Paper Talk: Liverpool transfer plan in tatters after midfielder decision

Liverpool look likely to miss out on their top midfield target despite previous reports he was open to the move, while Cristiano Ronaldo has a firm plan to leave Juventus amid rumours of a return to Manchester United – according to Tuesday’s transfer gossip.

MIDFIELD TARGET SNUBS LIVERPOOL

Liverpool target Florian Neuhaus is more likely to stay in Germany this summer as he plans for another season with Borussia Moenchengladbach.

That’s according to Bild, who deny previous reports that Neuhaus had given the green light to a move to Anfield.

The midfielder has been lined up by Liverpool as a potential replacement for Gini Wijnaldum, who is out of contract this summer. Neuhaus would cost around £34m.

But Liverpool may suffer disappointment in that pursuit, as Neuhaus is now planning to commit his future to Gladbach.

Still under contract with the Bundesliga club until 2024, he reportedly wants to spend one more season with them. What his plans are after that is unclear.

He is also set to turn down interest from other German clubs like Bayern Munich to stay put.

Liverpool may thus need to turn their attention elsewhere if they cannot convince Wijnaldum to stay. They have already been linked with a number of names.

Neuhaus appeared to be one of their main candidates, though, so unless they could wait a year to try and tempt him, it seems they will have to change their approach.

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RONALDO MAKES FUTURE DECISION

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to return to first club Sporting CP when his Juventus contract expires next year. (The Sun)

Barcelona have a six-man transfer shortlist ahead of the summer, including Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum and Manchester City duo Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia. They are also considering Erling Haaland, Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay. (Diario Sport)

Leicester target Robin Gosens would prefer to stay in Serie A. Juventus and Inter want to sign him from Atalanta. (Calciomercato)

Daniel Levy will allow Tottenham’s next head coach to re-sign Gareth Bale if they want. (Daily Mail)

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has reminded Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea that they will not sell Erling Haaland this summer. (Metro)

Newcastle have shown serious interest in Vitesse Arnhem defender Danilho Doekhi. Norwich, Fulham and Rangers have also been linked. (De Telegraaf)

RANGERS FEND OFF LEEDS

Rangers will offer Ryan Kent a new contract to fend off interest from Leeds, who are ready to make another bid. (Daily Record)

It would take an offer of £4bn to convince the Glazer family to sell Manchester United. (The Times)

Newcastle want Fabian Schar to sign a new contract before he goes off to Euro 2020. (Northern Echo)

Leicester and Everton are preparing bids for impressive Brentford striker Ivan Toney. (The Athletic)

Man Utd may be deducted points after fan protests forced the postponement of their game against Liverpool. (Daily Mail)

United fans are planning more protests – potentially at their next home match against Leicester or the rearranged Liverpool fixture. (The Times)

CHANGE OF PLAN FOR ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa have changed their plans to sell Anwar El Ghazi after fellow winger Trezeguet suffered a serious injury. (Football Insider)

Arsenal believe David Luiz still has a chance of playing again this season despite getting injured at the weekend. (Daily Mail)

Daniel Ek could make a formal offer to buy Arsenal from Stan Kroenke by the end of the week. (Daily Telegraph)

Brighton and Hibernian are in talks over forming a partnership. (Daily Record)

Watford have made contact with former player Ashley Young over a potential return to English football. (Watford Observer)

Burnley could look to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United as a replacement if they can sell Nick Pope for £45m. (The Sun)