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      Mauricio Pochettino on the verge of joining PSG after French giants pay £5.4million compensation to sack Thomas Tuchel

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is nearing a return to management with Paris Saint-Germain after Thomas Tuchel’s contract was paid off.
      The German was sacked on Christmas Eve despite guiding Les Parisiens to the Champions League final only four months earlier.

      Mauricio Pochettino is set to be named Paris Saint-Germain managerCredit: AFP or licensors

      According to Bild, negotiations over his pay-off are now complete with a £5.4million compensation package.
      Tuchel had only six months left to run on his contract, which saw him earn £6.75m-a-year.
      It is said that the 47-year-old is not considering a sabbatical from the game and is keen on a move to the Premier League.
      Reports in Germany name Chelsea as one destination that interests him but that would require a serious downturn in results from Frank Lampard.

      Arsenal have also previously been linked with Tuchel but it is understood that Mikel Arteta has the full backing of his board.
      PSG sit third in Ligue 1 ahead of Pochettino’s arrival, with the Argentine’s contract now finalised according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

      Thomas Tuchel has reportedly agreed a multi-million pound pay-offCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Rumours over how the ex-Tottenham boss will refresh the side are rife but his priority may be convincing Kylian Mbappe to sign a new contract.
      Dele Alli, who was touted for a move to Paris in the autumn, is one reported target.

      Also said to be on his radar is Paulo Dybala, after Tottenham attempted to sign the Juventus striker while Pochettino was manager.

      And an audacious bid for his countryman, Lionel Messi, could be set in motion with the striker’s Barcelona contract expiring in June.
      Spurs may actually be relieved to see their old manager finally join a new club.
      It was reported that a contract clause from his sacking meant Pochettino was still being paid his hefty £8.5m-a-year salary until he found a new team – along with a number of his coaching staff.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Lionel Messi reveals he still has a WhatsApp group chat with former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez

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      LIONEL MESSI revealed he still has a WhatsApp group chat with former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez.
      The trio of forwards – dubbed MSN – enjoyed massive success while they led the line together at the Nou Camp from 2014 to 2017.

      Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi – or MSN – pictured at Barcelona Credit: Reuters

      Neymar left to join PSG in 2017 while Suarez moved to Atletico Madrid this summer after being axed by Barca.
      But Messi admitted the three are still in contact and communicate in a chat.
      He told Spanish TV station La Sexta: “Neymar should be asked why he said we were going to play together.
      “We have a WhatsApp group with him and Luis Suarez.”

      Messi’s comments come after Neymar said he was desperate to play with the Argentine legend again.
      Both the superstars have uncertain futures, with Neymar linked to a move back to Barca and Messi having tried to leave in the summer.
      But the Nou Camp icon insisted they have not discussed transfers together – only their Champions League last 16 clash in February.
      Messi, 33, said: “The last message with Neymar was about the Champions League draw. I did not want to face him now.”

      Neymar, 28, joined PSG in a record £198million deal, but Barca have already tried to prize him back to LaLiga.
      However, with the club in £443m debut, even Messi is doubting how they could land the Brazilian.
      He said: “It is not easy either because there is no money and you have to sign players to achieve great titles.
      “It will be a very difficult situation for the new president.”
      Another transfer Messi is scratching his head over is Suarez, after Barca let his best friend leave for nothing just to get him out of the club.
      He said: “What they did seemed crazy to me, because of how he left.
      “He left for free, paying him his contract and a team that fights for the same thing as us.”

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      PSG eye Christian Eriksen swap transfer with Paredes going to Inter but incoming boss Pochettino wants to keep Argentine

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      PSG want former Spurs star Christian Eriksen – but Mauricio Pochettino is unwilling to let Inter have Leandro Paredes in exchange.
      Pochettino has yet to be confirmed as PSG boss but is already at the centre of some spectacular transfer talk.

      Inter Milan outcast Christian Eriksen is reportedly wanted by PSG and Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      PSG’s Leandro Paredes is said to be in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, despite being linked with an Inter Milan swap deal involving Christian EriksenCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And le10sport suggest Poch is keen on a reunion with his former Tottenham playmaker Eriksen, whose 11 months with Inter have gone from bad to worse.
      The Italian giants have been strongly linked with PSG’s Argentina midfielder Paredes.
      But it is thought Poch is keen to keep his fellow countryman.
      Pochettino would reportedly face competition from Etihad chief Pep Guardiola for Denmark playmaker Eriksen.

      Fcinternews claim City are monitoring the 28-year-old but would struggle to persuade him to join.
      Inter have already admitted Eriksen is heading out in next month’s transfer window.
      CEO Giuseppe Marotta told Sky Italia: “Yes, I can confirm that Christian Eriksen is on the transfer list.
      “He’s going to leave in January.

      “He’s not functional to our plans and he had difficulty here at Inter.
      “I think it’s right that Christian goes away to find more space.”
      PSG’S list of other possible targets under incoming Poch is said to include Spurs midfielder Dele Alli, with speculation even surrounding Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Ronaldo, 35, has also been talked of as the lower-valued player in a swap for Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.

      And certainly Alli seems a far more realistic option, at least in the short term.
      The 24-year-old seems to be slipping further and further out of the first-team picture under current Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho.
      And his best football clearly came under Pochettino.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Pochettino ‘to make stunning Lionel Messi transfer bid at PSG’ with Barcelona star to decide future next month

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is tipped to make Lionel Messi his top transfer target at PSG.
      Ex-Spurs boss Pochettino hopes Messi joins Kylian Mbappe and Neymar for a stunning front three next season as he closes on the PSG job.

      Mauricio Pochettino reportedly believes he can lure Lionel Messi to PSGCredit: EPA

      The French champs are poised to appoint Poch within days after Thomas Tuchel’s Christmas Eve sacking.
      And Le Parisien believe the Argentinian’s arrival would boost PSG’s chances of beating Inter Milan and Manchester City to his fellow countryman.
      Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar is among the friends Messi already has at last season’s Champions League finalists.
      Messi, 33, is still rated likely to depart the Nou Camp in the summer, despite settling his differences and accepting he had to stay for this campaign.

      He has just broken the record for goals at one club, with 644, one more than Pele’s staggering total for Santos.
      But his future could be decided next month after the club’s presidential elections.
      Barcelona legend Carles Puyol predicts Messi still has ‘three or four years’ left as an elite player.

      The former Spain defender, who won 100 caps, said: “He takes care of himself. He is motivated and eager.”

      Puyol believes the key for Messi is avoiding ‘major injuries and if he continues playing with the same desire to improve and keep winning’.
      Meanwhile, PSG have reportedly promised Pochettino that Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe WILL stay if the 48-year-old takes over.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Serge Aurier says PSG transfer would be a ‘pleasure’ opening door to potential Mauricio Pochettino reunion

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      SERGE AURIER has opened the door for a return to former club Paris Saint-Germain — claiming it would be ‘a pleasure’.
      And that would mean a potential reunion with former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who looks set to take over at the French giants.

      Mauricio Pochettino brought Serge Aurier to Tottenham in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Right-back Aurier, 28, hopes to return to Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side for the trip to Wolves on Sunday.
      A £23million signing from PSG three years ago, the Ivory Coast star confirmed he dreams of a switch back to the Parc des Princes.
      Aurier said: “When I say PSG is the club close to my heart, I don’t want journalists to say, ‘He can’t say that!’ But of course I will answer.
      “It’s the club I’ve loved the most out of all the clubs I’ve played for.

      “Paris is where I turned into a man, as a professional, where I discovered myself more. That’s where I enjoyed myself the most.
      “When I was a youngster at Lens, Paris was the club of my heart.
      “One day, it would be no problem at all to go back, with pleasure. I will never turn down an offer from Paris, that is absolutely certain.
      “If ever it comes up, why not? If it doesn’t, I’m very happy where I am and things are going well for me.”

      Aurier is hoping to keep his place in Jose Mourinho’s team for the trip to WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      Aurier initially joined PSG on loan for a season before spending a further two years at the club. He won the Ligue 1 title twice and lifted the French Cup on three occasions.
      But the defender reckons he is having a good season for Spurs.
      He said: “I work all the time, I’m a hard worker. I’m maybe having my best start to the season of my career, so I’m happy with what’s happening.”
      Aurier — who gave away a penalty in the home defeat to Leicester before Christmas — has also given an insight into manager Mourinho, believing he is calmer than before.
      He explained: “I think he’s changed a lot.
      “Of course, sometimes he has rushes of blood, but I think the fact he took a year’s sabbatical allows you to focus on what constitutes one’s strengths and weaknesses.

      The squad has always had quality, but was maybe lacking some character. I think we’re getting this character little by little.
      Serge Aurier

      “Now I believe he gets less angry and he explains things better in order to get results.
      “Since I’ve been here the squad has always had quality, but was maybe lacking some character. I think we’re getting this character little by little.
      “When I mean character, it’s with regard to what I experienced at PSG.”

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More

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      Mauricio Pochettino ‘to make stunning Lionel Messi transfer bid at PSG’ with Barcelona star to decide future next month

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is tipped to make Lionel Messi his top transfer target at PSG.
      Ex-Spurs boss Pochettino hopes Messi joins Kylian Mbappe and Neymar for a stunning front three next season as he closes on the PSG job.

      Mauricio Pochettino reportedly believes he can lure Lionel Messi to PSGCredit: EPA

      The French champs are poised to appoint Poch within days after Thomas Tuchel’s Christmas Eve sacking.
      And Le Parisien believe the Argentinian’s arrival would boost PSG’s chances of beating Inter Milan and Manchester City to his fellow countryman.
      Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar is among the friends Messi already has at last season’s Champions League finalists.
      Messi, 33, is still rated likely to depart the Nou Camp in the summer, despite settling his differences and accepting he had to stay for this campaign.

      He has just broken the record for goals at one club, with 644, one more than Pele’s staggering total for Santos.
      But his future could be decided next month after the club’s presidential elections.
      Barcelona legend Carles Puyol predicts Messi still has ‘three or four years’ left as an elite player.

      The former Spain defender, who won 100 caps, said: “He takes care of himself. He is motivated and eager.”

      Puyol believes the key for Messi is avoiding ‘major injuries and if he continues playing with the same desire to improve and keep winning’.
      Meanwhile, PSG have reportedly promised Pochettino that Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe WILL stay if the 48-year-old takes over.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

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      Pochettino to make Spurs outcast Dele Alli his first PSG transfer as he agrees deal to take over French giants

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is set to offer Dele Alli a route out of his Spurs hell at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Pochettino is in advanced talks to take over the French champions following Thomas Tuchel’s shock Christmas Eve sacking.

      Mauricio Pochettino will look to offer Dele Alli an escape route out of Tottenham at PSGCredit: Rex Features

      Pochettino has been out of a job since being sacked by Tottenham 13 months ago.
      He had been holding out for the Manchester United job with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position under constant scrutiny.
      But after a disappointing start to the season Solskjaer has got United back into the title race and the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
      Pochettino is now ready to take the jump back into management at the club where he played between 2001-03.

      And his first transfer target when the window opens in the New Year will be one of his former players at Tottenham.
      While Alli was a regular in Pochettino’s teams he has fallen out of favour with current boss Jose Mourinho.
      Alli, 24, has started just five games this season and was hauled off shortly after Stoke equalised in their 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final victory on Wednesday and publicly blamed by Mourinho for their goal.
      Mourinho said: “A player in that position is a player that has to link and create and not to create problems for his own team.”

      Tuchel’s sacking comes just four months after he lead the team to the Champions League final and after winning back to back titles.
      He was given his marching orders just hours after he took charge of PSG’s 4-0 win over Strasbourg on Wednesday.
      PSG are currently third in Ligue 1 after losing four of their 17 league games.

      Alli was publicly blamed by Jose Mourinho for the goal conceded to Stoke on WednesdayCredit: Rex Features

      Jose Mourinho furious with Dele Alli as out-of-favour star is subbed vs Stoke after ‘costing Spurs goal’ More

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      Real Madrid ‘fear Kylian Mbappe transfer will be more difficult after Tuchel sacking and Pochettino taking over at PSG’

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      REAL MADRID reportedly fear it will be harder to sign Kylian Mbappe if Mauricio Pochettino replaces sacked Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Los Blancos had lined up moves for Mbappe and former Spurs boss Pochettino but their plans are said to have been thrown into disarray.

      Real Madrid are worried signing Kylian Mbappe will be harder after PSG axed their managerCredit: Reuters

      Real were keen on Poch as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane if the Frenchman departed in the near future.
      But after Tuchel was axed the day before Christmas and the Argentine had talks about replacing him, the Spanish giants are said to be gravely concerned.
      Mbappe is far more likely to agree a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions after the German’s departure, according to Spanish outlet AS.
      Their relationship was said to be strained despite Mbappe’s rise to stardom under the 47-year-old.

      French reports even claimed director of sport Leonardo had to facilitate ‘clear the air’ talks between the two.
      Mbappe’s PSG contract expires in 2022 and Real were hoping to stall an extension so they could sign him for around £160million at the end if the season.
      But any new deal could see the Bernabeu side paying up to £220M.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports contracts and the make up of Pochettino’s backroom staff are said to be the things standing in the way of an official announcement after RMC Sport first reported the ex-Southampton manager was the frontrunner.

      Thomas Tuchel was sacked by PSG on Christmas EveCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Mauricio Pochettino is in line to take over at the French giantsCredit: Rex Features

      It will be an emotional ‘dream’ return to the city for Poch after he skippered the side in his playing career and it was previously revealed that he ‘loves’ Paris.
      The 48-year-old recently said: “I have always said that one day it would be a pleasure to manage a big club like Paris, a dream.
      “I try to watch all of their games, especially in the Champions League and sometimes I speak with [Paris Saint-Germain assistant coach] Jean-Louis Gasset.”
      Earlier this month, French football expert Julien Laurens said: “Pochettino has really good ties with PSG, he was their player, their captain, and he loves Paris as a city and a football club.”
      Poch made 95 appearances for PSG between 2001 and 2003.
      The French champions have fired Tuchel after two-and-a-half years at the helm, despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.
      His job is set to be taken by Argentine Pochettino who has been out of work since being sacked by Daniel Levy in November 2019.

      Mauricio Pochettino set to be named new PSG boss after Thomas Tuchel is sacked More