Paper Talk: Klopp convinced £38m man is perfect Van Dijk partner

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Jurgen Klopp has identified the centre-back he believes is the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk, while Tottenham are back scouting a former right-back target, according to Sunday’s transfer gossip.

KLOPP IDENTIFIES TOP CENTRE-BACK TARGET

Reports on Sunday claim that Jurgen Klopp has identified the perfect centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch master is currently sidelined with a long-term injury, along with normal defensive partner Joe Gomez.

That has led to repeated talk of Liverpool making a move for a reinforcement this month.

Despite Klopp denying there will be any incomings, that has not stopped several names being linked with a move to Anfield.

Chief amongst those is RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano, and the Sunday Mirror claims he is the man Klopp wants.

The report states that Klopp sees the France international as a ‘natural partner’ for Van Dijk. That could spell bad news for the likes of Gomez and Joel Matip.

However, Liverpool cannot currently afford Upamecano’s £38million release clause, meaning other clubs could make their move.

Manchester United are known admirers as they hunt a new partner for Harry Maguire. But Bayern Munich are the main contenders for his signature.

The German giants have admitted for the first time that they are strongly looking at signing Upamecano this summer.

That would mean Liverpool or United taking a gamble on trying to sign the player this month.

But it would appear that the chances of Liverpool taking that route are slim, meaning a blow to Klopp in his bid to land his top target.


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TOTTENHAM TRACKING NORWICH ACE AGAIN

Max.Aarons.Todd_.Cantwell.Norwich.TEAMtalk

Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Norwich star Max Aarons, having scouted the right-back again recently. (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea have rejected a loan offer from West Ham for Emerson Palmieri as they face a fixture pile-up. (Sunday Mirror)

Brendan Rodgers wants a new attacking midfielder at Leicester. But has admitted Inter Milan’s Christian Eriksen may prove too expensive. (Sunday Mirror)

Rafael Benitez will take over from struggling Neil Lennon at Celtic. (Sunday Mirror)

West Ham will push to sign £35m-rated Odsonne Edouard from Celtic before the end of the transfer window. (Daily Star Sunday)

Arsenal transfer target Martin Odegaard’s Gunners debut will be delayed due to a minor knee problem, when his Real Madrid exit happens. (Daily Star Sunday)

WEST HAM, SAINTS TARGET UNITED LEFT-BACK

Brandon Williams TEAMtalk

Brandon Williams looks likely to leave Manchester United on loan, with West Ham United and Southampton interested. (Sun on Sunday)

Crystal Palace are in the race for Leicester’s out-of-favour winger Demarai Gray. (Sun on Sunday)

Raphael Varane wants to quit Real Madrid and the defender is considering a new challenge. (Sun on Sunday)

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is a target for Newcastle if they sack manager Steve Bruce. (Sun on Sunday)

Burnley are frontrunners to sign Stoke defender Nathan Collins with Arsenal also interested. (Sun on Sunday)

Barcelona hope they can sign Sergio Aguero and David Alaba on free transfers in the summer. (Mail on Sunday)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Liverpool and Manchester United have suffered a transfer blow after Bayern Munich reportedly made progress in tying Jamal Musiala down to a new contract. (Mail on Sunday)

Manchester United will decide on Jesse Lingard’s future after the FA Cup tie with Liverpool. (Mail on Sunday)

Southampton continue to deny that striker Danny Ings will leave the club. (Mail on Sunday)

West Brom are considering signing former Leicester forward Ahmed Musa on a short-term contract. (Mail on Sunday)

Frank Lampard has thrown his support behind Kai Havertz. He claims Chelsea’s summer signing just needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League. (Mail on Sunday)

Super agent Mino Raiola has snapped up Crystal Palace starlet Zion Atta who is wanted by Liverpool and Manchester City. (Mail on Sunday)

Steven Gerrard admits his Rangers stars delivered exactly what he asked in dismantling Ross County – but he’s still refusing to entertain talk of the Premiership title. (Sunday Mail)