Schlotterbeck's salary demands revealed amid Liverpool interest
Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are circling Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, with the German defender's contract talks at a standstill. Bild reports that Schlotterbeck, whose current deal runs until 2027, has rejected Dortmund's latest offer and is demanding a wage closer to €14 million per year, a figure the Reds are reportedly ready to offer him next summer.
Dortmund, historically a selling club, have made strides in recent years to keep their key players, but the wage gap remains stark. Even as Die Schwarzgelben look to offer Schlotterbeck an improved deal worth around €10 million annually, competing with Liverpool, Bayern, or Real Madrid, who can all comfortably reach the €14 million mark, is proving a tall order.
Juventus appoint Luciano Spalletti as Igor Tudor successor
Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Luciano Spalletti following Igor Tudor's dismissal earlier this week. Tudor succeeded Thiago Motta in Turin in March and was handed a three-year contract after guiding Juventus to the Champions League. Juventus currently sit seventh in Serie A following their midweek 3-1 win over Udinese, though they are just three points behind rivals Inter in third.
"Luciano Spalletti is the new head coach of Juventus, signing an agreement with the Club until June 30, 2026," a statement read on the club's official website. "We are delighted to welcome a coach with such expertise and experience to the Bianconeri family: welcome to Juventus and good luck, coach!"
Major Mohamed Salah transfer update issued by Al-Ahly
Mohamed Salah put pen to paper on a new Liverpool contract earlier in the summer. However, the Reds hitman has made a dire start to the season having scored just three league goals as Liverpool's title defence lies in tatters. The decision to hand Salah a new deal has been criticised and heightened speculation that the champions could cut their losses on the 33-year-old. However, while he has been linked with a move to Al-Ahly, the Egyptian side are not in contention to sign Salah.
"Mohamed Salah is a very big star and has done things that are difficult for any player in the Arab world to do. He's focusing on his professional career," Hafeez said. "Linking Salah to Al-Ahly is a media effort, and he's a player who has honoured Egyptian football and all Arabs. Let's talk realistically. Salah renewed his contract with Liverpool months ago. There is no official at Al-Ahly who talked about this matter. This matter was only circulated in the media. We will focus on the team's priorities. I wish Salah success."
Barca back in for Osimhen as possible Lewandowski replacement
Barcelona have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the reigning La Liga champions at the end of the season. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025-26 season in a record-breaking move, but he could return to one of Europe's big five leagues next season if Barca are serious about signing him.
According to a report from Catalan outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have set their sights on Osimhen and are considering signing the former Napoli frontman next summer. The reigning La Liga champions have made acquiring a new striker one of their top priorities while planning in advance for the 2026-27 season and beyond, in light of the possibility that the ongoing season will be Lewandowski's last in the Blaugrana colours.
PSG eager to fight off Man City & Chelsea interest in Mayulu
Paris Saint-Germain are moving swiftly to extend the contract of club prodigy Senny Mayulu. The 19-year-old midfielder who scored in the 2025 Champions League final is being monitored by Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea as his current contract expires in 2027. However, the French champions are finalising a contract extension that could secure the future of one of Europe's most exciting young talents.
According to transfer specialist Nicolo Schira, PSG are now finalising a new three-year contract extension for Mayulu amid persistent interest from City, Chelsea and Tottenham. Scouts from all three English clubs have reportedly monitored his progress since late last season, viewing him as one of France's most complete young midfielders, who is equally capable of dictating tempo or breaking lines.
Milan target Man Utd's Zirkzee to replace struggling Gimenez
Santiago Gimenez's goal drought in Serie A has forced AC Milan to consider reinforcements ahead of the January window. The Mexico international hasn't been able to find the net in any of the opening nine games of the tournament, prompting CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare to start scouting alternatives. Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee has re-emerged as a prime target, while Roma's Artem Dovbyk remains a fallback option if talks stall.
Liverpool warned struggling Wirtz could leave in January
Liverpool have been warned that Florian Wirtz could leave in January, as Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is keeping tabs on his former Bayer Leverkusen apprentice. The German arrived at Anfield amid huge fanfare this summer for a staggering £116 million ($153m). The 22-year-old was supposed to be the creative spark to define Arne Slot's new era. But ten games into his English journey, the German wonderkid is already under the microscope for his ordinary performances, and the pressure is mounting fast.
Liverpool's stance on sacking Slot revealed after Carabao Cup exit
Liverpool are not believed to be considering sacking head coach Arne Slot, despite the club's dreadful run of form which has seen the Reds lose six games in seven and crash out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Slot's side have not performed anywhere close to expectations in recent weeks but the Premier League winner is believed to have a lot of credit in the bank, with his job not at threat.
Postecoglou's shock stance on return to Celtic revealed
Ange Postecoglou's reported stance on the Celtic job offer has been revealed after Brendan Rodgers sensationally quit the club after just nine games of the season. Having returned to Glasgow in June 2023 for his second spell, the Northern Irishman's reign ended abruptly, in the aftermath of a crushing 3-1 defeat to Hearts. The loss left the Hoops eight points adrift of the Premiership leaders, a gap that proved too much for Rodgers to continue fighting.
Levante striker wants January move amid Man City & Arsenal interest
Levante striker Etta Eyong is eyeing a move in the upcoming January transfer window, despite only joining the club in the summer. Barcelona were keen on signing the Cameroonian forward but were unable to complete the deal due to financial restrictions. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form this season, recording six goals and three assists in all competitions to attract interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.
