Transfer Talk: Tottenham, Chelsea, Dortmund tracking USA star McKennie

With just a few weeks remaining before the opening of the January transfer window, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Juve midfielder McKennie in demand

Weston McKennie could be set to leave Juventus in January, with Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund all interested in his signature.

Gazzetta dello Sport says that the United States midfielder is one of a number of players at the Serie A club that will be offloaded when the January window opens, and it looks as though he will have no shortage of suitors.

McKennie, 24, played all four games at the World Cup for Gregg Berhalter’s side, including an impressive display against England in the group stage. That match was against Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with a €150 million transfer move away from BVB, and that could indicate that the Bundesliga side have identified McKennie as a potential successor.

He has made 11 appearances in Serie A season for the Bianconeri, whom he joined from Schalke 04 on a permanent basis in 2020 after a positive loan spell.

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09.06 GMT: Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) has denied local reports that it is in talks with several coaches to appoint Tite‘s successor.

Amid rumours that the CBF had already approached several managers, including Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti for the vacant post, the Brazil’s FA said: “The CBF reiterates that its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, has not authorized any person [inside or outside the confederation] to look for any coach or football professional to join the Brazilian Men’s Football Team.”

Tite stepped down as coach after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup after a defeat on penalties to Croatia. Earlier this year, Tite announced that he would leave after the tournament in Qatar.

“The announcement of the new coach and the technical commission will only be made in January 2023,” said a CBF statement. “The CBF also reinforces that Ednaldo Rodrigues will deal with the entire selection process seriously, impartially and calmly, that is, without considering pressure. Everything will be conducted responsibly and clearly, following the guidelines of his management, with the ultimate goal of doing the best for Brazilian football in the coming years.”

08.30 GMT: Portugal’s Football Federation (FPF) appears to have ruled out the possibility that Roma coach Jose Mourinho will take over the national team.

The FPF has not made a decision whether or not Fernando Santos will remain in charge. According to Record, it would cost the FPF €7m to terminate the contract of Santos and his staff.

Portugal lost 1-0 to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the World Cup and Santos, who is under contract until June 2024, has faced criticism.

Recent reports stated that Mourinho could take over the national team if the Portuguese FA part company with Santos. However, Mourinho has a contract with Roma until June 2024 and that is a big hurdle.

PAPER GOSSIP (by Adam Brown)

– Goncalo Ramos is on Manchester United‘s radar, according to the Manchester Evening News. The Red Devils are on the lookout for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, and it looks as though the 21-year-old Portugal international striker, who plays for Benfica, has caught the attention of United boss Erik ten Hag.

– Internazionale are keen to land striker Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis, and they are looking to use right-back Denzel Dumfries as part of the deal, reveals Gazzetta dello Sport. Lukaku, 29, is currently on loan at the Serie A club, but he is yet to find his previous level of form after recently dealing with an injury.

– Two LaLiga clubs are keen on signing Internacional midfielder Johnny Cardoso, reveals Marca. The 21-year-old, who has earned four caps for the USMNT, is understood to be on the radar of both Real Betis and Valencia. It is reported that he has previously turned down a move to Serie A side Spezia.

– Dusan Vlahovic could be moved on from Juventus in January, reports Ben Jacobs. A number of clubs are reported to be keeping close tabs on the striker, with Premier League side Chelsea identifying the Serbia international as a potential reinforcement after losing Armando Broja to a long-term injury. Vlahovic, 22, has scored six goals in 10 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri this season.

– Napoli are interested in Hellas Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic, writes Calciomercato. The Serie A side believe the 21-year-old could be an ideal successor for Piotr Zielinski, who has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season. Ilic made one substitute appearance at the World Cup with Serbia.