Transfer Gossip: Klopp pushes for blockbuster PSG swap deal with Roberto Firmino the bait for Argentina star; Aubameyang deal hits big problem for Chelsea

Liverpool are looking to organise a Roberto Firmino swap deal with PSG for Leandro Paredes, Leicester want a Borussia Dortmund defender to replace Wesley Fofana, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip claims Chelsea’s bid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has encountered a big problem.

ROBERTO FIRMINO, LEANDRO PAREDES SWAP FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are reportedly in contact with PSG over a potential swap deal that would see Roberto Firmino traded for Leandro Paredes.

The Reds are now in the market for a new midfielder this summer with Jurgen Klopp joking the media were right all along!

With four players currently sidelined, Klopp admits Liverpool now need more bodies through the door.

“I know we have had this discussion since it all started and I am the one who said we don’t need a midfielder and you were all right and I was wrong,” he laughed.

“That’s the situation. There is really nothing more to say about it. We are looking for it, and if it is the right player we need him and if it is not the right player we don’t need him.”

As a result, the rumour mill has now gone into full swing with a report naming four potential targets, including Houssem Aouar, they will look to target.

However, The Sun claims the Reds are preparing a move for PSG star Paredes.

He has been made available this summer as PSG look to trim their squad. A move to Juventus looked on the cards – but reports now suggest a move to Anfield is possible.

To that end, the Reds will reportedly make contact with the Ligue 1 giants over a straight swap deal, including Firmino.

Both players are valued between £21m – £25m and the paper claims there is a hope that PSG may accept the offer.

Leandro Paredes joined PSG for £36m from Zenit in 2019 and has won three Ligue 1 titles in his time there.

The defensive midfielder has also won 44 caps for Argentina.

LEICESTER FIND FOFANA REPLACEMENT IN MANUEL AKANJI

Leicester are looking to sign Manuel Akanji as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Wesley Fofana.

The French defender has been the subject of intense interest from the London club this summer with three bids falling short.

However, reports on Friday night claim a fee, set to be a new world-record paid for a defender, has finally been struck.

That leaves Leicester with a huge hole to fill in their squad – and finding a replacement will now become top priority for Brendan Rodgers.

Now, as per the Daily Mail, the Foxes are on the trail of Akanji, whom they want on an initial loan.

Dortmund are willing to let the Swiss defender leave for just £18m this summer and would prefer a permanent deal.

However, with few takers for the 27-year-old, a move to the King Power may be on the cards.

Leicester are facing a difficult end to the window as they look to keep their squad intact.

As well as Fofana, Boubakary Soumare will also likely depart. The midfielder is the subject of interest from Rennes and Roma.

And there will also likely be a move for Youri Tielemans. He surprisingly is still at the King Power despite intense speculation all summer.

However, with just a year left on his deal, the Foxes are looking to move on the unsettled star.

CHELSEA PLAN FOR AUBAMEYANG HITS BIG PROBLEM

Chelsea’s efforts to bring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the club appear to have hit the buffers.

The Blues have locked on to the former Arsenal man as they strive to bring in a new attacking option. Their lack of a vocal point was very evident last week as Thomas Tuchel’s side slipped to an unacceptable 3-0 defeat at Leeds.

And with Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku departing this summer, their need for a new No 9 is obvious.

As such, they have been progressing talks over a deal to bring Aubameyang back to London.

The striker only moved to Barcelona in January, after leaving the Gunners under something of a cloud.

He has impressed by scoring 13 times in 24 appearances. However, he already looks surplus to requirements following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.

Now the clubs are willing to do business for a fee of around £25m.

All looked to be plain sailing too with Aubameyang willing to make the move to Chelsea.

However, The Sun now claims the deal has hit the buffers over the terms of his contract.

They claim Aubameyang is looking for a two-year deal to move to Stamford Bridge.

But at 33-year-old, the Blues are only willing to offer him an initial one-year deal. The west London club are unwilling to hand out longer deals to players over the age of 30, having encountered problems in the past.

As such, Chelsea’s plan would be to offer Aubameyang a one-year deal with a potential second year if he impresses.

But Auba reportedly wants a guarantee of a deal to 2024 up front. And with both parties unwilling to budge on their demands, there remains some doubts over whether the deal will go through before the window closes at 11pm, Thursday.