Euro Paper Talk: Julian Ward plots shock Liverpool raid for West Ham flop to fill Firmino shoes
Liverpool are ready to bring Sebastien Haller back to the Premier League as a successor to Roberto Firmino, Tottenham have set their sights on an exciting new right-back signing, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Arsenal are in the mix for two top-class South American stars.
SEBASTIEN HALLER EMERGING AS SURPRISE LIVERPOOL TARGET
Liverpool’s new sporting director Julian Ward is reportedly working on the shock signing of Sebastien Haller.
Ward will step up from his role as Michael Edwards’ second-in-command on July 1 – and looks to make an immediate impact.
One of his first missions will be to secure a long-term replacement for the ageing Roberto Firmino. The Reds are slowly replacing their famed front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino.
As such, their attack could look altogether very different next season.
With Luis Diaz joining Diogo Jota in the bag, next on their agenda is a new No 9.
Now, according to Caught Offside, citing reports in Spain, Liverpool are one of three clubs pushing hard to sign Haller.
The Frenchman is enjoying a new lease of life since ditching West Ham for Ajax.
Indeed, he has 33 goals in 35 appearances for Erik Ten Hag’s side this season. And it makes something of a mockery of the cut-price £20.5m fee the Hammers allowed him to depart for.
Such has been his form that Borussia Dortmund are looking at the 27-year-old as a possible replacement for Erling Haaland.
Liverpool and Arsenal are in for Alexander Isak
Arsenal and Liverpool have joined the race for Alexander Isak this summer.
The Bundesliga giants, as well as Inter Milan, are also reportedly in talks.
However, reports state the strongest interest comes from Liverpool.
Ward is reportedly making a convincing argument about the merits of signing him. As such, he believes he is a far superiod player from the one West Ham let go. In addition, he reckons he has the perfect skillset to bring out the best of Jota, Diaz and, if he sticks around, Salah.
The report states Ajax are seeking a minimum £33.3m fee for Sebastien Haller and believe his sale may fetch as much as £41.7m.
The Reds also have an interest in Alexander Isak, but Haller will prove a much more affordable option.
TOTTENHAM WANT WILFRIED SINGO TO SOLVE RIGHT-BACK ISSUES
Antonio Conte is going all out to sign Wilfried Singo this summer with the Torino man seen as Tottenham’s right wing-back answer. (Tuttosport)
Arsenal are firmly in the battle to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer and have registered their wish to meet his £33m asking price. (Mundo Deportivo)
Antonio Rudiger is open to the idea of a move to Manchester United this summer – but first wants to see – and speak to – whoever their new manager is. (SportBILD)
Divock Origi will join AC Milan this summer after agreeing personal terms over a free-transfer switch to the Rossoneri. (Corriere dello Sport)
Milan are now targeting the free-transfer swoop of Real Sociedad’s former Man Utd winger Adnan Januzaj. (Sport Italia)
NEWCASTLE STEP UP VICTOR OSIMHEN CHASE
A Newcastle scout was in attendance last weekend to watch Victor Osimhen in action for Napoli ahead of a possible £80m summer swoop. (Radio Kiss Kiss)
Arsenal are very much in the mix to bring Paulo Dybala to Emirates Stadium this summer. The Argentine forward will also pick from Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid. (Tuttosport)
Rising Club Brugge star Charles de Ketelaere is a prime target for Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers this summer. (Sport / Voetbal Magazine)
Erik Ten Hag is not ruling out a longer stay at Ajax despite holding talks with Manchester United over their forthcoming vacancy. (AD)
Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso says he would love to play in LaLiga before the end of his career. (AS)
BARCELONA LOOKING TO DANI OLMO
Leeds United can breathe easier with Barcelona deciding that RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo is a more obtainable target than Raphinha. (talkSPORT)
Barcelona are refusing to increase their offer to defender Ronald Araujo, despite claims he has received a better off from Manchester United. (Catalunya Radio)
Jordi Alba has begged Barcelona to renew Ousmane Dembele’s contract, with the Frenchman finally showing his true colours. (Marca)
PSG, Tottenham and Real Madrid were all the subject of transfer snubs from Franck Kessie, who was lured to Barcelona by Xavi’s charm offensive. (El Nacional)
AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Paulo Dybala will return to Juventus for training on Thursday for the first time since they told him he’s free to leave this summer. The Argentine has just nine more matches in their colours; 10 if they reach the Coppa Italia final. (Football Italia)
Brentford goalkeeper David Raya insists breaking into the Spain squad has always been his aim since first signing for Blackburn at just 16-year-old. (Marca)
William Saliba is refusing to rule out a move away from Arsenal and insists his future very much depends on talks this summer. (RMC Sport)
Barcelona defender Eric Garcia denies he mocked Vinicius Junior during Barcelona’s 4-0 win at Real Madrid last weekend. (Marca)
