Gossip: Dier, Sturridge, Sanchez, De Gea

Ian Watson

MOURINHO WANTS DIER TO REPLACE CARRICK
Jose Mourinho wants Eric Dier, apparently, but the Manchester United boss has a job on his hands to persuade Tottenham to sell.

The Sun reports Mourinho wanted the versatile England international in January but Spurs told United where to stick their interest.

Michael Carrick’s future remains unclear, with the 35-year-old’s contract up at the end of the season. Mourinho reportedly sees Dier as the ideal man to replace the holding midfielder, and he has reportedly watched the 23-year-old very closely.

The Sun claims:

A source revealed: “United are interested in Dier, and looked at making a move for him in the January transfer window.

“Obviously that didn’t come off, but Mourinho has him on a list of targets for the summer. He likes him.

“Tottenham do not want to sell him under any circumstances, but you never know what can happen when the money is on the table.”

Good luck persuading Daniel Levy to sell.

 

ARSENAL TO WATCH NAPOLI AND ROMA STARS
Arsenal will have representatives at Roma’s clash with Napoli today to watch winger Lorenzo Insigne.

The Daily Star repeat a claim made by Tutto Mercato that the Napoli star is one of the candidates the Gunners have identified as a possible replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

The Sun says Sanchez will force a move to Juventus this summer, so Arsenal are planning for life without the Chilean.

The Arsenal scout will earn his money today, with Roma defender Kostas Manolas also being watched, apparently.

 

AND THE REST
Jose Mourinho is considering summer moves for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane, 23, and midfielder Toni Kroos… Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has told goalkeeper Willy Caballero, 35, defenders Pablo Zabaleta, 32, Gael Clichy, 31, and Bacary Sagna, 34, midfielder Yaya Toure, 33, and winger Jesus Navas, 31, they have three months to prove they deserve to have their contracts extended beyond this summer… Antonio Conte has warned Michy Batshuayi to forget about forcing his way into the Chelsea side until he proves he deserves a chance… Leonardo Bonucci has revealed he will buy dinner for the entire Juventus squad following a public bust-up with boss Massimiliano Allegri… Ernesto Valverde is reportedly Barcelona’s first choice to take over from Luis Enrique as manager…

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic will be given a new contract and money to spend in the transfer market this summer…Bayern Munich are keen on a summer swoop for Dele Alli… Jose Mourinho believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be at Manchester United next season – and sees him as crucial to their continued revival… Arsenal want Juventus boss Max Allegri to take over if Arsene Wenger decides to leave at the end of the season… Ronald Koeman is desperate to keep Romelu Lukaku at Everton – but admits Harry Kane is one of the few strikers he would consider swapping for him… Arsenal are set to scout Roma defender Kostas Manolas and Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne on Saturday… Sergio Aguero wants clear-the-air talks with Pep Guardiola at the end of the season after admitting he is still in the dark about his Manchester City future… Manchester United star David de Gea reportedly won’t join Real Madrid because he’s still angry about his collapsed transfer in 2015…

Mark Warburton is being lined up to take over at Nottingham Forest should the club avoid relegation from the Championship… Jordan Pickford is being heavily coveted, with several Premier League sides interested in the Sunderland goalkeeper and Gareth Southgate considering handing him an England call-up this month… Manchester City will ward off interest in the player they believe will be their next English superstar by handing 16-year-old Jadon Sancho a bumper pay rise and new three-year contract… Wilfried Bony will lead an exodus of senior players at Stoke this summer as Mark Hughes strives to raise funds for new recruits… Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is on red-alert with transfer target Antonio Rudiger keen to quit Italy for the Premier League after being racially abused for the second time this season… Rangers expect to unveil Pedro Caixinha as their new manager next week, but director of football target Ross Wilson has asked for more time to consider the Ibrox club’s offer… Jurgen Klopp is ready to spend in the summer on up to six players to strengthen the Liverpool squad.