Gus Poyet has received the backing of the Shanghai Shenhua president following growing calls for the Uruguayan coach’s dismissal after a disappointing start to the Chinese Super League season.

Club president Wu Xiaohui stressed that the Shenhua hierarchy were not considering replacing the former Chelsea midfielder despite pressure from sections of the Shanghai support to remove the 49-year-old following a poor run of form.

“Poyet out? We never gave a thought about it,” Wu told reporters. “It’s not happening and won’t happen in a long time.”

Man United consider offers for Januzaj

Adnan Januzaj is heading towards the Old Trafford exit as Manchester United consider a number of offers for the winger, Press Association Sport understands.

Having flourished after being given a first-term role by then-United manager David Moyes, the 22-year-old’s star has faded over the years.

Januzaj returned early from an ill-fated loan spell at Borussia Dortmund during the 2015/16 campaign and endured a turbulent season-long stint at Sunderland last term.

Press Association Sport understands the Belgium international is now set to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis, with Real Sociedad understood to be among the clubs speaking to United about a deal.

Juventus set to sign striker Schick

Striker Patrik Schick is undergoing medical tests at Juventus ahead of his move there from Sampdoria, the Serie A champions said yesterday.

“A formal confirmation of the move is expected later in the afternoon,” the club said in a statement.

The Czech Republic international, who scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances last season, is set to join Juventus for 30.5 million euros ($34.07 million), Italy’s Sky Sport reports.

Bolasie seeks benefits of injury layoff

Everton winger Yannick Bolasie expects to return from his serious knee injury a more cautious player, believing the approach will improve his composure on the ball and help him reach the next level.

The speedy Congolese wide man was recruited by manager Ronald Koeman last August and made 13 Premier League appearances before sustaining a season-ending injury in December. He was ruled out for a year and has since undergone two surgeries.

“Strangely, I think that having this injury will give me the composure that I have been looking for,” Bolasie told British media.

Oscar handed eight-match ban

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar was handed an eight-match ban by Chinese football authorities yesterday for his role in a brawl that broke out during Shanghai SIPG’s draw with Guangzhou R&F at the weekend.

The Brazilian, who moved to China for a record transfer fee in January, was also fined 40,000 yuan ($5,855) by the Chinese Football Association in the latest move by the country’s authorities to stamp out indiscipline.

"According to the referee's report, video evidence and a written explanation from the parties involved... Oscar offended opposing players in an immoral manner, leading to a massive brawl which has had a very bad influence on the Chinese Super League's reputation," an official statement said.

Chalobah hopeful of place in squad

Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is hoping to cement his place at Stamford Bridge after making a breakthrough for the Premier League champions under Antonio Conte last season.

The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of 10, was sent out on six loan spells before the Italian boss decided to keep him at the club at the start of last campaign.

“He (Conte) showed faith in me in pre-season and he liked the way I was working,” Chalobah, who made nine of his 10 league appearances from the bench, told the Telegraph. “He made a decision to keep me... The way I see it is that I’m in a better position than I was last year.”

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.