Manchester United debate Jadon Sancho options, Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham links reach 'fever pitch'

Manchester United debate Jadon Sancho options, Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham links reach 'fever pitch' - Paper Round

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Juventus are looking at Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson as well as Tottenham Hotspur stopper Guglielmo Vicario, while Mauricio Pochettino has again been linked with a move back to north London. Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho is being tracked by a number of clubs, and Manchester United are scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Casemiro ahead of his departure.

Juve monitor two Premier League goalkeepers

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Tottenham Hotspur stopper Guglielmo Vicario are targets for Juventus in the summer.

However, the Mirror reports that Liverpool have exercised their option to extend the Brazilian keeper’s contract for another season.

The paper reports: "Liverpool have activated an option to extend Alisson’s contract in order to fight off interest from Juventus. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s current deal was set to expire this summer, with a free transfer potentially on the cards.

"Juventus have been credited with an interest in Alisson’s services but it appears that he will not be on the move any time soon. Liverpool have activated an option to extend his deal by a further campaign which sees him committed to the club until 2027.

"That update comes amid news from Italy that Juventus are going to attempt a fresh move for his services.

"According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian giants have prioritised a move for a new goalkeeper, with Alisson a priority, while Spurs star Guglielmo Vicario is also seen as a potential option."

Pochettino linked with Spurs

The Sun claims that Mauricio Pochettino watched Atletico Madrid play Spurs in the UEFA Champions League in midweek as a guest of the Spanish side, rather than part of a move to appoint him as Igor Tudor’s long-term replacement.

However, the Argentine remains in the frame as a leading contender to be appointed to the role after this summer's World Cup in America.

The paper explains: "Pochettino watched from the stands in disbelief as Tottenham were battered by Atletico on Tuesday.

"It is understood that he was in the Spanish capital as a guest of the hosts rather than running the rule over his potential future employers.

"But speculation over heading back to north London has reached fever pitch after Spurs have endured a season to forget.

"They are in serious danger of dropping out of the Premier League for the first time in their history."

Sancho has options for next season

Aston Villa could yet make a move to sign Jadon Sancho on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Manchester United unlikely to retain him.

The Manchester Evening News also cites Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas, as well as his former club Borussia Dortmund, as potential destinations.

The paper states: "Jadon Sancho could leave Manchester United on a free transfer this summer, but it all depends on the club's stance on one of their last remaining Ruben Amorim 'bomb squad' members.

"However, with his current contract expiring with The Reds this summer, Villa could ultimately snap Sancho up as a free agent come the end of the season. That all depends on how United choose to play their cards, however, given that they have an option to extend his deal by a further year.

"Outside of a permanent move to Villa or extending his contract with Manchester United, Sancho seemingly has a number of options looking toward the future. A number of Turkish Super Lig outfits, including Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas are said to be monitoring his situation, while Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keeping tabs."

United face Casemiro conundrum

With Casemiro poised to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, The Express reports on potential replacements.

Listing the current candidates, the paper notes that Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Joao Gomes all lack the Brazilian’s goalscoring knack.

The paper explains: "They will also need to figure out how to replace Casemiro, who will wave goodbye to United when his contract expires in the summer. He's endured mixed fortunes since joining the club from Real Madrid in 2022, but it's clear that he will be sorely missed.

"The veteran midfielder initially struggled to hit the ground running, leading Jamie Carragher to infamously state 'the football has left him' after a disasterclass against Crystal Palace in 2024.

"This season, however, Casemiro has defied expectations to become a vital cog in United's midfield machine. He has been equally important in attack and defence, expertly screening the back four while chipping in with crucial goals at the other end of the pitch.

"They might be forced to think outside the box to solve this particular problem. Long-term target Carlos Baleba rarely appears on the scoresheet, while the likes of Joao Gomes and Sandro Tonali only have one goal between them in the Premier League this season."

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