Football Roundup: FA Backs Southgate, Klopp in High Demand, and De Ligt Eyes Manchester United Move.
The Football Association (FA) is keen for Gareth Southgate to remain as England manager, regardless of the outcome of the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday. Southgate, who has led England to consecutive finals, has garnered significant support from the FA for his role in transforming the national team.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a top target for both the USA and Germany. The USA has made Klopp their primary candidate to replace Gregg Berhalter, as reported by the Independent. However, sources from The Athletic indicate that Klopp is not interested in the USA role and would prefer a break from management. Team Talk reports that Klopp is also being pursued by Germany, his native country.
In club football, Bayern Munich’s Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt has expressed his desire to join Manchester United immediately. Sky Sports reports that the 24-year-old is keen on the move, with Bayern Munich valuing him at €50 million (£42.1 million).
In other transfer news, Al-Ittihad is nearing a deal for Aston Villa’s French winger Moussa Diaby and is in discussions with Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. Additionally, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made a €70 million offer for Benfica’s Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, surpassing Manchester United’s €60 million bid. However, Benfica is holding out for a fee closer to Neves’ €120 million release clause.
Arsenal is actively negotiating for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, with an offer of €40 million plus €10 million in add-ons, while Bologna seeks €50 million plus a future sale percentage. Crystal Palace remains resolute in retaining England winger Eberechi Eze, amid interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.
Other notable transfer developments include Nice’s interest in Luton Town’s English defender Teden Mengi, Arsenal’s bid for Ajax’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford, and AC Milan’s pursuit of RB Salzburg’s Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic, who is also wanted by Newcastle. West Ham has successfully retained 16-year-old midfielder Chinaza Nwosu, fending off interest from Manchester City, and Chelsea has ended its pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s Spanish striker Samu Omorodion.
These developments mark a busy period in the football transfer market, with significant moves and high-profile targets shaping the landscape of the sport.
