Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Liverpool register interest in versatile ace Arsenal have regret about; Man City fears over Haaland exit decrease due to unusual demand

Cody Gakpo dribbling away from Yunus Musah

Liverpool have added an American midfielder to their wish list but face a battle to sign him, while one of the main suitors for Erling Haaland have dropped out of the running to activate his Manchester City release clause, and there is a new contender for Jude Bellingham – all in Wednesday’s transfer gossip.

YUNUS MUSAH MADE AWARE OF LIVERPOOL INTEREST

Liverpool have made it known to the representatives of Yunus Musah that they would be interested in signing the Valencia midfielder, according to a report.

Musah has been with Valencia ever since he left Arsenal’s academy in 2019. To date, the midfielder has racked up 81 appearances for Los Che. In that time, he has scored five goals and provided three assists.

Having recently turned 20, the USMNT player – who was at the World Cup before his country’s elimination in the round of 16 – has a bright future ahead of him.

The prospect of a return to English football has already been raised. Arsenal might regret letting him go and Musah has been asked about the topic of a return there before.

But if he is to get his chance in the Premier League, it won’t necessarily be at the Emirates Stadium.

While a report from 90min confirms Arsenal have not stopped “tracking his development”, it has come to light that Liverpool are interested in him too.

Liverpool are, of course, looking to modify their midfield options in 2023. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will both be out of contract at the end of the season and don’t stand too good a chance of earning a contract renewal.

James Milner is in a similar boat, and while he is more reliable on the pitch, he will be 37 by the time his contract ends, so faces an uncertain future of his own.

Then there is the status of Arthur Melo, whose loan spell from Juventus has not worked out due to injuries. Liverpool could therefore be looking to shake things up significantly in 2023.

Their primary target would be to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. However, not only would that deal cost them a fortune, it might not be enough in itself to replenish their depth numerically.

Hence, Liverpool will have their eyes on other options in midfield too. According to 90min, Musah could be one.

Liverpool rivalling Chelsea and Arsenal for Yunus Musah

He appeals because of his versatility, which allows him to play in a central midfield position or on the wing. Therefore, Musah could complement what Liverpool already have and are looking to add.

With that in mind, they have reportedly registered their interest with his representatives.

There are a couple of problems with their pursuit, though. First, they face competition from not only Arsenal, but also Chelsea, who have taken the same steps to make their interest clear.

Even more worryingly, though, Valencia feel under no pressure to sell and will “demand a significant fee” before letting him go, per the report. His contract, after all, is due to last until 2026 and already contains a €100million (£86.2million) release clause.

Still, they have opened talks over a contract renewal that would further strengthen their own negotiating stance, despite their struggles for consistency on the pitch in La Liga.

Valencia went into the World Cup break sat in 10th place, but hope Musah can be one of the key players in inspiring them back towards European territory.

Therefore, Liverpool would really have to put up a fight to prise him away from Mestalla.

REAL MADRID COOL ERLING HAALAND INTEREST

Erling Haaland in action during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool

An unusual request from another player seems to have put an end to Real Madrid’s hopes of snatching Erling Haaland from Manchester City.

Haaland joined Man City over the summer from Borussia Dortmund, but has already been the subject of speculation about a next step. While playing for the Premier League champions is an honour, Real Madrid are a bigger club who could yet lure him away in future.

There will be a release clause in Haaland’s contract active from 2024. Reports have named Real Madrid as one club who could activate it.

However, an update from Marca has now cast doubt on the chances of that happening. According to the Spanish source, the Norway international is no longer a priority for Los Blancos.

Behind their change of stance may be their interest in a Brazilian talent. Real Madrid want to sign Endrick from Palmeiras, but can only do so when he turns 18 in 2024.

For the move to happen, they may have to drop their interest in Haaland. Endrick reportedly feels he might see his pathway blocked by the Leeds-born striker.

Therefore, Real Madrid are now willing to put their eggs in the Endrick basket and move on from Haaland – whose wages they have concerns about anyway.

Of course, City could still be vulnerable to bids from other clubs. But one of the most powerful contenders for Haaland’s signature might be out of the running after all.

PSG PRESIDENT CONFIRMS JUDE BELLINGHAM PURSUIT

Paris Saint-Germain have publicly joined the race for England star Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham has been adding to his reputation at the World Cup in Qatar. Already of interest to Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid, his list of admirers could be growing.

Man Utd have already been ruled out of contention. But another suitor has now said they would be keen to get involved in the bidding for Bellingham.

Big-spending Ligue 1 champions PSG have revealed they possess an interest in the 19-year-old.

Their president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, told Sky News: “Everybody wants him, I’m not going to hide it.

“He’s at his club, and (we have) respect, so if we want to talk to him we’ll talk to the club first.”

Bellingham is under contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2025 and will likely cost a nine-figure sum if he is to leave before then.

Al-Khelaifi also said: “England (are) lucky to have him, to be honest. He’s one of the best players in the tournament.

“Amazing – his first World Cup. He’s calm and relaxed, confident – amazing.”

Al-Khelaifi isn’t wrong, but whether PSG can sign Bellingham or not ahead of his other suitors will be another matter.