Paper Talk: Liverpool identify bargain Wijnaldum replacement

Renato Sanches TEAMtalk

Liverpool have identified a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who could be available for a bargain price, while Declan Rice has made his mind up over a January move – according to Thursday’s transfer gossip.

LIGUE 1 STAR LINED UP BY LIVERPOOL

Liverpool have reportedly identified Lille star Renato Sanches as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Premier League champions are the latest club to be linked with the 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder, according to the French outlet Le10Sport (as cited by The Sun).

Wolves are also keen on the former Bayern Munich and Swansea man, with a potential offer on the cards in January.

But now Le10Sport states that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has identified the midfielder to replace Wijnaldum, should the Dutch star head to Barcelona.

Sanches was regarded as one of the biggest young talents in European football, after bursting onto the scene with Benfica and helping Portugal win Euro 2016.

That earned him a big-money move to Bayern, but he struggled in the Bundesliga, and 12 months later he made a surprise switch to Swansea.

But Sanches failed to adapt to English football, making just 12 appearances for the Swans before heading back to Bayern in January 2018.

Despite his struggles, Lille still coughed up £25million to land Sanches last year.

France switch puts Sanches back on map

Since his move to Ligue 1, the player has revitalised his career and is now catching the eye of some of Europe’s big hitters.

Lille president Gerard Lopez even claimed back in January that the club had turned down a huge £64m offer.

However, the French outfit are in financial difficulties and a bargain deal could be on the table for any interested parties.


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Sanches has scored once in 10 appearances for Lille this season, although goals are not really his game.

The midfielder is more of a box-to-box player with energy and power, who can also play out wide.

His versatility is also believed to be intriguing to Klopp, particularly if he does lose one of his trusted stars in Wijnaldum.

RICE MAKES HIS MIND UP

Declan Rice TEAMtalk

West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice wants to move to Chelsea in January. (Football London)

Massimiliano Allegri recently admitted he wants to manage in the Premier League, as pressure grows on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. (Daily Mirror)

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has conceded Lionel Messi could earn more if he opts to leave. (Daily Mirror)

Juventus have reportedly opened talks with Mino Raiola as they look to re-sign Paul Pogba. (Daily Express)

PSG forward Neymar has dispelled rumours of a return to Barcelona, insisting he is happy in the French capital. (Daily Express)

West Ham manager David Moyes is keen to bolster his squad in January but has warned supporters not to expect “big signings”. (Evening Standard)

UNITED TO MAKE WILLIAMS DECISION

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Brandon Williams Man Utd

Manchester United will wait until January to decide whether to let Brandon Williams leave on loan. Southampton and Newcastle both want the player. (Manchester Evening News)

United are still in the market for a winger, a centre-back, a right-back and a defensive midfielder. But the expectation is there will be no signings in the January window.  (Manchester Evening News)

Arsenal could make a January move for Porto’s 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira and are willing to pay his £27m release clause. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City look likely to sell prodigious talent Jayden Braaf. It comes only a year after the youngster committed his long-term future to the club. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool are reportedly ready to begin talks with Virgil van Dijk over a new five-year contract in the new year. (Daily Mail)

Barnsley midfielder Herbie Kane has admitted he regrets joining Liverpool at 15-years-old, saying his time at Anfield “wasn’t the best”. (Daily Mail)

AND MORE GOSSIP

N'Golo Kante, Olivier Giroud

Chelsea are confident they can hang on to Olivier Giroud in January and continue to show the striker that he will play enough to hold on to his place in the France squad for next summer’s European Championships. (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea are reportedly set to hand Marc Guehi the chance to become the latest academy player to break into the first-team. (The Sun)

Everton’s Yannick Bolasie is set to be offered an escape route from his Everton misery by Middlesbrough. (The Sun)

Sam Allardyce will be handed a £1.5m bonus to keep West Brom in the Premier League. (The Sun)

Charly Musonda is reportedly set to end his 15-month Chelsea injury hell after recovering from a serious knee injury. (The Sun)

The Scottish Government has been warned it has just one week left to save the Championship from a cash crisis that could see clubs go to the wall for Christmas. (Daily Record)