Rumour Has It: Allegri ´very close´ to Man United, but Spurs remain interested

Uncertainty surrounds Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a woeful start to the season and he could find himself in danger of dismissal.

United have won only two of their first eight Premier League games of 2019-20 and head into Sunday’s visit of Liverpool 15 points adrift of the pacesetters.

While Solskjaer insists he still has the board’s backing, there have been suggestions the club has identified a replacement.

TOP STORY – ALLEGRI ‘VERY CLOSE’ TO UNITED

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is said to be a primary target for Manchester United.

Italian publication Tuttosport claims contact with Allegri – who left the Old Lady at the end of last season – has “intensified” in recent days.

They go as far as saying Allegri is “very close to United”, with the contest against Liverpool seemingly crucial.

However, United are not the only club interested in Allegri. Tuttosport also believes Tottenham are keeping tabs on him.

Mauricio Pochettino is another man under pressure following a difficult few months, though the report suggests Spurs will have to make their minds up quickly if they are to gazump United.

ROUND-UP

– The Daily Mail believes Solskjaer is relatively safe despite Allegri’s lurking, however. It says United are looking to bolster the squad with six major signings over the next two transfer windows. Among the targets are Mario Mandzukic, Saul Niguez, Moussa Dembele and James Maddison.

– Mandzukic‘s wage demands could prevent a move to Old Trafford, however. Despite being 33 and entering the twilight of his career, the Croatian wants to be the club’s fourth highest-paid player, according to the Sun.

– Arsenal‘s plan for the future, according to AS, involves persuading Real Madrid to sell Dani Ceballos, a deal that would result in Mesut Ozil being sold.

– Meanwhile, the Daily Mail also claims the Gunners also want to sign highly-rated Athletic Bilbao centre-back Unai Nunez, 22, with Everton set to rival them for the £30million-rated defender.

– Paris Saint-Germain are hopeful of securing new deals for Juan Bernat and Marquinhos, L’Equipe believes.

– Roma are set to bid farewell to Javier Pastore in January, with the Serie A side telling him he is free to leave, as per Calciomercato. A move to China, Brazil or his native Argentina appears likely.