bid for Matheus Nunes so far, and my information is that Atletico Madrid can only do a loan which is probably leading them to different candidates.

Rayan Cherki – There is no major update on Cherki now, the situation is open. He’s not interested in a move to Fulham despite some recent reports, and I would not be surprised if he ends up staying at Lyon. PSG were never back in the race in August, it was a fake story.

The post Transfer news: Osimhen Chelsea still ON, crazy Liverpool saga, risky Man United sale & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Aston Villa man set for Wolves move before transfer window shuts

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:21:23 +0000

Wolves are interested in signing Leander Dendoncker from Aston Villa before the end of the window according to reports.

Dendoncker joined Villa from Wolves in 2022, but has slipped out of favour under Unai Emery and spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A side Napoli.

The midfielder didn’t fair well at Napoli and only made three appearances for the Italians, but he could be offered a way out of Villa before Friday’s deadline.

Wolves interested in Dendoncker

Football insider report that Dendoncker’s former side Wolves are interested in resigning the 29-year-old and are hopeful of securing a loan deal.

The report adds there could be a potential stumbling block because another of Dendoncker’s former sides Anderlecht are also keen on signing the midfielder.

The midfielder made 159 appearances for Wolves during his time at Molineux, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists, whilst he’s also played 171 times for Anderlecht, finding the back of the net 11 times.

Dendoncker could leave Villa before the end of the window.

Dendoncker’s time at Villa hasn’t gone to plan and it’s clear he’s surplus to requirements under Emery, and it’s unlikely he’s going to add to the 36 appearances he’s made for the club.

With Friday’s deadline drawing closer Villa face a race against the clock if they are to offload Dendoncker, and it’s believed the club could also be working on one or two incomings.

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Villa hold a strong interest in Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, but according to some reports they need to raise money in order to fund a move for the Dutchman, who is thought to be valued at around £30m.

It’s been a busy summer for Villa and despite losing Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby they invested heavily on the likes of Ian Maatsen and Amadou Onana, whilst they have also resigned talented youngster Jaden Philogene as they prepare for Champions League football this season.

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Carabao Cup R3 draw: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool & Spurs enter

CJ — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 21:52:05 +0000

The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup has been made, with the Premier League big guns finally entering the competition.

The seven teams playing in European competition — Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Aston Villa and holders Liverpool — will now join the rest of the pack.

Liverpool’s clash with West Ham United at Anfield is one of the standout ties of the round, with the likes of Man Utd and Arsenal drawing lower-league opposition in Barnsley and Bolton, respectively.

Read on for the full Carabao Cup round three draw, with all ties to be played the weeks commencing September 16th and 23rd.

Carabao Cup Round Three draw

Liverpool vs West Ham

Manchester City vs Watford

Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United vs Barnsley

Wycombe Wanderers vs Aston Villa

Coventry City vs Tottenham Hotspur

Walsall vs Leicester City

Brentford vs Leyton Orient

Blackpool vs Sheffield Wednesday

Preston North End vs Fulham

Everton vs Southampton

QPR vs Crystal Palace

Stoke City vs Fleetwood

Brighton vs Wolves

AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle United

Chelsea vs Barrow

The post Carabao Cup R3 draw: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool & Spurs enter appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Future of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale in doubt as Premier League club pull out of deal

Darren Looney — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:23:16 +0000

The future of Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale remains up in the air as Wolverhampton Wanderers have pulled out of talks for the England international.

The Gunners are open to allowing the goalkeeper to leave during the current transfer window after the 26-year-old lost his place as Arsenal’s number one last season to David Raya. The Spaniard completed a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, which means that Ramsdale is destined for another campaign on the bench.

Knowing this, the Englishman has been seeking a move away from Arsenal and it looked like a transfer to Wolves could be on before Deadline Day.

Last week the Premier League club made a loan offer with an option to buy worth around £20m to Arsenal for their goalkeeper and remained in talks with the North London outfit over the weekend. However, the two English top-flight teams could not reach an agreement.

According to the BBC, a deal for Ramsdale is too expensive for Wolves and is considered over by the Midlands clubs. A move to Molineux is unlikely to be resurrected, which leaves Ramsdale in a difficult position with just days remaining in the transfer window.

Wolves will not be signing Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale

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Big week ahead for Aaron Ramsdale’s career

Ramsdale needs to secure a move away from Arsenal before the transfer window shuts as another season on the bench could be detrimental to his career.

Football forgets easily and the 26-year-old needs to be showcasing his talent in the Premier League or another major European league regularly, especially if he wants to continue representing England.

It remains to be seen if the Englishman leaves the North London club this week as not many clubs have made official moves for the goalkeeper. Arsenal will not want to lose Ramsdale cheaply either, which is likely to make the goalkeeper’s exit from the Emirates Stadium a lot harder.

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Chelsea hat-trick hero Noni Madueke addresses controversial Wolverhampton social media post

CJ — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 16:47:00 +0000

Noni Madueke has apologised for his controversial social media post about the city of Wolverhampton after scoring a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 win at Wolves on Sunday.

The winger put himself firmly in the crosshairs of Wolves supporters after a post on his Instagram story that read: “Everything about his place is s***,” in reference to the city of Wolverhampton.

Madueke quickly followed up with another story that read: “Damn wrong Instagram account… You lot are fast.”

It was hardly surprising, then, when Madueke was vociferously jeered when his name was read out and every time he touched the ball.

However, the extra attention from the Molineux crowd only seemed to spur the 22-year-old on as he netted a hat-trick to help Chelsea return south with a 6-2 victory and all three points.

Enzo Maresca critical of Noni Madueke despite hat-trick in Chelsea win – “We can avoid that”

Madueke addresses social media post

Madueke was, of course, asked about his Instagram post after Sunday’s match, with the former PSV forward very apologetic.

“I just want to say I am sorry,” Madueke told BBC Match of the Day, adding: I didn’t mean to offend anybody from Wolverhampton or anyone in general.

“It was a mistake and you learn from those things. Hopefully, nothing like that happens again.”

Up next for Chelsea is a trip to Swiss side Servette in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier — in which they lead 2-0 — before hosting Crystal Palace for a London derby in the Premier League on Sunday.

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Video: Wolves catch Chelsea sleeping to level the game 2-2

Sean Walker — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 14:05:03 +0000

Wolves have yet again come from behind and exploited a lacklustre Chelsea defence to equal the scoring just before the break.

In yet another exciting Premier League clash between these two sides, Enzo Maresca is trying his best to get his side’s first points onto the table but Wolves are not making it easy for him

Just moments after Cole Palmer silenced Molineux with a deft finish over Jose Sa into the back of the net, the home side has equalised just before the break.

Matheus Cunha’s floated free-kick was headed back across the box where the outstretched foot of Jorgen Strand Larsen prodded the ball into the back of the net.

GOAL | Wolves 2-2 Chelsea | Strand Larsen

STRAND LARSEN HAS EQUALIZED!pic.twitter.com/R7mx5ssVSD

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) August 25, 2024

Video courtesy of +Foot Direct

The Italian’s side is in for another tough half after the break with Gary O’Neils men more then up for the challenge.

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Cole Palmer finishes off amazing Chelsea move with sublime chip

Andrew Walker — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 13:55:05 +0000

Chelsea thought they had regained their first-half lead against Wolves.

Sunday afternoon’s Premier League game at Molineux has been one of the most frantic 45 minutes of actions fans will see all season.

End-to-end football from both sides have already produced three goals; two of them coming in the away team’s favour.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring after just two minutes but the Chelsea forward’s effort was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha.

Cole Palmer scores wonder goal against Wolves

However, firing his side back into the lead, star man Cole Palmer produced a moment of pure excellence.

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The England international latched onto Jackson’s pass following a superb pass from Robert Sanchez and sent the ball perfectly over the head of opposition goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Check out the 22-year-old’s amazing strike below.

Cole Palmer… he is him. pic.twitter.com/2ZZuhH3s26

— ??? ???’? ???? ???? (@TenHagBall_) August 25, 2024

Pictures from +Foot Direct.

Wolves signing Jorgen Strand Larsen responded almost instantly. The Norwegian scored just minutes before the half-time break to level proceedings for a second time.

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Video: Wolves dismantle Chelsea before Matheus Cunha slots home

Sean Walker — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 13:42:45 +0000

Matheus Cunha has drawn his side back level after an excellent run from deep from Rayan Ait-Nouri put the ball on a plate for the Brazilian.

Chelsea’s clash with the Wolves burst into life after the Blues took an early lead thanks to a back post header from striker Nicolas Jackson.

Since then it has been end to end with both sides leaving spaces in their backline in order to flood men forward.

With Molineux cheering on their players, Wolves got their reward for their relentless press when Ait-Nouri won the ball back into the middle of the pitch before powering his way towards the penalty area.

The full-back managed to pick out Cunha with an outside-of-the-boot pass before the Brazilian dispatched beyond a helpless Roberto Sanchez.

| GOAL: CUNHA EQUALISES!!!

Wolves 1-1 Chelsea

pic.twitter.com/4NrXLLEYir

— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) August 25, 2024

Video courtesy of Foot Direct.

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