A world of infinite possibility has suddenly opened up for Tottenham Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino. The former Spurs boss – and yes it does feel strange suddenly saying that – is unlikely to be kicking his heels for long. Bayern Munich currently have an interim manager in the shape of Hans-Dieter Flick, while Zinedine Zidane and Ole Gunnar Solksjær’s coats hang on a shoogly peg at Real Madrid and Manchester United respectively. Ears will be pricking up all over the shop. There’s also been talk of Arsenal and Barcelona, but, again respectively, come off it and come on.
Meanwhile as the clock starts ticking on José Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford – he’ll take Tottenham there in 14 days and 10 hours, give or take – expect the new man in N17 to start making changes. And make them FAST. “The quality in the academy excites me,” he trills. And what’s this? A rumour linking 17-year-old striking prospect Troy Parrott with a move to Bayern Munich. It all starts here.
Manchester United also fancy a new young striker. They’ll either stump up £85m for Red Bull Salzburg sensation Erling Braut Haaland, or make off with Reading’s Danny Loader on a free.
Manchester City are desperate to keep hold of Raheem Sterling. They’ll offer to bump his weekly wage up to £375,000 a week, giving him Premier League parity with David de Gea. Whether that puts an end to interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona is anybody’s guess.
Chelsea are keeping an eye on Nice right-back-cum-winger Youcef Atal.
And finally … Gareth Bale to return to Tottenham Hotspur. Someone’s going to raise the possibility of this marquee signing for Mourinho sooner or later, so we might as well get the ball rolling now.
