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Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

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Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

He’s yet to kick a ball for Atletico, but is regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in Europe, although he’s still vey raw and needs a lot of refining.

Chelsea could now turn their turn their full attention to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, with the Blues in talks with their Italian counterparts over the possibility of the Nigerian being part of the deal which would see Romelu Lukaku head to Naples.

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Pep Guardiola says he’s counting on Man City ace next season despite uncertainty over his future

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:03:23 +0000

Pep Guardiola has said he will be counting on Julian Alvarez next season as doubts persist over the Argentine’s future.

Alvarez’s future has been a topic of conversation throughout the summer with the striker hinting on several occasions he could leave the Etihad.

It’s been a busy summer for the 24-year-old, who has taken part in both the Copa America and the Olympics for Argentina, but he’s set to return to Manchester after they lost to hosts France in the quarter finals.

Guardiola counting on Alvarez

It’s been reported that Atletico Madrid are in the early stages of talks with Manchester City for the World Cup winner, whilst Paris Saint Germain are also said to be interested.

Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea are also believed to be interested in Alvarez’s signature but as of yet neither side has acted on their supposed interest.

City are thought to value the striker in excess of £70m and it’s been reported they don’t want to lose the Argentina international, but a sale can’t be ruled out if it suited all parties.

Alvarez has hinted multiple times he could leave City this summer.

Following City’s 4-2 victory over Chelsea on their pre-season tour of America Guardiola was asked if he had an update on the former River Plate man’s future.

“No news,” he told reporters.

“I don’t have anything to say. He will come back. I count on him, but he said in the news that decisions will be made all together.

“Now he has to rest and when he feels ready to come back he will come back. I’m sure when he comes back I’ll hug and congratulate him for the Copa America, for the Olympics and we will start to work together.”

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“This is the reality. What happens in the meantime, I have a thousand million things to think about the team.”

Alvarez is thought to want more first team football despited playing 54 times in all competitions last season, but he faces a near impossible task to dislodge Erling Haaland from the starting line-up.

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Exclusive: Manchester City could now suffer £67m exit amid advancing Chelsea negotiations

Farrell Keeling — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 08:11:55 +0000

PSG are understood to be set to return to the race to sign Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez should things fall flat around the transfer of Nigeria international Victor Osimhen.

The French giants had agreed on personal terms with the Serie A star, though sources close to CaughtOffside understand Chelsea have advanced in their negotiations for the attacker. There’s now a growing feeling that a deal will be reached between the two outfits.

Head coach Luis Enrique is appreciative of the Argentine’s talents and will ask for his transfer should a move for Osimhen ultimately fail as expected.

What next for PSG and Julian Alvarez?

Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez for Team Argentina at the Olympics – (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Sources with a view of the situation have confirmed that PSG will meet with Manchester City again after the Olympics to get a better understanding of the forward’s situation.

Atletico Madrid were interested in Alvarez previously, but they will not rush to make a move for the former River Plate man as they think any potential terms won’t be financially suitable on their part.

CaughtOffside are informed by sources close to the Sky Blues that they are not pushing for the departure of the 24-year-old this summer. Nonetheless, the Argentine does come with a set price tag of about £58.9-67.4m, if he wants to leave after a meeting with his current employers.

City want Alvarez to stay but will respect his decision should he wish to depart this summer.

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Atletico Madrid have advanced in their pursuit of 24-year-old Man City star

Charlie Patrick — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:42:53 +0000

Atletico Madrid have advanced in their pursuit of Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez with negotiations taking place according to Cesar Luis Merlo.

Diego Simeone’s side will likely be in the market for a new striker with Alvaro Morata set to join AC Milan, whilst youngster Samu Omorodion has yet to play for the club following his move from Granada last summer.

There have been question marks surrounding the future of Alvarez, who has just won the Copa America with Argentina, with reports suggesting he wants more game time.

Atletico making progress over Alvarez move

Alvarez was linked with a move to Chelsea earlier this summer, whilst French giants PSG are also known to have an interest in the 24-year-old.

The World Cup winner made 54 appearances in all competitions last season, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League and he scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists.

Fabrizio Romano had reported last week that City would talk to Alvarez’s camp after the Copa America to find out the situation, with the club not wanting to sell the Argentine.

However, Merlo has reported that Atletico have advanced in their pursuit of Alvarez and negotiations have taken place, with the striker willing to leave City as he wants a bigger role.

?[EXCLUSIVO] Atlético Madrid avanzó por Julián Álvarez. Ya hay negociaciones por el delantero de la selección argentina.
*??La ?? está dispuesta a salir del Manchester City porque quiere mayor protagonismo. pic.twitter.com/d0e5EDppbg

— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) July 15, 2024

Any potential move for Alvarez wouldn’t be cheap, and he is under contract at the Etihad until 2028, having only signed a new contract in March 2023.

Alvarez won the treble in his debut campaign at the Etihad, before adding a second Premier League title to his collection last season, whilst he has won the World Cup and the Copa America with Argentina.

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The former River Plate star would almost certainly be first choice at Atletico, but with the sort of money City would be looking for it’s likely to be beyond what the La Liga outfit can afford.

In other possible outgoings at City, Saudi side Al-Nassr have reportedly made an initial approach for Ederson worth €30m, with City wanting more than €50m to part ways with the Brazilian, who is believed to have agreed to a move to Saudi.

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(Video) Spain star involved in bizarre incident with member of security during full time celebrations

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:39:29 +0000

Spain captain Alvaro Morata appeared to twist his knee following a bizarre incident with a member of security in the aftermath of their victory against France.

Luis de la Fuente’s side advanced to Sunday’s final thanks to a 2-1 win over France with Lamine Yamal scoring a record breaking stunner and Dani Olmo also finding the back of the net to cancel out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener.

The second half wasn’t as electric as the first, although France had an opportunity to force extra time, but Kylian Mbappe fire over the bar after cutting inside with the type of chance he has scored so often in his career.

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Spain held on, but in a bizarre incident during their celebrations, it appears a member of security who had run onto the pitch slid into Morata whilst running towards him appearing to potentially twist the strikers knee with the 31-year-old seen limping away afterwards.

It’s unclear what if any damage has been done, but it would be such bad luck if he were to be ruled out of the final because of it.

Watch Morata’s coming together with member of secuirty

This can’t keep happening. It’s a disgrace, UEFA need to control it so much better. Somebody will get seriously hurt. ???? #Euro2024 #Morata pic.twitter.com/Dp5KgEvq5h

— Ned Ozkasim (@nedoz9) July 9, 2024

Oh dear ?

It appears a photographer slipped into Alvaro Morata and caught his knee in the post-match celebrations.#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #ESPFRA pic.twitter.com/6hTVEuM5uX

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2024

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Inside Spain: Spain Euro hopes, Manchester United and Liverpool in limbo and Barcelona pull

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 13:15:26 +0000

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.

The big French signing of the summer will undoubtedly be Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid, a deal that had been talked about so much that arguably the biggest signing of the past decade has faded into the background of the Euros. The biggest battle will arguably be for Lille defender Leny Yoro.

The 18-year-old centre-back seems to be widely regarded as the next best thing at the back, and it’s hard for people to avoid drawing comparisons with Raphael Varane. But while Los Blancos pid around €10m for Varane, they have had to set a limit of €40m for Yoro’s fee. Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer both player and Lille more, closer to their €60m asking price, but it will be meaningless without Yoro’s blessing.

Paris Saint-Germain also had a bid turned down for him in January, and recently met with Yoro, which was taken as a positive for PSG. Yet Los Blancos have supposedly agreed terms with Yoro, leaving their competitors on the sidelines for now.

??Lamine Yamal on terrorising defences at #Euro2024

"I always go down the side of the defender, because it's a very psychological game. Once I leave a defender behind for the first time, he's already scared, and I will keep on going." pic.twitter.com/uhEQPAnNXQ

— Football España (@footballespana_) June 19, 2024

A good sign for Madridistas is that they are selling young right-back Alex Jimenez to AC Milan, and 22-year-old central defender Rafa Marin, who was previously set to occupy Nacho Fernandez’s place. Marin is on the verge of a €10m move to Napoli this summer, which suggest Los Blancos think either their captain will U-turn on his future, or someone else is arriving.

Across the city, Atletico Madrid remain adamant that Samu Omorodion is going nowhere. He has a reported €80m release clause, and while Chelsea’s latest bid has moved over half of that amount, Atletico are holding firm. How long that resistance lasts remains to be seen.

Up in Barcelona, they may be struggling for funds, but they still attract the finest in Spain. Teenage talent Lamine Yamal has suggested on several occasions he wants Nico Williams to join him at club level, while another Aston Villa target in Alex Baena recently commented publicly that their style of play suits him.

Many further miles north, optimism is abound around the Spain side ahead of their clash against Italy. La Roja’s opening day performance pleasantly surprised back in Spain, and the great hope is that Williams and Lamine Yamal can be the difference-makers at Euro 2024. Hopes they can go all the way have risen, and the pair of wingers, who combined are still three years younger than Pepe, are in excellent shape.

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Atletico Madrid team news: No Hermoso or Depay for Diego Simeone’s side

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:54:12 +0000

Atletico Madrid will be without defender Mario Hermoso for their Champions League quarter final first leg against Borussia Dortmund.

Hermoso has struggled with a thigh injury and has missed the last two games for Diego Simeone’s side.

Cesar Azpilicueta and former Dortmund man Axel Witsel form a back three with Jose Gimenez, while Memphis Depay misses out with a muscle issue.

Antoine Griezmann, who is the second top scorer in this season’s competition leads the line with the recalled Alvaro Morata with the pair expected to get the goals Atletico need to put themselves in a favourable position.

Rodrygo De Paul, Koke and Marco Llorente make up the three man midfield.

? TEAM NEWS ? pic.twitter.com/dJt0mXL9kw

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 10, 2024

Reus on the bench but Sancho starts

Dortmund welcome back defender Nico Schlotterbeck who is available and back in the starting line-up in Europe following his suspension against PSV Eindhoven in the last sixteen.

Edin Terzic’s side are still without Donyell Malen, who is nursing a thigh problem and Ramy Bensebaini is also sidelined with knee ligament damage.

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In a boost for the Germans captain Emre Can starts after illness and Felix Nmecha also gets a surprise start.

Surprisingly Terzic has left big hitters Julian Brandt, Marco Reus and Sebastien Haller all on the bench but will have some great players to call on later in the match if needed.

Atletico unbeaten at home in Europe under Simeone

The two sides have faced each other four times in the Champions League, with two wins each and Dortmund have scored six to Atletico’s four in those encounters.

The last time the two sides met was in the group stage of the 2018/19 season with the Spaniards winning 2-0 at home, but losing 4-0 in Germany.

Atletico Madrid are undefeated in Champions League home knockout matches under the Argentine and in 16 games have won 10 and drawn six.

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Liverpool and Newcastle United must persuade €30m target to turn down La Liga options

Ruairidh Barlow — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 08:56:04 +0000

Morocco and Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat has a number of suitors this summer, but somewhere along the line there will have to be a compromise to make a move happen.

La Viola are keen on receiving at least €30m for Amrabat, who impressed the world with his competitive nature during the World Cup. That is according to Giacomo Iacobellis, who goes on to report that Liverpool and Newcastle United are currently the only two teams willing to meet that asking price.

?? Situación #Amrabat: los únicos dos clubes dispuestos a pagar los 30M que pide la #Fiorentina ahora mismo son #LiverpoolFC y #NewcastleUnited. El jugador sigue dando la prioridad al #FCBarcelona o al #AtleticoMadrid. Días claves @TuttoMercatoWeb

— Giacomo Iacobellis (@giaco_iaco) June 20, 2023

However Amrabat himself is keen to move to Spain, and wants to exhaust all options he has to move to La Liga first, in this case Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. He is thought to be several rungs down on Barcelona’s priority list anyway, but both the Blaugrana and Atletico feel they can negotiate the price to around €20m.

It looks as if it will be a case of who blinks first. Atletico have been frugal in their investment of late, which means that Liverpool and Newcastle stand a good chance of getting a deal should Fiorentina stand their ground. Amrabat seems a natural fit in the Premier League, with the ability to maraud midfield and shut down attacks.

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Tottenham defender mutually agrees to terminate contract ahead of Atletico Madrid move

Isabel — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:08:17 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract ahead of his move to Atletico Madrid.

He has now completed a free transfer to the Serie A side, as confirmed by Atleti’s Twitter account.

? pic.twitter.com/WKhOKZoqBf

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 31, 2023

Doherty had been linked with a loan move to the Spanish giants but held talks with Spurs, who allowed him to end his contract early and join the club permanently.

The 31-year-old would have fallen down the pecking order with new Tottenham signing Pedro Porro likely to become Antonio Conte’s first-choice at right-back.

Doherty’s time in England

Ireland international Doherty spent 10 years at Wolverhampton Wanderers before switching to Spurs, where he has since spent three years. He made 71 appearances in white, scoring three goals.

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