Gossip: Pochettino, Griezmann, Dahoud…

Daniel Storey

THE MOVE FOR POCHETTINO BEGINS
Jose Mourinho might be making pretty origami flowers to send to Manchester United’s owners in a bid to convince them he’s all sweetness and light and the right man to take over from Louis van Gaal, but reports say Mauricio Pochettino has unwittingly jumped to the front of the queue.

The Sun back page goes big on the claim that United are targeting Tottenham’s manager, which is weird given that in December they told us Mourinho was nailed on to get the job.

‘United also see Pochettino as a man who can lead them long-term and deliver trophies as well as good football,’ the story says, claiming that United are in talks with both Spurs and Mourinho.

‘SunSport understands United chiefs have spoken to representatives of the Tottenham boss about succeeding Louis van Gaal,’ is also an interesting line, given that Pochettino doesn’t employ an agent.

We just can’t wait to see Van Gaal’s face when he sees that Neil Custis has linked another manager with his job. ‘Exclusively’.

 

GRIEZMANN WANTS PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE
Something very rare now: Actual transfer news out of the horse’s mouth. That horse is Antoine Griezmann.

Oh no, wait. That horse has not just closed his mouth, he’s galloped back into the stable and bolted the door.

The news is that Griezmann wants a Premier League move, but the evidence is all too flimsy for our liking. The Atletico Madrid forward has ‘told pals’ that he would like a move to England. We only wish that one of those pals had recorded the conversation.

What’s more, Atleti say Griezmann is going nowhere. If he does leave (and it would surely be for Chelsea?) it would be for a fee of around £60m.

 

UNITED AND CITY WANT DAHOUD
Da who? Dahoud. Mahmoud Dahoud, a player with one of the most pleasing names to say in world football. These things are important.

According to German sports daily Bild, Manchester United and Manchester City are both plotting summer swoops for the Syrian-born Dahoud, who has been doing lovely things for Borussia Monchengladbach this season.

Dahoud is still only 20, who has played for Germany’s Under-19 team. He played in both Champions League games against City, and is also reportedly admired by Louis van Gaal at United. But what does Pochettino think?

 

AND THE REST
Leicester will renew their interest in CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa when the transfer window reopens this summer… Manchester United will sign Renato Sanches – if they appoint Jose Mourinho as their next manager… Dimitri Payet is caught in the middle of a contract war between his agent and West Ham… Leicester are ready to give new deals to Kasper Schmeichel and Danny Simpson… Robert Lewandowski is in negotiations with Bayern Munich over a new contract, his agent has revealed… Borussia Monchengladbach want to sign Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen on a permanent deal in the summer… Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has not given up hope of prising Mo Diame away from Hull… Everton are closing on a £200m takeover agreement with US businessmen John Jay Moores and Charles Noell… Paolo Di Canio has made a second bid to become Rotherham’s new manager.