🚨 Conte's DIG at Tottenham, doubts over Man United duo, Atletico Madrid star's Saudi flirtation, Xavi Simons future HINT, and more
Today's headlines all in one place, featuring Man Utd, Spurs, Atletico Madrid & more!
Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading, and enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
AC Milan keep monitoring Juan Miranda as part of their list for 2024. The Spanish left-back is considered huge opportunity as his current contract expires in June - more info here.
WHAT a goal by Christian Pulisic for the USA - why did we not see more of this at Chelsea? [Pictures courtesy of TNT]
Atletico Madrid
Marcos Llorente: “Saudi Arabia? Temptations come from everywhere, that’s football. But when you’re comfortable at a club, happy, enjoying football… the offer somewhere else has to be incredible for you to leave a club like Atletico.”
Barcelona
Could Barcelona try signing this star player from Brighton? Full info here.
📰 Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester United misfit Jadon Sancho, but only for a cut-price deal (Sport)
Chelsea
Noni Madueke: “I definitely back myself. It’s just a matter of time before things click. I’ve just got to get my head down and work hard, I’ve got the ability and talent to do well, I’m sure.”
📰 Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen has emerged as a surprise target for Barcelona after a move to Burnley fell through (Sport)
England
Gareth Southgate on England fans booing Jordan Henderson: “Can’t understand why booing Henderson, a player with 79 caps for England…His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional. His role on and off the pitch is phenomenally important. Impossible to understand why they boo him.”
Inter Milan
Inter CEO Beppe Marotta on Lautaro Martinez’s contract: “We’re absolutely very keen on extending his deal and investing on Lautaro as key player. He’s considered our present and future. We'll do our best to get Lautaro’s new deal signed as soon as possible.”
Marotta on a potential return for Andre Onana one day: “I can’t predict the future but… in football anything can happen. For sure it was great chapter for Onana and for us. It was also successful deal to sign him for free and sell for that money.”
Marotta: “Lukaku or Icardi? Based on how things have developed, I’d pick Mauro Icardi. Lukaku can say whatever he wants of course but we always respected him… and then money makes the difference in football.”
Liverpool
📰 Liverpool could try signing Leroy Sane in a club-record deal if they need to pursue a replacement for Mohamed Salah (Mirror)
Manchester United
Sheikh Jassim has withdrawn his bid for Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now ready to buy a 25% stake in the club - full details here.
📰 Scott McTominay is set to stay until at least the end of the season as Erik ten Hag has ruled out a January sale (Daily Star)
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo: “I hope I will be at Euro2024 as there is still a lot of time left. I hope I won’t have any problem or injury, I hope to play. I left Portugal early but it will always be my home. They support me in every stadium in Portugal.”
Cristiano Ronaldo on his future: "I don’t think about the future, I think about the short term and I always try to enjoy the moment. I love playing for the national team. We played well and we qualified because we have an excellent team, an excellent coach like Martinez.”
What a player Ronaldo has been for his country - which of these is his best goal? [Pictures courtesy of UEFA]
PSG
Xavi Simons on his future: “Future at PSG? I am happy in RB Leipzig, it’s a very exciting season.”
RB Leipzig
Xavi Simons on his future: “Future at PSG? I am happy in RB Leipzig, it’s a very exciting season.”
Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior: “I didn’t know Bellingham but I knew that other teams wanted him so I texted him…I did the same as I did with Camavinga: texting for months and telling Real is the best club in the world. Juni Calafat knows that if I can help him, I will.”
Tottenham
Antonio Conte: “When I come back, it will be very hard for everyone else... I will be ready to give battle. After Tottenham, I promised to dedicate time to family, it's a lifestyle choice — one day, I’d like to coach a team that has recently won.”
West Ham United
For all the very latest transfer news, read caughtoffside.com