FOOTBALL DIGEST

POCH IS A TOP TARGET FOR JUVE JOB

MAURICIO POCHETTINO is a leading candidate on Juventus’ list of potential successors to Massimiliano Allegri. The Italian giants confirmed Allegri will leave at the end of the season after five successive league titles. Tottenham boss Pochettino (right), who has over four years left on his current deal, is admired by Juventus who have now made him one of their top choices. There is also support for former boss Antonio Conte though he left on bad terms in 2014.

JONATHAN WOODGATE is a contender to become new manager of Middlesbrough after the Championship club parted company with Tony Pulis yesterday. Woodgate, 39, is first-team coach at the club. Pulis and Boro owner and chairman Steve Gibson reached an amicable agreement over dinner in London on Wednesday. While Pulis was not universally popular with fans, he only missed the play-offs by one point and Gibson paid tribute to the job he had done.