Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool to rock bullish Real Madrid plan by going all-out for star midfielder; Chelsea, Leicester stars in Inter sights

Liverpool are ready to beat Real Madrid to the signing of an exciting midfield talent, while Inter eye up Chelsea and Leicester raids – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

JOAO GOMES ON LIVERPOOL RADAR

Liverpool links with Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes have resurfaced and a report claims that the Reds are willing to ruin Real Madrid’s plans for the signing.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are in need of midfield reinforcements, with both short-term and long-term issues plaguing them. In recent weeks, injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have hampered them.

Looking further down the line, though, Thiago, Henderson and James Milner are all advancing through their thirties.

Liverpool’s consequential links with 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham have been well-documented.

However, Flamengo’s Brazilian midfielder Gomes has had more recent links with an Anfield transfer. The 21-year-old admitted that he would love to play for Liverpool, sparking rumours of a deal.

Flamengo vice-president Marcos Braz subsequently denounced the rumours as “lies”. Braz added that there was no summer interest from anyone in Gomes, who instead signed a new Flamengo contract until 2027.

Reports then claimed that Real Madrid believe they can sign Gomes for around €30million (£26million), half of his €60million (£53million) release clause.

According to the latest from Sport, though, Liverpool are ready to muscle in and ruin Madrid’s plan. Indeed, the Reds could supposedly pay Gomes’ release clause outright in January.

Gomes, who prefers playing as a defensive midfielder, has played 106 times for Flamengo.

Real Madrid have significantly future-proofed their midfield in recent transfer windows. With Casemiro leaving for Manchester United this summer and Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in their thirties, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni are the new rising stars.

And while Los Blancos are in for Bellingham, they also fancy their chances of signing Gomes.

Liverpool, though, reportedly have other ideas and would be willing to go the extra mile to sign him.

AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Inter are weighing up whether to go after Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu amid uncertainty over Milan Skriniar’s contract. Skriniar is in the final year of his deal but has shown no signs of extending just yet. (Calciomercato)

Inter also believe Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah could be an option to replace Skriniar. (Calciomercato)

Torino president Urbano Cairo is considering activating Nicola Vlasic’s €15million (£13million) option to buy clause from West Ham following his solid start to his loan spell. (Calciomercato)

Virgil van Dijk says Netherlands team-mate Jurrien Timber “still has so much potential” amid the Ajax star’s recent form. (Soccernews)

AC Milan are keen on Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra, who has been compared by one journalist to Rafael Leao. (Milan Live)

ODEGAARD WANTS OVERALL IMPROVEMENT

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says it is “disappointing” that he has “not been at his best” for the Gunners and Denmark. (Dagbladet)

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira says there was no way Arsenal target Danilo would have left in the summer because the club’s coaching staff wanted to keep the midfielder. (Torcedores)

Richarlison has backed Tottenham boss Antonio Conte to “fix my mistakes” following his start to life at Spurs. (ESPN Brasil)

Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez has “no-one close” to him who wants to talk about a transfer, despite links with Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is not interested in the England job following his appearance at Wembley on Monday. Instead, the Argentine is “really quiet and relaxed” and “waiting for a new opportunity”. (Fabrizio Romano)

EURO PAPER TALK – MESSI WON’T SIGN NEW PSG DEAL

Lionel Messi does not want to sign a new Paris Saint-Germain contract and will therefore leave the French capital. (Beteve)

Spain boss Luis Enrique says he “needs to see” Ansu Fati playing more for Barcelona to feel convinced of his World Cup capabilities. Fati has recovered from injury but is being eased back into action by Xavi. (AS)

Roma are planning to hand Bryan Cristante a new contract amid interest from Juventus and AC Milan. (Calciomercato)

Galatasaray will try again to sign AC Milan defender Fode Ballo-Toure in January. (Pianeta Milan)

Manchester City watched a host of upcoming European talent during the international break, with scouts observing Denmark Under-21s v Croatia Under-21s. (TV2 Sport)