Paper Talk: Napoli president claims Liverpool are in centre-back talks

Nikola Maksimovic TEAMtalk

A new centre-back target has emerged for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, while Arsenal have decided to walk away from a deal to sign a new playmaker, according to Friday’s transfer gossip.

NEW CB TARGET EMERGES FOR KLOPP

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his defensive options before the January window shuts.

According to a report on Sky Sports, as cited in the Daily Mirror, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claims that Klopp’s men are exploring the possibility of signing Maksimovic.

The Reds have been rocked by injuries at the back this season, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out long-term. Joel Matip has also been struggling with numerous different issues.

That has led to Klopp using the likes Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips, while Jordan Henderson has also filled in.

Several names continue to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, including the likes of Ben White, Sven Botman, Ozan Kabak and David Alaba.

However, it would appear that Maksimovic has emerged as a genuine contender to head to Anfield.

 

The 29-year-old Serbian international has stood out during the injury absence of former Reds target Kalidou Koulibaly.

He joined Napoli in the summer of 2017 when he made the switch from fellow Serie A outfit Torino.

Maksimovic has racking up 85 appearances for the club and played 13 times in all competitions this season.

His contract also expires at the end of the season, meaning he could be available for a bargain price this month.

The report does add, however, that after initial enquries, Liverpool are yet to follow-up their interest.


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ARSENAL TO WALK AWAY FROM PLAYMAKER DEAL

Emi Buendia

Arsenal will walk away from a deal to land Norwich star Emi Buendia after they named their asking price. (Daily Express)

Tottenham are reportedly ready to rival Chelsea for highly-rated South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae. (Daily Mail)

Serie A side Sassuolo will not entertain any offers for £30m-rated midfielder and Manchester City target Manuel Locatelli. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham could look to terminate Danny Rose’s contract during the January transfer window as the defender has failed to make an appearance for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. (Daily Mail)

Bournemouth have opened formal talks over offering Jack Wilshere a chance of reviving his career in the Championship. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal have been given the thumbs up to make a move for Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Manor Solomon because the Israel international is very interested in a move to the Emirates. (Daily Express)

VILLA LOOKING TO PICK OFF CHERRIES ACE

David Brooks

Aston Villa are reportedly weighing up a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks. (The Sun)

Tariq Lamptey is on the brink of signing a bumper new long-term Brighton contract. (The Sun)

Odion Ighalo is set to leave Manchester United this month, but the striker has revealed he is desperate to extend his loan at the club. (The Sun)

Arsenal have lined up a loan offer for Barcelona number two Neto as one of a number of goalkeepers they’re keen on. (The Sun)

Kieran Trippier’s betting ban scuppered a January transfer to Manchester United, according to reports. (The Sun)

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is still refusing to sanction a loan move for Dele Alli to Paris Saint-Germain this month with fears over leaving the Premier League and European squad short in the event of an injury crisis or Covid-19 outbreak. (Daily Telegraph)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Tottenham are unlikely to extend Gareth Bale’s loan deal from Real Madrid for the 2021-22 season. (The Times)

Everton have revealed James Rodríguez was recruited on a free transfer from Real Madrid in the summer. (The Times)

Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Arsenal outcast Sokratis Papastathopoulos amid their defensive injury crisis. (Daily Star)

Manchester United look to have missed out on Ecuador sensation Moises Caicedo as Brighton close in on a deal. (Daily Star)

RB Leipzig are not considering selling their centre-back Dayot Upamecano this month. That is despite the fact he can leave in the summer for a cut-price €42m (£37.4m). (The Guardian)

Arsenal have confirmed that Richard Garlick, the Premier League’s director of football, will become the club’s director of football operations later this year. (The Guardian)

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers admits a January move for Odsonne Edouard will be difficult. However, he is “confident” his board will act if there’s a chance to get a deal done. (Daily Record)

Rangers have no interest in Coventry midfielder Gustavo Hamer, according to an Ibrox source. (Scottish Sun)