Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool man being chased by two Prem sides, but Newcastle rumours shut down

Liverpool trio Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has seemingly confirmed that Aston Villa and Brighton are interested in landing a Liverpool player, although Newcastle have been ruled out of the race.

Several players look set to depart Anfield come the summer transfer window. Goalkeeper Adrian is heading towards free agency and might not have his contract renewed after being replaced by Caoimhin Kelleher as Alisson’s backup.

The agent of midfielder Arthur Melo has confirmed that he will return to Juventus at the end of his Liverpool loan. The Brazilian was signed by Jurgen Klopp to alleviate some of his midfield issues but has made just one appearance for Liverpool due to having to undergo surgery on a thigh issue.

Fellow midfielders Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also preparing to find new clubs. They will both become free agents at the end of June as Liverpool have opted against renewing their contracts.

One player Liverpool did try to tie down is Roberto Firmino. However, on March 3 he informed Klopp that he would not be extending his time on Merseyside and that he would find a new club ahead of next season. He is a target for several sides in Italy, although he is yet to make a final decision on his next destination.

On Monday, the Daily Mail provided some insight on where Oxlade-Chamberlain may end up when following Firmino out of Liverpool.

READ MORE: Liverpool given concrete hope of signing £70m midfielder Jurgen Klopp is hanging his baseball cap on this summer

Their report named Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brighton as the main clubs trying to sign the Englishman.

Brighton were considering making a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the January window. But they decided to wait until he becomes available on a free to save some money for other signings.

Fabrizio Romano reacts to Liverpool rumours

Romano has now provided his information on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future. He has effectively confirmed the fact Villa and Brighton are hoping to land the player by referring to ‘two clubs in England’ who are monitoring the situation.

Romano did rule Newcastle out though, as Eddie Howe is looking at other stars to improve the midfield area.

“Some Liverpool fans have been asking me to clarify some rumours on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with reports linking him with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton,” Romano said during an interview with CaughtOffside.

“From what I’ve been told, there are two clubs in England and two clubs abroad looking at him at the moment. There is interest but [it] is very early and not advanced, at this stage.

“Newcastle, for example, have different priorities in that position, so I wouldn’t read too much into that particular story.”

It seems Villa and Brighton are Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best options if he wishes to stay in the Prem. Alternatively, the 29-year-old could take part in a new challenge and go abroad, as two unnamed clubs from other leagues have set their sights on him.

Oxlade-Chamberlain will be looking forward to finding a new team so he can play more regularly. However, this will only happen if he overcomes the injury problems which have plagued his time at Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip includes a potential falling out between Klopp and the Liverpool hierarchy over a player’s contract.