Team-mates of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believe his sensational interview could pave the way for his exit from Old Trafford.
Fernandes claims the United board was prepared to sell him to Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League in the close season and admitted that stance “hurt” him.
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The Portugal international ultimately turned down the lucrative contract on offer but has a £57m release clause in his contract which foreign clubs can trigger in the summer.
Top German club Bayern Munich are known to be big admirers of Fernandes.
Sources have told The Pitch Prospect that there is a feeling in the Manchester United dressing room that this season could be Fernandes’ last at the club.
Fernandes has a contract until 2027 with an option for a further year, but with the Red Devils planning to reshape their midfield, selling the 31-year-old would bring in vital transfer funds.
Palace begin search for new manager…
Crystal Palace have begun succession planning for the likely departure of Oliver Glasner.
As previously reported by The Pitch Prospect, Palace bosses are preparing for Glasner to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
On the Eagles’ list of potential successors is Getafe coach Jose Bordalas, who is also set to become a free agent this summer.
Bordalas is in charge of Getafe in his second term and led them to Europe during his first term.
The Pitch Prospect understands another LaLiga boss is on the radar of Palace’s Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez, while the FA Cup holders are one of several Premier League teams pursuing Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior.
Rosenior is highly regarded by Chelsea’s BlueCo owners for his work at sister club Strasbourg and they believe the former Hull City boss is capable of performing at the highest level, but it won’t be easy to persuade him to stay if a top club comes calling.
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Summer signature, returned to sender
Wolves could be tempted to cash in on midfield playmaker Jhon Arias after just six months.
Arias was signed from Fluminense for £19m in July to replace Matheus Cunha, who moved to Manchester United in the summer.
The Colombian midfielder has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League and is yet to score a single goal or assist.
While sources close to Arias suggest he wants to stay and fight for his place, Wolves would consider a good offer knowing they are likely to start in the Championship next season.
Palmeiras is among the clubs interested in bringing Arias back to Brazil.
Coventry gave promotion boost
Coventry would be interested in signing Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth on a permanent basis if he helps take the club to the Premier League.
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Frank Lampard’s men are in a good position to return to the top flight for the first time since 2001 after opening up a five-point lead at the top of the Championship.
Brighton loanee Rushworth was instrumental in this success, keeping eight clean sheets in his 21 appearances.
This form has led to speculation that Brighton could bring the England U21 star back in January, but The Pitch Prospect understands he does NOT have a recall clause.