Rumour Reel: Red Devils lining up Pickford and Pogba purchases?
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | May 30, 2016
Manchester United are expected to usher in the Jose Mourinho era at Old Trafford with more than the odd marquee signing, and once again the British press claim Paul Pogba may return to the Red Devils.
Special One’s preference for Pogba?
France midfield dynamo Pogba, 23, has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Juventus since leaving Manchester, making the joint-most Serie A assists as the Old Lady scooped a fifth successive Scudetto this past season.
Mourinho is mulling over a bid that will bring Pogba back to United, but the pricetag will have to be massive. This is the poster boy of Euro 2016 we’re talking about.
It is in the middle of the park where the Red Devils have been struggling most in recent times, with captain Wayne Rooney pushed back there into the ‘Paul Scholes role’.
Pickford picked out from Toulon Tournament?
Potentially joining Pogba at Old Trafford next term could be Sunderland stopper Jordan Pickford. The 22-year-old has once again been scouted by United, turning out for the England youth team at the annual Toulon Tournament.
While the goals of Chelsea midfield duo Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek sealed Toulon triumph for the Young Lions, Pickford kept three clean sheets in five outings.
For the Black Cats, Pickford has found himself behind Vito Mannone in the pecking order, however, and may favour a move to the Red Devils over staying at the Stadium of Light.
Black Cats centre backs on summer agenda
Sticking with Sunderland, manager Sam Allardyce’s recent holiday antics should not distract from work going on behind the scenes on Wearside to try and strengthen his squad.
Perennial Premier League relegation battles are becoming tiresome for Black Cats fans, players and staff alike. Big Sam stressed the recruitment done this summer would be key, once he had secured Sunderland’s survival with a game to spare.
The local press in the Northeast link Allardyce with moves for QPR-owned defender Steven Caulker and Borussia Dortmund’s Serbia international Neven Subotic, who may be available on loan, as a new centre back pairing.
Blues move for Mammana
Chelsea will look to furnish incoming coach Antonio Conte by boosting their defensive options and trying to sign Emanuel Mammana from Argentine big boys River Plate.
Already capped once by his country, the 20-year-old is expected to have a big international future. Mammana is rumoured to be available for as little as £8m, but the Blues are unlikely to get a clear run to his signature at that price.
Italian duo Inter Milan and Fiorentina are also believed to be interested in signing Mammana. The Copa America centenary tournament comes too soon for him, leaving no international duty to complicate a potential transfer.
Related
Check out previous editions of the Rumour Reel in Coral’s archives.
