Today’s back pages: Pep Guardiola’s ‘secret release clause’ in Man City contract and Liverpool pull off a ‘Mina coup’

Pep out, Poch in at Man City?

The Daily Mail reports that Pep Guardiola has a “secret release clause” in his contract at Manchester City.

An agreement in his deal at the Etihad means the Spaniard could leave the Premier League champions at the end of the season.

He signed a new contract last year, which extended his original deal until 2021, and the Mail says it includes “an agreement that he could depart at the conclusion of this campaign should certain stipulations that satisfy the club be met”.

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City’s board are confident that Guardiola will honour his deal, but it’s also claimed they “remain admirers” of former Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Minamino set for Anfield

The Daily Mirror and Daily Star focus on Takumi Minamino’s impending move from Red Bull Salzburg to Liverpool in January.

Described as “Kop’s Mina miracle” by the Mirror and “Klopp’s Mina coup” by the Star, Liverpool have beaten Manchester United to the signing of the Japanese international in a deal worth just £7.25m, subject to medical.

The Anfield club were aware of a clause in his contract, says the Mirror, which United were “oblivious to”.

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Today’s newspaper back pages

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