The future of Manchester United's Paul Pogba is a mystery. ESPN's Insider Notebook has the latest. PLUS: United might have found their replacement.
Sterling at City crossroads
Barcelona steps in to change Pogba’s future
Sources told ESPN that Barcelona is the latest club to be offered Paul Pogba from Manchester United on a free transfer next year.
Pogba (28 years old) is out of contract at Old Trafford after the season. His agent Mino Raiola is looking into European heavyweights in an effort to find a new club for him. Pogba can be negotiated with several Premier League clubs, including Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
- ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more
Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)
- Do you not have ESPN? Get instant access
Pogba is yet to make a decision about his future. He hasn't ruled out United extending his contract, but he will also explore other options. As they seek to rebuild their squad, Joan Laporta's new president would allow Barca to sign the France international as a free transfer.
Although there would technically not be any fee, the Catalan club isn't sure if they can afford Raiola's commission. The gross debt of Barcelona is 1.4 billion. It is also uncertain whether Pogba will be able to fit in the new wage structure of the club at a time that some of the highest earners on the team are being asked for pay cuts.
Recently, Laporta disclosed that salaries and amortization payments still account for approximately 80% of the 765m expected revenue for the season. Barca's expected revenue for this season is 765m, but that number is only 70% according to economic controls. Sam Marsden, Moises Llorens
Paul Pogba is available to speak to clubs in January. Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Tchouameni: Pogba is being replaced?
Pogba is gone. Aurelien Tchouameni, however, is still hot. As Europe heats up, scouts from Real Madrid and Manchester United, Liverpool, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester City all have seen the Monaco midfielder in action as they try to find one of Europe's best prospects.
ESPN sources said that Monaco would need to pay between 50m-60m for Monaco to be brought to the table. United will also have Tchouameni in their sights if they don't agree to a new contract for Pogba. Chelsea also expressed an interest in the 21 year-old player in the past. The Champions League winners are also on good terms with Jonathan Kebe, the agent of the player, who also represents Jules Kounde from Sevilla. Chelsea attempted to sign Kounde last summer, but could not agree on a deal for Kounde as a centre-back.
- Laurens, France is back on track
Tchouameni (21), has five caps for France, and was outstanding in the Nations League final victory over Spain. On the back of a strong campaign last year, he has had a fantastic start to the Ligue 1 season.
Since moving from Bordeaux to Monaco for 18m in January 2020, Niko Kovac has helped him improve a lot. Monaco thought they would be offered, but Europe's heavyweights turned to other places. Tchouameni's performance means that the Ligue 1 side is preparing for a flood of bids to secure their star. -- Julien Laurens
play 2:22 Laurens predicts that Monaco's Tchouameni Julien Laurens will be in a big battle Julien Laurens explains the reason there is so much Premier League interest in Aurelien Tchouameni as a midfielder.
Sterling to fight for City Place before sorting out the future
Sources told ESPN that Raheem Sterling wants to be focused on winning back his spot at Manchester City, before deciding whether or no to extend his stay at Etihad Stadium.
Sterling is on a contract through 2023. Although City would like to extend his deal, Sterling will ensure that he plays a significant role in the club's future. After winning three Premier League titles in his first season at Liverpool, Sterling has had few opportunities since he was fired by Pep Guardiola. He has also started two of City's seven Premier League matches this season.
ESPN sources claim that City's staff are impressed with Sterling's training and adaptation to the new No.9 position following Sergio Aguero's departure and the summer signing Jack Grealish. He was praised for his performance against Paris Saint-Germain, even though City lost 2-0.
Sterling spoke out about his frustration with the lack of playing time. He said that he could look to move if circumstances don't improve. Sources told ESPN that he hasn't made a decision on his next destination.
Sources tell ESPN Barcelona that Sterling may decide to leave the club and seek out a new home. Ronald Koeman, Barca's boss, has made it clear that the club is short on attack. The misfiring Catalans have lost just one of their six previous games.
Ferran Reverter, CEO of Barca, stated that they needed to lower their wage bill. However, he indicated that there might be cash available in January for a signing. Sources indicate however, that any move for Sterling will likely depend on his availability initially on loan.
Sterling was one the standout players for England during their run to European Championship final. He is close to 100 Premier League goals and 300 appearances. Rob Dawson, Moises Lorens and Sam Marsden
Play 0:49 Laurens makes the case to Enrique for Barcelona's return Julien Laurens pitches for Luis Enrique, Spain boss, to replace Ronald Koeman in Barcelona.
Barcelona fears another Ilaix with Dembele
Sources tell ESPN that Barcelona fears Ousmane Dembele will not extend his contract at Camp Nou because his agent is pursuing interest from Premier League clubs.
Dembele's Barca contract expires next year and he has yet to sign a new agreement with the club. Although Dembele expressed his desire to extend his stay, talks with Moussa Sissoko (his representative) have not been easy.
France's forward will be able to negotiate with other clubs starting Jan. 1. He moves into the final six month of his contract. Sources say Barca see parallels with Ilaix Moriba leaving in the summer. Ilaix was in the same year as his contract. Barca sent Ilaix to the B team to train after his agents refused to renew him. They also told him that he would not play for the club if the terms were not renewed. In August, the young midfielder signed for RB Leizpig at a cost of around 20m. His representatives received a large commission.
Dembele, who was close to joining Manchester United in 2020 in 2020, would be free to terminate his contract and move to Barca. Those involved in the move would also receive a significant signing bonus.
Barca sources say that January's transfer window is approaching and the next month will be crucial. Dembele could be confined to the stands if he cannot reach an agreement with Dembele’s agent. Moises Llorens, Sam Marsden
Play 2:08 Laurens - Laporta living in the 'care bear' world over Messi offer Julien Laurens, Alejandro Moreno cannot believe that Barcelona president Joan Laporta would publicly admit that he hoped Lionel Messi would be free to play.
Jese, a row and car collision, fake news.
Jese Rodriguez is a former forward for Real Madrid and PSG and he slammed "fake news". He asked for respect this week, after reports that his partner had pushed him with her car in the aftermath of a row.
After Jese had attended a Gran Canaria Arena concert on Sunday, the incident took place. The viral video showed Jese being helped by friends and limping outside the venue.
ESPN sources said that Jese was hit by the vehicle. However, it wasn't clear if the collision was intentional or accidental. Aurah Ruiz and Jese, both models and reality TV stars, denied the claims via social media.
Jese was absent from training Monday and Tuesday. This sparked fears that he might not be available for Las Palmas' derby against Tenerife local rivals on Saturday. He then returned to normal on Wednesday.
As a youngster at Real Madrid's academy in Madrid, the 28-year old was a highly rated prospect and broke the record for most goals in a season for Castilla B-team Castilla. After suffering a cruciate ligament tear in 2014, his progress was halted and he experienced disappointing spells at Sporting Lisbon, Stoke City and Real Betis before returning to Las Palmas.
Jese is often in the news for his off-the field activities. He released a series reggaeton singles under his musical alter ego Jey M. Rodrigo Faez and Alex Kirkland
After attending a concert last Thursday, Jese Rodriguez was struck by a car. Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images
Transfer mistakes: Fenerbahce sent incorrectly to a Dutch car dealer
Empoli received the latest installment for Miha Zajc's departure from Serie A after Fenerbahce accidentally sent them to a Dutch car dealer.
Empoli paid a 4m fee to Zajc in January 2019. This payment was payable in three installments. The final 830,000 payment did not reach their bank accounts until September 2021. Fenerbahce paid the 830,000 but entered the wrong recipient's details. The money ended up in Doetinchem, a Dutch car dealer.
Empoli discovered about the administrative error and contacted the company to request money. However, it was denied. Empoli threatened to cancel transfer. Fenerbahce sued the Dutch company. A Gelderland court did not rule in Fenerbahce's favor until September.
Slovenian international Zajc joined Empoli in January 2017 from Olimpija Ljubljana, his homeland. He played a key role in the team's promotion to Serie A in the following campaign.
The 27-year old struggled to secure a regular spot at Fenerbahce. He spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Genoa. -- Andrew Cesare Richardson
