Jurgen Klopp will not sign a further contract extension so early into his latest agreement with Liverpool, Christian Falk has confirmed.

The 56-year-old has not planned on committing his future to Anfield beyond the summer of 2026, as things currently stand.

“A reported contract offer in the works for Jurgen Klopp is not a big topic at the moment. It’s not Klopp’s plan – it’s too early for that,” the reputed journalist wrote in his exclusive column with CaughtOffside.

“I don’t think Liverpool have pressured him on this. It was surprising for everyone that Jurgen signed his last contract so early, so I don’t think this will be discussed until he’s closer to the end of his current terms.

“You see what is happening in Germany with the national team… I think this is a big target for his future, so that’s why he won’t sign a new contract so early.”

The German tactician has led the club since the 2015/16 season, guiding the Reds to a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy among a host of other honours.

MORE: Newcastle ‘on the table’ for 16-goal Bundesliga whirlwind with £15m release clause

Still plenty of time for Klopp

There’s a good few years left before Liverpool fans need to start panicking over Klopp’s future in Merseyside.

The big question on many a supporter’s lips in Germany, however, is at which point will the former Dortmund head coach not be able to resist the lure of the national team.

Julian Nagelsmann was recently appointed as Hansi Flick’s successor following a poor World Cup campaign.

It remains to be seen, however, whether the ex-Bayern boss has the credentials to make a success of his time at the helm of Die Mannschaft.

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Fulham have long been linked with Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy but it could be fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle that win the race for his signature.

Christian Falk notes that the Magpies ‘are on the table’ for the Guinean with a release clause of £15.2m.

“Serhou Guirassy is already aware that he can make a move in January as he has a release clause of €17.5m that can be activated at this time,” the head of football at BILD wrote in his exclusive column with CaughtOffside.

“VFB Stuttgart is still fighting for him, but it’s not a lot of money! Not much for the Premier League certainly.

“In the summer, we already mentioned about his opportunity to go to the UK amid interest from Fulham but he didn’t, as he wanted a better opportunity. I’m not sure Fulham is the right club.

“Newcastle United are on the table and might be a more attractive option as a Champions League club.

“We’ll have to see if he’s still playing for Stuttgart until the summer or if he capitalises on his release clause in the winter. It’s just a question of the offer and Newcastle would be a fine deal for Guirassy.”

The 27-year-old has been in impeccable form this term, registering 18 goal contributions (16 goals, two assists) in 10 games this term.

MORE: Exclusive: Man City transfer interest likely to be rebuffed as Liverpool gain upper hand

For such a low release clause, one might imagine there may be a few takers in the English top-flight alone come the opening of the January window.

With Newcastle low on firepower – owing to injuries to Alexander Isak (groin), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Callum Wilson (hamstring) – one might imagine Eddie Howe will feel inclined to strengthen his forward department when possible.

In a battle with Marco Silva’s Fulham, it appears likely that the top four hopefuls’ Champions League stats could issue them with the upper hand.

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Liverpool may have the upper hand in any negotiations for Leroy Sane this summer.

Christian Falk reported that the German international is opposed to a potential return to Manchester City amid alleged interest from their league rivals.

“The big question around Leroy has always been about his mentality. This was a big discussion with Pep Guardiola,” the German journalist wrote in his exclusive column with CaughtOffside.

“Speaking of which, there were rumours around Manchester City also being interested in the player – I heard this was an option, but I also heard that Sane doesn’t want to go back there.

“Jurgen Klopp is a coach who can get his players to buy into the work rate you need at Liverpool. This would be an intelligent move for Liverpool to get Sane, as he has everything; if you can add a working mentality to this (which Jurgen Klopp can perhaps give him), he would be perfect for Liverpool.

“Leroy Sane made a huge development at Bayern Munich regarding his work rate in recent years, tracking back in addition to his offensive output. Now you see why he’s so good now, as he’s also doing this job.”

This comes amid reports of ongoing Saudi interest in Mo Salah following a failed attempt to land the No.11’s signature in the prior summer transfer window.

READ MORE: Christian Falk: Harry Kane’s potential return to Tottenham clarified amid ‘matching right’

Could Liverpool really let their record-breaking man go?

It seems unfathomable that Jurgen Klopp’s side would even consider parting ways with a player that has brought a fanbase so much joy since his arrival in 2017.

The record-breaking wide man’s current terms are nonetheless set to expire in 2025, which raises serious questions over his club’s intentions regarding a potential extension.

Liverpool could, one imagine, secure some serious cash for the 31-year-old next year, which would be pumped back into the squad.

That said, it’s hard to imagine any player, even Bayern’s Sane, being capable of filling his boots at Anfield.

The post Exclusive: Man City transfer interest likely to be rebuffed as Liverpool gain upper hand appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Harry Kane does not have any intention of cutting his stay in Munich short, Christian Falk reports.

Tottenham are understood to maintain a right of first refusal (‘a matching right’) should the England international depart the club in future.

“Harry Kane is feeling very happy in Munich, he’s found his house and will be doing much better when his family is with him,” the BILD reporter wrote in his exclusive column with CaughtOffside.

“His needs are being fulfilled, everyone admires him, his teammates love him because of his behaviour. He’s doing so well in the team.

“There is, as I’ve previously mentioned, a ‘matching right’, which allows Tottenham the right of first refusal should Kane move away from Munich at some point in the future. However, I don’t think there’s a chance at the moment of an early exit from Munich, as he’s only at the beginning of his career at Bayern.

“He wants to win titles at Munich. For him, it’s a big move to leave Tottenham and England but now he’s done it he’s aware of the many advantages that are available to him. He certainly has a bit more freedom when he’s out of the house; the people of Munich are very respectful and he can a little bit more easily.

“He’s not as central in the focus as he was in England. I don’t think there are any thoughts on his end of leaving Bayern Munich in the next few years.”

The former Spurs hitman is enjoying a superb debut season in German football, registering 28 goal contributions in 16 games (across all competitions).

‘Soft spot’ or no for the London-based outfit (as the 30-year-old admitted in comments relayed by the Mirror), it’s difficult to imagine Kane calling time on his Allianz Arena career any time soon.

The goal, as ever, will be to secure major titles and there’s certainly every chance of the former Premier League golden boot winner doing so in his opening season.

The Bavarians have already topped their Champions League group with two games to spare and have to be considered serious contenders for European glory following the arrival of a world-class striker.

It remains to be seen whether Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen outfit can maintain their current form, though you can be sure Bayern will keep the pressure on throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

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Chelsea have piled on the pressure in their pursuit of Corinthians starlet Gabriel Mascardo in recent weeks, pushing for an agreement.

Sources close to CaughtOffside have confirmed the player remains fully focused on the remainder of the Brazilian top-flight season.

That said, the teenager does have intentions of moving to Europe at some juncture, though it remains to be seen which outfit will secure his services.

It’s understood that, whilst Mauricio Pochettino’s side is in constant contact with the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side, they will face competition from Barcelona.

The midfielder is well-admired by the Catalan giants’ sporting director, Deco, whilst Edu at Arsenal is also said to be keeping Mascardo in mind.

CaughtOffside sources have indeed noted the Gunners as potential suitors, with the 18-year-old fitting the profile they’re looking out for in the market.

Corinthians, for their part, will not budge on their own price-tag, which remains set at around £25m.

The post Exclusive: Chelsea piling on the pressure for £25m Brazil wonderkid as Barcelona wait in the wings appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool may have dodged a bullet in missing out on Manchester United’s Sofyan Amrabat.

Steve Nicol was critical of the 27-year-old, whom he admitted he had previously presumed would be the right fit alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.

“If they can get somebody beside the two of them [Szoboszlai and Mac Allister] they can just take a step further forward,” the ex-Red spoke on the ESPN FC podcast.

“Right now I don’t know [who that could be], I don’t have anyone.

“I used to think Amrabat would be the right one beside them, but at United it’s not quite working out. I thought initially he would be ideal, he could sit just behind the two of them and let them do more going forward. 

“But I don’t think Endo’s the answer, I don’t think Jones is the answer. So right now, I think Liverpool need to be on the lookout for somebody.”

It didn’t work out that way, fortunately, perhaps, for Jurgen Klopp’s men, though there remain questions over the ideal option to fill the No.6 role at L4.

Wataru Endo has infrequently impressed since his switch away from the German top-flight.

Curtis Jones, also mentioned, has experience playing at the base of the midfield, though simply not enough to mark him out as the standout choice.

Do Liverpool buy? Or trust Mac Allister?

Andre of Fluminense has been heavily linked in the meantime, though recent reports have suggested that Liverpool may be looking in a different direction to solve this challenge.

Statistically, however, it’s worth pointing out that Mac Allister has been far from appalling in the holding role, amassing a superior rate of tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90 compared to Rodri.

In a brand-new midfield that still needs time to mesh, perhaps the Argentine simply needs to be left alone to figure out what is both an integral and complex position.

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Thomas Tuchel ‘will have to be patient’ over potential incomings for Bayern Munich, Christian Falk reported.

The former Chelsea boss is known to desire a new holding midfielder from the January transfer window, though it appears doubts persist over reported targets in Joao Palhinha and Kalvin Phillips.

“Tuchel will have to be patient when it comes to transfers,” the German reporter wrote in his latest Fact Files column for CaughtOffside.

“There are still doubts about Joao Palhinha. The transfer fee of over €60m is too high for Munich.

“The same currently applies to Kalvin Philips. Manchester City are said to be demanding over €50m. That is also a sum that FC Bayern does not actually want to spend in the winter.”

The Bavarians currently find themselves second in the Bundesliga table behind surprise outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

MORE: What Dortmund have heard about reported swap deal between Sancho & Bynoe-Gittens

Can Tuchel handle the pressure?

The dynamics at the Allianz Arena will no doubt feel a little strange to a coach who held most if not all the cards during his days at Chelsea.

It will be curious to see whether the Champions League winner can navigate this latest hurdle in convincing the powers that be over the importance of signing a new No.6.

Likewise, what might be the reaction of a player like Joshua Kimmich who has repeatedly insisted that he is capable of filing out in such a position?

Only time will tell whether increasing pressures prove too difficult to handle for Tuchel.

The post Bundesliga insider drops Palhinha & Phillips transfer update amid Bayern’s No.6 search appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Erik ten Hag will have bigger fish to fry in light of a turbulent run of form in recent weeks. However, it seems Jadon Sancho’s situation is no closer to being resolved.

It had been rumoured that Dortmund were open to a swap loan deal for the Englishman that would see Jamie Bynoe-Gittens head the other way.

Christian Falk refuted this in his latest column for CaughtOffside: “Incidentally, Dortmund have heard nothing about Jadon Sancho’s potential swap deal for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, which was reported as a rumour.”

The 19-year-old has enjoyed only a modest return from six appearances this term, assisting one goal in BVB’s 1-0 win over Hoffenheim in the DFB Pokal.

MORE: ‘Bad news for Liverpool’: Transfer insider issues hammer blow over Mo Salah replacement

What next for Jadon Sancho?

With minutes in incredibly short supply for the teenager and Sancho’s prior record in Germany being remarkable, it’s an option that would have made some amount of sense.

The 23-year-old registered a remarkable 36 goal contributions in 38 games in his final Bundesliga season.

It’s difficult to see him ever returning to Ten Hag’s good graces, however, so any avenue back to the German top-flight could prove tempting.

Evidently, the door is not yet open to a return to the Black and Yellows, and all the while his development at Old Trafford is suffering for it.

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Liverpool may find themselves struggling to find an elite option to succeed Mo Salah next season should the Egyptian part ways in the summer.

Christian Falk reported that, despite links with Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, the German is particularly well-settled in Bavaria. On top of that, he would otherwise only consider the more densely populated cities across Europe for a move.

“More bad news for Liverpool: The Reds are rumoured to be eyeing Leroy Sané as Mohamed Salah’s successor,” BILD’s head of football wrote in his exclusive column with CaughtOffside.

“However, I have heard that Sané’s family have finally settled in Munich and are now very happy in the city.

“A move to Liverpool seems difficult to imagine at the moment; the family would be more tempted by the metropolises of London, Madrid and Barcelona.

“However, an extension at FC Bayern currently seems the most likely option.”

This comes amid reported interest from the Saudi Arabian top-flight following what was an unsuccessful attempt to inspire an exit.

Will Liverpool even want to sell Salah in 2024?

It’s a question worth posing given how both player and club seem to still be mutually benefitting from their relationship.

The 31-year-old (set to turn 32 next year) has already racked up an impressive 14 goal contributions in as many games (across all competitions) for Jurgen Klopp’s men in the 2023/24 campaign.

It begs a further question: are Salah’s best days at Anfield truly behind him?

With that in mind, it’s difficult to imagine that there won’t be those at L4 championing the prospect of a contract extension for one of the most valuable assets in world football.

The post ‘Bad news for Liverpool’: Transfer insider issues hammer blow over Mo Salah replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Reports ahead of the 2023 summer window were rife with links between Xavi Simons and some of England’s top clubs.

One of the most frequently linked outfits in Arsenal (football.london), however, may be regretting their decision to not strike whilst the iron was hot.

Christian Falk reported in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside that the quality of the Dutchman’s performances of late has since seen his value shoot up from £6.9m ‘just over a year ago’ to £61.1m today.

“Xavi Simons has increased his value at Leipzig from €40-70m. Just over a year ago, he was only worth €8m!” the German wrote.

“This shows how well Xavi is developing in Leipzig. The club really wants to work with him for at least another year.

“The development is a good argument for this, but after the strong performances, PSG has also expressed interest in bringing the loan player back.”

With the player on loan from PSG too, it’s difficult to imagine the French giants letting the 20-year-old go without a fight.

MORE: ‘I heard’: The truth about Liverpool’s stance on Leroy Sane amid Jamal Musiala pursuit

The right-sided winger (who can also play as an attacking midfielder) has enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign, registering seven goal contributions in 11 games.

It’s an applaudable start to the season, though one that falls slightly short of Bukayo Saka’s 10 goal contributions in as many games, despite missing two games due to a thigh injury.

The boat may have been and gone for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, though they’ll hardly feel shortchanged with one of the leading right wingers in world football already present at the club.

The post Poor timing: Player Arsenal could have signed for £6.9m now worth £61.1m appeared first on CaughtOffside.