Transfer Gossip: Jurgen Klopp learns answer as Liverpool, Real Madrid both agree deal for Aurelien Tchouameni; Declan Rice reaches Man Utd decision

Liverpool will get their answer from Aurelien Tchouameni this week after they and Real Madrid both agreed personal terms, Declan Rice has decided on his future amid a big push from Manchester United, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims Aston Villa are going all out for Kalvin Phillips, despite Leeds United’s survival.

AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI AGREES LIVERPOOL TRANSFER

Liverpool will reportedly win the race to sign Aurelien Tchouameni after the midfielder agreed terms with both the Reds and Real Madrid.

The Merseysiders meet Los Blancos in Paris on Saturday for the chance to win the Champions League. It’ll be the second time in five seasons the teams will have contested the final; Real triumphing last time out.

It’s not only the European Cup either that the two sides are slugging it out for. They are also going toe-to-toe for the signature of top young French midfielder Tchouameni.

The 22-year-old has been identified by Jurgen Klopp as his No 1 priority of the summer. With James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara all on the wrong side of 30, Liverpool know there will come a time soon when all will need replacing.

And Monaco star Tchouameni, who is rated as one of France’s best midfielders of his generation, is top of their list.

Liverpool have been on his trail for months, with a year now left on his future. He has refused to rule out a move away either, with Monaco seemingly holding out for a £59m fee.

Now it’s been revealed that both Liverpool and Real Madrid have both agreed personal terms with Tchouameni over a summer move.

The midfielder is reportedly mulling over both offers and will seemingly make his choice in the next few days.

Liverpool in direct talks with Monaco for Tchouameni

French journalists have confirmed Liverpool and Real Madrid are talking to AS Monaco over the signing of Tchouameni this summer

However, the Liverpool Echo reports that Tchouameni’s agency, Excellence Sports Nation, have informed Liverpool’s recruitment team that Tchouameni will be signing for them.

Liverpool are expected to focus on quality rather than quantity this summer. As such, the capture of the player may prove their major piece of business this summer.

Tchouameni has appeared in 48 games for Monaco this season, scoring three times and assisting with two.

DECLAN RICE REACHES FINAL DECISION ON FUTURE

Declan Rice has decided to stay with West Ham next season despite a huge push from Manchester United to sign him.

The England midfielder has refused to sign new terms with the Hammers. They are wanting him to sign an astonishing eight-year deal worth £200,000 a week; an offer Rice has rejected.

And with his current deal due to expire in 2024 – though West Ham have a one-year option on that – Manchester United had hope they could prise him away.

Indeed, with Ten Hag looking to sign a new midfield general, Rice was the name at the top of their wanted list. Any deal would of course be problematic given David Moyes rates the player at well over £100m.

That, though, was not going to deter them and Manchester United were seemingly ready to push hard to sign Rice.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Rice has told the Red Devils he won’t be signing for them. Furthermore, he now plans to stay at West Ham over the 2022/23 season.

That may allow room for a future move to fellow suitors Chelsea.

But, for now, Rice is very much committed to the West Ham cause.

He will now officially take over as club captain following Mark Noble’s retirement.

The Hammers will play in the UEFA Conference League next season after letting slip their big Europa League chance. A fuming David Moyes threatened to kick out his underperforming stars after defeat at Brighton.

VILLA TO PUSH HARD TO SIGN KALVIN PHILLIPS

Aston Villa are ready to push hard to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer, despite Leeds’ Premier League survival.

The Whites avoided dropping back into the Championship with a 2-1 win at Brentford on a thrilling final day. It means Burnley slip through the relegation trapdoor and must now play in the second tier for the first time in seven seasons.

For Leeds United, work on a summer rebuild will begin almost straight away.

However, they will face a strong battle to keep Phillips at the club with Villa pushing hard to sign him.

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch gave little away when questioned on his future on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard, with an avalanche of cash to spend, is pushing hard to bring him to Villa Park. As per the Daily Telegraph, he tops their summer wanted list and is prepared to pay £50m for his services.

We reported on Sunday how Villa have a six-man wanted list this summer.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, are also reportedly said to have won the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.