Rumour Has It: Former Man City boss Mancini emerges as shock Man Utd contender

Manchester United’s search for a new permanent manager continues, with Mauricio Pochettino the favourite.

Ralf Rangnick has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of the season, though Michael Carrick is set to preside over a third game as caretaker manager on Thursday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked last month after a poor run of results at the end of a trophy-less tenure.

TOP STORY – MANCINI EMERGES AS SHOCK MAN UTD CONTENDER

Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has emerged as a contender for the vacant Man Utd managerial role, claims The Telegraph.

The current Italy head coach, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title, is under “careful consideration” by United chiefs, according to the report.

Mancini is contracted with Italy until 2026 on a lucrative deal but may potentially be available to take over from Rangnick pending Italy’s World Cup qualification play-offs in March.

ROUND-UP

– Milan want to sign Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette as soon as possible and will make a move for him in January rather than wait for him to become a free agent at the season’s end, according to Sport Italia journalist Rudy Galetti.

– Man Utd have been offered the opportunity to sign Brazil attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho by Barcelona, reports Sport.

– Sport also claims Barcelona have a “total agreement” to sign Man City’s Spanish forward Ferran Torres, although they want the English champions to lower their asking price of £60million.

– Ajax are looking to do a deal with Tottenham to sign Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn on loan, according to De Telegraaf.

– Calciomercato claims Juventus have pulled out of the race to sign Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, with Chelsea leading the contenders.