Blues eye Osimhen-Lukaku swap
Speculation linking Chelsea with striker Victor Osimhen is not going away, with The Blues reportedly ready to offer Romelu Lukaku to Napoli in a bid to get their man.
The Mirror reports: “With European football off the table next season, Osimhen appears ready to move on.
“He still has two years remaining on his contract, allowing Napoli to charge a high fee for his services. But he is still drawing interest, with Chelsea joining PSG in the race to sign the 25-year-old.
“According to Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea have had ‘initial contacts’ with Napoli over Osimhen’s future. The Blues are said to be trying to facilitate a deal costing up to £77m, that would see Lukaku and a young player move to Italy in exchange for Osimhen.
“Lukaku is reportedly a target of Napoli’s incoming sporting director Giovanni Manna, who previously tried to sign him for Juventus. While negotiations are progressing, ‘the will’ of both Osimhen and Lukaku will also have to be assessed.
“Before pressing on with their transfer plans, Napoli’s priority is on selecting a new coach. Stefano Pioli, Vincenzo Italiano, Gian Piero Gasperini and Antonio Conte are all candidates, with the latter thought to be a fan of Lukaku.”
Maguire for Branthwaite?
Manchester United are also interested in a player exchange, if reports are to be believed. The Daily Star claims The Red Devils could offer Harry Maguire to Everton as leverage for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Erik ten Hag’s side are said to be keen on bringing 21-year-old Branthwaite to Old Trafford, while Maguire has long been linked with a move away from the club.
“Manchester United intend to use Harry Maguire as bait in their attempt to land Jarrad Branthwaite,” notes the paper.
“Everton central defender Branthwaite is one of United’s top transfer priorities this summer as they look to significantly strengthen the spine of the team – with young, world-class potential. The England Under-21 international definitely fits that criteria and is valued at £70million by the Toffees.
“That figure could easily increase come July amid growing interest from across the Premier League in Branthwaite, 21, who had a loan spell at PSV last season.
“Everton, of course, are desperate to retain his services. However, the club’s severe financial plight and the troubled takeover by 777 means they may have to sell star assets to avoid more Financial Fair Play point deductions.
“Hence United hope that by offering experienced fellow Three Lions defender Maguire as part of their package, it may swing the transfer race in their favour.”
Pochettino given ultimatum – but it’s no way Jose
Mauricio Pochettino has been given an ultimatum by Chelsea – according to a report in the Express – qualify for the UEFA Europa League or lose his job.
But even if the 52-year-old is dismissed, The Blues won’t be tempted to bring Jose Mourinho back for a third spell as boss.
The article reads: “Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly been given an ultimatum by Chelsea bosses to keep his job at Stamford Bridge – and Jose Mourinho won’t be getting his job even if he is fired. The under-fire manager saw his side hammer West Ham 5-0 on Sunday, boosting their hopes of European football next season.
“According to the Athletic, the Chelsea hierarchy have told the Argentinian he must qualify for that competition in order to be at the helm for the 2024/25 campaign. They’ve already blown one opportunity to be in the competition next season, losing the Carabao Cup final to an injury-ravaged Liverpool.
“But if the 52-year-old does end up being replaced, then four candidates have been reportedly ruled out to replace him. The most telling name to be rejected is that of Jose Mourinho, who has been linked with a third stint back in west London after being sacked by Roma earlier in this campaign.”
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