### Three Premier League Sides Set Their Eyes on Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens has emerged as the latest Borussia Dortmund talent generating interest from top English Premier League clubs. According to a report from the Daily Mail, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have all been monitoring the young player’s performances closely. His current valuation is pegged at a staggering €100 million (approximately £83 million), reflecting his potential and Dortmund’s confidence in his future contributions to the team. Notably, the German club renewed his contract until 2028 last year, suggesting they have significant plans for him.
Dortmund’s manager, Nuri Sahin, has lauded Gittens’ exceptional skills, particularly his prowess in one-on-one situations, calling him “brutally good.” Gittens is being compared to former Dortmund stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Christian Pulisic, and Erling Haaland, all of whom transitioned from Dortmund to lucrative moves in the Premier League for over £50 million before turning 21. This indicates a belief within Dortmund’s ranks that Gittens could follow in the footsteps of these successful exports, offering both sporting and financial rewards for the club.
### Newcastle United’s Interest in Johan Bakayoko
Newcastle United is reportedly looking to strengthen their squad as they eye PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko. With manager Eddie Howe warning that his team’s performance could stagnate if no reinforcements are secured, Bakayoko has become a primary target for the upcoming January transfer window. However, PSV is keen to retain the 21-year-old talent through the end of the current season.
As detailed by The Telegraph, Bakayoko has exhibited impressive form in the Eredivisie, having scored five goals and provided one assist in just 14 appearances. As a result, his growing reputation has drawn attention from several top European clubs, highlighting the challenge Newcastle may face in prying him away from Eindhoven mid-season. Although alternative targets such as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo have been closely monitored, Newcastle appears limited financially to attract any rivals in the Premier League, with strong transfer fees of £50-60 million quoted for those players.
### Arsenal Evaluates Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director
In the wake of Edu’s impending departure from Arsenal, Dan Ashworth has been considered a potential replacement. The Sun reported that Ashworth, who previously served as Manchester United’s first sporting director, was released from his duties by Sir Jim Ratcliffe following a disappointing home loss to Nottingham Forest. His unexpected availability thus becomes an attractive proposition for Arsenal, which is currently evaluating its options for a new sporting director.
Ashworth’s existing rapport with Arsenal’s managing director, Richard Garlick, may favor his candidacy. The Gunners aim to stabilize their executive leadership as they focus on enhancing their competitiveness in the ever-challenging landscape of the Premier League.
### Marcus Rashford’s Possible Exit from Manchester United
In a rather surprising development, Manchester United might contemplate parting ways with forward Marcus Rashford amid ongoing financial challenges faced by the club. While Rashford has not hit the heights expected of him this season, scoring just seven goals in 23 appearances across all competitions, he continues to be a well-regarded player. However, this struggle, coupled with his lucrative contract, has prompted the club to consider the possibility of selling him to alleviate their budget constraints.
The Mirror highlights that Rashford, with three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract and earning around £325,000 per week, has become a significant financial liability. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in his new role, aims to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, and a substantial sale such as Rashford’s could provide valuable financial wiggle room. Paris Saint-Germain has shown interest in the English international before, and a switch to Saudi Arabia may also be a feasible avenue to explore.
### Broadcasting Future Matches
In an intriguing note for football fans, TNT Sports is set to broadcast over 500 matches from prestigious competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League for the 2024-25 season. The streaming platform for TNT Sports in the UK, available on discovery+, offers subscribers a comprehensive entertainment package that combines sports with other content, aiming to attract a broader audience.
