Pochettino future uncertain as Chelsea eye Amorim

Pochettino’s future in doubt

The Daily Mail names Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon as a candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino has a year left on his contract, with another year as an option should the club wish to take it up.

The Mail writes: “Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term position as head coach is uncertain, with qualification for European football emerging as a crucial factor in determining the Argentine’s future.

“The pressure is mounting on the 51-year-old following his team’s Carabao Cup final loss to Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.

“Pochettino signed a two-year contract last summer, with the option for a third.

“Chelsea have a long-standing interest in Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, but the Portuguese is expected to have high-profile options who can offer him European football next season.”

Chelsea linked with firesale

The Telegraph reports on speculation that Chelsea will have to sell a number of players to avoid contravening financial rules set by the Premier League.

With a few players out on loan, there are several candidates for the chopping block should funds need to be raised.

The paper writes: “Chelsea’s Premier League rivals believe the club must make major sales by June 30 to avoid the threat of running into profit and sustainability trouble.

“Newcastle United’s obligation to buy Lewis Hall is on course to guarantee Chelsea a quick £28 million without the need for any further negotiation.

“Chelsea will expect to earn over £30 million from the permanent sale of Belgium international Romelu Lukaku after agreeing a £37 million release clause in the new contract he signed before joining Roma on loan last season.

“Chelsea also inserted a £35 million release clause into the contract of Ian Maatsen before he joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, which they expect to be triggered.

“Selling Lukaku and Maatsen for anywhere close to their release clauses would just about guarantee Chelsea £100 million from sales, but the club will also look to offload Tervoh Chalobah and Armando Broja, while the futures of England international Conor Gallagher and Marc Cucurella are in doubt.”

10 players set for Man Utd exit

The Mirror reports that Manchester United may aim to raise funds with a huge clearout in the summer.

The paper lists the names who may be sold, while others will depart at the end of their respective contracts.

The story explains: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to sell 10 Manchester United stars as part of a major squad overhaul.

“The Ineos owner is now officially in charge of football operations at Old Trafford after his minority takeover was approved. He is wasting no time in getting the squad into order and is targeting an array of sales.

“Those out of contract next summer have been earmarked for exits. That includes Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Facundo Pellistri.

“Casemiro could also be allowed to leave amid interest from Saudi Arabia. The Red Devils are also hoping that they can bank considerable amounts for other stars.

“Underperforming wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony could both leave – although the former’s future could hinge on if current boss Erik ten Hag remains in situ. Mason Greenwood could also be sold after spending the current season on loan with Spanish side Getafe. The forward could remain in La Liga after links with Barcelona.

“The Red Devils other loan stars Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernadez – who are with Sevilla and Benfica respectively – could be sold on permanent deals. Finally, Donny van de Beek is not expected to have a future at Old Trafford.”

Davies reaches ‘verbal agreement’ with Real

Alphonso Davies is reportedly on the verge of signing for Real Madrid.

A report in The Sun claims the Bayern Munich defender, 23, has a “verbal agreement” to leave Bayern Munich for Los Blancos.

“His contract at Bayern expires in 2025 and he now looks set to leave them to join Madrid,” reads the article.

“The LaLiga leaders are on the lookout for a new left-back and are believed to have made Davies their top target.

“Now The Athletic have offered an update on the transfer chase.

“They say talks have already taken place between Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat and director general Jose Angel Sanchez with the player’s representatives.

“And they claim that the duo have asked Davies not to extend his deal at Bayern.

“Several meetings have reportedly taken place already, including one in person earlier this month in Madrid.

“And they now claim that a verbal agreement has been reached for Davies to either join Madrid this summer or as a free agent next year.”

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