Transfer Talk: Chelsea, Tottenham eye Lecce wonderkid Dorgu
The winter transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Chelsea, Spurs eye Lecce wonderkid Dorgu
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are still interested in signing Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu despite the player signing a new contract this month, the Mirror reports.
The 19-year-old enjoyed an eye-catching breakthrough campaign in Serie A last season and has since earned three caps for Denmark.
Dorgu is valued at around £30 million by Lecce, who snapped him up for just £165,000 from FC Nordsjaelland back in 2022. He is already regarded as one of the best young left-backs in European football — a reputation that has been enhanced by his recent displays for Denmark.
The Mirror adds that Spurs currently lead the race for his signature, although Dorgu is a self-confessed Chelsea fan, which could influence his final decision.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Harry Maguire is waiting to see if Erik ten Hag is sacked by Manchester United before he decides his long-term club future, according to Football Insider. The 31-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current season, but he isn’t in a rush to make a final decision until the United manager’s future is resolved.
– Manchester United will not consider Vincenzo Montella for the role of head coach if they do choose to sack Ten Hag, says TeamTalk. The Turkey boss has been linked with United in recent weeks, as rumours continue to swirl over the long-term future of Ten Hag. Nevertheless, Montella, who has also managed AC Milan, Sevilla and Fiorentina, isn’t going to be on the club’s shortlist anytime soon. Instead, Galetti claims that Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are both viewed by the United brass as potential options, although the latter would be hard to prise away from Newcastle United.
– Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona, according to Ekrem Konur. The Ghana international joined Arsenal from Atletico back in 2020, but Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is said to be keen on bringing him back to the Spanish capital. Al Ahli are also keeping tabs on Partey, who has featured in all but one of Arsenal’s eight Premier League matches so far this season.
– Luis Suárez will extend his contract at Inter Miami CF until December 2025, Nicolo Schira has claimed. The 37-year-old has enjoyed his time in MLS so far, scoring an impressive 20 goals in 27 league games. According to Schira, the new contract is a “done deal,” which means he’ll feature alongside teammate and good friend Lionel Messi at next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in America.
