Although Chelsea are seven places ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table just three points separate them, and both clubs will rival the other for the signature of a talented Premier League centre-back.

CaughtOffside sources have indicated that despite Bournemouth having only recently tied down Ilya Zabarnyi to a deal which keeps him with the Cherries until 2029, they will listen to clubs willing to offer around £50m for the Ukrainian.

Tottenham and Chelsea want Zabarnyi

Sources indicate that the North Londoners have been tracking the player for a while and are eager to add him to their squad.

Ange Postecoglou certainly has the Lilywhites playing some of their best football in many a year, however, the same could be said of Enzo Maresca’s impact at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian is also thought to be a huge fan of the defender’s playing capabilities and would make room for him in an ever-expanding Chelsea squad.

Of course, Bournemouth’s financial demands are factors that could complicate the transfer process, notwithstanding that sources further advance that both Tottenham and Chelsea are apparently willing to meet those requirements.

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Chelsea are already looking at beating Arsenal to one of their prime targets, whilst Tottenham could agree a pre-contract with a former Man United ace.

Zabarnyi has played in all 11 of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this season (transfermarkt), and his excellence in defence has see the South Coast side beat reigning champions Man City amongst others.

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Andoni Iraola and his board clearly see the player as someone that should be staying at the club for the longer term, but are not in a position to keep him if any of their opponents come up with an offer that they can’t refuse.

From the player’s point of view, sources understand that he would be willing to make the move to the capital but is equally content at the Vitality Stadium, should any of the rumours come to nothing.

The post Exclusive: Tottenham and Chelsea to battle it out for £50m-rated Premier League centre-back appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo. 

The 23-year-old winger has attracted the attention of the top European clubs with his performances for the La Liga club, and it will be interesting to see if the likes of Liverpool at Tottenham can lure him away from Spain.

As per Fichajes, the winger has a €60 million release clause in his contract, and it will be interesting to see if the English clubs are willing to pay up. Real Sociedad are unlikely to let him leave for cheap. He is a key player for them, and he has a contract with the club until the summer of 2029.

Liverpool could certainly use a young winger like him, especially if Mohamed Salah decides to move on. Kubo operates in a similar role to that of the Egyptian international. He has attributes to develop into a top quality player in future and he could be an asset for Liverpool in the long term.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could look to add more depth to their attacking unit. The 23-year-old will certainly add unpredictability to their attack. He has shown his quality in Spanish football, and there is no doubt that he has the technical attributes to make a big difference in the Premier League as well.

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Kubo might fancy Premier League switch

The opportunity to play in England could be quite attractive for the Japanese international and it remains to be seen where he ends up. Both clubs will be attractive destinations for him. They could provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies in the coming seasons.

Liverpool and Tottenham need to improve their squads if they want to fight for major trophies consistently and signings like Kubo will certainly help them progress.

The post Liverpool joined by Tottenham in the race to sign €60 million-rated attacker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes next summer. 

With his current contract expiring in the summer, the player will be free to speak to other clubs in January ahead of a potential free transfer in the summer.

Spurs insider John Wenham has now backed the club to sign a pre-contract with the player as his current contract with Lille comes close to expiration.

Gomes is an exciting young talent who has been on the radar of several clubs recently. A product of Manchester United academy, Gomes made his first-team debut at just 16 years old, displaying his flair and technical ability. However, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the senior side, and was eventually moved to Ligue 1 with Lille in 2020, where he was given a fresh platform to grow.

His performances in the 2022-23 season, showed his ability to play in a competitive league, further developing his game and earning a reputation as one of the brightest young players in Europe.

A versatile attacking midfielder, Gomes has the ability to operate in central or wide positions, adding dynamism to any team.

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John Wenham says Tottenham could agree a pre-contract with Angel Gomes

He has started to attract interest from several top clubs, including Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea. Tottenham insider, John Wenham has backed the club to sign a pre-contract with him despite interest from London rivals.

Speaking to Tottenham News, the club insider said:

“Gomes would count as homegrown, as he came through Manchester United’s academy.

“He would be available on a free transfer next summer. Therefore, Tottenham could agree a pre-contract with him in January.

“By signing him for free and agreeing a five-year contract with him, he would be worth £15million right away, simply based on the value attached to that contract.”

Tottenham have been said to be interested in signing another midfielder, despite having the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. And Gomes could turn out to be a decent signing for Ange’s side.

The post “Tottenham could agree a pre-contract” – Spurs insider makes exciting transfer claim appeared first on CaughtOffside.

England took a huge step toward Uefa Nations League promotion with a resounding 3-0 win away in Greece on Thursday.

Avenging their shock defeat at Wembley, the Three Lions put their hosts to the sword with goals from Ollie Watkins and debutant Curtis Jones, either side of an Odisseas Vlachodimos own goal forced by a Jude Bellingham shot that hit the post.

The result takes England top of the group, level on points with Greece but now boasting a better goal difference and head-to-head record.

Any sort of win against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday will return England to League A at the first time of asking.

For now, read on for full England player ratings from a huge win in Athens.

England player ratings vs Greece: Curtis Jones ‘outstanding’ on debut

Jordan Pickford – 9/10 – Made some vital saves to preserve the win and clean sheet, while reminding everyone how important he is for England.

Kyle Walker – 6/10 – A little negative with his play, going backwards when he’d taken up some great positions. Slotted in well enough at centre-back in the second half.

Ezri Konsa – 7/10 – A solid performance, completing 100% of his passes and winning both of his contested ground duels. Brought off at half-time, presumably with an injury.

Marc Guehi – 8/10 – Tidy with the ball and made a couple of important interceptions and tackles to keep the Greeks at bay.

Rico Lewis – 8/10 – Used the ball brilliantly and popped up in some dangerous positions. Perhaps should have got himself on the scoresheet in the second half but was denied by a good save.

Conor Gallagher – 8/10 – Got through plenty of defensive work and did his best to drive England forward once he turned the ball over.

Curtis Jones – 9/10 – Absolute class on the ball and alert to any Greek counter-attacks. Misplaced just three of 68 attempted passes. Capped off an outstanding England debut with a beautifully taken goal. ‘Outstanding’ according to former England and Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie.

Noni Madueke – 8/10 – Set up Watkins’ goal with a great run and cut-back and was a menace all game, creating a match-high three chances and having five touches in the opposition box.

Jude Bellingham – 9/10 – The Greeks couldn’t handle Bellingham once he got into full flow, powering through midfield with immense force. Hit the post twice, first with a header, then with a shot from the edge of the box which hit Vlachodimos and went in. Unlucky not to be credited with a goal but did the damage.

Anthony Gordon – 6/10 – A few dangerous flashes but was more subdued than Madueke.

Ollie Watkins – 8/10 – Took his goal well and provided England with a good focal point, even if he was a little isolated at times.

Substitutes:

Lewis Hall (46′, for Konsa) – 7/10 – A solid England debut from a youngster with the potential to be his nation’s left-back for years to come.

Harry Kane (67′, for Watkins) – 7/10 – Did a lot of work off the ball, including his run to create the space for Bellingham’s shot on the second goal.

Morgan Rogers (67′, for Gordon) – 7/10 – Won’t be credited with an assist on the second goal but it was his smart pass inside to Bellingham that set England away.

Jarrod Bown (67′, for Madueke) – 7/10 – Did well in the build-up for the third goal.

Morgan Gibbs-White (79′, for Gallagher) – 7/10 – Set up Jones as England finished the job.

The post Greece 0-3 England: Player ratings as ‘outstanding’ Liverpool star enjoys perfect debut appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah unlikely to sign a new deal at the club, Tottenham are one of those already in talks to bring him to the Premier League.

At just 28 years of age the German centre-back clearly has a lot to offer any club, and though he’s rated at €30m (transfermarkt), his contract runs out at the end of the current season, which means the North Londoners could effectively get him for free.

Tottenham in talks for Jonathan Tah

It’s clear that Spurs are looking to improve given their interest in a €65m ace, and adding Tah to their back line would shore up a defence that has looked shaky at times.

Perhaps ominously for the North Londoners, Man United have also been linked with a move for the centre-back, however, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and others already in situ, that could sway Tah’s mind when he makes his decision.

TBR Football note that Spurs have already been in talks for Tah, and if nothing else that will give the player some food for thought in terms of how badly does a club want him.

€45m Tottenham star happy to be linked to “the best clubs in the world” – Find out who here!

Knowing you’re wanted is obviously a pull for any player, and if Ange Postecoglou gets the chance to sit Tah down and explain to him his plans for the club, the player is bound to be assuaged.

It’s a given that Tottenham will need to be playing in the Champions League in order to help persuade Tah to move though.

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At present they’re down in 10th on 16 points, but they’re only three points behind London rivals Chelsea in third.

If the club can hold their own over the next few games and buy well in the January transfer window, then there’s every chance that they’ll get into the premier European competition for next season.

The post Tottenham in talks to sign €30m defender for absolutely nothing appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro has admitted to being happy with the rumours linking him to some of “the best clubs in the world” as uncertainty continues to grow around his future in North London.

The full-back arrived at Spurs in 2023 as part of €45m deal with Sporting CP and has grown to become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to his very attacking style of play.

The Spanish star has proven to be one of the most dangerous full-backs in Europe going forward and across the 67 appearances he has made for Tottenham, the 25-year-old has contributed eight goals and 12 assists.

Porro has a contract in North London until 2028 but that has not stopped the right-back from being linked with a move away next summer.

Real Madrid are in the market to strengthen the right side of their defence and following the long-term injury to Dani Carvajal, Porro is one of the names being linked to the La Liga champions – although Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold tops Los Blancos‘ list.

Man City are another interested in the 25-year-old as they look for a successor to Kyle Walker at the Etihad Stadium.

In a recent interview, Porro has acknowledged these rumours and his words don’t bode well for his future at Tottenham.

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Tottenham star Pedro Porro acknowledges exit rumours

Speaking in an interview with El Desmarque, Porro admitted to being aware of the rumours linking him away from Tottenham and essentially stated that he is happy to be associated with “the best clubs in the world.”

“My friends send me the rumours, it is a compliment… but I am focused on Spurs and the national team,” the defender said via Fabrizio Romano. “It is the result of a job well done if one of the best clubs in the world is taking notice of me.”

It is unlikely that Tottenham will allow one of their best players to leave next summer as the North London club continues to try and close the gap to the top of the Premier League and if they do, it will not come cheap for the Spaniard’s suitors.

The post €45m Tottenham star happy to be linked with “best clubs in the world” casting doubt over future appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs interested in a potential transfer deal for Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The 26-year-old only joined Chelsea from Leicester City in the summer, and initially looked like an exciting signing to follow Enzo Maresca from the King Power Stadium to Stamford Bridge.

However, it hasn’t worked out well for Dewsbury-Hall so far, and the Daily Briefing now reports that the Englishman could already be allowed to leave Chelsea.

Man Utd have also asked about ANOTHER Chelsea star…!

This has put the likes of Man Utd on alert ahead of January, and it would certainly be interesting to see if he could revive his career at Old Trafford.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall transfer: Could he be a surprise success story for Man United?

New United manager Ruben Amorim could perhaps do well to strengthen his midfield, with the ageing Christian Eriksen surely not likely to be a key player for the Red Devils for much longer.

Even if Dewsbury-Hall has been disappointing at Chelsea, it could be that he still has what it takes to make it at a top club after showing such impressive potential during his time at Leicester.

KDH was a real assist machine for Leicester in the Championship, but also previously showed his talent for them in the Premier League as well.

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Newcastle would also surely look at this as a player who could improve them in midfield, and if he’s available on loan then that would also likely be seen as a low-risk deal.

Some Chelsea fans may be disappointed, however, that Dewsbury-Hall hasn’t had more of a chance to show what he can do since joining the club in the summer.

Maresca has worked with him before, so the link-up looked like it made sense for everyone involved, but he might not want to wait around for too much longer to see if his situation can change.

The post Manchester United on alert for surprise Premier League midfielder transfer deal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham completed the impressive signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United during the summer but the youngster is already being tipped to return to the Championship outfit in January.

Coming off the back of a very impressive season at Elland Road, many clubs had an eye on the midfielder 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 Leeds, with the English talent set for a big future in North London.

Given his age and the competition for places within Ange Postecoglou’s side, Gray has not featured as much as he would like so far this term.

The 18-year-old has only made five Premier League appearances, totalling just 41 minutes of action. Overall, the youngster has played in 11 games, which should be enough to help him develop.

It was reported by GiveMeSport that Tottenham are expecting several loan offers to arrive for Gray during the January transfer window and pundit Carlton Palmer has encouraged Leeds to bring their academy graduate back to the club to help them push for a return to the Premier League throughout the remainder of the campaign.

It remains unclear if the North London outfit are open to letting Gray leave but if they are, it would be better to keep him in the Premier League as that is the level Spurs want him to reach.

Pundit tips Archie Gray to return to Leeds United

In light of the report relating to Gray’s future, pundit Carlton Palmer has encouraged Leeds to make a loan bid for the 18-year-old in January.

“Tottenham are bracing themselves for a host of clubs to test the waters in regard to taking Archie Gray on loan,” the pundit told Football League World. “There’s talk of Premier League clubs and Championship clubs who would be interested in taking him in on loan. Gray is still well thought of by Postecoglou. He sees the 18-year-old as a very shrewd bit of business, and one which will pay off in the long term.”

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Palmer continued by saying: “He’s highly rated, but his game time has been affected, he hasn’t had enough game time. He has only played 393 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season, so the question remains, will they let him go out on loan?

“If they do let him go, Leeds may have just missed out on his return with Premier League clubs interested. It would be a great bit of business if they could pull it off, but there will be lots of competition for the midfielder.

“I don’t think he’d want to go to the likes of Southampton, who are struggling, maybe Leicester City, who are just outside the drop.

“I think it would be a great fit for him to return to Leeds. He’s only 18, very versatile, as Leeds fans know, and he could play a major part from Christmas till the end of the season, by helping them get promoted back to the Premier League.”

Palmer could be on to something here as Gray could benefit massively from a return to Elland Road, however, having made the step up to the Premier League, would the youngster and Spurs want him to return to the Championship?

The post Pundit encourages £30m Tottenham star to return to former club in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham are reportedly the latest club to show an interest in the potential transfer of Villarreal winger Alex Baena, who also has other admirers in the Premier League.

CaughtOffside recently reported on Newcastle and Aston Villa both being keen on a potential deal for Baena, who would likely cost around €65million to prise away from Villarreal.

Now a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Tottenham are keen on the talented young Spaniard, and it seems there is the feeling that the player could be available if the money is right.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou could understandably be keen to get hold of a talent like Baena, who would surely play an important role in turning the north Londoners’ season around after an inconsistent start.

ANOTHER big name being linked with Aston Villa!

Should Alex Baena join Tottenham, Newcastle or Aston Villa?

Tottenham have not really progressed as Postecoglou will have hoped, with the team currently all the way down in 10th place in the Premier League table, with five wins, one draw and five defeats from their first eleven games.

THFC can surely do better than that, so January could be a good time to improve this squad, with Baena looking like someone who could give them something a bit different in attack.

The talented 23-year-old has shown real potential during his time in La Liga, but it may be that he’d favour the likes of Newcastle and Villa over Spurs right now.

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Both Newcastle and Villa have done better than Tottenham in recent times, having both finished in the top four in the last two seasons, so Baena might see them as more tempting projects.

Still, Spurs also can’t be written off too soon, as they often put together a squad capable of challenging, so Baena could do well to continue his development there if the opportunity comes along.

The post Tottenham rival Newcastle & Aston Villa for potential €65m winger transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC’s iconic show Match of the Day at the end of the season after 26 years of hosting the football highlights programme. 

The former Everton striker has been the host of MOTD since 1999 and has become one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved figures having been the face of the BBC’s football coverage for over two decades.

According to the Daily Mail, Lineker’s time as host of MOTD will come to an end upon the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 63-year-old will also put an end to his time with the BBC entirely after presenting the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico, and Canada, as well as the 2025/26 edition of the FA Cup. This will be a major change for the broadcaster as there is a generation of football fans that do not know their coverage without the former Tottenham star.

Lineker is the BBC’s highest-paid presenter with a reported salary of around £1.35million and his exit will free up these funds to spend on production.

This news follows the departure of another key MOTD figure at the end of last season as Ian Wright ended his time as a pundit on the football highlights programme. Both men’s exits could have a major impact on the show and it will be interesting to see if it will affect viewing figures.

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Who will replace Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day?

Whoever follows Lineker has the host of Match of the Day as big shoes to fill as that person could define the show over the next decade.

According to the Daily Mail, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are viewed as the favourites to replace the former England striker, with the former receiving a glowing endorsement from Henry Winter.

“Mark Chapman is the best successor to Gary Lineker as MOTD host imho. Good journalist and presenter + rapport with pundits,” the journalist said. 

The 51-year-old already hosts Match of the Day 2 following the Premier League’s Sunday matches and it seems like a natural step for the presenter to be promoted to the main show on a Saturday night. Although Logan presents tough competition having been given the role of hosting the BBC’s new Champions League highlights programme.

The post MOTD to lose second key man in two years with £1.3m star to leave BBC entirely in 2026 appeared first on CaughtOffside.