Premier League - Round-Up: Barcelona line up Rodgers as next boss
Brendan Rodgers (PA Sport)
Barcelona are preparing to offer Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers the chance to replace Gerardo Martino this summer; Paul Pogba has snubbed Manchester United’s latest attempt to re-sign him; and Liverpool are keen to sign two Ajax starlets – here are the top stories from the morning papers
‘Barcelona line up Rodgers as next boss’ - Barcelona are keeping a close eye on contract talks between Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers and are ready to pounce this summer, so say The People. Barca coach Martino is likely to leave in the summer and the Spaniards see Rodgers as a front-runner to replace him, the paper reports. As a Spanish speaker with such an impressive record at Liverpool, chiefs at the Catalan giants are anxious to bring him in this summer to add a progressive tactical approach to freshen up the side.
‘Pogba snubs United yet again’ – Pogba has again snubbed United after being handed yet another chance to return to Old Trafford, reports the Daily Mirror. David Moyes has made several personal checks on Juventus’ 20-year-old French international, and United were ready to offer more than £35 million for a player who left the Old Trafford giants after refusing to sign a new contract in 2012. But Pogba now has set his heart on joining Real Madrid, which comes as a fresh blow to Moyes who is clearly desperate to land a big-name, influential midfielder.
‘Liverpool ready to move for Ajax duo’ - Liverpool boss Rodgers is reportedly plotting a raid for exciting Ajax starlets Joel Veltman and Davy Klassen at the end of the season. The Reds manager is already drawing up a shortlist of fresh young talent that he wants to bring to Anfield this summer, and football website caughtoffside.com reports that he has placed the two Ajax youngsters at the top of his shopping list. Veltman has already been attracting interest from United but he is understood to be keen to work with Rodgers at Liverpool. And Rodgers has also been impressed with the performances of attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen and will also look to see about including him in any deal that can be struck for Veltman.
‘Mourinho demands Courtois signs new deal’ – Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has demanded that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois signs a new deal at the club and is pushing hard to get him re-established at the club, reports the Daily Express. Courtois, who is wanted across Europe after his consistently superb displays, is in his third season with Atletico Madrid, but is due to return to Chelsea this summer. Courtois has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Chelsea are now set to move quickly and decisively to ensure that his future lies at Stamford Bridge.