Bayern Munich have reportedly made a first move for RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but prising him away could prove an expensive operation.
Bundesliga leaders Bayern, who stand on the brink of a ninth successive title, are set to lose head coach Hansi Flick at the end of the season after he asked to be released from his contract.
While Flick is seen as a possible successor to Joachim Low with the Germany national team, the 33-year-old Nagelsmann is considered one of Europe's best young coaches.
His name has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and many others at various times, but Bayern have also kept a close eye.
Bayern are said to be chasing a fee for the release of Flick to the German Football Federation (DFB), while it has been reported that Leipzig want up to €30million to free up Nagelsmann.
Bavarian newspaper TZ puts the fee being sought in the region of €20million, while Sport1 suggests the higher sum was quoted by Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff after an initial approach from Bayern.
Nagelsmann's contract with Leipzig, who sit second in the Bundesliga, runs until the end of the 2022-23 season.
The former Hoffenheim coach joined Leipzig in 2019 and helped the team reach the semi-finals of last season's Champions League, the competition that Bayern won to complete a famous treble under Flick.
Nagelsmann has yet to declare his wishes amid the discussions about his future.
Former Bayern and Germany star Lothar Matthaus recently suggested Nagelsmann was a shoo-in for the Allianz Arena job.
Nagelsmann has won 53, drawn 21 and lost 16 of his 90 matches in charge of Leipzig.
Speaking on April 18, he said there had been no talks with Bayern.
"There is simply nothing I can report," Nagelsmann told a media conference on that day. "I think it's totally wrong to then sit down and say what if, and maybe get yourself talked about somewhere and make yourself important on things that aren't there.
"I can't sit down and say, I'm going to break up with Lena Gercke [German model] tomorrow, because I've never dated her, for example.
"I'm sorry to say that there are no new developments compared to the last press conference. The same things apply that I said there.
"There are and were no discussions and no offer. That's why I don't know what Bayern's wish is. I have said I don't want to start a war with my employers - that's still the case."
Honduras defeats French Guiana 3-2 in Nations League thriller
Honduras secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over French Guiana in a thrilling encounter at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama in Remire-Montjoly, French Guiana, as they climbed to second place in Group B of the CONCACAF Nations League.
The match got off to a lively start with Honduras nearly taking an early lead in the 8th minute. Edwin Rodríguez found himself with a great chance inside the box, but his volley was met by an impressive save from French Guiana goalkeeper Donovan Leon. The hosts responded seven minutes later when Ansley Panelle unleashed a powerful long-range strike, but Honduras goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar was equal to the task, keeping the scoreline level.
As the first half wore on, Honduras began to impose themselves on the game. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Anthony Lozano gave Los Catrachos the lead in the 45th+1 minute. Lozano calmly finished from the center of the box after a well-placed assist from Rigoberto Rivas, giving the visitors a crucial advantage heading into the break.
French Guiana, however, came out strong in the second half and found an equalizer in the 56th minute. Raphaël Galas latched onto a loose ball inside the box and fired home to restore parity for the home side, sending the local fans into a frenzy.
But Honduras was quick to respond, regaining the lead in the 67th minute through Deybi Flores, who rose high to head in a corner delivery, putting the visitors back in control. Just seven minutes later, they extended their lead when Jorge Benguché finished across goal after a perfect through ball from Jorge Álvarez, giving Honduras a comfortable 3-1 cushion.
Despite the deficit, French Guiana refused to give up. In stoppage time, Jules Haabo scored a late consolation goal in the 90th+4 minute, but it wasn't enough to prevent Honduras from claiming all three points with a 3-2 final scoreline.
The win propels Honduras into second place in Group B of the CONCACAF Nations League, as they continue their pursuit of qualification to the next stage.
Reggae Boyz battle to 2-0 victory over Nicaragua to maintain leadership of Group B
Jamaica defeated Nicaragua 2-nil at Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua.
The visitors took the lead in minute 32 through and own goal from Nicaragua’s Josué Quijano.
Juan Barrera came close to tying the match for Nicaragua in minute 27 with a potent left-footed shot from long distance, but his attempt was denied by Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Jamaica extended its lead in the 69th minute through a finish from Romario Williams from close range following a corner kick.
In the 88th minute, two saves in quick succession from Blake prevented Nicaragua from equalizing. Blake subsequently closed out the match with six saves to secure a second clean sheet this Nations League campaign.
With the win, the Reggae Boyz maintain the lead in first place in Group B.
Group B will resume Monday, with Jamaica facing Honduras in a battle for the top spot. Trinidad and Tobago will host Cuba, while Nicaragua will receive French Guiana.
Palmer and Maresca scoop Premier League awards for September
Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Enzo Maresca have been named the Premier League's Player and Manager of the Month for September.
The Blues won three of their four league games last month, propelling them to fourth place and four points behind leaders Liverpool, who they face next Sunday.
One of those victories included a 4-2 win over Brighton, a game that saw Palmer become the first player in Premier League history to score four goals before half-time.
He also became only the second Blues player after Frank Lampard in 2008 (against Derby) and 2010 (against Aston Villa) to net four times in two different games in the top flight.
The England international also leads the division for goal involvements this term (11 - six goals, five assists), with his 23 chances created, a total only bettered by Bukayo Saka (27).
Palmer has now won two of the last three Premier League Player of the Month awards, with only Lampard (four) winning more for the Blues than the 22-year-old (two).
Maresca made September’s shortlist along with Mikel Arteta, Arne Slot, Unai Emery and Marco Silva, and came out on top after votes from both the public and a panel of experts.
In doing so, the Italian has become the first Chelsea head coach since Thomas Tuchel in October 2021 to win the Manager of the Month award.
"We had a very good month," Maresca said. "We all need people around us to make things better.
"I'm very grateful to have all of them [his staff].
"We are always looking at new things and how we can improve from different football and different countries."
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