RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer has cancelled a planned trip to Brazil with the rest of the squad, to focus on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and potentially Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
That’s [according to BILD](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/rb-leipzig-brasilien-abreise-von-schaefer-wegen-fabregas-und-bellingham-683582765f7a8d25a5be39b1), who say the 40-year-old won’t be joining the club on a PR tour in Brazil as he focuses on various transfer issues.
They explain that Schäfer wants to push for decisions on several fronts, with a decision on a new manager needed soon. The current number one target is Como manager Cesc Fabregas.
He hasn’t turned them down as yet and hasn’t committed to Como either, but all parties want to know what’s going on. Schäfer intends to push on this. It was reported earlier today that Jurgen Klopp has also spoken to Fabregas for Red Bull.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is the ‘second preferred candidate’ according to BILD’s information. It’s been explained, though, that it would take a double-digit fee to get him out of Selhurst Park.
Whoever the coach is, would have an impact on transfers. One of the targets is Sunderland star Bellingham. He would be available for €25-30m, and Leipzig are in the mix alongside the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
They believe they have a chance of signing him from Sunderland, though, as he hasn’t turned them down as yet. A decision is expected this week. Schäfer has already met with the midfielder, but he would want to know who their next manager will be.
Thus, it could be a big week for Sunderland and Crystal Palace, with Schäfer’s cancelled trip potentially speeding up his focus on both, for different reasons.