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Major European clubs are intensifying their transfer scouting, with Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch attracting interest from elite sides and several Premier League teams tracking talent across the continent. Meanwhile, managerial uncertainties continue to loom over Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
European Giants Track Jeltsch and Scott
Stuttgart’s 20-year-old German central defender Finn Jeltsch has emerged as a target for several top teams across Europe, including Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, according to Spanish publication Sport.
In England, Chelsea remain determined to secure Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott after a potential transfer fell through during the summer window, as reported by journalist Florian Plettenberg. The 23-year-old English midfielder has also been included on Liverpool’s transfer shortlist.
Scouting Activity and January Targets
A host of Premier League sides—including Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United—have monitored Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi. According to Teamtalk, scouts from all five clubs have watched the 22-year-old Germany youth international. However, Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad reports that Club Brugge have ruled out selling Tresoldi during the January transfer window.
Liverpool are also tracking Valencia winger David Otorbi ahead of the winter window. Football Insider reports that Liverpool intend to pursue the 19-year-old Spanish player if Valencia trigger an option to increase his release clause from £30 million to £50 million.
In Italy, Juventus have designated Monaco forward Folarin Balogun as their main target for January, according to Tuttosport. The 25-year-old United States international saw a proposed deadline-day transfer to Everton fall through earlier this season.
Elsewhere in player news, Brighton and Hove Albion hold no concerns over keeping 23-year-old Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez, despite reported interest from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, according to Football Insider.
Managerial Pressures at Manchester United and Crystal Palace
Off the pitch, Manchester United had intended to relieve manager Michael Carrick of his duties this week, but the club did not settle on a successor, according to a report by The I. The Guardian reports that should United decide to hire Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe as Carrick’s replacement, they would need to pay Newcastle approximately £3 million in compensation.
At Crystal Palace, manager Pierre Sage faces intense scrutiny regarding his future. According to The Guardian, Sage could be dismissed if his side suffers a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
