Football rumours: Manchester City get the jump on Bernardo Silva contract talks
Club bosses are believed to be encouraged by initial talks between the two parties.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What the papers say
The Times says Manchester City have begun contract extension talks with midfielder Bernardo Silva – three years out from his current deal expiring. Silva, 27, was close to leaving City last summer to move to Spain, but club bosses are believed to be encouraged by initial talks between the two parties, with City’s propensity for possession-based play a key factor in convincing the Portugal international to stay beyond 2025.
There is also confidence among Manchester United bosses that Mauricio Pochettino could become the Red Devils’ permanent manager in the summer. According to the Daily Mirror, the former Tottenham boss, who has long been on United’s wishlist, is unhappy at Paris St Germain and would be open to a return to England once interim manager Ralf Rangnick’s spell ends at the conclusion of the current campaign.
Staying with managerial rumours, the Daily Mail reports Roy Keane is set to be interviewed for the Sunderland job. Keane, who led Sunderland to the Championship title in 2007, is believed to have support from within the club and will speak to bosses in the next few days.
Elsewhere, The Sun says Lyon are determined to re-sign Alexandre Lacazette from Arsenal, with a free transfer agreement believed to be on the horizon.
Social media round-up
Players to watch
Eder Militao: AS says Chelsea are targeting the Real Madrid defender as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who could both leave as free agents at the end of the season.
Nicolo Zaniolo: The Roma winger is on the radar of both Tottenham and Juventus, according to Calciomercato.
William Saliba: Calciomercato also says Real Madrid, along with Inter and AC Milan, are set to battle it out for the Arsenal defender, who is on loan with Marseille.