Transfer rumours: Maurizio Sarri set to join Juve, United eyes Koulibaly

We round up the front and back pages across Europe as Saturday sees the transfer rumour mill crank into gear again.

Juventus is closing in on Massimiliano Allegri's successor. According to the Guardian , Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is poised to sign a contract with the Serie A champion.

Former Napoli head coach Sarri has been linked with a return to Italy after just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

 

TOP STORY – TURIN BECKONS FOR SARRI

Look away Napoli fans… Sarri is set to sign a three-year contract to become Juventus coach.

Sarri spent three years in charge of Italian rival Napoli before replacing Antonio Conte at Chelsea in 2018-19. However, the lure of Juve and a return to Italy has seemingly proved too strong for Sarri after Europa League success with Chelsea.

The 60-year-old has reportedly been granted a release and is free to leave the Premier League.

Read | Chelsea lodges appeal against transfer ban with CAS

 

ROUND-UP

- With the future of Ajax captain and in-demand centre-back Matthijs de Ligt up in the air amid links to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain , Manchester United has reportedly turned to Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly . One of its initial defensive targets as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer  looks to bolster United's defence, Corriere dello Sport claims the Red Devils have offered EUR 95 million for the Senegal international.

- The end is near for Mauro Icardi at Inter . Despite wanting to remain in Milan, where he was stripped of the captaincy by former boss Luciano Spalletti in 2018-19, Icardi is not in Antonio Conte's  plans, according to Sky Sport Italia . Inter is believed to be trying to force the Argentina striker to leave as they near a EUR 13m deal for Roma'sEdin Dzeko , a fee reported by Calciomercato.com . Radja Nainggolan could also be on the chopping block, with SportItalia claiming the Belgian midfielder could return to Roma after just one season.

- Eden Hazard in at Real Madrid and Paul Pogba to follow? According to the Mirror , Zinedine Zidane is ready to offer Gareth Bale to Manchester United to persuade the Premier League side to sell Pogba to the Spanish giant.

Read | Rumours: Neymar rejects Real Madrid, open to Barcelona return

- Tottenham is preparing for a busy transfer window as it tries to keep hold of manager Mauricio Pochettino following a remarkable run to the Champions League final. And if it is unable to sign Celta Vigo star Giovani Lo Celso , the Mirror reports Spurs could turn to Sporting CP sensation Bruno Fernandes .