In our weekly talk cock sessions, we look at the latest transfer news, gossips, and highlights that have football fans all over the world buzzing with excitement.
Paul Pogba ready to quit Manchester United
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Paul Pogba is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season. The 28-year-old French international is out of contract at the end of the season and has long been linked with Real Madrid, and United do not anticipate offering the World Cup winner a new deal. This means that he can link up with the Spanish side in the summer. Pogba has been absolutely dreadful for United as have most players at the club for the last few seasons, but with Real interested the only problem for his current club is worrying if he has resale value now and whether they can sell. Pogba’s existing deal is up in the summer of 2022 and has held talks with directors about his future, six years after he signed from Juventus. The Daily Star have reported on the meeting and claim that the Red Devils are ready to allow Pogba to depart on a free transfer this summer and will not offer him a new contract.
Harry Maguire could be sold
Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has reportedly expressed concerns about the positions of three key players in his squad – including Harry Maguire. The centre-back, who is currently United’s captain, has failed to impress throughout the 2021/22 season. He was given the captain’s armband at the beginning of last season. However, he has been criticised for his lack of leadership and defensive errors. Some United fans want Cristiano Ronaldo to be captain. The situation is a far cry from the end of last season, where the centre-back played a much more significant role. In May, Maguire suffered an injury during a Premier League fixture against Aston Villa and subsequently missed five games. It was then that United rushed to get him back for their Europa League final against Villarreal, but Maguire could only make the bench. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side went on to lose on penalties.
Arsenal sends Dusan Vlahovic a message
Mikel Arteta has sent a warning to his bosses at Arsenal as the club tries to seal the signing of Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Gunners have been chasing the Fiorentina star as their top priority this month as they look to seal his signature before more clubs enter the race for him in the summer. Arteta was left frustrated by his side’s failure to put the ball in the net as the Gunners were unable to make the best of their home advantage in the second leg as they crashed out of the competition. And his post-match comments included a thinly veiled message to sporting director Edu about Arsenal’s need for reinforcements.
Oscar linked with Barcelona move
Oscar is in talks with Barcelona over a possible return to Europe. The midfielder left Chelsea a few years ago for a big payday in China and frankly left the mainstream footballing conversation when he did so. However, according to the man himself, the two are in talks. Oscar spoke to TNT Sports in Brazil and said there are active talks between himself and Barca. “Barcelona reached out to my agent to know about this possibility, they knew football in China will stop until March. So maybe, but Barca is facing a difficult time now,” he said. “I was told about this interest, I guess they’re still trying to figure something out. Barca has this issue about registering new signings and they’d still need to sort talks with my club. They would want for me to join until the end of the season. They’re still talking, it’s ongoing, but there’s this problem with the new signings – I guess Dani Alves has faced some.”
Alan Shearer wants Jesse Lingard at Newcastle
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has made it clear what his view is amid the Jesse Lingard links. The former Magpies forward took to Twitter to make his feelings known – that he wants PIF to sign the Manchester United attacking midfielder. It was in response to the content creator ‘Statman Dave’. The tweet was a video that discussed whether or not the 29-year-old English midfielder would be a good signing for Newcastle. Shearer’s response was a clearly one-worded answer of, ‘YES’. Some fans will certainly agree with the legend’s view and will hope he’ll arrive on Tyneside before the window shuts. Acquiring Lingard either on loan or permanently would be much needed for their midfield. He’d offer that extra spark of creativity and excitement that is missing at the moment.
Dembele set for fresh Barcelona talks
Dembele is in the final year of his deal at Barcelona and is yet to agree on extending his stint, despite the club pushing for a contract extension. Barcelona CEO Mateu Alemany has made it clear to Dembele that if he does not want to sign on fresh terms at the club, he should leave as soon as possible. As it stands Dembele is available on a free transfer next summer and clutch of clubs, including newly rich Newcastle, are keen on a move for him. However, according to Catalunya based daily Sport, Dembele and his entourage do not consider contract negotiations to have ended. Barcelona coach Xavi considers Dembele a key part of his plans as he looks to help rebuild the club but the player’s reluctance to sign on the dotted line led to him being dropped from the first team. It remains to be seen whether Dembele and his entourage manage to agree to a new deal at Camp Nou in the coming days, with the likes of Newcastle looking on with prying eyes.
