Lopetegui facing sack
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui’s job is hanging by a threadwith Graham Potter back in contention to take over.
After another 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend, off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, patience appears to have worn thin.
The Hammers hope that Potter, who was first approached last month despite some reservations within the club, would be prepared to step in if Lopetegui is axed.
Meanwhile, the East Londoners’ technical director Tim Steidten – involved in seeking a replacement for the Spanish tactician – has been asked to stay away from the training ground.
Lopetegui and Steidten’s already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.
It is not clear whether the ex-Real Madrid boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.
West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup’s third round on Friday before returning to Prem action.
Rashford and Napoli swap links
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could be on his way out of Old Trafford this month after 20 years with the club.
Rashford has been linked with AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli during the January transfer window.
Juve appear to have backed off as they prefer Joshua Zirkzee after stunning displays last season with Bologna, where he played under current Bianconeri boss Thiago Motta.
Milan senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a big fan of the England international. with whom he played at United for two years.
Napoli have considered a swap deal that would see Victor Osimhen ending his loan stint at Galatasaray and moving to Manchester.
If Osimhen rejected that idea then the Partenopei would probably have to sell star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to raise funds.
Trent ‘to Real’ update
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been approached by Real Madrid about a move this month, but has seen any exit in January unequivocally blocked by his club.
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract set to expire in June, Real are able to sign him onto a pre-contract agreement before the end of the season.
According to The Mirror, the Reds have tabled a whopping £78million offer to keep their academy graduate at Anfield.
And Liverpool boss Arne Slot has claimed that the swirling rumours have no impact on the England international’s focus on or off the pitch.
Milan eye Rashford loan deal
AC Milan are considering a shock loan move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
United are supposedly open to selling Rashford this month should they receive an offer worth £40million.
But the forward’s £325,000-a-week wages are proving a major stumbling block.
A loan deal is seemingly more likely, with outlet Relevo suggesting Milan are ready to enter the race to sign the England international.
The 27-year-old’s former Man Utd team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the club’s chiefs and he has a say in their transfer business.
Barcelona eye Son
Barcelona are targeting Tottenham star Son Heung-min on a free transfer.
Son is set to see his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expire at the end of the season.
According to El Nacional, the forward is not the only player the club is targeting on a free transfer.
The likes of Bayern Munich pair Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane are also on Barca’s list.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is also a target for the Blaugrana.
Antony transfer EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United flop Antony is being eyed by Olympiacos, who are keen on a potential loan deal.
According to Sky Sports, United are keen to offload the Brazil international and are discussing a potential loan deal with other clubs.
The same source claims teams from Spain and Greece have contacted Man Utd.
And the Red Devils are willing to listen to offers for the ex-Ajax star in the January transfer window.
SunSport understands that Olympiacos are the Greek club who are interested in the forward.
The Europa Conference League holders are rigorously looking for a new winger to add some spark to their attack.
