Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool battle Bayern for new left-back target

Oli Fisher
Jonas Hector: Koln open to negotiation

Liverpool face competition from Bayern Munich for a Bundesliga star, while Tottenham are firmly in the hunt for a Spanish defender, according to Thursday’s European papers.

 

LIVERPOOL BACK IN FOR LEFT-BACK

Liverpool are set to do battle with Bayern Munich for a Bundesliga full-back, according to the latest reports from Germany.

Sports magazine Kicker states that Bayern have identified FC Koln star Jonas Hector as one of their major targets for the upcoming summer window.

The Bavarian side could be set to lose David Alaba at the end of the season, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both linked to the Austrian.

It is understood that Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has already been in contact with the 27-year-old in an attempt to lure him to Bavaria.

However, Kicker claim Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has not given up hope of luring Hector to Anfield after previous links with the German international.

He apparently has a release clause worth €8million should Koln be relegated, and recent reports have suggested Borussia Dortmund would be interested at that price.

Meanwhile, Juventus are also casting admiring glances, with Hector seen as the ideal solution if they fail to sign Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian.

 

TOTTENHAM IN THE HUNT FOR NEW RIGHT-BACK

Tottenham are reportedly firmly in the hunt to sign Mallorca right-back Joan Sastre this summer.

Spanish newspaper Marca claims that Spurs and London rivals Crystal Palace have shown an interest in the speedy 20-year-old.

It is reported that Sastre has a release clause currently set at £2.6million, although that is set to rise to £4.4m at the end of the season.

However, Marca goes on to state that Mallorca are willing to listen to lower offers for one of their defensive mainstays.

Sastre has made 27 appearances this season and scored three goals for a Mallorca side that are eight points clear at the top of the Spanish third tier.

 

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LIVERPOOL PLOTTING MOVE TO SIGN MAURO ICARDI

Liverpool are emerging as shock contenders to sign Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi, according to reports in Italy.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Icardi’s latest contract demands are likely to force Inter into selling the 22-goal Argentinian this summer.

The pink journal writes that the 25-year-old, whose current deal runs until 2021, is willing to put pen to paper on an improved deal – but only if the Nerazzurri are willing to pay him a staggering €9million-a-season.

That equates to £150,000 a season – and while in the modern market may not seem much for the top players – Inter trying to balance their Financial Fair Play obligations, meaning a salary hike of those proportions look to be beyond them.

As such, it’s suggested Icardi’s wife and agent – the often-controversial Wanda Nara – has been in negotiations with a series of suitors who would be willing to meet what she feels her husband is worth.

Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have been touted as suitors, but it’s believed their priorities lie elsewhere, and reports in Italy now suggest it is Liverpool who are leading the race for his signature.

Liverpool are still searching for a replacement for Philippe Coutinho this summer and while a different player, it’s claimed Jurgen Klopp would find room for him in his side.

And his £150,000 a week demands would not prove prohibitive either, given that was the money Coutinho was on prior to his move to Barcelona in January.

There’s no word on a fee for Icardi, though a report on Wednesday suggested Chelsea had already tested the water with a £55million approach. However, the former Sampdoria man is more likely to leave for at least £80million.

Icardi has struck 22 times for Inter this season and has 100 altogether from his spell at the San Siro.

 

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AND THE REST

Manchester United have been told Juventus will seek a reduced £105million (€120m) for Paulo Dybala this summer. Reports in Italy claim United scouts have watched the Argentine in recent weeks (Tuttomercatoweb)

Real Madrid have accepted a £113m bid from an unnamed Chinese Super League club for Man Utd, Chelsea and Bayern Munich target Gareth Bale (Diario Gol)

Barcelona are ready to battle Liverpool and Real Madrid for Roma goalkeeper Alisson. If Barcelona win the race, Liverpool will switch their attention to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who could then be sold by Blaugrana (Mundo Deportivo)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: No Man City deal in place

AC Milan are readying a bid of €40m for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, despite claims the player only has eyes on Liverpool (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Roma’s director of football Monchi claims his side would be at the front of the queue to sign Ivan Rakitic if Barcelona ever decided to sell (Cadena Cope)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has laughed off suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo could leave the club this year, amid fresh claims he could return to Manchester United (Diario AS)

Juventus are growing impatient with Emre Can and have indicated they could abandon their interest in the Liverpool midfielder if he doesn’t give them an answer soon (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Manchester United have reportedly out Massimiliano Allegri at the top of their list of candidates to replace Jose Mourinho – after the Juventus coach indicated he could look for a fresh challenge from summer 2019 (Corriere dello Sport)

Barcelona have cooled their interest in Matthijs de Ligt after Ajax told them the defender would cost at least €60m (Sport)

Gianluigi Buffon looks likely to join either PSG or Real Madrid this summer for just €40m – thanks to a clause in his deal and Milan’s failure to secure Champions League football (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon WILl retire at the end of the season – ending talk the legendary star could shelve his retirement date by 12 months (Gazzetta dello Sport, via Calciomercato)

Barcelona made an enquiry about Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot last summer (Mundo Deportivo)

Liverpool are the frontrunners to sign £50million Napoli midfielder Jorginho this summer – thanks to the club’s Brazilian connection

Real Betis have targeted a summer deal for Rayo Vallecano defender Alex Moreno (Diario AS)

Barcelona will ask Andres Iniesta to stay at the Camp Nou for another season and put off a move to China for now (Sport)

Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio believes Zinedine Zidane should continue as the club’s manager (El Larguero)

Manchester United are considering a £50million approach for Raphael Varane – amid claims Real Madrid could cash in on the Frenchman this summer 

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke believes Antoine Griezmann should only stay at the club if he is ‘totally committed’ to the decision (Cadena Cope)

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