Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Klopp plots massive Liverpool January midfielder coup for ‘best player in LaLiga’; Chelsea pushing ahead with another striker signing

Aihen Munoz, Mikel Merino Real Sociedad

Jurgen Klopp wants to bolster Liverpool’s engine room by signing a LaLiga midfielder who has been labelled ‘the best in LaLiga’ on more than one occasion, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea are ready to snap up another striker despite the recent arrival of Joao Felix.

LIVERPOOL PLOTTING STUNNING MIDFIELD RAID

Italian journalist Rudy Galetti claims that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp now wants to sign a midfielder who has been labelled as ‘the best player in LaLiga’.

Klopp has so far landed Cody Gakpo to bolster his forward line, but it’s Liverpool’s engine room that has been in need of help all season long.

The normally reliable Fabinho has been below his best this season, while both Jordan Henderson and Thiago are injury-prone.

And while Jude Bellingham remains Klopp’s top target, it will be almost impossible to pull off a deal this month.

That leaves the Reds looking at other targets, including the likes of Moises Caicedo and Sofyan Amrabat. But it looks like Klopp is ready to throw the dice on a deal for Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, as reported by Galetti.

The 26-year-old former Newcastle man has previously been dubbed as the best player in Spain by his current manager Imanol Alguacil.

Indeed, Alguacil trotted that line out again after his side beat Granada earlier in the current campaign.

Moreno the creative spark Liverpool are missing

Merino has been in outstanding form once again this season, providing seven assists from his central midfield role and scoring once.

The midfielder spent a year playing under legendary Reds boss Rafa Benitez while on loan at Newcastle. And while he struggled for regular game time, Benitez still labelled him a ‘really good’ player.

Mikel Merino and Mikel Oyarzabal

Merino’s game has developed massively since then though and he would provide the Reds with some much-needed midfield creativity.

Much now depends on whether Klopp is ready to be bold enough to swoop this month or move for other targets in the summer.

Merino is currently valued at £44million on Transfermarkt.

CHELSEA STILL PUSHING FOR ANOTHER STRIKER DEAL

The Joao Felix deal will not change Chelsea plans as negotiations will continue for Marcus Thuram. The deal for Christopher Nkunku is also 100% sealed for June. (Fabrizio Romano)

Newcastle have put a €60m (£53m) offer on the table to sign Lazio midfielder and Arsenal, Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. ( Il Messaggero)

Inter Milan directors will meet Milan Skriniar’s entourage on Friday, confirming their offer to extend the defender’s contract. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has decided Atletico Madrid are his favoured destination ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham. (Footmercato)

Lazio are ready to cash in on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with Arsenal set to beat Manchester United to the punch. (Calciomercato)

Paolo Maldini confirms Ismael Bennacer will sign a new Milan contract ‘within 24-36 hours’, while Rafael Leao also ‘wants to’ continue at the San Siro. (Football Italia)

Atletico Madrid made an enquiry for Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof a ‘few weeks ago’ but were immediately knocked back. (Football Espana)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham want to sign Lorient’s £25million-rated striker Terem Moffi after failing to land Moroccan international Youssef En-Nesyri. (Various)

Terem Moffi playing for Nigeria

Wolves have made a proposal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Pablo Sarabia in January. (AS)

Atletico Madrid are keen to sign Barcelona forward Memphis Depay in order to replace Joao Felix. (Sky Sports)

Nottingham Forest will approach Atletico Madrid to manufacture a deal for centre-back Mario Hermoso. (Various)

French outfit Bordeaux have made an offer of between €2.5-3m for Celtic star Georgios Giakoumakis. (L’Equipe)

Marseille will agree a new loan deal for Pol Lirola to Serie A side Monza. His current deal with Elche will be terminated. (Fabrizio Romano)

Brazil have contacted former Spain boss Luis Enrique over becoming their new coach. (Sport)