Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Barcelona plotting future £67m move for Liverpool defensive standout; Everton ready to strike after shock Wolves exit claim

Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool

Barcelona are plotting a big-money move for a Liverpool assist-machine next summer, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims that Everton are looking to bring an outstanding Wolves star back to Merseyside.

BARCA PLOTTING SHOCK LIVERPOOL RAID

Barcelona are reportedly ready to strike a deal for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold next summer, with the defender expected to cost £67.3million (€80m).

According to Futbol Total CF, the England star has emerged as a major target for the Catalan giants after they missed out on Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Blues skipper ended speculation over his future by signing a new Stamford Bridge contract on Thursday.

Barca wanted the Spain international to replace Dani Alves at the Nou Camp. However, they are now willing to wait a year before moving for Alexander-Arnold.

The 23-year-old has played a big role in Liverpool’s recent success, with the Reds claiming Champions League and Premier League glory, while they also won both domestic cups last term.

Alexander-Arnold has chalked up 13 goals and an incredible 62 assists in over 200 games for the Reds.

Alexander-Arnold stats enticing for Barca 

That sort of production has not gone unnoticed throughout Europe, leading to Barca’s interest.

Despite their financial issues, Barca have spent big this summer. And the report adds that they will be in a much healthier position by the time the 2023 summer window opens.

As for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is sure to fight tooth and nail to keep the player.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold only signed a new Anfield deal until 2025 last summer. There are also no reports of him considering an exit.

CONOR COADY TIPPED FOR MERSEYSIDE RETURN

Everton are reportedly pushing to sign Conor Coady from Wolves with the England centre-back open to the move.

Wolves captain Conor Coady

The Molineux outfit are prepared to let the 29-year-old go after signing Nathan Collins from Burnley.

The Toffees are continuing talks to bring back Idrissa Gana Gueye from PSG and are desperate to add a striker too after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury.

Coady has been a mainstay Wolves during the Premier League era, breaking into the senior England squad with his performances.

However, the arrival of £20million Collins, coupled with boss Bruno Lage’s switch to a back four this season, means Coady has slipped down the pecking order.

And the Daily Mail reports that he is unlikely to start Saturday’s opening Premier League fixture at Leeds.

Collins is set to start alongside Max Kilman in defence at Elland Road.

FOREST RIVALS LEEDS FOR CHE ADAMS

Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Southampton to sign Che Adams, who is also a target for Leeds United.

Che Adams of Southampton - Southampton v Everton, Premier League, St Mary's Stadium, Southampton

Football Insider claims that Forest have followed up their approach for the striker by starting negotiations over a potential deal.

The Premier League new boys are looking to beat Leeds to the capture of the 26-year-old.

The Elland Road outfit have set their sights on Adams again after having a near-£20million bid rejected in January 2020.

The forward has scored 21 times in 110 appearances for the Saints. That figure includes seven in 30 Premier League appearances last term.