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Chelsea are closing in on the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, while Tottenham have installed Ryan Mason to replace the sacked Cristian Stellini ahead of facing Manchester United
Even so late in a 38-game Premier League season, clubs are still chopping and changing managers, with Tottenham remarkably sacking interim boss Cristian Stellini after failing to lift the mood following Antonio Conte‘s departure less than a month ago. Spurs have installed Ryan Mason as their second caretaker manager this season, as they prepare to host Manchester United on Thursday.
Across London, Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be in advanced talks over taking the vacant Chelsea job. Elsewhere, and sticking with Tottenham, Man United have begun their attempts to sign striker Harry Kane, who’s Erik ten Hag‘s top transfer target.
Liverpool are also scouring the market ahead of their hotly-anticipated rebuild and Chelsea are still hoping that midfielder Mason Mount agrees a new contract after rejecting a series of offers. And on the continent, Lionel Messi‘s future is in the spotlight.
Ten Hag repeats Liverpool trick
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants to be reunited with his former Ajax star Ryan Gravenberch this summer with the midfielder outlining his desire to leave Bayern Munich.
Liverpool – who have been strongly linked with a move for the player – began their January transfer window by completing the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch international had been in the process of negotiating a deal with United, who were not decisive on a deal for the forward.
The latest developments appear to be somewhat of a role reversal, with United now looking to capitalise on Liverpool’s inability to swiftly tie up a move by gazumping their interest with a move of their own.
Pochettino to make Felix call
Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to have the final call on Joao Felix’s future at Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese arrived in West London on-loan until the end of the season in January. There is no option to make the deal permanent although there have been suggestions that the Blues will pursue him anyway.
As per the Express, Pochettino is set to get the final say on any transfer activity which includes a move for Felix.
PSG close to Osimhen ‘agreement’
French giants PSG are reportedly closing in on a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian has a number of suitors following a stunning season for the Italian giants including Man Utd. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, PSG are closing in on an agreement with his representatives over personal terms.
However, it is detailed that he is prioritising a move to the Premier League.
Klopp makes Liverpool addition
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Conor Bradley is “a contender” to play a bigger part for the club next season after impressing on loan.
Right-back Bradley has thrived on loan at Bolton this season as Ian Evatt’s side push for promotion. The Northern Ireland international has been one of Evatt’s most-used players, with the Trotters close to clinching a play-off spot in League One.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold moving into a hybrid role combining defensive and midfield duties, questions are being asked about squad changes in the upcoming season. Klopp was asked about Bradley ahead of the Reds’ trip to West Ham on Wednesday and made his position clear.
Nagelsmann issues Levy with ultimatum
Julian Nagelsmann will only consider joining Tottenham if he can wait until the summer to begin work whilst also having a major say in transfer dealings.
The German is currently the frontrunner to take over in north London following his recent sacking by Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann’s stock remains high, but wants clear assurances over the role at Spurs if he is to be persuaded to take the position by chairman Daniel Levy.
Tottenham axed Cristian Stellini after the horror show at Newcastle on Sunday, placing Ryan Mason in temporary charge. Levy wants to get someone in sooner rather than later with the north Londoners still having a slim chance of the top four. But Nagelsmann does not want to join until the current season ends, as per the Independent.
Man Utd ready to pay Kane mega salary
Manchester United are ready to pay Harry Kane £300,000-a-week as they look to secure his services from Tottenham this summer.
Harry Kane
The England star has a decision to make on his future in the coming months with his contract in north London entering its final 12 months. Kane’s trophy cabinet remains bare and Tottenham, who sacked Antonio Conte several weeks ago, as well as interim boss Cristian Stellini on Monday, look to be at their lowest ebb for years.
A major rebuild is on the cards, but Kane may not sticking around amid mounting speculation he will seek pastures new after becoming Tottenham’s record goalscorer. United’s priority this summer is adding a new No 9 and they’re ready to give Kane a major bump on his current £200k-a-week salary.
Firmino’s Barcelona move scuppered by Messi plans
Roberto Firmino’s hopes of signing for Barcelona have been ruined with the Spanish giants prioritising four other signings including the return of Lionel Messi.
Getty Images)
The Brazilian forward is set to bring his eight-year spell with Liverpool to an end this summer at the end of his contract. His impending exit has already been confirmed by Jurgen Klopp but Firmino’s next destination has yet to be announced.
Previous reports suggested that MLS side St Louis City had approached the striker, whilst Inter Miami were also thought to be interested in his services. Sticking in Europe is also an option for Firmino too.
