Transfer Gossip: Liverpool near second midfield signing after Newcastle roll over; Chelsea agree deal with one of world’s best
Liverpool have received a timely boost in their pursuit of midfield arrival No 2, while Chelsea have struck an ‘agreement in principle’ with a world class star and Man City have opened talks on a deal for a £97m-rated defender – all in Saturday’s Transfer Gossip.
NEWCASTLE MAKE LIVERPOOL DEAL EASY
Liverpool have one less hurdle between them and a successful move for Khephren Thuram after the reason why Newcastle are unlikely to act on their interest emerged.
Midfield additions will take centre stage at Anfield this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister to first to arrive.
The Reds were beaten by Benfica to Feyenoord ace, Orkun Kokcu. However, Jurgen Klopp and co. have plenty of other irons in the fire.
Indeed, French outlet L’Equipe reported one week ago that Liverpool have been in constant contact over a move for Nice midfielder, Khephren Thuram.
Nice hope to collect around £55m for Thuram if the France international sparks a bidding war. If only Liverpool bid, a more realistic valuation is €45m (approx. £38.5m), according to Football Transfers.
The same outlet claimed earlier this week that Liverpool have ‘verbally agreed’ personal terms with the player. Now, according to the Daily Mail, the Reds’ main competition for Thuram – Newcastle United – are unlikely to pose a problem.
Indeed, the newspaper reiterate Thuram is a player the Magpies rate highly. However, in lieu of Financial Fair Play limiting their summer budget to just £75m, other moves will take precedence.
Of course, player sales could increase the funds Eddie Howe has to spend, though moves at St. James’ Park are expected to centre around arrivals this summer, not exits.
Assuming greater significance than a move for Thuram is a deal for Leicester’s James Maddison. The Magpies have chased the England ace for a whole year and previously saw a bid of £50m rejected last summer.
Leicester’s relegation means Maddison is all but guaranteed to be on the move. Tottenham will rival Newcastle for his signature, while the door is ajar for Liverpool to pursue Thuram undisturbed.
Newcastle are also in the market for a left-back (Kieran Tierney) and a new centre-half. If they do sign a central midfielder, Man Utd’s Scott McTominay is a likelier target than Thuram, per the Mail.
CHELSEA STRIKE AGREEMENT WITH INTER MILAN ACE
Chelsea have forged an ‘agreement in principle’ over personal terms with an Inter Milan superstar who’s dominated the Champions League this season, per a report.
The Mirror recently claimed new Blues boss, Mauricio Pochettino, is ‘unconvinced’ by both of his frontline goalkeeping options.
Between Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, it’s anticipated Mendy will be the one sold this summer. However, Kepa may well find himself relegated to the bench if a new signing is made.
To that end, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb report Chelsea and Inter star, Andre Onana, have an ‘agreement in principle’ in place.
That relates to personal terms, with Inter and Chelsea as yet failing to find common ground on the transfer fee.
Indeed, TMW add Chelsea’s first offer of €40m (approx. £34.2m) was rejected by Inter.
The trusted Gianluca Di Marzio previously confirmed Onana to be on Chelsea and Man Utd’s radars.
FootMercato claimed Pochettino could solve his goalkeeping dilemma in one fell swoop by serving Mendy up as a makeweight in any bid for Onana.
In any case, what is clear is Onana has quickly ascended to being one of the finest goalkeeper’s around and Chelsea are determined to get a deal done.
The 27-year-old has been near-unbeatable in the Champions League this season, leading that competition with eight clean sheets.
Onana has kept five clean sheets out of a possible six in the knockout rounds to help Inter progress to the final.
His toughest challenge still awaits, with Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland among those he’ll hope to stifle on Saturday night.
MAN CITY OPEN TALKS WITH DEFENSIVE ROCK
Man City have opened talks over the signing of RB Leipzig colossus, Josko Gvardiol, according to a report.
90min recently stated the Premier League champions are primed to ramp up their long-standing interest in the Croatia international.
Gvardiol, 21, is widely viewed as one of world football’s pre-eminent centre-halves despite his age. His standing within the game was evidenced by the colossal £97m release clause Leipzig inserted into his latest contract.
The clause does not activate until the summer of 2024, though that’s not stopping Man City from attempting to negotiate a deal ahead of time.
Indeed, Football Insider bring news of Man City holding ‘initial talks’ with their German counterparts over the defender.
A move is expected to accelerate after tonight’s Champions League final. Gvardiol is labelled City’s ‘top target’ this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s side are described as being ‘confident’ they’ll be able to convince Leipzig to cash in. Liverpool are also huge admirers of Gvardiol, though their attention is on midfield recruits right now.
If signed, Gvardiol would be viewed as both an upgrade and successor to Aymeric Laporte who has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad this season.
Laporte, 29, will be allowed to leave Man City if he decides to push for a move and go in search of regular gametime elsewhere.
