Gossip: Pogba 'mends relationship with Mourinho' at Manchester United

Manchester United have had a recent run of impressive form, and today there is even more good news. Ahead of the Manchester Derby this afternoon, Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has revealed that the World Cup winner is happy at Old Trafford.

Pogba has been linked with a move away since the summer, when Barcelona offered £50 million and two players for him before the European transfer window closed. Since then, Jose Mourinho and Pogba have appeared at odds, arguing on the training ground about Instagram videos, and hinting at trouble behind the scenes.

The 25 year old refused to rule out a move back to Juventus earlier in the week, but now it appears that he has mended his relationship with manager Mourinho.

Speaking to Italian television organisation Raisport, Raiola painted a much improved picture of life at United for his client, saying: “He (Pogba) has mended his relationship with Mourinho. He is more serene because he feels important in Manchester. Even if Turin has remained in his heart.”

Pogba might not be fit for Sunday’s clash, but this is positive news for the club. It might be that both Mourinho and Pogba simply cannot be bothered to fight over their future for the rest of the season when Ed Woodward refuses to let either of them move away, but it is one distraction the club could do without when they sit outside of the Champions League places.

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One player who is edging close to the exit door at Manchester United is Phil Jones. The defender has barely played this season, and his contract runs out at the end of the season. That would mean he is free to join another club for nothing for next season, but United are going to activate a 12-month clause on his deal in the next month, that will prevent him leaving for nothing.

However, both Spurs and Arsenal are keen on the 26 year old, despite him showing very few of the qualities that any top side would want in a central defender. The Sun reports that the extension is to preserve his resale value more than because they value his talent.

Chelsea target Barcelona’s Suarez

Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in the Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez. The 24 year old is struggling to get minutes under Ernesto Valverde having made just a single Copa del Rey appearance, and could seek a move away in January.

Maurizio Sarri tried on more than one occasion to sign Suarez for his former club Napoli, but could now come back with Chelsea despite having Mateo Kovacic, Cesc Fabregas, Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley at his disposal.

The Star reports that If he did tried to make a move for the Spanish midfielder, they would have to beat Valencia and – yes – Napoli to his signature.

Bournemouth fear Ake departure

Another player that Chelsea could sign this January is their former defender Nathan Ake. Ake plays for Bournemouth, but the London club have an option to bring him back to Stamford Bridge for £40 million.

The 23 year old has established himself as one of the best young defensive talents in the Premier League, and also broken into the Dutch national side. His versatility and promise has also attracted attention from Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Manchester City and rivals United.

That has led Eddie Howe to start identifying potential replacements, with special attention paid to Serie A defenders. Chris Mepham of Brentford, a target from the summer, is also mentioned by the Sun.