Manchester United are confident captain Bruno Fernandes will decide to stay this summer.
Fernandes has a £57million release clause in his contract that can be activated by overseas clubs, sparking fears among fans they could lose their talismanic captain.
His stock is high after breaking the Premier League record for the most assists in a single season.
However, United officials see the Portuguese playmaker speaking openly about his aims for bringing silverware to Old Trafford next season as a positive sign he does not plan to quit.
Sources suggest Fernandes also approved of United’s decision to hand Michael Carrick the manager’s job on a long-term basis.
Fernandes was close to moving to Saudi Arabia last summer before his wife intervened.
United are planning a midfield rebuild, but it is thought they want West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes to play alongside his namesake, rather than replace him.
The Hammers are determined to drive a hard bargain for Fernandes, although it seems unlikely United would pay anywhere near their £80m asking price for a relegated player.
Iraola wants Liverpool to pay for new coaching team
Andoni Iraola would like to take his Bournemouth coaching staff with him to Liverpool, talkSPORT understands.
Iraola is close to reaching a full agreement to replace the sacked Arne Slot.
The 52-year-old formed a close and successful relationship with assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper during his time at the Vitality Stadium.
Unlike Iraola, both Elphick and Cooper are under contract with the Cherries so Liverpool would have to negotiate their release.
Former Bournemouth captain Elphick turned down the manager’s job at Bristol City last week.
It is thought Iraola would also like to poach his fellow Spaniard, fitness coach Pablo de La Torre.
Sa wants out after relegation
Wolves expect Jose Sa to leave the club this summer.
Sa has clocked 170 appearances since joining Wolves from Greek side Olympiacos in the summer of 2021.
However, despite having a deal at Molineux until next summer, the Portuguese international does not want to play in the Championship next season.
Sa was close to joining Nottingham Forest in January and has also been linked with Turkish side Besiktas.
Clubs queue up for Southampton star after ‘Spygate’ drama
Southampton captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis is expected to be in demand this summer as the ‘Spygate’ fallout continues.
Harwood-Bellis was forced to apologise after mocking Middlesbrough players with a ‘binocular’ celebration in the wake of their Championship play-off semi-final win at St Mary’s.
Saints were subsequently booted out of the final and England international Harwood-Bellis is among several players understood to be weighing up their futures.
West Ham tried to sign the 24-year-old in January and remain admirers.
Harwood-Bellis could also be targeted by newly-promoted Coventry and Hull.