Euro Paper Talk: Liverpool tipped for shock midfield swap proposal involving €35m star; West Ham, Everton battling for classy Porto winger

Thiago, Ryan Gravenberch

A Thiago, Ryan Gravenberch swap could be on the cards

Liverpool are being tipped to complete a potential midfield swap deal that could see a major Jurgen Klopp target head to Anfield while a Reds star returns to Germany, while West Ham and Everton are both chasing a highly-rated Porto winger – all in Friday’s European transfer gossip.

SURPRISE SWAP PROPOSAL ON CARDS FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are being tipped for a high-profile swap deal before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.

The Reds have been struggling to get new midfielders through the door after being beaten to the punch by Chelsea for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Jurgen Klopp did bring in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai at the start of the window but subsequently lost Jordan Henderson Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arbaia, having already allowed Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner to move on.

That has left Klopp short on options for his engine room, although a move for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo is known to be close.

However, the Anfield chief still wants another addition to his squad and remains hopeful of striking a deal for Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch.

And, according to Bundesliga journalist Christian Falk, the Reds are not done with their spending and are ready to make a move for the Netherlands international too – although it may mean a Liverpool star heading in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

READ MOREWataru Endo: Why Liverpool are signing the midfielder and everything you need to know about him

Gravenberch surplus to requirements at Bayern

Gravenberch looks unlikely to be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans this season, while Falk hints that former Bayern midfielder Thiago Alcantara could return to his old club on loan.

The 32-year-old made 235 appearances for the German giants before heading to Merseyside in 2020.

But speaking about Gravenberch and the potential of a swap proposal, Falk wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Ryan Gravenberch is more of a No.8, which may affect where he sits in the Liverpool transfer pecking order. Thomas Tuchel is very keen on signing a new No.6 and doesn’t count on Gravenberch. Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have left the club, with only Wataru Endo signed since Dominik Szoboszlai.

“If you’re asking me if he’s good enough for Liverpool – I’d say yes! Now Liverpool have Endo, Gravenberch would be a bigger signing. I’m sure Schmadkte knows what he’s doing.

“There are rumours going round in Germany that Bayern would go for a loan deal with Liverpool for Thiago Alcantara if he doesn’t see any chance of playing for the club this season.”

WEST HAM, EVERTON BATTLING FOR PORTO WINGER

West Ham United and Everton look set to battle it out for FC Porto winger Goncalo Borges. (Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool are weighing up a move for left-footed Stade de Rennes centre-back Arthur Theate. (L’Equipe)

Aston Villa are considering pulling out of a move for Galatasaray playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo over the player’s physical condition. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Real Madrid are monitoring Japan international Takefusa Kubo ahead of a potential move in the summer of 2024. (Sport)

Bayern Munich aim to ease their goalkeeping difficulties by signing Daniel Peretz from Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv. (Sky Sports Germany)

Former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has revealed that he never wanted to play in France. (Football Espana)

BARCELONA SWEATING ON CANCELO DECISION

Super agent Jorde Mendes is expected to give Barcelona an answer on the club’s pursuit of Manchester City star Joao Cancelo in the coming hours. (Football Espana)

Man City defenders Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias
Man City defenders Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias

Nottingham Forest have made a £30m move for Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana. (Various)

Inter have a verbal agreement in place with Bayern Munich and Benjamin Pavard, who is also wanted by Man Utd and Arsenal. (Sky Sport Deutschland)

Sevilla are confident of doing a deal for Leicester City midfielder Boubakary Soumare as they continue their summer rebuild under Victor Orta. (Vamos Mi Sevilla)

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement with Celta Vigo to sign U21 Spain international Gabri Veiga for more than €30m. (Football Italia)

Nottingham Forest star Gustavo Scarpa has joined Olympiacos on loan for the season. (Various)