Potter ready for next job, Newcastle target loans, West Ham eye Championship ace

Potter has rejected the advances of numerous clubs including Leicester and Lyon and was also touted for the Swedish national team job.

But the former Brighton and Swansea boss was keen to take an extended break to recharge after his chastening Stamford Bridge experience.

As talkSPORT reported on Wednesday, Potter is highly regarded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and would be a contender for the Manchester United job if INEOS decide to replace Erik ten Hag once their 25 per cent minority investment is ratified.

As it stands the existing United hierarchy are not actively discussing Ten Hag's future despite their poor Premier League form and limp early European exit.

However, Ratcliffe is keen to assume overall control of the football side at Old Trafford, which would put the Dutchman under greater scrutiny.

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Miserly Magpies

Newcastle are even more likely to focus on the loan market rather than make permanent signings following their Champions League disappointment.

Funds were already tight at St James's Park due to the strict FFP restrictions the Magpies are working under.

With not even the consolation prize of Europa League football in the New Year after finishing bottom of their group following Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat to AC Milan, they are not expected to spend big in the upcoming transfer window.

Man City's Kalvin Phillips remains a priority target while manager Eddie Howe also has long-standing interest in Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, who is now playing at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli following a surprise summer move from Celta Vigo.

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The fact they are no longer competing in Europe also means a goalkeeper to deputise for the injured Nick Pope is not seen as a major priority.

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Boehly's Chelsea blues

We have all heard of managers losing the dressing room but it appears it is the hierarchy at Chelsea who are in danger of losing the faith of the players at Stamford Bridge.

talkSPORT has been told Mauricio Pochettino retains the backing of his squad despite failing to arrest the decline that started when owner Todd Boehly decided to fire Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel.

Instead, several senior pros are understood to have concerns about the direction the club is heading.

After splashing out £1billion in the last three transfer windows, primarily on young, unproven players at Premier League level, it will be fascinating to see if there is a change of tact in January with Pochettino believed to be demanding more of a say on potential signings.

For his part, Boehly has taken more of a background role, although co-owner Behdad Eghbali remains a regular visitor to the club's Cobham training ground.

Hammers target Championship star

West Ham are keeping tabs on Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

The Hammers are looking to sign a full-back to provide competition for Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri and the beauty with Walker-Peters is that he can play either on the right or the left.

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The former Tottenham star was expected to leave Southampton in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League but offers for his services were surprisingly sparse.

Walker-Peters has been one of Saints' standout performers in the Championship but his contract is up at the end of next season, meaning the south coast side could be tempted by a reasonable bid.