As Paul Pogba rejoiced and japed after helping France win the World Cup, José Mourinho said he hopes to “understand why he was very good” during the tournament so that he could reproduce such performances for his club. Well, today’s hearsay claims that Pogba understands he would be happier playing for a club not managed by José Mourinho, specifically Barcelona. Several organs would have us believe that the Catalan club have even offered to take Pogba in exchange for around £40m plus two players – the centre-back Yerry Mina and the midfielder André Gomes.

Transfer window 2018 – every summer deal from Europe's top five leagues Read more

Mina is wanted by Everton and Gomes by West Ham – but neither is wanted by United, at least not more than Pogba. So Barcelona have been told where to go, and Pogba has been told where to stay. And the steam coming out of Mourinho’s ears has got train enthusiasts comparing him to the Flying Scotsman and, the Mill imagines, the words coming out of his mouth might be evocative of a different effin Scotsman.

Rather than sell Pogba, Mourinho wants to provide him with more help in midfield, so United are said to be readying a gigantic offer for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and about time, too.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are trying to get in a goalkeeper before Thursday so that Thibaut Courtois can be allowed to leave. Jan Oblak is said to be their No 1 target and Jack Butland their No 2. If Chelsea do let Courtois go to Real Madrid, that could help their chances of landing the midfielder Mateo Kovacic who, sadly, cannot play in goal.

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Tottenham are about to get active in the transfer market! At least that’s what Roma hope because they want to buy Victor Wanyama. Tottenham will sell if they manage to get Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon instead.

Having prised Jonathan Walters from Stoke last season, Burnley plan to make a bid for Peter Crouch. After that they’ll make their move for Sir Stanley Matthews. Fulham have the hots for the Celtic centre-back Dedryk Boyata. They’re also said to be contemplating a move for Danny Welbeck, whom Arsenal would be willing to let go, reportedly.

Bernard to have Everton medical with club set to win battle for Brazil winger Read more

The prospect of beginning the season with Wes Morgan and Youane Benalouane in the middle of defence against Manchester United has got Leicester thinking they need better cover at centre-back: so they’re thinking of making a bid for Filip Benkovic, currently of Dinamo Zagreb.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, once of England, is attracting

interest from Besiktas.