Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool eye thrilling new Portuguese signing as key Anfield exit close

Liverpool are eyeing a new Portuguese signing to replace a key exit, while Manchester United learn how much Paris Saint-Germain must pay to sack Mauricio Pochettino – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

LIVERPOOL TRACKING FRESH PORTUGUESE SIGNING

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is a transfer target for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

The Reds have enjoyed great success with their signings up top since Jurgen Klopp came in as manager. Luis Diaz, a January arrival from Porto, was a statement addition amid Tottenham and West Ham interest.

However, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota faced further questions over their potential impacts at Anfield upon their arrivals. And while all four players are driving Liverpool on to a potential quadruple this season, Salah and Mane are out of contract next summer.

It still remains unclear whether Salah will renew and whether Mane will follow him. Klopp has nevertheless resolved Liverpool’s long-term attacking future with Jota and Diaz, who are both 25.

According to Calciomercato, though, Liverpool are now eyeing Jota’s fellow Portuguese star Leao.

The 22-year-old rose through the Sporting ranks before moving to Lille. After a brilliant debut season in France, Milan snapped him up. He has netted 24 goals in 106 games for the Serie A side, including 11 this term.

Leao also featured against Liverpool in the Champions League this season. He notched an assist as Stefano Pioli’s side lost 3-2 at Anfield in September. Atletico were also in Group B and Calciomercato reports that the La Liga club are now tracking him too.

Liverpool’s April defined by crucial two weeks

Liverpool face a gruelling April schedule as they seek to win a quadruple this season, but a crucial two weeks defines the month for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

However, Liverpool have a potential advantage in that Divock Origi is reportedly closing in on a move to Milan.

MilanNews has claimed that the Rossoneri are planning fresh contact with the 26-year-old’s agent. They hope to wrap up a deal for Origi on a contract worth between €3.5million (£3million) and €4million (£3.3million) per season.

Origi is into the final year of his Anfield contract. While he can qualify for an extra year via a performance option, he is struggling for the game time he needs to meet the conditions.

As such, he is likely to leave as a free agent in the summer and leave a space in the Liverpool team for a potential new signing.

AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Paris Saint-Germain face handing Mauricio Pochettino a €15million (£12.5million) pay-off if they sack him, amid Manchester United interest. (L’Equipe)

Tanguy Ndombele is not certain to re-sign for Lille permanently, despite leaving Tottenham in January for the club he starred at before his struggles in north London. (L’Equipe)

Everton have stepped up interest in Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic. Arsenal, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on the Serbia international. (Marca)

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is Juventus’ dream target to replace the outgoing Paulo Dybala. (Corriere della Sera)

Tottenham want to sign Dybala as a free agent but must have Champions League football on offer to tempt the Argentine. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Juventus CEO Maurizio Arrivabene has confirmed that striker Dusan Vlahovic’s January arrival affected contract talks with Dybala. (Goal)

MARTIAL STRUGGLING AT SEVILLA

Man Utd loanee Anthony Martial has become frustrated at his situation after his move to Sevilla. (Marca)

Ronald Koeman could replace Louis van Gaal as the Netherlands manager after the World Cup, following his sacking from the Barcelona job earlier this season. (NOS)

Real Madrid still have faith in Carlo Ancelotti as manager, despite the 4-0 El Clasico humbling by Barcelona. Indeed, Madrid chiefs want to see Madrid’s Champions League progress after the comeback against PSG. (Cope)

Liverpool are showing interest in Club Brugge starlet Noa Lang alongside Arsenal. However, the Dutchman would prefer a move to AC Milan. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Milan midfielder Franck Kessie has already completed his medical tests ahead of a move to Barcelona as a free agent. (Fabrizio Romano)

BARCELONA EYE DOUBLE ATTACKER SWOOP

Barcelona want a long-term deal for Wolves loanee Adama Traore but will not pay the €30million (£25million) option to buy clause. As a result, they could do a swap deal with Wolves involving on-loan Molineux star Francisco Trincao. (Sport)

Barcelona are also advancing towards the signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha, who has become their ‘number one target’. Indeed, the Camp Nou club have agreement over a five-year deal. (Sport)

Bayern Munich have had links with Raphinha, but they will not be signing the Brazilian this summer. (Sky Germany)

Meanwhile, Leeds have muscled in on Newcastle’s plans to sign Trabzonspor and Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. (Fanatik)