Paper Talk: Michael Edwards verdict key as Liverpool snub Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly

Liverpool look unlikely to sign Kalidou Koulibaly due to a decision made by Michael Edwards, while Arsenal have been given hope of a January deal for a top young Brazilian attacker, according to Monday’s transfer gossip.

 

MICHAEL EDWARDS REJECTED KOULIBALY TRANSFER

Liverpool appear unlikely to sign Kalidou Koulibaly in January to ease their defensive crisis, according to a report.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been rocked by a spate of injuries suffered by their defensive stars.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all currently facing time on the sidelines. Only the latter of that trio is expected to play a meaningful part in the campaign going forward.

The news has sparked debate as to whether Liverpool will remedy their woes with a January splash.

Among the names strongly linked is Napoli’s powerful defender Koulibaly.

The £53m-rated Senegalese star came onto the market the summer were anyone to meet Napoli’s asking price.

And speculation has risen suggesting the Reds could come back in for the player in January.

However, the Daily Star, citing Ian McGarry on the Transfer Window Podcast, states a move for Koulibaly is highly unlikely to come about.

According to McGarry, Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards ruled out a potential swoop in the summer. That’s because, at 29, Edwards feels the price tag on his head is too much for a player of his age.

 

KOULIBALY FEE TOO HIGH

He claimed the Serie A side were demanding “around €60m and Liverpool are not willing to spend that amount of money on a 29-year-old.”

And despite Liverpool’s more alarming circumstances, a change of opinion appears unlikely.

At 29 years of age, Liverpool know they would be unlikely to make any profit on Koulibaly.

To that end, they seem far more likely to target Dayot Upamecano. The RB Leipzig star has a similar transfer value, though while just 22, could develop into a genuine world-class star.

We exclusively revealed last week that Liverpool were also considering a deal to sign a former Watford star on a short-term deal.

 

GOOD NEWS FOR ARSENAL OVER BRENNER

Brenner, Vitor Bueno

Arsenal have learned that Brazilian target Brenner won’t need a work permit. (The Sun)

Juventus are pushing hard to sign Liverpool and Manchester City target David Alaba. (The Sun)

Northern football clubs including Sunderland and Blackburn have warned the government to sort a bailout or risk losing historic teams “for good”. (The Sun)

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Chelsea outcast Antonio Rudiger in the January transfer window. (The Sun)

Barcelona legend Luis Figo reckons Lionel Messi has already made up his mind about his future with Manchester City chasing his transfer. (The Sun)

Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly in talks with Wolves over Portuguese winger Pedro Neto. (Daily Mail)

 

AND MORE GOSSIP

Andy Robertson is suffering with a hamstring issue while on international duty in what could be another huge injury blow for Liverpool. (Daily Mirror)

Kasper Schmeichel looks likely to miss Leicester’s next game after being knocked out while playing for Denmark against Iceland on Sunday. (Daily Mirror)

Paul Pogba has openly talked about the fact he is going through the most difficult period of his career while at Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

FIFA will subsidise Joe Gomez’s £80,000-a-week wages following the knee injury he suffered while on international duty. (Daily Mirror)

Wayne Rooney will address the Derby County players at training on Monday as he leads the club’s interim coaching team. (Daily Telegraph)

 


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