Transfer notebook: Mauricio Pochettino update as Arsenal hunt Real Madrid star

Mauricio Pochettino is keen on replacing Michael Carrick as Manchester United manager. Carrick is expected to be sacked this week after overseeing United’s worst start to a season in 40 years. Sources close to former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Pochettino have confirmed to talkSPORT this is the job he has always coveted. The Argentine only signed a new contract with the USA after leading them to the last 16 of the World Cup. talkSPORT understands that deal includes a buyout of around £7m. Ironically had United decided to replace Carrick in the summer they could have landed Pochettino as a free agent. Pochettino was in the running for the Old Trafford hot-seat when United hired Erik ten Hag in 2022. He is also known to be held in high regard by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Endrick wanted by Arsenal Arsenal are eyeing a potential January swoop for Real Madrid winger Endrick , talkSPORT understands. Endrick is out of favour at Real having played just 114 minutes this season and the Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking options having been left short by Bukayo Saka’s injury lay-off. Brazilian international Endrick is one of a number of options having been offered to Premier League clubs in the last winter transfer window. The 21-year-old is registered with the same firm of agents as Real teammate Vinicius Junior , with whom Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a good relationship. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s top choice would be Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, but the Cherries have made it clear he is not for sale. Sage immediate return? Pierre Sage could be offered an immediate return to management, even before his Crystal Palace sacking has been officially confirmed. As talkSPORT reported on Sunday night, Palace chairman Steve Parish has decided to axe Sage after just 16 games in charge. The Frenchman is on the shortlist of candidates to return to old club Lens following the departure of Yannick Cahuzac. Sage’s stock in France, and at Lens in particular, remains high after leading them to second place in Ligue 1 last season and to French cup glory. Palace considered axing Sage during the September international break but wanted to give him time to turn their fortunes around. While their attacking data is good, Parish had underlying concerns over the number of chances the Eagles have given up this season. Zubimendi exit? Atletico Madrid are leading the race to sign forgotten Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi. World Cup winner Zubimendi has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates following the summer signing of Bruno Guimaraes and the early-season form of Myles Lewis-Skelly . He was once again introduced only as a late substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 win at home to Hull and the feeling in Spain is that he wants to leave. Atleti boss Diego Simeone is believed to have given his blessing to signing the 27-year-old. Simeone is also targeting Manchester United bad-boy Lisandro Martinez.