Mauricio Pochettino keen on Chelsea job, Inter Miami still confident of signing Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain

Pochettino eyes Chelsea job

Mauricio Pochettino is eyeing up the ongoing saga at Chelsea as the pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter. The former Brighton boss only took charge at Stamford Bridge in September, but the Blues currently sit in 10th place in the Premier League and have already been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. Pochettino has been unattached since being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain last summer but would be open to taking the Chelsea job if Potter is dismissed. The Sun state that Chelsea’s board are “already considering Potter’s future” and could even be sacked if his side lose to local rivals Fulham on Thursday.

Paper Round’s view: It’s not been the easiest welcome to the world of football for Todd Boehly. He decided to get rid of a superb coach in Thomas Tuchel and it might have already backfired for Chelsea. Potter was only hired in September – how on earth is he already rumoured to be given the sack? It would be a truly desperate decision to get rid of Potter if Chelsea lose to Fulham on Thursday. You have to give him time. Potter transformed Brighton and that didn’t happen overnight. The current Chelsea squad is clearly in transition. Back Potter through the current tough period and let him work his magic over time.

Inter Miami’s ambitious Messi pursuit

Inter Miami are still “confident” of signing Lionel Messi despite ongoing rumours that the World Cup-winner will sign a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain. The Times report that the MLS club’s owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham held meetings with Messi’s representatives in Qatar during the World Cup and are now “convinced” Inter Miami will complete the shock signing this summer. PSG have reportedly tabled an extension worth a whopping £35 million per year and believe he will agree to stay in the French capital.

Paper Round’s view: It’s a strange situation. Both clubs believe they are going to have Messi in their squad next season. Maybe the meetings in Qatar with the Argentine’s representatives were misunderstood. Messi may have intentions to move to Inter Miami… but after he completes another season or two at PSG. It just wouldn’t make sense for Messi to leave Europe this summer. The 35-year-old still has at least two more seasons in him at the top level. Messi showed his elite-level quality at the World Cup and probably believes he can still win another Champions League title and Ballon d’Or at PSG.

Weghorst deal waiting on one thing…

Manchester United have struck an agreement with Besiktas and Burnley to complete the loan signing of Wout Weghorst… but must wait for the Turkish club to sign a replacement striker before the deal is finalised. Besiktas are set to receive between £2-3 million for the early termination of Weghorst’s loan and are now searching for new centre-forward. The Telegraph report that Besiktas have been engaged in negotiations with Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar, who will leave Al-Nassr following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Paper Round’s view: This has been such a complex transfer. Burnley had originally loaned out Weghorst to Besiktas on a season-long loan, but he pleaded for that agreement to be terminated once he heard Manchester United were interested in his services. You can’t blame him really. United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, despite their lack of success in recent years. It will be interesting to see his role at Old Trafford. Surely he won’t be a starter. But Weghorst could still prove vital if he offers the same impact role that we saw during the World Cup.

Aubameyang to return to Spain?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be set for a return to La Liga as the Mail report that the Chelsea striker has attracted attention from Spain. The 33-year-old only arrived from Barcelona in August but has failed to find a consistent level of form at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are close to completing the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, which has opened the door to a potential exit for Aubameyang. Spanish clubs, including Atleti, are monitoring his situation but are more likely to wait until the summer transfer window.

Paper Round’s view: Aubameyang has not started a match for the Blues since November and the imminent loan arrival of Joao Felix will definitely limit his minutes. The Mail report stated that a summer move is more likely, but Aubameyang will be wondering if there’s even any point hanging around until the end of the season. He is 33 years old so will be keen on getting back on the pitch and playing consistent minutes while he still can. Maybe a loan move to La Liga this month could be an opportunity to get first-team football again.