Paper Talk: Liverpool plotting raid for £90m defensive pair

Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool are plotting a double raid on the Bundesliga for two new centre-backs, while AC Milan are keen on landing Tottenham’s former record signing, according to Sunday’s transfer gossip.

KLOPP TARGETS LEIPZIG DUO

Liverpool are reportedly targeting a January double transfer swoop for RB Leipzig pair Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate.

The Reds are in desperate need of a new centre-back after first-choice pairing Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez were likely ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

Jurgen Klopp has so far used Joel Matip, Fabinho, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams at the heart of Reds defence in their absence.

But according to Bild, as cited by the Sun on Sunday, Klopp is looking to his homeland Germany to find a potential solution to his problem.

Upamecano is widely regarded as one of the hottest young properties in Europe after his emergence last season.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with the 22-year-old, but he opted to stay put over the summer, signing a new contract until 2023.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also thought to be interested but Liverpool’s desperation has seen them emerge as favourites.

But Bild also claims that Konate is on their wish list too.

The fellow Frenchman is also part of Julian Nagelsmann’s back three at Leipzig, with the 21-year-old laso under contract until 2023.

Indeed, Bundesliga expert Christian Falk believes Liverpool will look at Konate as a more affordable option.

Transfermarkt suggests the pair’s combined value is around £90million – with reports of a £54m release clause for Upamecano.


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MILAN TARGET TOTTENHAM DEFENDER

Davinson.Sanchez.Tottenham.TEAMtalk

Davinson Sanchez is being tracked by AC Milan after falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho at Tottenham. (Sun on Sunday)

Diogo Jota was passed up by Portuguese club Pacos De Ferreira for just £2,000 seven years before his dream £45m Liverpool move. (Sun on Sunday)

Aston Villa stars Jack Grealish and Ross Barkley broke strict coronavirus rules yesterday with a day of partying. (Sun on Sunday)

Manchester United will extend Jesse Lingard’s contract by another year – despite his continuing first-team absence. (Daily Star Sunday)

Leeds United fan favourite Brian Deane believes his old club may have missed a trick on not signing AC Milan star Jens Petter Hauge after a dazzling display against Celtic in the Europa League. (Daily Star Sunday)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has asked former club Manchester City to keep him informed about the availability of England defender John Stones. (BBC Sport)

BUMPER FERNANDES DEAL ON CARDS

Manchester United will reward Bruno Fernandes with a new double-your-money contract worth £200,000-a-week. (Sunday Mirror)

Juan Mata is horrified by the prospect of Lionel Messi joining Manchester City. (Sunday Mirror)

Premier League clubs could have 10,000 fans back next month if coronavirus cases continue to fall. (Mail on Sunday)

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has lambasted his players following the shock 2-1 defeat to Cadiz. (Mail on Sunday)

Chelsea are reportedly open to selling centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori in January. (Mail on Sunday)

Jesse Lingard has talked with the Manchester United hierarchy about a possible move away from Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens in January. (Sunday Express)

Manchester United are still working on getting summer signing Amad Diallo a work permit to be able to join the club in the January transfer window. (Sunday Express)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Mario Balotelli TEAMtalk

Former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli will sign for Serie B club AC Monza on a deal until the end of the season. (Sky Sports)

Joe Hart could make his first Premier League appearance for nearly two years in the North London Derby. That is after doubts emerged over the fitness of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. (Sunday Times)

Spectators at Tottenham’s FA Cup third-round tie at non-league Marine FC could be the first football crowd to try digital health passports to help boost Covid-19 crowd numbers. (Sunday Telegraph)

Leicester City wan to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Ecuador winger Gonzalo Plata. (Leicester Mercury)

Fan group The Celtic Trust have hit out at Parkhead power-brokers for ‘insulting’ supporters in recent weeks, amid speculation surrounding Neil Lennon’s future at the club. (Sunday Mail)

Leigh Griffiths believes Celtic still have a better squad than Rangers and says he wouldn’t swap any Hoops player for Ibrox stars. (Sunday Mail)

Celtic are facing a Covid backlash after breaching distancing rules for a team photo. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Newcastle have targeted Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove for a shock move to the Premier League. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)