Paper Talk: Liverpool push boat out as they open talks to sign centre-back

Liverpool have opened talks to sign an impressive Ligue 1 centre-back in a £15million deal, while Tottenham are chasing an in-form striker, all in Sunday’s papers.

LIGUE 1 CENTRE-BACK POISED FOR LIVERPOOL MOVE

Liverpool have reportedly began talks over a deal to bring Lille defender Sven Botman to Anfield this month.

The 20-year-old Dutchman has impressed in Ligue 1 since signing in the summer, and looks set for a massive future.

The likes of West Ham are also interested in the defender, who has admirers from across Europe.

But according to transfer expert Duncan Castles, Liverpool have now stolen a march on their Premier League rivals.

The report in the Sunday Mirror claims they believe they could be able to sign the player for around £15m.

 

Botman would add strength in depth to a beleaguered Reds back line, which has seen long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

Joel Matip has also had his own struggles, leaving youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips to fill the void alongside converted centre-back Fabinho.

Botman would be expected to immediately challenge for a starting spot, particulary with Matip currently sidelined with a adductor injury.

The Reds are next in action when they face Southampton on Monday Night Football.


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SPURS BACK IN FOR WIGAN HOTSHOT

Mourinho.Tottenham.TEAMtalk2

Tottenham will go back in for Wigan hotshot Kyle Joseph after his hat-trick against Burton in midweek. (Sun on Sunday)

Manchester City ace Benjamin Mendy hosted a party at his home on New Year’s Eve – just as several team-mates were struck down with Covid. (Sun on Sunday)

Liverpool star Joe Gomez has provided a positive update on his road to recovery from his serious knee injury. (Sun on Sunday)

Crystal Palace have joined the race to land Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, according to reports. (Sun on Sunday)

Amad Diallo’s Manchester United transfer could be delayed as Atalanta hope to keep him until the end of the season. (Sun on Sunday)

Arsenal have been given a transfer boost with Borussia Dortmund refusing to rule out selling Julian Brandt this month. (Sun on Sunday)

UNITED MAKE FINAL POGBA CALL

Manchester United will sell Paul Pogba in the summer after accepting that the Frenchman will not be signing a new contract. (Sunday Mirror)

Georginio Wijnaldum continues to stall on his Liverpool future as his contract winds down. But he has been warned about leaving Anfield. (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester United’s hierarchy reckon they dodged a bullet by refusing to break the bank to land Jadon ­Sancho. (Sunday Mirror)

Frank Lampard has warned of the dangers of Long Covid – and insisted football needs to take it seriously – amid Kai Havertz’s struggles for fitness. (Sunday Mirror)

Ilkay Gundogan has revealed the physical and “psychological pain” of having Covid-19 earlier in the season when he was confined to his bed for days. (Sunday Telegraph)

William Saliba is ready to take a pay cut to leave Arsenal, with a host of clubs expected to bid for the 19-year-old French defender in the January transfer window. (L’Equipe)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Timothy Fosu-Mensah wants to stay at Manchester United despite recently turning down a new contract. (Manchester Evening News)

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has opted against signing Manchester United winger Daniel James and Middlesbrough’s Duncan Watmore. He favours a centre-back, midfielder and striker instead. (Mail on Sunday)

The FA has warned clubs that they have to play next weekend’s FA Cup third-round fixtures or risk forfeiting the tie. (Mail on Sunday)

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen will make his Premier League debut at Chelsea on Sunday following the Covid-19 outbreak at the Etihad. (Mail on Sunday)

Marine manager Neil Young abandoned his plan to watch FA Cup third-round opponents Spurs play Leeds on Saturday as a Covid precaution. (Mail on Sunday)

Stoke are in talks to sign Wales and former Manchester City winger Rabbi Matondo on loan from German side Schalke. (Mail on Sunday)