Transfer News and Gossip – Dec 23rd

Premier League and Europe:

• Jose Mourinho’s agent has denied that a deal has been struck with Manchester United which would see him replace Louis van Gaal as manager. (Globoesporte)
• Ex-Norway striker Jan Age Fjortoft believes Van Gaal will be sacked and replaced by assistant Ryan Giggs in the next few days. (BBC Radio 5 Live)
• Manchester United are considering Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc as a potential replacement for Van Gaal, should they fail to land outgoing Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola. (Metro)
• Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been the subject of a tentative enquiry from Manchester City. (Telegraph)
• Chelsea are looking to make former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini their next permanent manger. (Daily Star)
• Meanwhile, the Blues have agreed to sign £30m-rated Brazilian midfielder Alex Teixeira from Shakhtar Donetsk. (Daily Star)
• Former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole is set to join LA Galaxy after being released by Roma. (The Sun)
• Cameroon defender Joel Matip is closing in on a move to Liverpool after rejecting a contract offer from Schalke. (Bild)
• Bournemouth look set to beat Watford to the signing of 22-year-old Roma forward Juan Iturbe. (Bournemouth Echo)