Paper Talk: Liverpool submit contract offer to Bilbao star

Liverpool have submitted a contract offer to an Athletic Bilbao star, while Real Madrid have made a Prem boss their number one target, according to Tuesday’s papers.

LIVERPOOL V NAPOLI FOR LA LIGA ACE

Liverpool are ready to do battle with Napoli to land Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iker Muniain, according to the latest claims.

A report in the Liverpool Echo (via Marca) suggests that Jurgen Klopp is keen on landing the 25-year-old, who would be available on a free transfer.

However, they are not alone in their interest, as it is claimed that both the Reds and Serie A giants Napoli have submitted pre-contract offers.

Both clubs are waiting to see how talks between Muniain and Athletic Bilbao go, with the report stating that the player is leaning towards extending his stay with the Basque club, but that an acceptable offer has not yet arrived.

Bilbao have a unique recruitment policy which sees them only able to sign players from Basque region, meaning they will be eager to tie down their prized midfield asset.

AND THE REST

Real Madrid will offer Mauricio Pochettino an escape from Tottenham after making him their No 1 target to replace Julen Lopetegui (Sun)

Liverpool owner John W. Henry says Jurgen Klopp can end the club’s trophy drought with ‘a special season’ (Telegraph)

Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are on red alert as Barcelona tell Ousmane Dembele to find a new club in January (Sun)

Loris Karius could return to Liverpool in January with Besiktas making an offer to cancel his loan (Mirror)

Jose Mourinho is furious that a transfer summit with Manchester United chief Ed Woodward was cancelled at the last minute (Sun)

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has been fined £350 and hit with three penalty points on his licence for speeding (Mail)

Gareth Bale has been blamed for Julen Lopetegui’s sacking at Real Madrid (Express)

Real Madrid’s players have blocked the appointment of Antonio Conte as Lopetegui’s successor over his managerial style while at Chelsea (Sun)

Rafa Benitez believes he’ll finally get the cash to improve his team now Mike Ashley has seen Newcastle first hand (Mirror)

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is plotting an £8m swoop for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan (Star)

Hector Bellerin could miss Arsenal’s Premier League date with Liverpool with a thigh injury, perhaps meaning a rare chance for Carl Jenkinson in the first-team squad (Sun)

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