Merih Demrial made history as he put Turkey 1-0 up less than a minute into their Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Austria on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old reacted quickest to a mix-up inside the Austrian box from a corner, lashing the ball into the roof of the net to give Turkey an early lead.

The goal was clocked at just 57 seconds, making it the second-fastest goal in this tournament after Nedim Bajrami’s opener for Albania against Italy after just 23 seconds. Prior to this summer, the European Championships had never seen a goal scored in the opening minute of a match.

However, Demiral now holds the record for the fastest-ever knockout goal scored at the European Championships. That completes a unique set for Turkey who, per Squawka, also hold the record for the fastest goal in a World Cup knockout match, with Hakan Suker scoring just 11 seconds into their third-place playoff match against South Korea at the 2002 World Cup.

Fastest knockout round goal at the Men's European Championships:

? 0:57 – Merih Demiral vs. Austria (2024)

Fastest knockout round goal at the Men's World Cup:

? 0:11 – Hakan Sukur vs South Korea (2002)

Türkiye have completed the set. ?#EURO2024 https://t.co/bokZPIwYo5

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 2, 2024

“Right in front of the Turkish supporters. It’s a brilliant left-footed corner from Guler. It’s not dealt with and falls to the feet of Demiral less than six yards out, he smashes the ball into the roof of the net. The stadium has gone wild and all sorts,” former England defender and BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Matthew Upson said of Demiral’s goal.

The post Merih Demiral joins former Blackburn Rovers man in unique club with Euro 2024 goal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United are on the verge of announcing the signing of Rory Finneran on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers, according to reports. 

Still just 16 years old, Finneran has been in the Blackburn system for eight years, already making his senior debut as a late substitute in their 5-2 win over Cambridge United in the FA Cup third round in January — becoming the club’s youngest-ever player in the process.

Finneran’s form in Premier League 2 and the U18 Premier League has earned him 15 caps for the Republic of Ireland across various youth levels, with the midfielder now the captain of the U17s.

However, Finneran is yet to sign a senior contract at Ewood Park, leaving him open to the advances of other sides.

Newcastle set to announce Finneran

According to the Lancashire Telegraph, it’s looking more and more likely that Finneran will leave Ewood Park this summer amid serious interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

Meanwhile, a report from NUFC Blog states that Newcastle are set to announce the signing of Finneran in the near future.

It’s easy to see why St. James’ Park would be an attractive destination for Finneran, who can operate as a central midfielder, right-back and centre-back.

Aside from their lofty ambitions since a Saudi takeover in 2021, the Magpies have offered first-team opportunities to a number of promising youngsters in recent years, with the likes of Lewis Miley, Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff all thriving with the first team after coming through the Newcastle academy.

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Enzo Maresca is already getting to work on preparing his Leicester City squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The Foxes return to the top-flight may coincide with the departure of club legend Jamie Vardy, and as a result, Leicester City are searching for a replacement.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leicester City are eyeing Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers, recognising his talent as the Championship’s recent Golden Boot winner.

Despite playing for a team in relegation battles, Szmodics shone scoring an emphatic 27 goals in the Championship this term, showcasing his versatility as an attacking midfielder and centre-forward.

This move echoes how former Coventry player Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Europe this season after proving himself in the Championship, emphasising the potential of true goal scorers to excel at higher levels.

That being said, Szmodics, despite his impressive campaign, he has far from been a natural goalscorer throughout his career.

Should Leicester City sign Sammie Szmodics to replace Jamie Vardy?

Sammie Szmodics has undoubtedly had a remarkable season, yet it’s worth noting that this is the first time he’s achieved double figures in the Championship, with only one previous season reaching such heights in League One.

While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a one-season wonder scenario, it does stand out significantly as an outlier in his career trajectory.

Moreover, his contribution in terms of assists hasn’t been particularly notable either, suggesting that while he’s shown flashes of brilliance, consistency in both goal scoring and playmaking might be areas for further development and scrutiny.

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Leeds United produced yet another lacklustre display as they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers this afternoon.

Leicester City lost 1-0 to Plymouth and Ipswich drew against Middlesbrough. Leeds had the chance to capitalise on the favourable results and go top of the league but lost as well.

It was their first home league defeat of the season as Sammie Szmodics’ late strike was enough to earn three points for Blackburn in another frustrating day for Daneil Farke’s side.

Blackburn sat in deep and absorbed the pressure running down the clock, which left Leeds players frustrated as they struggled to break them down.

Connor Roberts was left fuming at Joel Piroe

Phil Hay revealed that Roberts was seen yelling at Piroe to show some urgency as Leeds continued to try and break Blackburn down.

Hay posted on X:

“Roberts yelling at Piroe to show some urgency from a throw and get onto the wing to take it.”

Roberts yelling at Piroe to show some urgency from a throw and get onto the wing to take it. Very steady so far but needs a bit of that. 0-0 on 25 mins. #lufc

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) April 13, 2024

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Piroe was given a start in front of the goal but had a rather poor game and failed to make any sort of impact.

Leeds are now 3rd with 87 points, two points behind 1st place Ipswich Town and one point behind Leicester City.

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Blackburn owners have decided not to sell the club despite facing problems getting cash out of India. 

That is according to the report from The Sun, which claims that the owners have received a few inquiries regarding a sale, but they will only consider a buyer once they get promoted to the Premier League.

Who owns Blackburn Rovers?

Blackburn Rovers are currently owned by Venky’s London Limited, a subsidiary of the Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group, based in India.

The Pune based family bought Blackburn in November 2010 marked a significant turning point in the club’s history.

They were a Premier League club at that time but since their takeover, the club has experienced a turbulent period, marked by managerial changes, relegation from the Premier League, and struggles to regain top-flight status.

After their relegation in 2012, they spent 5 season in the Championship before being relegated to League One.

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They regained promotion to the Championship the following season but have never been able to fight for promotion to the Premier League.

This season they continue to struggle as they fight relegation once again, sitting 17th in the table, just 3 points above the relegation zone.

The post Blackburn owners will only consider selling the club on one condition appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to the Daily Mail, Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson is set to leave the club.

Reportedly, Tomasson has already communicated to his players that his tenure at the club is nearing its conclusion, with meetings scheduled for today to discuss the matter further.

The club is facing problems on and off the pitch. They have not won a game in 8 games in the Championship, where they currently sit at 18th place.

Out of 29 games, they have won only 10, drawing 3 and losing 16.

But, what appears to be the triggering point was the club’s failure to bring in USA striker Duncan McGuire from Orlando City on deadline day due to an ‘administrative error’.

This is not the first time he has been left disappointed by the club hierarchy. He recently revealed that he came close to quitting the club last summer as well, after the club cut his transfer budget.

Although efforts are reportedly underway to persuade Tomasson to stay, the manager appears resolute in his decision to depart.

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Blackburn face Stoke City on Saturday in what is going to be a crucial game. Stoke City are currently 20th in the league and have been struggling with problems of their own.

A victory for Blackburn would not only boost morale but also help them maintain their position ahead of Stoke City in the league standings.

The post Manager reportedly set to leave English club after January transfer window disappointment appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool have allowed defender Billy Koumetio to join Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of this season in France with Ligue 2 outfit USL Dunkerque before returning to Merseyside in January after being recalled by the Reds.

The centre-back was one of several players to have their loan moves reassessed by the Premier League giants ahead of the second half of the campaign and Koumetio will now move to Blackburn Liverpool have confirmed in a statement.

The Championship side could do with the youngster’s help as they are currently 18th in the table and are flirting with relegation.

Billy Koumetio has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season, subject to international clearance:

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 1, 2024

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The post 21-year-old Liverpool star joined English club on Deadline Day following big January decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The FA Cup fifth-round draw has taken place with some big ties emerging in the next round of football’s oldest competition. 

The story of the fourth round was undoubtedly semi-professional football club Maidstone United defeating Championship side Ipswich Town 2-1 and the cup underdogs would have been hoping for a huge club to play in the next chapter of their story. They will travel to either Sheffield Wednesday or Coventry next which should be a good day out for their fans.

Tickets for the Carabao Cup Final can be Bought Here!

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The biggest tie saw Man City defeat Tottenham on Friday night and the defending champions will play Luton Town in the next round.

The biggest draw could possibly be Wrexham vs Newcastle if the League Two side can get passed Blackburn Rovers on Monday night. With the Hollywood story potentially writing an incredible chapter by knocking out the Premier League big boys.

FA Cup fifth-round draw in full:

Blackburn Rovers/Wrexham vs Newcastle

Chelsea/Aston Villa vs Leeds/Plymouth Argyle

Bournemouth vs Leicester City

Liverpool/Norwich vs Watford/Southampton

Bristol City/Nottingham Forest vs Newport/Man United

Wolves vs Brighton

Sheffield Wednesday/Coventry vs Maidstone United

Luton Town vs Man City

The draw has been made for the #EmiratesFACup fifth round proper ?

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 28, 2024

The post FA Cup fifth-round draw: champions Man City get Premier League opposition appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Four clubs from the Championship are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden.

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who claims the Magpies’ recent decision to recall the midfielder from his loan spell with Standard Liege has opened the door for a potential Championship move.

Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle are all credited with having an interest and hope to win the race to bring the 28-year-old to England’s second tier.

Newcastle have recalled Isaac Hayden from his loan at Standard Liege. Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Blackburn are all keen on signing Hayden. #NUFC #BCFC #pafc #swfc #Rovers #RSCL https://t.co/ut5or3L0O6

— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 11, 2024

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Although the club have yet to officially confirm O’Rourke’s information, there seems to be an acceptance that Hayden’s time in Belgian fell well below expectations.

And with just two years left on his contract, it is in everyone’s best interests for Hayden to rediscover his best form, which would help convince prospective buyers to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

In the meantime, the race between the four Championship clubs remains wide open.

Since joining the Geordies back in 2016, Hayden, who was released from Arsenal’s youth academy, has scored seven goals and registered 10 assists in 171 games in all competitions.

The post Quartet of Championship clubs interested in recently recalled Newcastle midfielder appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Football Insider reports that Tottenham Hotspur is intensifying their pursuit of Blackburn Rovers sensation Adam Wharton. Following the acquisition of Ashley Phillips from Blackburn last summer, it seems Tottenham is looking to repeat the pattern by now showing interest in Wharton.

In late November, it was reported by 90min that Tottenham had dispatched scouts to Ewood Park on multiple occasions to observe midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been making waves in the Championship this season.

As per Football Insider’s latest update, Ange Postecoglou’s team are reportedly gearing up to intensify their interest in the England Under-20 international, Adam Wharton.

Football Insider suggests that Tottenham’s recruitment chiefs view 19-year-old Adam Wharton as a ‘potential star in the making’ destined for the top. Despite this belief, a transfer is unlikely to occur in the current window as Blackburn is expected to demand a significant fee for the midfielder.

Spurs are not the only Premier League club interested in Wharton, as Crystal Palace and Everton are also reportedly keen on securing the youngster’s services.

Since breaking into the Blackburn Rovers side last term Wharton has racked up three goals and four assists. These numbers might be small, but let’s not forget he is more suited to a defensive midfield role.

The post Tottenham pursuing 19-year-old hot prospect midfielder from the Championship appeared first on CaughtOffside.