Transfer Gossip: Liverpool raise stakes with Aurelien Tchouameni promise as star opens door to move

Liverpool are edging closer towards a £59m deal for Aurelien Tchouameni, Tottenham are now favourites to land an exciting Argentina star, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Leicester are asking about a £50m-rated Brighton star.

AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI TO LIVERPOOL TALK GATHERS PACE

Liverpool are now reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, with transfer talks gathering pace.

The Reds are looking to add the Champions League to their trophy haul this season. With the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already in the bag, they will also learn the destination of the Premier League title this weekend too. As it stands, they are a point behind Manchester City with one game left.

However, Liverpool are already turning their attentions towards the summer transfer market. And it seems that bolstering their midfield options appears their No 1 priority.

As such, they are being strongly linked with a move for France star Tchouameni. He is also being chased by Juventus and Chelsea.

However, it seems Juventus are now focusing on the capture of Paul Pogba. Chelsea, meanwhile, will prioritise new defenders with Jules Kounde back in their sights.

That leaves the path clear for Liverpool to pounce – and it seems their route is clear.

The big fear for the player would be the amount of game time he would get at Anfield. However, with Liverpool likely to push strongly for four trophies again, their schedule could get even busier should they win the Champions League.

That would mean the Reds will also contest the European Super Cup, against Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition, they would also have to factor in the Club World Cup early in 2023.

Aurelien Tchouameni keeping open mind over future

As such, Tchouameni has been guaranteed he will get games – and big ones too – for Liverpool.

Monaco are seemingly holding out for a £59m fee – but that is unlikely to scare the Reds.

He has two years left on his deal and Monaco know this summer is the peak time to sell the 22-year-old.

Aurelien Tchouameni perfect for Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool evolution

Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly a summer Liverpool target and he is exactly the sort of player Jurgen Klopp should be going after.

Tchouameni himself appears to be giving nothing away on his future, but did offer a ‘we’ll see’ verdict when questioned this week.

“It’s true that there are a lot of people that are hoping to see me stay,” he said, via the Daily Express. “That makes me happy because it shows that I’m doing good work.

“As I’ve said before, what is certain is that there is one more match in Monegasque colours against Lens. And after that we’ll see what happens.”

PAULO DYBALA TALKS HEAT UP FOR TOTTENHAM

Tottenham are now the  favourites to land Paulo Dybala this summer.

The Argentina forward becomes a free agent in a matter of weeks with his Juventus deal due to expire.

Juve are allowing him to leave having failed to agree terms – and interest in the star is gathering pace.

Inter, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham are all vying to sign him – but the Gunners’ likely lack of Champions League football will rule them out.

Atletico, meanwhile, appear to be planning for other targets instead  – leaving Spurs and Inter as the clear frontrunners.

Antonio Conte’s side also have an advantage in that director Fabio Paratici – responsible for all transfers – knows Dybala well from their Juventus days.

Now there are claims that Dybala has been asking friends about what life is like in London.

Giovanni Albanese of La Gazzetta dello Sport tweeted: “Yet Dybala (who perhaps thinks differently from Antun [Dybala’s agent], I don’t know) keeps asking friends and colleagues (and even some mates of Juventus) for information on how to live in London.

“Which does not mean removing the possibility of Inter, but he is perhaps still evaluating all the options. One thing is certain, beyond all the possible paths in this area of the transfer market: he wants to play in the Champions League.”

LEICESTER LOOK AT ROBERT SANCHEZ

Uncertainty over the future of Kasper Schmeichel has led Leicester into asking Brighton about Robert Sanchez.

The experienced Denmark keeper, now 35, has just 12 months remaining on his deal at the King Power Stadium. And he recently admitted that he is considering one last challenge before he retires.

And while talks will continue in an effort to persuade him to sign a new deal, the Foxes are looking at alternatives.

As per the Daily Telegraph, top of their list is Seagulls stopper Sanchez.

He has caught the eye with some excellent displays for Graham Potter’s side; form which has earned a Spain call-up.

However, the Foxes would have to dig deep to land the 24-year-old, with the report claiming Brighton value him at £50m.

Discussing Schmeichel’s future, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers appears pretty relaxed over the situation.

“He is very happy here, of course, naturally he is getting to the age where he sees the finishing line a little bit down the line but in my conversations with him he is very happy,” he said.

“He’s got a year to go. It’s important for him and for us he is in the best condition he can possibly be in.

“We have seen with [Danny] Wardy there is a challenge there but I think he [Schmeichel] wants to be here. I think he wants to continue the fight and his career here, and up until now he has had a fantastic career.

“The plan was for Kasper to play the final two games. I’ve told Kasper he will be playing against Chelsea and Southampton.”