Euro Paper Talk: Jurgen Klopp eyes ‘bargain’ signing of Man Utd target who admits to supporting Liverpool; Arsenal want new goal machine in £44m deal
Jurgen Klopp is aiming for Liverpool to complete a ‘bargain’ transfer ahead of Manchester United to begin the midfield rebuild, Arsenal are battling Newcastle for the capture of ‘the next Erling Haaland’, while Monday’s Euro Paper Talk claims a Fulham star is beginning to push for a Chelsea move.
LIVERPOOL PURSUE JUVENTUS ACE
Liverpool are ‘hovering’ for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot as they look to get to the Frenchman before Man Utd, according to a report.
Rabiot is enjoying an excellent season with Juve. He has found the back of the net nine times in 33 games so far, as well as putting up four assists.
Rabiot was also in great form for France at the World Cup, helping Didier Deschamps’ side reach their second final in a row. But their dream came crashing down as Argentina won the coveted trophy.
Despite Rabiot impressing for both club and country, Juve have yet to offer him a new contract. And with his current deal expiring at the end of the season, there is a real chance he could secure a free transfer in the summer.
Erik ten Hag likes the 27-year-old a lot and wants Man Utd to sign him. The Red Devils were in negotiations with Rabiot’s camp last summer too, but the two parties could not agree on a salary.
Liverpool are also understood to be on Rabiot’s trail and they were given a massive boost recently. During an interview with Italian outlet Tuttosport, the player said: “I loved Liverpool a lot because I was a fan of Steven Gerrard, who made me dream… and so therefore I followed the Reds. My other idol was Zinedine Zidane.”
Those comments set up a potential transfer to Anfield. Liverpool will probably find it easier to agree a contract with Rabiot than Man Utd due to his existing love for the club.
Klopp ‘hovering’ for Man Utd target
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport have now provided an update on the situation, as cited by Sport Witness. They reveal that Liverpool are ‘hovering’ for Rabiot’s signature and could soon begin discussions.
Klopp, who desperately needs a midfield overhaul this summer, is eyeing up Rabiot as a potential ‘bargain’ capture. Due to his contract running down, Liverpool would not need to pay a penny in transfer fees to get him to join. And this would save money for their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
The report urges Man Utd and Juve to ‘watch out for Liverpool’ as they are monitoring Rabiot closely. The Reds could soon offer him the chance to follow in the footsteps of his idol Gerrard by shining at Anfield.
Juve have considered offering Rabiot a new deal in recent months. But they know they will struggle to meet his demands and the money being offered by Liverpool or Man Utd.
As a result, the Italian side have already begun looking for Rabiot’s replacement. As per Tuttosport, Juve have entered into preliminary talks with Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.
This will come as a blow to Man Utd, who were tipped to sign the four-cap Italy international on Friday. In contrast, Liverpool will be delighted to hear that Juve are already on the hunt for Rabiot’s successor.
ARSENAL, NEWCASTLE INTERESTED IN DANISH HITMAN
Arsenal and Newcastle are battling to secure the signature of Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, who is valued at €50m (£44m). Hojlund has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland after reaching 14 goals for the season, despite being only 20 years old. (Calciomercato)
West Ham have reignited their interest in Spezia attacker M’Bala Nzola and could use their ‘excellent relations’ with his agent to reach a transfer agreement. (CalcioSpezia)
Manchester City have admitted defeat in their Ilkay Gundogan contract talks, knowing that the midfielder wants to leave for Barcelona. (Sport)
Young Tottenham midfielder Pape Sarr has emerged as a loan target for Besiktas. (Fanatik)
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who has been heavily linked with Man Utd, has sensationally shut down the rumours about his future by saying he ‘cannot be bothered’ with them. (Football Italia)
Italy World Cup winner Alessandro Altobelli has urged Inter Milan to bring in either Antonio Conte or Jose Mourinho if Simone Inzaghi is axed. Conte left his role as Tottenham head coach on Sunday evening. (Tuttosport)
FULHAM STAR MAKES BIG DECISION ON FUTURE
Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has started pushing for a transfer away from Craven Cottage after learning that Chelsea are plotting a move for him. (Goal)
Mikel Merino remains on Aston Villa’s radar after Unai Emery failed to sign him in the winter window. Although, the midfielder hopes to stay at Real Sociedad by penning a new deal. (Mundo Deportivo)
Ferran Torres has decided to remain at Barcelona despite interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. (Sport)
Barca have asked Spain international Dani Olmo not to enter contract talks with RB Leipzig so he can force through a transfer to the Camp Nou. (Mundo Deportivo)
VILLA STAR ACCUSED OF FAKING INJURY
Polish pundit Tomasz Hajto has suggested Matty Cash faked an injury during Poland’s 3-1 loss to the Czech Republic on Friday. (Sport Witness)
Real Madrid are running the risk of losing Dani Ceballos to rivals Atletico Madrid by not offering the midfielder a new deal. The former Arsenal man has also been linked with Villa. (Marca)
Brighton and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on striker Mateo Retegui following his goal for Italy against England on Thursday. (Corriere dello Sport)
Juventus hope to sell former Everton striker Moise Kean to make up the funds for a swoop on Leeds United’s Willy Gnonto. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Leicester are seriously looking at Lens forward Lois Openda as a striker successor to Jamie Vardy. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
