Mauricio Pochettino alerts Chelsea to Serie A duo, Jordan Henderson not joining Steven Gerrard – Paper Round

Poch wants Vlahovic or Dybala

Mauricio Pochettino has spoke to Chelsea’s board about the possibility of bolstering their forward line, with Serie A duo Dusan Vlahovic and Paulo Dybala among the names mentioned, the Independent reports. Pochettino is assessing the squad after officially starting the role as Chelsea head coach at the start of the month, and he has put Juventus’ Vlahovic and Roma’s Dybala on the club’s radar.

“Some of it will depend on the plans for Romelu Lukaku, whose future is set to be decided this week. Inter Milan are keen to take the Belgian back on a permanent deal but Juventus are also interested, and that could smooth any potential talks about Vlahovic. Pochettino’s Argentine compatriot Dybala has also been raised as an option, and is all the more attractive since a clause in his contract means he could be available for just £10m.”

No go for Hendo

Jordan Henderson is reluctant to move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career despite former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard hoping to sign him for Al-Ettifaq, the Mail reports. Gerrard is looking to make his mark immediately in a league that is attracting some of the world’s biggest names, with Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also a target.

“The Dammam-based club have made an offer to Aubameyang but there have been no talks yet with the 34-year-old striker who could become the latest Chelsea star to head to the Saudi league, following in the footsteps of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.”

Onana to Man Utd ‘in final stages’

Sources close to Andre Onana have told the Daily Mail that a move to Manchester United for £43m from Inter has entered the final stages. After David de Gea left United, negotiations with Inter are said to be progressing well as Erik ten Hag looks to link up with a player he coached at Ajax.

“Dean Henderson has also returned to United after a season on loan at Nottingham Forest and remains another option if there are any snags in the Onana deal, although Henderson is currently recovering from an operation on a thigh muscle.”

Saint-Maximin to fund Barnes bid?

Newcastle United may need to sell Allan Saint-Maximin in order to bid for Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes this summer, the Telegraph reports. Newcastle believe they could get around £40m for the French winger, and may look to cash-in on the 26-year-old with interest from Saudi Arabia and clubs in Europe.

“There are some doubts as to whether he is settled given his reduced role last term and it is understood he has been offered, through intermediaries, to several clubs. A decision will need to be made in the next few days.”