Paper Talk: Liverpool chase Lovren successor and sign Ethiopian striker

Liverpool have targeted a Celtic man as an ideal addition to their defence, and have also signed a teenage Ethiopian striker, while Tottenham look set to swoop on Leicester for an exciting winger, according to Wednesday’s paper gossip.
AJER ON LIVERPOOL RADAR
Liverpool have identified Celtic star Kristoffer Ajer as a potential replacement for Dejan Lovren.
His departure leaves Jurgen Klopp on the lookout for new central defensive cover. Since then, they have been linked with a plethora of names.
Liverpool were reported to be tracking Sevilla’s Diego Carlos, who has an exit clause set at €75m.
Brighton defender Ben White, who shone during a loan spell at Leeds, has also been mentioned.
They were also said to be on the trail of Schalke’s Ozan Kabak, who is valued at £32m.
However, according to the Daily Star, it was Norwegian giant Ajer who Klopp wants.
Ajer is a boyhood Liverpool fan and is valued at around £20m by the Scottish champions.
He is a vital member of Neil Lennon’s side having made 49 appearances in all competitions last season.
The likes of Leicester, Tottenham and AC Milan have also been linked.
But any move from Liverpool would surely win the day were the Reds to agree a fee.
It’s claimed Klopp wants the 22-year-old to compete with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the right to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to have added another exciting young talent to their academy ranks in the form of Melkamu Frauendorf. The 16-year-old is of Ethiopian descent and has confirmed the move on his social media channels.
Liverpool are yet to confirm the move but confirmation is expected soon.
MOURINHO TALKS WITH DEMARAI GRAY
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has held personal transfer talks with Leicester star Demarai Gray. (The Sun)
Stuttgart have confirmed Leeds are ‘very serious’ about signing striker Nicolas Gonzalez. (The Sun)
Brendan Rodgers is preparing for life without Chelsea-bound Ben Chilwell and has two replacements in mind. Fulham’s Joe Bryan and Atalanta’s Robin Gosens are on the Foxes’ wanted list. (The Sun)
Luis Suarez could be on his way to PSG to join former team-mate Neymar, according to reports. (Daily Express)
Arsenal are in the hunt for Amadou Diawara’s signature and Roma are ready to sell the midfielder. (Daily Express)
Manchester United are planning to contact Lionel Messi’s representatives regarding a potential blockbuster transfer. (Daily Express)
MESSI DECISION TO SEE BARTOMEU QUIT
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has reportedly decided to resign amid suggestions Lionel Messi has told the club he wants to leave. (Daily Star)
Manchester City are calculating whether they have enough funds to prise Lionel Messi away from Barcelona. (Daily Star)
City are also willing to part with Gabriel Jesus as they eye a transfer for Lionel Messi. (Daily Star)
Arsenal are set to walk away from a deal to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid this summer. (Daily Star)
Jamie Vardy is signing a new contract with Leicester in a huge pre-season boost for the Foxes. (Daily Telegraph)
Derby County are considering legal action against the EFL after charges of breaching spending rules were dismissed by an independent disciplinary commission. (Daily Telegraph)
AND MORE GOSSIP
AC Milan are showing an interest in Bournemouth striker Josh King. The Norwegian saw a move to Manchester United fall through in January. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal have knocked back an approach from Monaco for attacking midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe. (Daily Mail)
Newcastle are interested in the services of Rob Holding and would like to bring in on loan. (Daily Mail)
Crystal Palace are in talks with Mainz over striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and have already had a £14m bid rejected. (The Guardian)
Southampton have ended their sponsorship arrangement with LD Sports and feel the Chinese brand is no longer an appropriate and viable partner. (The Guardian)
Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers future is still up in the air – but the striker has not handed in an transfer request. (Daily Record)