Eriksen in talks for Galatasaray move, Chelsea reluctant to sack Poch

Eriksen holds Galatasaray talks

The Mirror reports that Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen could join Turkish side Galatasaray.

The 31-year-old could move because the Turkish transfer window remains open this week.

The paper explains: “Christian Eriksen has held talks with Galatasaray over a potential transfer away from Manchester United, with the Turkish transfer window open still open until later this week.

“Eriksen, 31, joined the Red Devils on a free transfer from Brentford in the summer of 2022 and has gone on to make over 50 appearances under Erik ten Hag.

“The Denmark international has started just three matches in the Premier League since mid-November, though, due to a combination of injuries and the emergence of midfield prodigy Kobbie Mainoo.

“The winter transfer window for English clubs shut last week with United opting against making any signings. A handful of fringe players did depart – and Eriksen could join them with Turkish clubs still able to sign players until February 9.”

Chelsea reluctant to sack Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino’s place at Chelsea is made more secure by the financial implications of getting rid of the Argentine.

The Mail explains that his compensation package could leave the club in breach of the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

“Chelsea are concerned that sacking Mauricio Pochettino could put them in danger of breaching Premier League spending rules, with the club’s precarious financial situation emerging as a significant factor as they consider whether to make a managerial change,” the Mail writes.

“The Argentine has around 18 months left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and dismissing him and his large backroom team would cost Chelsea in excess of £10million.

“Any pay-off agreed before June would count towards the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) this season, which Chelsea are already battling to avoid breaching after spending over £1billion on new players since the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital takeover.

“Independent finance experts have estimated that Chelsea need to raise tens of millions from player sales by the end of June to avoid being charged for breaching spending limits, an issue exacerbated by their failed attempts at selling home-grown players such as Armando Broja during last month’s window.

“Clubs are currently allowed to lose a maximum of £105m over a three-year period, though there are certain exemptions, such as spending on infrastructure, women’s football and investment in youth.”

Dwight Gayle available on free transfer

The Sun reports that former Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle is now available on a free transfer.

The veteran has left Stoke and is allowed to negotiate a move to a new side.

“The striker joined the Championship club in 2022 and is leaving with three goals and six assists in 50 appearances under his belt.

“The Walthamstow star fell down the pecking order this season and only managed a mere one assist in 14 appearances.

“Gayle burst onto the scene in 2013 when he became Crystal Palace’s record signing for £4.5million having impressed with Peterborough.

“The centre-forward went on to amass a total of 25 goals and three assists in 74 appearances during his three-year stint at Palace.”

Mbappe waits for better offer

Real Madrid need to offer Kylian Mbappe more money if they want to convince him to leave Paris Saint-Germain, the Independent reports.

His contract is up at the end of the season in France, but he is waiting for a more persuasive offer.

The paper states: “Real Madrid are still negotiating a contract with Kylian Mbappe, and the two sides are no closer to an agreement on his wage package. Although it is now expected even at Paris Saint-Germain that the 25-year-old will go to the Bernabeu, an agreement remains someway off.

“The Qatari-owned club still have an offer on the table for Mbappe but it is understood not to be a significant increase on his current deal. The PSG hierarchy of course wish him to stay, but do not want to be held to ransom as the French league leaders insist on going in a new strategic direction.

“The widespread feeling is that Mbappe himself has decided it is finally time to move on but the Madrid offer so far hasn’t been to the satisfaction of the player or his entourage. Potential switches to Liverpool or Arsenal have been explored but neither wants to break their wage structure to go for him.

“It leaves perhaps the best player in the world oddly limited in terms of options, which was precisely what happened with Lionel Messi at Barcelona.”

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