🚨 Newcastle star's release clause, Chelsea striker agreement in place, update on Osimhen's future, Man Utd wonderkid interest, and more

Oct 10, 2023

Good morning folks and welcome to another Daily Briefing - thanks for reading and hope you enjoy!

Today’s top stories:

Bukayo Saka has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury. Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.
Leandro Trossard has withdrawn from Belgium squad due to hamstring injury. He’s out for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Austria and Sweden.
“One of them will leave” - do you agree with this Gary Neville prediction about two key Arsenal players?

Diego Simeone is set to sign new deal at Atletico Madrid very soon. A verbal agreement is in place, just waiting to get it sealed but all considered almost done. After almost 12 years as Atleti coach, Simeone is prepared to accept the proposal and keep staying at the club.

Barcelona have announced that tests carried out have shown that Jules Kounde has a left MCL sprain. “He is out and his recovery will determine his availability,” a club statement said.

Bayern director Freund: “We will certainly hold talks in the next few weeks to extend Leroy Sane’s contract. He’s an exceptionally good player, a key player – and it would be nice if he stayed in Munich for a long time. He’s excellent.”
What a talent Sane is - is this his best goal in a Bayern shirt? [Pictures courtesy of Bayern Munich/YouTube]

Birmingham City yesterday parted company with manager John Eustace. Wayne Rooney is now expected to join as the club’s new head coach after leaving DC United - more info here.

Albert Riera is set to be appointed as new head coach at Bordeaux. A deal has been agreed in principle. Formal steps to follow and contract being prepared for the former Liverpool player to join Bordeaux as manager.

What makes Brighton chairman Tony Bloom special? All you need to know here.
Roberto De Zerbi was key to this slightly unusual Brighton signing - more details here.
Evan Ferguson continues to attract interest, but when could he be on the move?

Chelsea have already fixed an exit fee for Romelu Lukaku in summer 2024 — and it’s around £37m. There’s an agreement to make the player available for that fee next year.
More on Lukaku’s future here.
Mauricio Pochettino: “Cole Palmer surprised me when I arrived because it was the day before the transfer window closed, the way he reads the situations and the games... wow. He can be the player who can link with his teammates, he has great personality and great talent.”
What does the future hold for this Chelsea midfielder?
Chelsea are not worried by Axel Disasi injury as he left French national team yesterday. Chelsea believe it's just a small problem. More to follow in the next days as Disasi will be back at Cobham.
Is this Chelsea’s next wonderkid signing?

John Elkann on Juventus plans: “We hope to win more trophies with Massimiliano Allegri as coach. We trust Allegri, we count on him.”
Is this Manchester United ace really a target for Juventus?

This Erling Haaland stat in his two games against Arsenal this season was pretty shocking - full story here.

What’s the latest on Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho at Manchester United?
Manchester United have added a new centre-back to their list of targets - more exclusive info here.
This Brazilian wonderkid has been scouted by Man Utd - full info here.
📰 David Beckham will be offered an ambassadorial post at Manchester United if they are taken over by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani (talkSPORT)

What’s happened with the Victor Osimhen saga? Latest info here.
📰 Graham Potter could be in the frame for the Napoli job if they decide to sack Rudi Garcia (Foot Mercato)

Real Madrid are planning to re-schedule the formal ceremony for Vinicius Junior contract extension as soon as the president Florentino Perez tests negative to Covid. It was scheduled last week... but it will happen in the next weeks. It will include €1B release clause.

Chelsea have already fixed an exit fee for Romelu Lukaku in summer 2024 — and it’s around £37m. There’s an agreement to make the player available for that fee next year - more info here.
Lukaku: “I worked a lot this summer. Many people have talked about me, I don’t talk and I show what I’m worth on the pitch. Mourinho? We have a special relationship, he knows my family. I have faith in him and vice versa.”
Lukaku has been on fire for Roma this season - should they sign him permanently? [Pictures courtesy of Serie A/YouTube]

Tottenham have appointed Johan Lange as new Technical Director with effect from 1 November 2023. Lange held the role of Global Director of Football Development and Academies at Aston Villa from June, 2023, having previously been Sporting Director from June, 2020.