Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd, Liverpool joined by Chelsea as focus turns to race for €45m star

Amadou Haidara, Ibrahima Konate, Nordi Mukiele, Emil Forsberg RB Leipzig

Manchester United and Liverpool are among the big sides keen on a star defender, while Everton hold an interest in a Leeds-linked LaLiga man – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

MAN UTD, LIVERPOOL AMONG CENTRE-BACK ADMIRERS

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all have eyes on RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to a report.

The Premier League trio have supposedly made a new centre-back a key priority in the upcoming transfer window.

Konate’s Leipzig teammate Dayot Upamecano emerged as a firm target for the top-flight teams. However, he has agreed a lucrative contract with Bayern Munich, starting this summer.

As such, Bild reports that United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all turned their focus to Konate.

The German newspaper bills the 21-year-old as Upamecano’s ‘successor’, but admits that it remains unclear what the future holds for him.

Ibrahima Konate Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig February 2021

The France Under-21 international has a €45million (£39million) exit clause in his contract. Therefore, while his deal may only run out in the summer of 2023, he is available to be snapped up.

Konate moved to Leipzig from Sochaux in 2017 while still a teenager. However, he entered the first team soon after his arrival and has since racked up 88 appearances.

As such, he has earned recognition on the international stage, making 11 appearances for France’s Under-21 team.

United have reportedly pushed a centre-back signing ahead of a move for a forward. Liverpool, meanwhile, could make a move for a top central defender amid this season’s injury crisis.


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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Lucas Vazquez Real Valladolid v Real Madrid February 2021

Everton have an interest in Real Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez, who will become a free agent this summer. Leeds have also been linked in the past. (Don Balon)

But the Toffees will need to qualify for the Champions League to have a shot at signing Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot. (Don Balon)

West Ham, Napoli and Monaco have all shown interest in signing Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes. (Fichajes)

The Hammers also have an offer on the table for Sevilla attacker Youssef En-Nesyri. However, they could be in for a tussle with AC Milan for his signature. (Il Milanista)

MAN CITY, JUVE EYE ITALY STARLET

Manuel Locatelli Lazio v Sassuolo January 2021

Juventus will rival Manchester City for the signing of Sassuolo and Italy starlet Manuel Locatelli. (Tuttosport)

Everton playmaker James Rodriguez has backed his side to continue in the same vein after beating Liverpool. (Marca Claro)

Crystal Palace are pushing to sign young Juventus talent Radu Dragusin. (Corrierre dello Sport)

Juve, though, are planning to tie the 19-year-old centre-back down to a new contract. (Football Italia)

REAL PRESIDENT REGRETS BALE REJECTION

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez regrets rejecting a huge Manchester United offer for Gareth Bale. (Defensa Central)

Meanwhile, Madrid chiefs are only willing to pay €50million for Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. However, the midfielder feels aggrieved and is planning to contact Barcelona. (Don Balon)

Karim Benzema’s minor injury is proving to be a dilemma for Zinedine Zidane ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with Atalanta on Wednesday.

Lyon defender Marcelo has revealed that his agent spoke with Liverpool during the January transfer window. (L’Equipe)

KOEMAN HURT BY BARCELONA DRAW

Ronald Koeman Barcelona

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman said that his side’s draw with Cadiz was more disappointing than their 4-1 Champions League loss to PSG. (Marca)

Barca, Juventus and Inter Milan have all muscled in on PSG for Man City striker Sergio Aguero. (La Sexta)

Nevertheless, PSG chiefs have contacted the forward’s agents about a move to the French capital. (El Chiringuito)

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Spurs chief Paul Mitchell remain close. Mitchell has since become sporting director at Monaco, but could work again with Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain. (L’Equipe)