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Hello and welcome to the Premier League latest transfer news and rumours of the day! Here are the top stories of the day.
#5 Graeme Souness on Mourinho sacking
And so it has happened, Manchester United have sacked manager Jose Mourinho and have relieved him off his duties at the Old Trafford. This was really expected for former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness.
According to him, Mourinho and his agent made it apparent that the Portuguese was close to being sacked as Jorge Mendes revealed last week that his client is happy at Old Trafford.
This is something Souness inferred as a warning by the Portuguese that the Old Trafford outfit will have to pay his termination clause in full if they were to get rid of him.
"The writing has been on the wall for several weeks,” the Scot said. “I think there was something that happened last week that certainly told me that the end was imminent.
“It’s when his agent issued a statement saying how happy he was there to be seeing out his contract. That’s a classic case of a warning shot to the directors at Man Utd, (saying): ‘If you’re thinking about it, you’re going to have to pay him.’”
Souness stated that as a manager, Mourinho must have picked up the lack of communication from the Manchester United board, which is why he would have seen his sack coming.
As a result, the legendary former Liverpool superstar isn’t surprised by the ax falling on Mourinho’s neck.
“You know when you’re a manager and that happens to you, you get a feel for it.
“You understand that maybe someone is not picking up the phone to you and you’re not having the same communication with people above you.
“So I think he would’ve known this was coming. So I’m not surprised.”
#4 Pochettino on United job
It is only natural that Mauricio Pochettino gets linked to the vacant seat at the Old Trafford. After all, he was one of the favourites to replace Louis van Gaal when the Dutchman was sacked.
And now, he is being linked with a move to the Old Trafford once again. He has, however, distance himself from the job, claiming that he is only focused on doing well with Spurs.
"I think after nearly five years there are a lot of rumours that have happened in my position here, as manager of Tottenham," said Pochettino.
"A lot of rumours happen but it is not my business what happened at another club. I am so focused in trying to deliver my best job at this football club.”
After that, Pochettino went on to wish Mourinho well for his future endeavors while also expressing his sympathies.
"I want to send my best wishes to him," continued Pochettino. "I feel so sorry because I know him very well, I have a very good relationship with him.”
#3 Emery’s view on the January market
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has opened up about what the Gunners plan to do in the January transfer window. The Gunners have been going well this season so far and tastes their defeat after 22 games against Southampton.
As a result, the Gunners are being touted to strengthen in January. According to the former PSG manager, there is a possibility for Arsenal to sign someone only if the said player improves the team.
“I don’t know now, because we don’t have a lot of possibility in January but if we can [we will find] someone to help us.” the Arsenal boss said.
“But only if we think they are the player than can help us with good performance.”
He then added that the club are already working for the upcoming window.
“January is not good for this reason, but we are going to look and the club is working for this in January.”
#2 Martial contract update
Anthony Martial is yet to sign a new deal with the Red Devils, forcing the Old Trafford outfit to trigger their one-year extension clause in the deal. Right now, Martial is contracted until 2020 but it might just remain that way.
According to his agent Philippe Lamboley, the chances of talks going positively with the club is less. His reasoning is that the club aren’t offering him the terms that they like. In fact, Lamboley claimed that they are “far” from what they want.
“I am very pessimistic about discussions going positively,” he said.
“They’ve already sent us several offers that do not meet our expectations, starting on bases very far from our wishes. We are far from agreement for the time being.”
With Jose Mourinho now gone, it won’t be surprising to see the Frenchman agreeing to sign a new deal with the Red Devils soon. But then again, the terms have to be close to what the youngster seeks.
#1 Chelsea and City
Chelsea assistant manager Gianfranco Zola has admitted that the club are interesting in signing Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. The Englishman has been in great form this season, scoring 9 goals for his team in all competitions.
And Zola believes that a lot of clubs, besides Chelsea, are interesting in acquiring the services of the player.
"I'm sure there are a lot of players that are linked with us. Certainly, Callum Wilson is doing very well for his club. He is an interest not only for us but for many," Zola said.
Meanwhile, Don Balon report that Manchester City have made a €60 million bid for Isco. However, Real Madrid want €90 million for him but will settle for somewhere around €70 million plus variables, which is a bargain in this market.
The report adds that the deal is not very far from closing.
For more Premier League transfer news and rumours, visit our EPL Transfer News page!
