the Daily Briefing - the truth behind Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United, Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland's release clause and more.
My exclusive transfer round-up, featuring Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and more!
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Today’s top stories:
AC Milan
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini: “We want to extend Rafael Leão’s contract as I think we’re the best club to help his growth. Of course, we still have to negotiate and reach an agreement.”
“We also want to extend Bennacer and Kalulu’s contracts.”
Atalanta
Former Atalanta player Josip Ilicić has joined NK Maribor as a free agent. Deal signed until June 2025 and a new experience back in Slovenia for Ilicić.
Ilicić and Atalanta decided to part ways in August.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are close to reaching an agreement for Antoine Griezmann. Final fee will be around €20m plus add-ons.
The two clubs are looking for a solution and won’t wait until June. Griezmann is happy to stay at Atletico.
Click to find out more regarding the future of Jan Oblak.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager to replace Gerado Seoane.
Contract until 2024 for Alonso.
Bayern Munich
Oliver Khan has confirmed Bayern Munich plan to protect Julian Nagelsmann: “We're completely convinced of Nagelsmann as our manager."
"It was clear that there could be difficult phases, but Julian learns very fast and has great qualities. We all believe in him.”
Lautaro Martinez’s agent: “I’m not surprised by rumours on FC Bayern interest, there are always talks in football but he’s focused on Inter.”
📰In other news, Christopher Nkunku’s €60m release clause isn’t valid for Bayern Munich. (Florian Plettenberg)
Borussia Dortmund
Jude Bellingham captained Dortmund against Sevilla on Wednesday night in the Champions League at the age of 19 years and 98 days.
Bellingham scored and provided an assist. Get ready for a crazy, really huge price tag next summer.
Chelsea
Chelsea want to keep things secret regarding their search for a new sporting director. When will talks continue? Click here to find out.
Click here to find out my exclusive insight into AC Milan’s pursuit of Trevoh Chalobah.
📰In other news, Tottenham are set to rival Chelsea in their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao (Fabio Cordella).
Inter Milan
Lautaro Martinez’s agent: “I’m not surprised by rumours on FC Bayern interest, there are always talks in football but he’s focused on Inter.”
“We received crazy bids last summer but we decided to stay. In the future, everything can happen.”
Inter Milan are planning a new meeting with Milan Skriniar’s agent in order to offer him a new contract.
His current deal expires in June and talks will begin next week.
PSG wanted Skriniar during the summer and are still pushing to sign him.
Manchester City
It’s now 28 goals in 22 Champions League games for Erling Haaland after he scored after just 427 seconds against Copenhagen.
Haaland later scored his second of the game.
Pep Guardiola: “There’s no specific clause for Erling Haaland to join Real Madrid, it’s not true. I have the feeling he is incredibly happy at Man City.”
Is Ilkay Gundogan going to extend his current contract at Manchester City? Who is interested in signing him? Find out more by clicking here.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag: “Ronaldo is not happy when he’s not playing but he’s training well, he gives his best — he’s in a good mood.”
“The question was about his mood in training, where he's happy. And then, of course, he wants to play and he's p***** off when he's not playing.”
Antoine Griezmann has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but is there any truth behind it? Find out more.
Did Erik ten Hag approve the signing of Casemiro?
📰In other news, Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford. (Football Insider)
Napoli
Alex Meret has signed a new contract with Napoli until June 2024 with an option for a further season.
Meret is doing great with Napoli after talks collapsed to sign Keylor Navas from PSG in August.
Nottingham Forest
Filippo Giraldi has now been officially appointed as the new Nottingham Forest sporting director.
The former Watford man signed Richarlison from Fluminese, Doucoure, Capoue, Pervis Estupinan and more.
📰In other news, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper will remain in his role following meetings at the club (BBC).
PSG
One more detail on Lionel Messi’s future at PSG. Messi and his team have not received any official proposal as of yet. Talks won’t take place at this moment.
Messi knows that PSG want to extend his contract and Barcelona want to bring him back but nothing will be decided yet.
PSG wanted Milan Skriniar during the summer transfer window and are still pushing to sign him. His current deal expires next summer, with Inter Milan looking to tie him down to a new deal.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are set to complete the agreement with Karim Benzema to extend his contract until June 2024.
Madrid believe Benzema will be the Ballon d’Or winner and want to celebrate his incredible year with a new deal.
Sevilla
Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui has been sacked after losing heavily to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Jorge Sampaoli is expected to return and become the new head coach of Sevilla.
🔒 (Subscribers Only) The truth about Antione Griezmann to Manchester United, why have Casemiro's minutes been limited? Jan Oblak's future at Atletico Madrid and more.
My exclusive column, featuring the reason Casemiro's minutes have been limited, the future of Jan Oblak at Atletico Madrid and the truth about Antione Griezmann to Manchester United.
The truth about Antonio Griezmann to Manchester United
We heard many rumours about Griezmann to Manchester United in recent weeks.
Griezmann is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid from Barcelona.
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