Liverpool
Premier League • England
Transfer Gossip: Liverpool make formal bid for African star as first of two key Klopp signings; crushing blow for Ten Hag with Man Utd forced to sell another forward
Liverpool are ready to freshen up their midfield with a bid now made for a AC Milan midfielder, Tottenham are ready to sell a popular star with a new suitor on the scene, while Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims Man Utd face the prospect of losing a key attacker.
ISMAEL BENNACER OFFER LAUNCHED BY LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are stepping up their plans for a midfield revamp by launching a formal offer for Ismael Bennacer, according to reports in Italy.
The Reds are a little old and stale in the centre of the park. While they have plenty of class there, it has been evident for some time that new faces are needed. Indeed, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita to leave on free transfers, theer are also suggestions that James Milner may too be reaching the end of the line.
Furthermore, both Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are the wrong side of 30 and look more vulnerable to injury issues.
As such, Liverpool’s interest in signing Jude Bellingham is well documented. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the world’s most coveted stars and comes with a premium price tag.
Any such move for the England teenager, though, will likely be on hold until the summer.
In the meantime, Jurgen Klopp needs new bodies in now. The loan signing of Arthur Melo really has not worked out. As a result, Liverpool are set to wield the axe on his spell at the club in January.
And it seems the man they want to come in is Bennacer.
The former Arsenal man has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.
However, his Milan deal is due to expire in 18 months time, with talks over an extension failing to see an agreement reached.
Now il Corriere dello Sport claims the Reds have launched a bid for the £35m-rated star.
Bennacer first, Bellingham to follow for Liverpool….?
Milan may be ready to sell Bennacer too. The club has been stung in the past with several high-profile stars leaving for free. Indeed, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Hakan Calhanoglu and Franck Kessie have all departed at the end of their deals.
Wary of losing another big name for a lowly fee, Milan are seemingly open to offers for the 25-year-old Algerian.
Tough in the tackle and blessed with a good engine, the star is seen as a perfect addition for Klopp’s midfield. Furthermore, Klopp may reportedly look to use two Reds players as part of a three-way swap deal.
Indeed, Klopp also reportedly sees Bennacer as an ideal midfield foil for Bellingham.
Reports claim Liverpool want Bennacer tied up in January in order to allow the club to focus fully on a summer capture for Bellingham.
And if Klopp has his way, Liverpool could have a new central midfield axis next season with Fabinho as the No 6 and Bellingham and Bennacer in front.
FLAMENGO LOOKING TO SIGN TOTTENHAM’S LUCAS MOURA
Tottenham face a renewed battle to keep Lucas Moura with Flamengo now ready to bid for his services.
The Brazilian forward is a popular figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will forever be remembered for his 2019 Champions League heroics. With Spurs dead and buried in their semi-final, Lucas struck an unforgettable hat-trick to fire the club past Ajax and into the final.
However, he has found his game time more and more limited since then. Indeed, he has been limited to eight appearances off the bench in the Premier League this season, with injuries also a factor.
But with a deal expiring in summer 2024, Lucas has always made clear his aims to return to former club Sao Paulo.
That move, though, could potentially be brought forward to this January. With 18 months of his deal left, Antonio Conte has seemingly made it clear that Lucas is free to leave.
Unfortunately, though, and despite their hopes of signing him, Sao Paulo do not have the funds needed to sign him now with his wage demands seemingly the major hurdle.
As such, that has opened the door for Flamengo to instead look into the signing of the Tottenham man.
As per Bolavip, they have initiated talks with the player to see if they can strike a deal.
And it seems like they are his most likely next club with the Rio side looking to bring him back to Brazil.
MARCUS RASHFORD DEPARTURE ON CARDS FOR MAN UTD
Manchester United facing the growing possibility of having to sell Marcus Rashford, much to Erik ten Hag’s chagrin.
The forward is the most-improved player at United since Ten Hag took charge. And the Dutchman is credited with helping Rashford hit his best-ever form for the Red Devils.
His new-found form is also benefitting England with Rashford having three goals to his name at the World Cup.
Indeed, the United manager is leading the calls for United to tie the star down to a new deal as a matter of urgency.
His deal is currently due to expire in the summer, though United do have a 12-month option on that. As such – and at the very least – United will trigger that clause as soon as possible.
Ideally, though, they want to tie him down to a new long-term deal worth around £300,000 a week.
However, the Daily Express reports that Real Madrid are also lurking and are keen to lure Rashford to the Bernabeu. With Karim Benzema turning 35 later this month, they are turning their thoughts towards his successor.
And they are reportedly keen to bring in Rashford to spearhead their attack.
Should Rashford fail to agree a new deal, the paper claims Manchester United will consider his sale for around £80m.
And the player is reportedly open to all possibilities as he considers the next chapter of his career.
Before all then, Rashford’s focus will be on England’s last-16 World Cup tie with Senegal. And the United star will hope his two goals against Wales will be enough to secure a starting spot.