Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Romano reveals bargain price for Ligue 1 star tipped to transform Liverpool midfield; West Ham agree deal for Brazilian centre-back

Liverpool have been told how much they will have to pay to land a Ligue 1 star who could transform Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, while West Ham are closing in on a deal for a talented Brazilian centre-back – all in Thursday’s Euro transfer gossip.

KLOPP LEARNS ASKING PRICE FOR LENS ACE 

Fabrizio Romano has revealed how much Liverpool could potentially have to pay if they follow up their interest in Lens midfielder Seko Fofana.

The Reds are one of a number of clubs who are keen on bringing the Ivory Coast star to the Premier League, a list which also includes Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who was at Manchester City and Fulham early in his career, has since made a big name for himself in France.

Fofana, who is captain of Lens, plays purely as a central midfielder and has scored twice in 12 Ligue 1 appearances this term.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano said: “There’s been some speculation in recent days linking Seko Fofana as a target for Arsenal and Liverpool.

“I don’t know yet where he’ll end up, but I can give my current understanding of his situation.

“Seko Fofana has a new agent now and he’s obviously working to find solutions for 2023. At the moment it is still early, nothing advanced; but he can be an opportunity not just for Premier League clubs, also in other leagues.

“His price tag could be around €40m.”

Fofana brings dynamism to Liverpool midfield

That figure works out at around £35m and would arguably be a snip given the quality of the player.

However, one sticking point could be the fact that Lens are well in the Ligue 1 title race.

They currently trail PSG by five points after losing only one of their opening 14 league games.

As for Liverpool’s need for new midfield recruits, that has been evidenced by their struggles this season.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner are all the wrong side of 30 and Klopp wants to bring in younger talent who can bring back the pressing style that the Reds have become famed for under the German.

Fofana would also be a much cheaper alternative to Jude Bellingham, who Dortmund are seemingly trying to price out of a return to England.

HAMMERS POISED TO SNAP UP BRAZILIAN ACE

Sao Paulo centre-back Luizao has signed a pre-contract agreement with West Ham United ahead of the January window. (Andre Hernan)

Bayern Munich are not holding out much hope of being able to tempt Harry Kane to the Bundesliga next summer. (Bild)

PSG are tracking Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante as a free agent in the summer. (Christian Falk)

Erling Haaland has started to learn Spanish since he arrived at Manchester City, sparking rumours of an eventual move to Real Madrid. (Mundo Deportivo)

Sevilla are considering an attempt at signing Memphis Depay from Barcelona. (Fichajes)

Newcastle are set to make an offer for Velez Sarsfield’s 19-year-old Argentinian holding midfielder Maximo Perrone ‘in the next few days’.

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Alejandro Garnacho is very close to a contract extension at Manchester United. (Florian Plettenberg)

Alejandro Garnacho, Cristiano Ronaldo Sociedad v Man Utd

Borussia Monchengladbach’s French midfielder Kouadio ‘Manu’ Kone is a target for West Ham in January. (Bild)

Newcastle are interested in Real Beti forward Nabil Fekir, with the fee said to be around €50m. (Mundo Deportivo)

Marseille midfielder Gerson is close to moving back to Brazil to play for Flamengo. He is expected to sign a contract until 2027. (Nicolo Schira)

Bayern Munich will not let Eric Choupo-Moting leave for Manchester United this winter. (Christian Falk)

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has revealed he told one of his players, believed to be Rick Karsdorp, to find a new club in January after Wednesday’s draw with Sassuolo. (DAZN)