Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd in Koulibaly scrap as Liverpool’s contract proposal revealed

Kalidou Koulibaly TEAMtalk

Manchester United and Liverpool are set to duel for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, while Chelsea suffer a setback in the hunt for a midfielder – all in the latest Euro Paper Talk.

 

MAN UTD, LIVERPOOL IN KOULIBALY HUNT

Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, according to reports.

Kouibaly has become one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders in recent years and the two Premier League rivals have been heavily linked in recent weeks.

According to French publiction Le10 Sport, Jurgen Klopp‘s side are willing to offer Koulibaly a “very good salary” and the prospect of Champions League, which will be a telling factor in the centre-back’s choice.

Meanwhile, United reportedly contacted Koulibaly’s representatives at the beginning of April and have since “shifted into a higher gear” in their chase for the defender.

However, it is added that Napoli are in a position to be able to keep their top talent, amid growing uncertainty amid about the losses clubs across Europe could incur due to the shutdown of football since March.

Therefore, the Serie A side are unwilling to lower their asking price for Koulibaly, which remains close to the €100m mark.

 

AND THE REST

Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who has been linked with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, has a “firm will” to move to Barcelona (Mundo Deportivo)

Benfica want Manchester United-linked striker Carlos Vinicius to stay in Portugal for one more year and, in doing so, accept a new contract at the club (O Jogo)

It remains unclear whether United will bring Marcos Rojo back from his loan with Estudiantes and the situation between both clubs is “tense” (El Dia)

 

PSG will back down on a move for Koulibaly if Napoli president Aurelio di Laurentiis’ demands are too high, or Liverpool and Manchester United’s interest becomes too strong (L’Equipe)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has put Houssem Aouar high up on his list of targets and is keen to rival Liverpool for the Lyon midfielder (Don Balon)

Real Madrid will watch Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland‘s progress closely over the next few months after the Bundesliga’s resumption this weekend (Mundo Deportivo)

Arsenal are interested in a move for Olympiacos defender Ousseynou Ba, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta impressed by the Senegalese’s display in the Europa League tie between the sides this season (Sportime)

 

Everton are in pole position to sign Napoli midfielder Allan, who has a strong working relationship with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti (Arena Napoli)

Toffees striker Richarlison has said that there is no secret other than his desire to play football as to how he settled in the Premier League with ease (Donos da Bola)

Barcelona are aware that a move for Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo is the “most expensive” deal on the table (Marca)

City have begun discussions over a deal to sign Angers’ young left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri (Tuttomercatoweb)

The agent of on-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper Pepe Reina has confirmed that there has been no approach from the West Midlands club to keep him there, with the Spaniard’s contract at AC Milan set to expire next summer (Foot Mercato)

Turkish side Trabzonspor are readying an offer for Leicester midfielder Nampalys Mendy, who has only made six appearances in all competitions this season (Fotospor)

Besiktas are keen on a move for Watford left-back Pervis Estupinan, who is on loan at Osasuna (Fotospor)