Transfer gossip: Newcastle enter Bellingham race as Juve consider drastic action over Pogba

Ian Watson
Jude-Bellingham

Newcastle are trying to join Liverpool and Real Madrid among the leading pack in the Jude Bellingham chase, while Juventus have had enough of Paul Pogba. Haven’t we all…

TOON IN FOR JUDE
They may be a little late to the party but it seems Newcastle are trying to get involved in all the shenanigans around Jude Bellingham.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is set to be the hottest property in the next transfer window, with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City way out in front ahead of his other chasers.

Liverpool chose not to buy a midfielder in January, in spite of the urgent need, to save themselves for Bellingham, while Real Madrid fancy themselves to complete ‘short and sweet’ negotiations with Dortmund. Then there’s City, just lurking there, waiting to make their move.

Now, Bild reckons Newcastle are seeking to force their way into that leading pack. Apparently, the Magpies are ‘trying to get into a game of poker’ with the high-rollers and, lets face it, they have the chips.

 

JUVE CONSIDER POGBA TERMINATION
Remember when Paul Pogba was in Bellingham’s position as the best young midfielder in Europe? Now Juventus are thinking of cutting him loose…

Juve were cock-a-hoop when they re-signed Pogba last summer up the expiry of his contract at Manchester United. Many United fans would have driven him to Turin, which ought to have been a warning for Juve, who’ve since realised why so many at Old Trafford were glad to see the back of the 29-year-old.

Pogba hasn’t played a minute for Juve since returning to the club. A knee injury has kept him on the sidelines, but not off social media, which has only served to infuriate Juve fans further.

The Daily Mail says the Old Lady is considering terminating Pogba’s contract at the end of the season or attempting to sell him to an MLS club. Good luck finding one daft enough.

Read more: Time to talk terms: key Arsenal trio among 20 best players out of contract in 2024…

EVERTON REJECT ISCO CHANCE
Sevilla found themselves in a similar situation with Isco. They terminated his contract and the Spanish playmaker has been a free-agent since just before Christmas.

It seemed Isco was heading for Union Berlin before the deal broke down on deadline day. Now the 30-year-old is looking for a new club and 90min says his representatives are hawking their client around the Premier League.

Everton are an obvious destination after they failed to sign anyone in the January window, and the Toffees have explored the possibility of signing the former Real Madrid star. But The Independent says the Premier League strugglers have concerns over whether he has the physicality to thrive in the English game. They had the same reservations over Andre Ayew, who could sign for Forest instead.