Unlike his misfiring side, when Tony Docherty took aim last weekend he did not miss. "An unacceptable level of performance," he said. "I have always come out and defended the players. I can't defend that." The Ross County manager took no prisoners after his side lost 3-0 at home to Greenock Morton. To be fair to the Staggies' strikers, the Dingwall side are ranked sixth when it comes to goals scored in the Championship.
However, a football agent has now informed Claret & Hugh that the player has no interest in joining the London club. Top teams across Europe are interested in signing Dju, and a move to West Ham would be a step down for him. Furthermore, he is likely to cost a lot of money. The agent claimed: Franculino will cost 40 million in the summer, 60 million in January, has 810 clubs interested, and has zero interest in West Ham.
Ever since coming into existence in 1996, Major League Soccer has made a reputation of being unique. Unlike the other leading soccer leagues in the world, there's no promotion/relegation structure. And unlike other leagues, the champion is decided not in the regular season, but the playoffs. From its single-entity structure to profit sharing to the SuperDraft to discovery rights, there are a billion things that make MLS stick out like a sore thumb.
A wave of top center backs is approaching the end of their current deals, and the timing could trigger a scramble across Europe's biggest clubs. With several high-profile defenders free to negotiate from January ahead of contracts expiring in June 2026, teams like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are watching closely. Among them is Andreas Christensen, whose situation at Barcelona mirrors a broader trend.
Kees Smit is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe, having impressed with AZ Alkmaar and the Netherlands youth national teams. The 19-year-old starlet, recently compared to Barcelona midfield maestro Pedri by Ronald Koeman, happens to be on the radars of the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are also very much interested in the young Dutchman, while other clubs from across Europe are also tracking his development.
Barcelona's constant search for emerging talent has once again led the club's recruitment team to Brazil, where 17-year-old midfielder Ze Lucas is making waves. According to reports from Brazilian outlet Globo, relayed by AS, the Catalan giants are quietly monitoring the young prospect as he continues to command attention at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. The interest from Europe, including Barcelona, comes at a crucial moment for the player's club, Sport Recife.
Bayern are taking PSG's interest in Dayot Upamecano very seriously, due to the French club's financial resources and the player's agent Moussa Sissoko, who is very close to PSG and also represents Ousmane Dembélé. Bayern are prepared to offer Upamecano a pay rise (currently earns €16m gross per year including all bonuses). He would then be one of the highest earners, just one tier below Kane and Musiala.
The Reds' scouting department has identified the 25-year-old as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Europe. The Portugal international midfielder is known for his composure under pressure, press resistance, and intelligent distribution. Vitinha fits the kind of profile that Liverpool have sought since the departure of Thiago Alcantara. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match and carry the ball through midfield makes him a particularly attractive option for Slot's system.
Etta Eyong has become a man in demand in European football after his explosive performances in La Liga this year, first with Villarreal and now with Levante, whom he joined in the summer. FC Barcelona, for one, have been admirers of the Cameroonian international for a while now. Having explored a move for the 22-year-old in the summer, the Blaugrana have identified him as a possible candidate to replace Robert Lewandowski in 2026.
According to Fichajes, Premier League surprise package Sunderland have tabled a stunning 80 million offer for the Spanish playmaker. Sunderland are ready to make ambitious offer for Lopez The newly promoted side have taken the top flight by storm, sitting fourth in the Premier League table under French manager Regis Le Bris. Backed by strong financial support and a clear long-term vision, the Black Cats are reportedly ready to make Lopez the face of their project as they aim to establish themselves among England's elite.
As the winter transfer window looms, Europe's elite clubs are already jostling for position in one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the season, the race to sign Argentine prodigy Nico Paz, currently lighting up Serie A with Como. Once part of Real Madrid's academy, Paz has become one of the most sought-after young playmakers in Europe. The 21-year-old has scored four goals and provided four assists for Como this season.
The 16-year-old forward has emerged as one of Scandinavia's brightest prospects, drawing interest from several top European clubs. Despite his age, Filling has already made his mark in Sweden's top flight, impressing with his physicality and finishing quality. United's pursuit of the teenager reflects their growing commitment to building a sustainable, youth-driven recruitment model under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership and Ruben Amorim's long-term vision.
Karl Etta Eyong is fast becoming one of the most talked-about players in La Liga, with the young striker producing a series of consistent performances for Levante. Aged just 22, Eyong already has six goals and three assists to his name so far this season. His brilliant performances have led to interest from several clubs across Europe, including Barcelona. With the Catalans looking to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Eyong has emerged as the ideal target.
Bayern Munich have their eyes on one of the brightest young talents once again. German youth international and FC Köln talent has burst onto the scene this season with an incredible start. El Mala is a massive reason for Köln's remarkable success this season after earning promotion to the Bundesliga last season. FC Köln know what they have in El Mala, and have already communicated that they know they will have to eventually sell El Mala.
CrystalPalace appear to be bracing themselves for a significant defensive shake-up ahead of the upcoming transfer windows. According to FootballInsider, Palace are already drawing up plans to bring in a new centre-back, citing the looming departure of their key man MarcGuehi. With the England international seemingly bound for pastures new, the Eagles' hierarchy are working to ensure they are not caught short at the back.
Chelsea keen on Morgan Rogers Sources close to the player's situation have informed CaughtOffside that Chelsea are currently seen as the frontrunners in the race to sign Rogers. The London club have identified him as a key target in their 2026 squad planning, aiming to reinforce their attacking midfield options. The technical staff believe Rogers is well-suited to both the intensity of the Premier League and the competitive demands of European football. Chelsea's interest isn't just short-term; they're also factoring in his long-term development potential.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP. The 26-year-old Denmark International has done quite well in Portugal, and he could prove to be an excellent acquisition for the Premier League club as well. They need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and Hjulmand could be the ideal acquisition. The player has an 80 million release clause in his contract, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United are prepared to pay.
FC Barcelona is reportedly keeping a close watch on Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani, who has started the season in outstanding form. The 23-year-old forward has already scored five goals and provided two assists for his club this season, helping Hoffenheim secure a mid-table position in the Bundesliga. His performances have drawn attention across Europe, especially from clubs seeking a young, proven goal-scorer at a reasonable price.
