Paper Talk: Jota deal sees Liverpool agree to sell cult hero with trio keen

Liverpool are ready to sell a fans’ favourite with three clubs emerging as suitors, while Man City could offload Nicolas Otamendi in exchange for a quality Sevilla star, according to Saturday’s transfer gossip.

 

DIVOCK ORIGI UP FOR SALE AT LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have alerted would-be suitors that Divock Origi can leave the club before the transfer window shuts.

The Reds have sealed an initial £20m deal to sign Thiago Alcantara and are also on the brink of landing Wolves’ forward Diogo Jota.

Details have now emerged of the incredible deal transfer guru Michael Edwards has struck for the Portuguese forward.

Liverpool will now focus on clawing back some of their transfer outlays. As such, The Times claims Origi has been told he can leave.

The Reds paid Lille £10m for the Belgian way back in 2014.

During his time at Anfield, he has been loaned out to his former employers as well as Wolfsburg.

However, first-team chances have been few and far between. Nonetheless, Origi has been a useful back-up for their famed front three over the last two seasons.

Indeed, his goal in the 2019 Champions League success means he has enjoyed cult status at Anfield. Origi scored the crucial fourth goal in the 4-0 turnaround against Barcelona. He was also on the scoresheet in the 2-0 final win over Tottenham.

For those two goals alone, he will always have a special place in supporters’ hearts.

 

But Jota’s arrival means his first-team chances have been further squeezed. And with no room for sentimentality, Liverpool are reported to be have put a £20m fee on his head.

Brighton, Newcastle and Fenerbahce have all been linked with Origi, with the window due to close on October 5.

His sale, however, may put paid to Sheffield United’s chances of signing Rhian Brewster. The Blades have been in talks with Liverpool over a loan deal, but that may now be shelved if Origi moves on.

Origi will leave Liverpool with 34 goals from 140 appearances for the Reds.

 

MAN CITY TARGET JULES KOUNDE

Manchester City are considering a deal for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, with Nicolas Otamendi moving in the opposite direction. (Daily Telegraph)

Gareth Bale’s loan deal will cost Tottenham a ‘bargain’ £9m. (Daily Telegraph)

Aston Villa are set to seal the £19m signing of winger Bertrand Traore from Lyon. (Daily Telegraph)

Crystal Palace’s sale of Alexander Sorloth to RB Leipzig will fund a move for Brentford’s winger Said Benrahma. (The Guardian)

Chelsea are plotting a £73m transfer swoop for Declan Rice to finish off their summer spending spree. (The Sun)

 

AND MORE GOSSIP

Smalling.Lukaku.TEAMtalk

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is wanted by Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan. (The Sun)

Manchester United have agreed a five-year deal with Alex Telles but are haggling over a transfer fee with Porto. Paris Saint-Germain are also showing an interest. (The Sun)

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly set to snap up another young English star in Manchester City’s Jamie Bynoe-Gitten. (The Sun)

Icelandic goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson has reportedly visited London Colney to complete his Arsenal transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Real Madrid gave Gareth Bale’s number 11 shirt to Marco Asensio before the Welshman completed his move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail)