BEELINE FOR JORGHINO
Manchester United chiefs reportedly met and discussed a possible transfer with Napoli’s Jorginho this weekend. The player was in Manchester with the Italian National Team for their friendly with Argentina. Jorginho has caught the eye this season in the Italian Serie A pulling the strings for Napoli’s expansive style of play. United were also reported to have scouted the Italian earlier this season. The agent was also rumoured to have met with Manchester City officials over this weekend. While he may be available for as much as 40m in the summer, United may have their work cut out should City enter negotiations.
EVERTON BOUND SMALLING?
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling was reportedly scouted by Everton during the club’s 2-0 win over Brighton last week. A lot has been made of the plans of a massive exodus at Carrington as part of the overhaul expected this summer and many expect Smalling to be one of the players expected to walk at the end of the season. Despite playing decent football this season, Smalling is still prone to the odd brain freeze as we saw in the game at St. James’ Park in February of this year. Mourinho is already lineup replacements such as Barcelona’s Umtiti or Tottenham Hotspurs’ Toby Alderweireld.
DROGBA ON JOSE TOUGH LOVE
A lot has been said and written about Mourinho and his way of handling the Luka Shaw and Paul Pogba situation. Former Chelsea star who worked with Jose twice at Chelsea has come out with his experiences with Jose. Drogba said,” It was heated between us [Drogba and Mourinho] more than once, but Jose will never attack people he doesn’t like. He likes Paul a lot. It’s why he’s given him a lot of responsibility.” While Drogba’s comments may not quieten the press who seem to know everything going on at Carrington, it goes a long way in soothing fans about the situation between Pogba and Mourinho.
MOURINHO WANTS DOUGLAS?
While the need for reinforcements in defence, fullback positions and in central midfield is clear, Mourinho has instructed Ed Woodward to try and make a move for Juventus loanee Douglas Costa this summer. Costa who is currently contracted at Bayern Munich is on loan with Juventus and may be looking for a more permanent and stable future with his place in the Bayern side not guaranteed. A fee in the region of 45m has been reported. While the need for attacking players at United is tertiary, don’t rule out a move that would see Douglas Costa move to Old Trafford this summer.