Plymouth’s Rooney replacement blow
Plymouth have been denied permission to speak to Walsall boss Mat Sadler.
Argyle have placed the Saddlers boss on their shortlist to replace Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
Sadler, a former Premier League star with Birmingham, has guided Walsall 10 points clear of League Two.
The Saddlers have won their last seven games in the fourth tier, pulling clear of a chasing pack including Crewe Alexandra, Salford, Port Vale and AFC Wimbledon.
Championship strugglers Plymouth are considering testing their resolve with a generous compensation package.
Rooney was given the boot on New Year’s Eve with Argyle rock bottom of the Championship.
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.
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