“TURMOIL” thunders the Daily Express, in an article speculating over the future – or lack of one – of Alexis Sánchez at Manchester United. The pint-sized Chilean has endured a torrid time of it since leaving Arsenal for Old Trafford last January and seems likely to be further marginalised now that Anthony Martial has wormed his way back into José Mourinho’s good books. Tabloid speculation suggests that Manchester United big hats are wondering if it might not be a good idea to cut Sánchez, who earns £500,000 per week, loose and sell him to Paris Saint-Germain as soon as possible. “One of their top stars could go and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that a deal could be struck between the two clubs,” whispered a club Deep Throat to the Sun, possibly in an attempt to nudge the French champions in the right direction.

The ongoing, uncharacteristic ennui haunting normally chirpy Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino may be dispelled by speculation that Real Madrid are prepared to offer him double his current salary to replace Julen Lopetegui as the club’s manager. Real president Florentino Pérez is prepared to sanction an £85m, five-year deal to lure Pochettino to the Bernabéu, presumably subject to the approval of the club’s current de facto boss and defensive liability Sergio Ramos. It will be a source of concern to Spurs fans that Pochettino seems to have become increasingly disillusioned with his current gig in recent weeks and may fancy a change of scenery. Pérez is believed to be willing to wait until summer to get his man if needs be, although José Mourinho and Roberto Martínez are also being linked with the vacancy. Spanish sports daily AS says the former Madrid and Denmark star Michael Laudrup has already turned down the job because he doesn’t want to be tainted by association with the shambles into which the Spanish club is descending.

Chelsea are reported to be plotting a move to bring Suso to Stamford Bridge. Milan’s Spanish scamperer failed to shine during a four-year spell at Liverpool in which he played second fiddle to Philippe Coutinho, but has since blossomed into one of Serie A’s most impressive performers. In an interview with the Guardian conducted last May, the 24-year-old said he wants to play Champions League football and feels “like I am only at 60-70% of what I can achieve”. Chelsea could help him find that extra 30-40% it they secure his services, which are also reported to be in demand at Atlético Madrid.

Chelsea are also interested in signing Newcastle central defender Jamaal Lascelles in January, but will have to fend off competition from Tottenham if they are to land their man. Elsewhere in the north-east, Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald has told the Roker Rapport podcast that he hopes to further trim the club’s wage bill in January, but would quite like to keep hold of in-demand midfielder Lee Cattermole.