Paper Talk: PL big guns battle for £20m Dutchman; Liverpool shock

Oli Fisher

A pair of fresh suitors have joined the race for a star Serie A defender, while Chelsea have been linked with a £120m summer move in Wednesday’s papers.

 

DUO JOIN LIVERPOL IN DEFENDER RACE

Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Liverpool in the battle for a Lazio defender, a report claims.

According to the Daily Star, the Premier League trio are eyeing a move for Dutch star Stefan de Vrij this summer.

The 26-year-old has been constantly linked with an exit from the Rome-based club due to the fact his contract expires in June.

However, Lazio are convinced that De Vrij will pen fresh terms, but this could include a release clause of around £20million.

According to Italian outlet Il Messegaro, the English trio would like to sign the former Feyenoord man for free, but they are aware he is likely to sign a new deal.

Juventus are also reportedly interested in De Vrij, though it is believed the player’s preference is a move to England.

 

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AND THE REST

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, with reports in Spain suggest the Blues are looking into a £120million deal for the midfielder next summer (Mirror)

Antonio Conte is hanging onto his job despite major dressing-room tension at Chelsea (Mail)

Chelsea insiders believe Antonio Conte is manufacturing his own exit (Star)

Manchester United will demand £115million from Real Madrid for David de Gea (Sun)

De Gea has demanded a contract worth at least £375,000 a week to remain at Manchester United (Sun)

Liverpool chose not to rival Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because of Jurgen Klopp’s concerns over his attitude (Star)

Bayer Leverkusen will only sell Leon Bailey – who is said to be a target for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – if a club is prepared to stump up nearly £100million (TalkSPORT)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plotted with Henrikh Mkhitaryan so that they would both end up Arsenal players

Riyad Mahrez will extend his Leicester strike so that he does not play against Manchester City (Mail)

Liverpool have been warned that Roma goalkeeper Alisson, who they have been tracking, will cost much more than the £45million they apparently offered in January and his fee could be nearer the £60m mark (Mirror)

Juventus have asked for Newport’s scouting masterplan to help them beat Tottenham in the Champions League (Mirror)