Paper Talk: New Liverpool centre-back target emerges

Liverpool have reportedly switched centre-back targets to an experienced Serie A star, while Wolves are turning to a former West Brom striker to fill the void left by Raul Jimenez’s injury, according to Sunday’s transfer gossip.

INTER STAR ON LIVERPOOL RADAR

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij in the January transfer window.

The Holland international has become a key man for Inter under Antonio Conte, with his form said to have caught the eye of the injury-hit Reds.

Jurgen Klopp is expected to be in the market for a new centre-back in the new year, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both out long term.

And FC Inter News (via Sport Witness and the Sunday Mirror) claims that the Anfield outfit have switched their focus to De Vrij.

The report, however, adds that the 28-year-old is likely to ignore Liverpool’s advances due to the fact that he is happy with life at the San Siro.

The player has also stated that he is willing to stay beyond his current contract, which runs out in 2023.

If that is the case then the Reds are likely to pursue other targets, including the more ‘gettable’ Ozan Kabak.

The 20-year-old Schalke star could potentially be available for as little as €15million in January and, given his age, would arguably provide better value than bringing in De Vrij.

Kabak would also be part of the defensive rotation when everyone is fit at Liverpool, while De Vrij could arguably damage the progress of Joe Gomez by taking the England man’s starting spot.


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WOLVES TARGET FORMER WBA STAR

Wolves reportedly want to sign former West Brom striker Salomon Rondon as cover while they wait for Raul Jimenez to recover from a fractured skull. (Mail on Sunday)

Juventus hope Manchester United will allow Paul Pogba to return to Turin next month – on loan. (Sunday Mirror)

Liverpool target Kylian Mbappe will only leave Paris-Saint Germain if his parents think it is a good idea. (Sunday Mirror)

William Saliba has made light of his Arsenal omission after claiming he is “locked up” like former team-mate Matteo Guendouzi. (Sunday Mirror)

Carlo Ancelotti is ready to make a move next month for either of Spurs duo Dele Alli and Harry Winks. (Sunday Mirror)

Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out a dramatic recall for Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil. (Daily Star Sunday)

LIGUE 1 OUTFIT CHASING TOMORI

Tomori TEAMtalk

Nice want to sign Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on loan in January until the end of the season.  (Sun on Sunday)

Harry Winks may move abroad in January as he looks to keep alive his chances of being selected for England’s Euro 2020 squad.  (Sun on Sunday)

The Premier League’s ‘big six’ will make a third attempt to bring in five subs next week with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola leading calls.  (Sun on Sunday)

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock wants winger Duncan Watmore to sign a new deal amid interest from other Championship clubs. (Sun on Sunday)

Dele Alli will be granted a move from Tottenham in January out of respect for his five years’ service. (Sunday Telegraph)

AND MORE GOSSIP

Chelsea are struggling to find buyers for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcos Alonso and Andreas Christensen, who are all available in January. (Sunday Express)

Liverpool fear Diogo Jota may be crocked for two months. (Sun on Sunday)

Istanbul Basaksehir assistant manager Pierre Webo has said the player’s decision to walk off the pitch after he was racially abused by a match official was a watershed moment in football. (Mail on Sunday)

Louis van Gaal believes Donny van de Beek made a mistake by joining Man Utd in the summer. (Mail on Sunday)

Celtic have joined a host of clubs keeping tabs on Airdrie winger Thomas Robert. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

James Forrest is out of next month’s Old Firm clash after suffering a devastating injury setback. (Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Scottish clubs will soon be barred from hoovering up some of Europe’s top young talents under rules set to come into force after Brexit. (Sunday Mail)