Euro Paper Talk: Temptation grows as Liverpool firm up plans for CL talent

Franck Kessie celebrates with Max Gradel

Liverpool are aiming to fend off their rivals in the race for a midfield target destined to leave his current club, while Manchester United could tempt a star winger who looks likely to be available in 2022 – all in Tuesday’s Euro transfer gossip.

KESSIE BEING TEMPTED BY PREM PAIR

Liverpool and Manchester United are well in the hunt for AC Milan contract rebel Franck Kessie and are trying to tempt his representatives.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who mention the two Premier League rivals as being among the main suitors for the Barcelona target.

Kessie will be out of contract at the end of the season and Milan seem unlikely to convince him to extend his deal. The 24-year-old has subsequently been linked with a transfer to the Premier League.

Manchester United have been mentioned as potential suitors before, and they and Liverpool are both the subject of a reminder from Mundo Deportivo.

They claim that while Kessie would be an ideal fit for Barcelona, he is in demand among several of the continent’s elite clubs. Liverpool and Man Utd are prime suitors, along with Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool lost Georginio Wijnaldum in the summer, also on a free transfer, and opted not to sign a replacement. But squad depth is always important and Kessie could provide extra quality.

Therefore, he remains on Liverpool’s radar. In fact, it is claimed that they are trying to tempt his entourage to accept their advances. So too, though, are Man Utd, for whom strengthening in central midfield remains a priority.

Kessie delaying decision on future

But the Ivory Coast international wants to take his time before picking his next step.

Liverpool and Man Utd must thus keep plugging away in the background, among the plethora of competition for his signature.

Manchester United in for Franck Kessie

Manchester United in for Franck Kessie

Manchester United are said to be in for A.C. Milan's Franck Kessie as a potential Paul Pogba replacement, with more news on Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani.

There was even talk of a move across Milan to join Inter in a swap deal with Marcelo Brozovic, also holding off from signing a new contract at his current club. But Gazzetta Dello Sport play down the rumour due to his salary demands of €8m.

Instead, all signs are pointing Kessie outside Italy for the first time in his professional career. Liverpool or United will be hoping to win the race for his signature.

Kessie recently played against Liverpool for AC Milan in the Champions League. He could eventually call Anfield his home, but Man Utd may also try to convince him elsewhere.


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MAN UTD EYE SERIE A CAPTAIN

Lorenzo Insigne is delaying over a new contract with Napoli and is tempted by the idea of joining Manchester United. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Newcastle have also targeted the winger, for whom the MLS would be yet another alternative option. (Il Mattino)

Real Madrid have joined the race for Chelsea midfield target Aurelien Tchouameni, who plays for Monaco. (Marca)

West Ham are interested in Real Sociedad winger Adnan Januzaj, who played for David Moyes at Man Utd and Sunderland. (Todofichajes)

Newcastle are willing to meet the £42.5m asking price for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, but would struggle to convince him without European football. (Area Napoli)

Alternatively, Newcastle could target Clement Lenglet of Barcelona to strengthen their backline. (Diario Sport)

ARSENAL OUTCAST IN TRANSFER DEMAND

Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim has demanded the signing of Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny in January. (Fanatik)

Everton are emerging as the likeliest taker for Juventus misfit Aaron Ramsey in January. (Calciomercato)

But Newcastle are also preparing a three-year contract offer to the former Arsenal man. (Sport Mediaset)

Sven Botman has confirmed that Liverpool, Wolves and Sevilla tried to sign him from Lille. (NOS)

Juventus could offer Dejan Kulusevski to Fiorentina as a makeweight for Dusan Vlahovic. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Real Madrid have also joined the race for Vlahovic, who is a target for Manchester City. (Defensa Central)

AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Philippe Coutinho could leave Barcelona for less than €30m amid links with Newcastle. (Diario Sport)

Tottenham midfield misfit Tanguy Ndombele would welcome a transfer to Real Madrid. (Defensa Central)

Getafe have reached a verbal agreement to sign Samu Castillejo from AC Milan in January. (Calciomercato)

Manchester United are preparing a January raid for Leicester star Wilfred Ndidi. (Fichajes)

Sampdoria want to take Juventus summer signing Kaio Jorge on loan in January. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Newcastle are showing an interest in Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli. (Diaro Sport)