Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Paper Talk: Gerrard decision gives Liverpool edge in beating Man Utd to Aston Villa youngster

Carney Chukwuemeka playing for Aston Villa against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup

Liverpool are leading the charge to sign a talented Aston Villa star, Arsenal are ready to sell a costly star, while Saturday’s transfer gossip claims Juventus are ready to sign a Fulham star.

CHUKWUEMEKA EDGE FOR LIVERPOOL

Carney Chukwuemeka will reportedly sign for Liverpool in January – and the deal could net Aston Villa up to £15m.

Widespread reports on Friday revealed the youngster is pushing to leave Villa Park after refusing a new deal.

The 19-year-old – rated one of the brightest prospects in the country – was expecting to make his mark at Villa this season. The sale of Jack Greealish looked to have opened the door for his emergence in the first team.

But Chukwuemeka’s chances have again been limited, the teenager playing just once in the League Cup at Chelsea.

And his situation looks unlikely to improve under Steven Gerrard amid claims the new Villa boss plans to sign some tried and trusted players.

And the Daily Mirror are indicating that Liverpool lead the chase for Chukwuemeka.

They are set to be rivalled by Manchester United, who are also said to be keen.

However, Chukwuemeka knows his first-team prospects would likely be served better at Anfield due to the personnel available at Old Trafford.

Liverpool eyeing January move for Watford's Ismaila Sarr

Liverpool eyeing January move for Watford's Ismaila Sarr

Liverpool reportedly remain interested in a January move for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr, with more news on Adama Traore and Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool challenged by German duo

The report claims Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will likely be the strongest challengers to Liverpool.

The German duo both like Chukwuemeka too and he may yet select a move to the Bundesliga.

The teenager is likely to command an initial £10m fee with the fee rising to £15m with various add-ons.

Liverpool are also reportedly considering a January move for Watford’s Ismaïla Sarr. 

ARSENAL WILLING TO OFFLOAD NICOLAS PEPE

Arsenal are planning to sell club-record buy Nicolas Pepe following the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka with Mikel Arteta feeling his £140,000 a week wages are better spent elsewhere. (The Sun)

Ralf Rangnick is not ruling out becoming Manchester United’s permanent boss in the summer. (The Sun)

Tattooed footballers net 42 per cent more goals than players without inkings, a study found. (The Sun)

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic will make a dream move to Juventus, according to reports. (The Sun)

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is to sign a deal that will likely open the door to a full takeover of West Ham. (The Sun)

Tottenham have been sent a bottle of ketchup by a cheeky sauce company after Antonio Conte’s banning of the condiment. (The Sun)

ALL CHANGE FOR MAN UTD UNDER RANGNICK

Ralf Rangnick Man Utd interim manager

Ralf Rangnick’s training ground revolution will likely see a custom-made clock installed at Manchester United’s Carrington complex. (Daily Telegraph)

Antonio Conte is warning his Tottenham Hotspur players that he is watching their every move and will soon decide which members of his squad will be good enough to stay. (Daily Telegraph)

Covid is a more likely cause of surge in footballers collapsing with heart problems than vaccines, scientists believe. (Daily Telegraph)

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips plans to reject a move to rivals Manchester United next summer to remain at Elland Road. (Daily Star)

Erik ten Hag is Manchester United’s alternative target if efforts to land their No 1 choice, Mauricio Pochettino, fail. (Daily Mail)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Ed Woodward will leave his role as Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman in April – with managing director Richard Arnold agreeing to succeed him. (Daily Mail)

The Premier League are risking further tension with Newcastle by extending their ban on related-party sponsorship deals until the middle of next month. (Daily Mail)

Derby’s administrators Quantuma are resisting the temptation to save money by cutting Wayne Rooney’s salary. That’s because they regard the manager as the club’s biggest asset in their attempts to find a buyer. (Daily Mail)

EFL clubs are irked by Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow’s erroneous claim this week that the Premier League have lent the lower divisions £250million to help them through the pandemic. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United are planning to confirm Ralf Rangnick as interim manager within the next 48 hours. (The Times)