Former Roma boss Rudi Garcia is being strongly tipped to replace Slaven Bilic at West Ham United. The Frenchman has been out of work since January but Corriere dello Sport backs up those claims by the English media that he could make a return to management in the Premier League with the East London club.
 

Other reports in Italy suggest that former Manchester City and Inter coach Roberto Mancini is also on the shortlist if the Hammers decide to dismiss the Serbian Bilic, after a woeful start to the new season. Mancini recently stated that he would like to return to the Premier League after a successful spell in Manchester and it looks like it would be a straight fight between himself and Garcia.  

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta has confirmed to Radio Rai that the club will once again mount a January assault to try to lure PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi to Turin. It looked as though the 28-year-old Frenchman would arrive in the summer but the French champions rejected all offers for the player.


 

Lazio have opened new contract talks with Senegalese winder Keita Balde. The 21-year-old’s current deal expires in 2018 and an extension is imminent. (Il Messaggero)
 

Gazzetta dello Sport writes that Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked this morning as manager of Aston Villa, is the favourite to succeed Francesco Guidolin the bench at Swansea City. The Italian, who arrived in South Wales in January, looks likely to become the first top-flight casualty of the season in England.  

Inter continue to monitor River Plate striker Lucas Alario. The 23-year-old Argentine has been in great goalscoring form this season and the nerazzurri, who have excellent relations with South American clubs, may make a January move (Gazzetta dello Sport).



Luigi Delneri is the favourite to replace Beppe Iachini at Udinese. La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that the former Friuli tactician could be heading back to the club after Iachini’s dismissal late last night.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler