Southgate Man Utd, Olmo Chelsea & more

This article was originally published on Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, a subscription service. If you would like to receive Fabrizio Romano’s exclusive transfer news via email ahead of publication on caughtoffside.com, please sign-up for the service here: thedailybriefing.io

I reported a few months ago that Liverpool would start speaking with agents to explore the centre-backs market for the summer, but there’s still no major update here for now.

It’s not time for concrete names yet, as again the crucial part will be Liverpool’s next manager. We have to wait for the coach to understand who’s the player they want, how much they want to invest on that position – Liverpool have always involved the manager in their transfer plans.

And speaking of managers, Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders has emerged as one of the candidates to be the new Ajax manager for next season. Lijnders is under consideration at the club, but still waiting on a decision. For sure, he will be leaving Liverpool alongside Jurgen Klopp – he’s not staying on beyond the end of this season.

Lijnders is really appreciated around Europe as people believe he’s an excellent assistant and could become a very good head coach. Ajax have included his name in a shortlist for next season, but he’s not the only one.

For sure, Ajax will change manager and begin a new chapter in the summer, and for sure Lijnders will leave Liverpool as he’s also ready for a new challenge after great work alongside Klopp at Liverpool.

Gareth Southgate continues to be linked strongly with the Manchester United job, with some fans asking me about reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already identified him as a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag, and that they also plan to bring in his entire coaching staff from the England national team.

However, it’s important to say that my information is that Southgate won’t speak to any club before the Euros, this is very clear.

Also, Man United haven’t opened talks with Southgate as of now. I’m still told that Ten Hag’s final two months will be important to understand his future but initial talks with INEOS were positive; so it’s time to be patient and see what happens.

According to my information, Toni Kroos has decided to stay at Real Madrid for one more season and sign a new contract until 2025. Kroos never considered any other option despite many links with…