Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Jurgen Klopp bedazzled by Napoli star seen as perfect solution to rising Liverpool problem; Tottenham ready super-offer with Daniel Levy breaking the bank for top asset

Stanislav Lobotka celebrates with Victor Osimhen after Napoli beat Hellas Verona in Serie A

Liverpool are readying a huge bid to lure a top star from Napoli in January with Jurgen Klopp a huge fan, Daniel Levy is preparing to go big as Tottenham set out their plans, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea have a new top striker target.

STANISLAV LOBOTKA EMERGES AS STRONG LIVERPOOL TRANSFER OPTION

Jurgen Klopp is gathering information of Stanislav Lobotka ahead of a possible huge offer from Liverpool for the Napoli star in January.

The Reds are in the market for at least one new midfielder in 2023 with a growing problem arising for Klopp. Indeed, they currently stand to lose both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as free agents next summer.

Furthermore, James Milner is likely in his last season at Anfield, with the veteran star turning 37 in January. And the situation is exasperated by Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara, both of whom who are now over 30 and looking more vulnerable to injuries.

As such, they are expected to be extremely active in the next two transfer windows in an effort to address the issue.

Their top target is widely reported to be Jude Bellingham. Any deal for the Borussia Dortmund man is likely to cost in excess of £100m.

Instead, Frenkie de Jong is reportedly emerging as a £65m alternative. And Liverpool’s prospects of landing the Barcelona man look good with one Manchester United man appearing to enhance their chances.

However, Tuttomercatoweb claims the Reds have a growing interest in also landing Lobotka.

The 27-year-old has established himself as a midfielder of huge quality with Napoli since his move from Celta Vigo in January 2020.

And they could comfortably double the £20.8m (€24m) fee they paid for the Slovakian were they to sell.

Liverpool need to act fast to sign Stanislav Lobotka

Indeed, Labotak has recently come under the watchful gaze of Chelsea, who are also on the lookout for new midfielders.

But the report reckons it is Liverpool who are most keen on the midfield. His performance in Napoli’s recent 4-1 destruction of Liverpool in the Champions League reportedly bedazzled Klopp.

Sitting in front of the defence in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the star helped Luciano Spalletti’s side gain a stranglehold in midfield.

However, if Liverpool are to prise Stanislav Lobotka away from Merseyside, they will have to act fast, per the report.

That’s because the midfielder is currently closing in on an extension to his Napoli contract.

His current deal is due to expire in 2025, but TMW claims a new contract keeping him at Gli Azzurri until 2028 is in the works.

That will also see his salary climb to £50,000 a week, plus bonuses.

Liverpool could comfortably afford to pay him more and are reportedly considering an offer to Napoli to lure Lobotka to Anfield.

SPURS GOING ALL OUT TO KEEP CONTE WITH HUGE WAGES, TRANSFER BUDGET

Tottenham are readying a ‘super-offer’ to keep Antonio Conte – with his salary increasing to £17.3m per year and a transfer kitty of £174m. (La Repubblica)

Chelsea are readying a firm offer for Jonathan David with their Canadian emerging as a top target. (Jeunes Footeux)

Barcelona are planning to strengthen their midfield in January with the club seeking a replacement for Sergio Busquests. One of Jorginho, Ruben Neves, N’Golo Kante or Youri Tielemans are being linked. (Mundo Deportivo)

Manchester City are reportedly looking to secure the signing of Las Palmas midfielder Alberto Moleiro. (Fijachés)

Leandro Trossard is putting links with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid to the back of his mind until after the World Cup. (Play Sports)

 

Cody Gakpo has revealed just how close he came to signing for Man Utd this summer, having dropped a hint at a January move. (various)

VILLA OUTCAST MORGAN SANSON LINKED WITH CHAMPIONSHIP DUO

Morgan Sanson, Aston Villa, April 2022.

Swansea and Sunderland are emerging as surprise suitors for unwanted Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson in January. (Jeunes Footeux)

Juventus and Atalanta are battling to sign former Alfonso Pedraza from Villarreal in the January window. (Tuttosport)

A clash of agents gives Man Utd and Chelsea a sniff at signing Rafael Leao, with AC Milan unsure exactly who they must deal with in his contract negotiations. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Peter Bosz is ‘very interested’ in becoming Wolves boss with a first round of talks reportedly going well. (BILD)

Rosario Central president Ricardo Carloni admits his side will need to sell Facundo Buonanotte following an improved offer from Brighton. (Rosario 3)

Barcelona are readying a firm £55m (€63m) bid for Man City playmaker Bernando Silva in January. (Todofijachés)

KARIM BENZEMA MAKES CLEAR REAL MADRID CAREER PLAN

Karim Benzema is outlining his intentions to play at Real Madrid until the day he retires. (L’Equipe)

Valencia have tied down Jose Gaya to a new deal, declaring the player a ‘captain, leader and legend’. (various)

Milan Skriniar is ready to sign a new deal at Inter Milan and disappoint a number of suitors, including Man Utd, PSG and Tottenham. (Corriere dello Sport)

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Rafael Leao’s contract situation at AC Milan with an eye on a future move. (Calciomercato)

Napoli have no plans to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for any fee with a series of top clubs all taking note of the Georgian winger. (Fabrizio Romano)

Christian Pulisic wants to leave Chelsea for Newcastle in January after becoming frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge. (Todofijachés)

BESIKTAS DENY DELE ALLI CLAIMS

Romelu Lukaku is back in training with Inter Milan and may make the bench for Saturday’s clash with Fiorentina. (Corriere dello Sport)

Ferran Torres’ agent admits the player was close to signing for Juventus in 2020, with the Spain star still a player of interest to them. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Besiktas are dismissing claims they have a clause in Dele Alli’s deal forcing them to pick the on-loan Everton midfielder. (Milliyet)

Juventus are stepping up their hunt to sign Rodrigo de Paul with Atletico Madrid ready to cash in during January. (Calciomercato)

Former Roma defender Philippe Mexes reckons Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti is the best coach in the world right now. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Chelsea are ready to axe Denis Zakaria with three reasons cited and with the player yet to play a single minute since joining the Blues. (CBS)