Euro Paper Talk: Klopp besotted by Ivorian powerhouse after friendly

Oli Fisher
Idrissa Doumbia

Arsenal are ready to table a bid for Brazil star Everton Soares, while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is eyeing a Sporting Lisbon midfielder, according to Friday’s European papers.

 

KLOPP ADDS SPORTING STARLET TO WISHLIST

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon midfielder Idrissa Doumbia after he impressed the Liverpool boss during a friendly this week.

The Reds drew 2-2 draw with the Primeira Liga side on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium in New York as Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum got on the scoresheet.

Bruno Fernandes – another name linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United – netted alongside Wendel for Sporting, who were impressive throughout.

It appears though that Klopp was left smitten by 21-year-old midfielder Doumbia, who played in a deeper midfield role during Wednesday’s draw.

According to Record, the Liverpool boss has now subsequently added the Ivorian to his transfer wishlist, though the Portuguese outlet does state that a move during the current window is unlikely.

A bid could be launched ‘in the near future’ for Doumbia, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Ivory Coast but is tipped to go on to big things.

 

AND THE REST

Arsenal are ready to table an official €40m (£35m) offer for Gremio forward Everton Soares, with Napoli also vying for his signature. (Globo Esporte)

Barcelona passed up the opportunity to bring Dani Alves back to the club. (Sport)

Inter will have to sell three players – namely Radja Nainggolan, Joao Mario and Borja Valero – in order to bring in Arturo Vidal from Barcelona. (Calciomercato)

Romelu Lukaku of Manchester United

Romelu Lukaku’s proposed move from Manchester United to Inter Milan is in jeopardy as the Italian club are now focusing on signing Edin Dzeko from Roma. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira is attracting interest from a number of clubs, with Arsenal touted as a potential destination. (Gianlucadimarzio.com)

West Ham United forward Javier Hernandez is not interested in a move to MLS. (ESPN FC)

Barcelona are not confident of completing a summer deal for Neymar due to the ‘increasingly complicated’ situation surrounding the Paris Saint-Germain attacker. (ESPN Deportes)

Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin has opened the door to the possibility of James Rodriguez swapping Los Blancos for Los Rojiblancos this summer. (AS)

Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti is remaining optimistic over his side’s chances of signing James Rodriguez from Real Madrid this summer. (Marca)

Borussia Dortmund are in talks to sign Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Malcom for €42m. (Goal)

Ivan Rakitic is reportedly nearing an exit from Barcelona this summer after failing to strike a new contract agreement with the La Liga champions. (AS)

Cedric Soares Inter

Southampton defender Cedric Soares is being eyed by Monaco as Ralph Hasenhuttl tries to trim his wage bill at St Mary’s. (Foot Mercato)

Napoli are one of four big clubs to have agreed an €80million (£72m) fee with Lille for Nicolas Pepe. (Goal)

The agents of Pepe have been in Naples to discuss a possible transfer to Napoli. The Italian club would also throw in Algeria midfielder Adam Ounas in a deal worth more than €82m. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Idrissa Gueye has agreed a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. (L’Equipe)