Sport
Liverpool targeting Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi
Liverpool have been the best defensive side in the Premier League this season, conceding just 13 goals, thanks in large part to Virgil van Dijk’s superb form. The Dutchman has started every match and is arguably the top central defender in the competition this season.
Virgil van Dijk’s contract at Liverpool expires at the end of 2024/25, and while renewal talks have taken place, the club is planning for life after the former Southampton star. As a result, Liverpool are prepared to spend big on a centre-back next summer.
According to Liverpool Echo (citing Mirror), Liverpool have identified Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi as a potential signing. The English defender was linked with a move in the summer, with Newcastle United interested, but a £70 million asking price from Palace saw the Magpies withdraw from negotiations.
Chelsea are also interested in signing Marc Guehi next summer, as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his defense in pursuit of the Blues’ first Premier League title since 2017. While Liverpool will face tough competition, they are expected to lead the race ahead of Chelsea.
Liverpool a more attractive destination
Chelsea have a wealth of central defenders, and despite Marc Guehi’s potential, there would be stiff competition for a starting spot. Additionally, the club’s history of frequent managerial changes means there’s no guarantee the defender would be joining a long-term sporting project.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are set for immediate success, and Guehi would likely secure a starting role, possibly alongside Van Dijk in central defense, before eventually taking over the leadership. This offers more potential for Guehi to fully realize his qualities at Anfield than at Stamford Bridge.
Crystal Palace’s financial demands for Marc Guehi are likely to drop next summer, possibly falling below the £70 million they sought earlier this year. With the defender’s contract entering its final year and a potential relegation for Palace, Liverpool’s pursuit of Virgil van Dijk’s replacement could become an easier proposition.
Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by News Time
Sport
West Ham and Tottenham Battle for Fikayo Tomori
West Ham and Tottenham are reportedly competing to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori, according to Caught Offside.
After rising through Chelsea’s youth system, the 27-year-old made his senior debut in 2016. Struggling to secure a starting spot, he had multiple loan spells before joining AC Milan permanently in 2021.
Since moving to San Siro, the Englishman has become a key player for AC Milan, helping them win the Scudetto in the 2021/22 season.
Caught Offside claims West Ham have identified Tomori as a key target to strengthen their defence. They aim to give new manager Graham Potter the tools to turn around a challenging season after a tough first half under Julen Lopetegui.
Tomori is valued at £19m by Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2027 at Milan, putting the club in a strong position to demand a significant fee for his departure.
Battle
The report states that West Ham aren’t the only club interested in the former Chelsea star, with Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa also eyeing a move for him.
Milan’s new manager, Sergio Conceicao, is reluctant to lose one of his key players, so West Ham or Tottenham will need to make a strong offer to convince the club to sell.
After spending several years in Italy, Tomori may be tempted by the chance to return to his homeland and showcase his talents in the Premier League.
Tomori is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable with the ball, and has excellent game-reading abilities. At the prime stage of his career, he would be a smart acquisition for either West Ham or Tottenham if they sign him.
It will be interesting to see if the North London or East London club eventually go head-to-head to sign the Englishman, either in January or next summer.
Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by News Time
Sport
Tottenham ‘Determined’ to Sign Bastoni
Tottenham are reportedly ‘determined’ to sign Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, according to Fichajes.
After rising through Atalanta’s youth system, the 25-year-old joined Inter Milan in 2017. He was loaned to Parma to gain regular playing time before becoming a key player for Inter.
Bastoni is regarded as one of Serie A’s best defenders, having won two Serie A titles and several domestic cups with Inter.
Bastoni has also become a key player for Italy, winning the 2021 European Championship, though he played a more supporting role. Now, Fichajes reports that Ange Postecoglou is ‘determined’ to sign a new centre-back to support Micky van de Ven, with Bastoni identified as a serious target.
Bastoni to Tottenham
Jarrad Branthwaite and Abdukodir Khusanov are also on Spurs’ radar, but signing either could prove difficult, with Khusanov nearing a move to Manchester City.
Spurs have long been interested in Bastoni, with former sporting director Fabio Paratici attempting to secure his signing through connections. However, the deal fell through, and now they’re looking to rekindle their interest.
Bastoni, valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, still has a contract with Inter until 2028. The Italian giants will demand a hefty fee if they are forced to sell him this year.
Spurs have a strong starting XI but lack quality depth, leading to struggles this season amid injuries to key players. Postecoglou’s side sits in the bottom half of the table with 24 points from 21 games, having lost 11 Premier League matches so far.
Bastoni is a top-class player and would be a great addition for Tottenham, but it remains to be seen if they can successfully lure him away from Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.
Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by News Time
Sport
Ruben Amorim wants Rayan Ait-Nouri at Man Utd
Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen on signing Wolverhampton’s Rayan Ait-Nouri for Manchester United, according to Caught Offside.
Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to two cup wins in consecutive seasons after becoming manager in 2022. However, following a disappointing start to this season, he was dismissed, and Ruben Amorim has since been appointed as the new head coach.
Despite Amorim’s appointment, Manchester United’s on-field performances have shown limited improvement, and they are currently sitting in the bottom half of the table.
Manchester United have a mediocre squad and need a complete rebuild to turn things around. Strengthening the left-wing-back position should be a top priority.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are Amorim’s options at left-wing-back, but Shaw has struggled with fitness issues, while Malacia has yet to find his best form after recovering from a serious knee injury that kept him out for most of last season.
Ait-Nouri to Man Utd
Amorim has been using Diogo Dalot on the left side of defense, but the right-back has struggled to perform at his best in this role due to his natural position.
Caught Offside reports that Manchester United are willing to offload Malacia, with Juventus showing interest in signing him. As a result, Amorim has identified Rayan Ait-Nouri as his ‘first-choice’ replacement for the former Feyenoord star.
He’s valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, and while buying him in January won’t be cheap, Wolves’ relegation struggle could force them to sell him at a reduced price next summer if they fail to stay up.
The Algerian has contributed eight goals in 20 Premier League appearances this season. He’s quick, technically skilled, capable of threading passes through the lines, dribbling past defenders in tight spaces, and delivering accurate crosses from wide areas.
The defender is a proven Premier League star, making him a great potential signing for Man Utd if they can secure his services.
Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by News Time
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