Transfer Gossip: Liverpool target four major signings as thrilling £182m plan takes shape; Lloris to treble wages with insane move from Tottenham
Liverpool are going all out to sign four new stars in a major £182m spree, Hugo Lloris will hit the jackpot with a huge move on the cards to leave Tottenham, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Man City are to reject an approach from Aston Villa for an England star.
JORG SCHMADTKE TASKED WITH BRINGING FAB FOUR TO LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are close to the appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director – and he has already been tasked with sealing deals for four major signings.
The German is in advanced talks with the Reds as they look to fill the void left by Julian Ward, who leaves this summer after just a year in the job.
And the former Wolfsburg and Cologne chief will work alongside Klopp, who has personally chosen him for the role, on rebuilding their midfield.
The Reds are ready to spend around £200m this summer to freshen up their side and elevate them back into trophy contention. And while six wins in a row have reminded Klopp what his side are about, he wants some major surgery on his squad to propel them back to success.
Working alongside chief scouts Dave Fallows and Barry Hunter, Schmadtke is set to sign a three-year deal at Anfield.
And the Daily Mail claims Schmadtke is ready to get to work straight away having been handed a list of four midfield targets.
And per the report, they want three current Premier League stars to come in and strengthen their midfield.
First up, the Reds are looking to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount in a deal that could top £50m. His deal at Chelsea expires next summer and there is a belief he can be lured away for the right price.
It will take a similar fee to prise Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, who has enjoyed an excellent season. Liverpool, though, could reduce that by offering a much-loved star as part of a swap.
Liverpool also want Nunes and Thuram
There is a clause in Mac Allister’s deal that will facilitate a sale, giving what should prove a simple task.
Mac Allister has scored 12 times this season and is seemingly emerging as Klopp’s No 1 target.
Schmadtke will not stop there either, with another wedge of cash needed for their next two targets.
It will take another £44m fee to convince Wolves to part with Matheus Nunes, who the Mail claim is also on Klopp’s radar.
The Portuguese star was watched by Klopp prior to his move to Molineux, but he could be on the move again this summer.
Next up, the paper claims Liverpool are also pushing to sign Khephren Thuram, the Nice midfielder.
He has been watched extensively by Liverpool scouts in recent weeks. And they are reportedly convinced the son of World Cup winner Lillian has what it takes to become a top midfielder.
The Ligue 1 side, though will not let him go cheaply, with a fee of £35m being mooted.
If Liverpool land all four targets, then they will need to part with an estimated £182m. But the quartet can help Liverpool return to trophy contention next season and also ensure Schmadtke’s reign gets off to a great start.
READ MORE: Gerrard talks up Liverpool move for ‘prime’ midfield target as Crouch lets slip Klopp transfer wish
HUGO LLORIS OFFERED RIDICULOUS WAGES TO QUIT TOTTENHAM
Hugo Lloris looks set to hit the jackpot with the France goalkeeper offered a lucrative move away from Tottenham.
The 36-year-old is 11th season with Spurs, having signed in a bargain £11m move from Lyon in 2012.
However, his form this season has fallen away with a series of mistakes creeping into his game. As such, there is a growing feeling around Spurs that Lloris is now past his best. Indeed, he has lost his place in the side with Fraser Forster being preferred in goal.
And while he still has a year remaining on his deal, Tottenham will not stand in his way if an offer comes their way.
Lloris had been expected to wind his career down back in France. However, The Times claims Lloris is being offered a monster financial package to move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
The Middle East nation are on a major recruiment drive to bring in some of the game’s biggest stars. Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr, while Lionel Messi is a target for Al-Hilal.
And while they do not name in question, a package is reportedly being put together worth £300,000 a week.
Trebling his Tottenham wages, they claim the move is being given serious thought by the Frenchman.
Spurs for their part will still seek a fee for Lloris, though that is unlikely to be too much.
And in his place they are targeting a move for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onanan, though they face Chelsea competition.
MAN CITY MAKE DECISION ON VILLA OFFER FOR KALVIN PHILLIPS
Aston Villa are likely to be hit with a ‘thanks, but no thanks’ reply to their bid to lure Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer.
The 27-year-old England star moved to Manchester City last summer in a £42m move from Leeds.
However, his first season at the Etihad Stadium has not gone to plan. Indeed Phillips has just 17 appearances in all competitions to his name. That tots up to just a pitiful 405 minutes of action, with Phillips failing to dislodge the brilliant Rodri.
As a result, speculation is mounting that Phillips’ time at City could end after just a year.
And reports of late claim Aston Villa are planning a fresh move for their long-term target.
However, Unai Emery’s request to take Phillips from City will be met with a firm refusal, reports Football Insider.
Citing sources, they indicate Pep Guardiola has no intention of letting Phillips leave. Furthermore, the 26-times capped England player also intends to fight for his place at City.
Having seen Jack Grealish struggle during his first year, Phillips will hope to take inspiration from his teammate.
As a result, Villa are reportedly set to turn their attention towards the capture of a PSG star instead.
READ MORE: Aston Villa can complete signing of the summer with PSG star available for shockingly low price