Rio Ferdinand labels Liverpool target ‘exhilarating’, with talks underway

Rio Ferdinand has been completely blown away by a Liverpool target he labelled ‘exhilarating’ at times during Euro 2020.

There have been strong rumours that the Reds have already started proceedings to sign Barcelona midfielder Pedri. The 18-year-old was a major highlight for Spain during their run to their semi-finals before they lost to Italy in on penalties at Wembley.

Despite his tender age, Pedri showed his full range of passing and was outstanding in the loss to the Italians.

And Ferdinand was left shocked at just how good the Barcelona star is.

“Pedri has been exhilarating at times with his vision and passing,” said Ferdinand.

“The way he receives the ball all the time. His head is up. Receiving it on the half-turn, it comes so naturally to him.

“He seems to have that natural ability and awareness where people are. The running is good. But the little bits of skill here and there separates him.

“Tight areas ‘give it to me, I don’t care because I can get out and I can probably put it through your legs as well. Not a problem’. Great player to watch.”

Liverpool make Milinković-Savić enquiry

Liverpool make Milinković-Savić enquiry

Liverpool have made enquiries about Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, as the Anfield outfit continue to search for a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

In normal circumstances, Barcelona would be looking to build a new team around Pedri. However, they’ve been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic and need to offload some top talent.

Pedri is believed to be one of the names on the chopping block, with Liverpool desperate to sign him, according to a report in the Daily Express.

Jurgen Klopp is already said to have been in contact with the player’s agent about a summer switch to Anfield.

Pedri is currently valued at £70million, which could turn out to be a snip given his age and undoubted talent.


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Liverpool in talks to land PSV star

Meanwhile, Liverpool are in active talks with agent Mino Raiola about a possible move for PSV Eindhoven star Donyell Malen this summer, according to a report.

PSV boss Roger Schmidt has admitted that he expects to lose the attacker.

Donyell Malen Holland Euro 2020 TEAMtalk

According to De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness), Schmidt is looking to offload the player by July 21. That is the date of PSV’s Champions League qualifier against Galatasaray. 

Schmidt reportedly wants his squad in situ to avoid any unnecessary distractions.

Liverpool have consequently had links with his transfer. And now Voetbal International journalist Marco Timmer, via Sport Witness, says the Netherlands forward has been given permission to speak to other clubs.

Personal terms up with discussion

One of those clubs is believed to be Liverpool, who have been speaking with Raiola over the 22-year-old’s personal terms.

“He (Roger Schmidt) doesn’t really expect Malen and Dumfries back,” Timmer told Voetbal International.

“On the other hand, I believe they have to report back on 19 July. There is not enough movement yet to say that there is already a transfer (but) we also know that things can go fast.

“I have spoken to some people within PSV who indicate there has been nobody concrete yet, not for Madueke. Not for Ihattaren, not for Dumfries, not for Malen yesterday.

“Yes, of course, there are negotiations going on, and with that, it can also be counted on the negotiations that in this case, Mino Raiola is conducting with Dortmund or Liverpool, for example, for Malen and Inter and Everton for Dumfries, so he has been given that space. They are allowed to talk to other clubs, and then, at some point, it can go fast.”

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