Transfer Gossip: Liverpool, Man Utd tussling over classy Bundesliga centre-back; troubled Chelsea hunting Jorginho replacement next

Liverpool and Manchester United are firmly in the running to sign a classy Bundesliga centre-back wanted by a number of other Premier League clubs, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims Chelsea will now switch their focus to bolstering their midfield as they look to arrest their alarming run of form.

KLOPP, TEN HAG CHASING FRANKFURT ACE

Liverpool and Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign classy Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back Evan Ndicka.

The 23-year-old has previously been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, but now journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the list of clubs chasing the defender has grown significantly.

Jacobs, speaking on the Football Terrace, said: “This is a player that is hotly being pursued and will be tremendous value in the summer, assuming that no new contract is agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt.

“There’s a mad, mad chase on all across Europe for the 23-year-old. Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea potentially. Liverpool have kept an eye on him and a whole variety of others all across Europe. PSG is another option.

“Top player, excellent value, 6 foot 4, modern defender, great season so far for Eintracht Frankfurt, can chip in with goals as well.

“There’s two things to quickly say here. Number one is that we have to bear in mind that a summer move is going to be absolutely a mad dash if the player’s available on a free transfer.

“The second thing is that naturally anything would be complicated should a new deal be signed. But at the moment the feeling is that the player is very seriously available on a free transfer.”

Midfield signing more of a need for Liverpool

The fact that Ndicka could arrive on a free in the summer certainly makes him an attractive option, although it’s not mentioned if a potential bargain deal in January could be struck.

Liverpool’s hunt for another centre-back became news following Virgil van Dijk’s injury. However, the talismanic defender is expected to return in the next few weeks, leaving the Reds free to pursue midfield targets instead.

Klopp is desperate to bolster an engine room that has struggled all season, with Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino the latest name to be linked with a switch to Anfield.

CHELSEA TURN TO MIDFIELD SIGNING NEXT

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo after encountering frustration in attempts to bolster their midfield by signing Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez.

With N’Golo Kante out with a long-term hamstring injury and Jorginho expected to move on this summer, Graham Potter is prioritising a midfielder.

The Blues have been in talks with Benfica over Fernandez. However, they have failed to agree a fee for the talented World Cup winner.

Potter has turned to his midfield after strengthening his attack in the shape of Joao Felix. However, the forward’s debut did not go to plan as was red carded on his debut for the club during the 2-1 loss to Fulham and now faces a three-match ban.

Chelsea are also interested in another Brighton man in Alexis Mac Allister, although a deal for Caicedo could be more achievable – as reported in The Guardian.

At this stage, it’s likely that Brighton will try to keep Caicedo, who is also a target for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

The Seagulls are currently pushing for European qualification and will be keen not to lose any of the star men.

BENCHED MAN CITY STAR ATTRACTING INTEREST

Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is attracting widespread interest from clubs around Europe since losing his place in the starting line-up, reports The Telegraph.

According to the report, several top clubs are monitoring the situation surrounding the Portugal full-back.

The 28-year-old has started just once in the league since the World Cup and was taken off at half-time during the 3-0 win against Chelsea last weekend. Indeed, Pep Guardiola has preferred Rico Lewis in Cancelo’s position in recent weeks.

Cancelo only recently extended his contract at the Etihad until 2027, and admitted he wants to spend many more years at Man City.

However, that has not stopped several clubs enquiring about his availability in the summer.

Guardiola has also hinted that some of his players’ body language hasn’t been right in training, which is why certain names haven’t been picked in recent weeks.

Selling Cancelo would come as a surprise though, given that the player can cover both full-back positions.