Liverpool have been handed a potential double boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forwards Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye after neither player was included in Luis Enrique’s squad to face Lens in the Trophée des Champions.
Barcola and Mbaye were both unused substitutes in PSG’s midweek Super Cup victory over Aston Villa but were then omitted altogether for Sunday’s game, fuelling speculation that moves could be edging closer.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with both players, with reports suggesting Barcola has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the Premier League champions. PSG are understood to value the France international at around £120m, while the combined cost of Barcola and Mbaye has reportedly been a stumbling block. Source: talkSPORT / The Mirror.
Manchester City are meanwhile considering another raid on Chelsea, with Portugal winger Pedro Neto emerging as a potential target.
According to talkSPORT, City are keen on the 26-year-old and could make a move depending on what happens with Savinho, who has been linked with Tottenham. City face competition from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, while Chelsea are believed to value Neto at around £70m.
The move would reunite Neto with Enzo Maresca, who managed the winger at Chelsea last season.
City are also being linked with another Chelsea star, with Enzo Fernandez reportedly identified as a possible replacement for Rodri.
The midfielder’s future has become a major talking point after City agreed a £65.4m deal with Barcelona for Rodri, who is expected to complete his move to the Spanish champions this week. Fernandez is valued at around £120m by Chelsea, meaning City would have to make another substantial investment to replace their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder. Sources: Sky Sports / The Guardian / Reuters.
Juventus have turned their attention towards Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after pulling back from their pursuit of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
The Italian club have agreed a loan deal with an option to buy for the 29-year-old Tottenham NO.1
Juventus had been trying to sign Martinez but concerns over the 33-year-old’s finger injury, together with Villa’s valuation, have seen the Italians cool their interest.
Villa have meanwhile agreed a deal to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for a fee worth up to £34.2m, including add-ons, in a move which could further reshape the European goalkeeping market. Sources: Sky Sports / talkSPORT / The Athletic.
Newcastle are closing in on another significant signing, with Amar Dedic arriving on Tyneside ahead of his move from Benfica.
The 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international is joining in a deal worth £29.5m and is expected to sign a five-year contract after completing his medical.
Dedic’s arrival will strengthen Newcastle’s options at right-back and represents another sizeable investment as they continue to reshape their squad.
Source: Sky Sports.
Nottingham Forest have also entered the race for Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
talkSPORT reports that Forest have joined Newcastle and Everton in showing an interest in the 23-year-old, who is keen to remain in the Premier League. Chelsea are understood to be looking for around £40m for the striker.
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich last summer but endured an injury-hit campaign and scored just once in 12 Premier League starts.
Source: talkSPORT.
And Arsenal are continuing to monitor young attacking talent in Europe, with Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane on their radar.
Kofane’s agent Eric Depolo has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the 19-year-old, who made his breakthrough in Germany after moving from Albacete to Leverkusen.
Source: Daily Mirror.