Transfer Gossip: Man Utd take big leap forward to sign £66m De Gea replacement; Liverpool willing to accept £15m for Klopp stalwart

Erik ten Hag manager of Manchester United walks off with David De Gea of Manchester United during the Premier League match at Old Trafford

Manchester United are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit of David de Gea’s long-term successor, despite talk of a new deal for the Red Devils No.1, while Liverpool are ready to listen to offers of £15million for one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted stars – all in Sunday’s Transfer Gossip.

UNITED RAMP UP EFFORTS TO SIGN PORTO STAR 

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their bid to sign David de Gea’s long-term successor Diogo Costa this summer.

Portuguese A Bola reports that the Red Devils want the Porto stopper to replace club stalwart De Gea, despite recent reports that the Spaniard could be closing in on a new Old Trafford contract.

Costa will not come though, having recently signed a new contract. Indeed, his new deal included a release clause of  €75million (£66.4m), which Porto will look to fully activate if any suitors come calling.

The 23-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top young keepers in European football and has kept 13 clean sheets across all competitions for Porto this season.

But despite the A Bola report, it’s claimed that United are still willing to hand De Gea a fresh contract.

The 32-year-old continues to operate at a high level for a United side going from strength to strength under Erik ten Hag. And, while the odd glaring error continues to be a part of his game, Ten Hag is understood to be willing to keep De Gea as his number one.

De Gea on trial to keep his job

However, during the remaining months of the campaign, as United continue to operate on several fronts, De Gea is very much expected to be on trial to earn that extended contract.

And with United very much landing on Costa as the Spaniard’s perfect replacement, any more notable slip-ups that end up costing his side points or cup exits could prove fatal.

As for Ten Hag, the Dutchman would arguably prefer to spend the potential Costa fee on other areas of his team.

A new central striker remains his top target in the summer, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen leading the way in that regard.

Ten Hag, meanwhile, also wants the Red Devils to be in the mix for Jude Bellingham, if the England man is made available by Borussia Dortmund.

LIVERPOOL READY TO CASH IN ON VETERAN DEFENDER

Liverpool are reportedly willing to accept an offer of around £15million for veteran centre-back Joel Matip this summer.

The defender, who turns 32 in August, is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and has a history of niggling injury issues.

Matip’s long-term future is in doubt despite the fact that he has started four of Liverpool’s last six Premier League games during a defensive injury crisis.

And now Football Insider has given an update on the player’s future, having revealed the Reds were open to offers earlier this month.

The Cameroon international’s form has dipped in recent months, which was clearly evident in the 3-0 defeat at Wolves when the Liverpool defence was all at sea and Matip also scored an own goal.

Matip started 31 Premier League games last season but his role has diminished in the wake of the growing Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate partnership.

When both players are fully fit and ready to return, Football Insider reports that Liverpool are willing to let Matip go for £15m.

The defender has won every major trophy on offer at Liverpool since joining the club on a free transfer from Schalke in the summer of 2016.

NEWCASTLE STEP UP BID TO LAND LAZIO MIDFIELDER

Newcastle have reportedly ramped up their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of a summer swoop.

A report from Il Messagero via Sport Italia, claims that Eddie Howe’s men are prepared to make a move for the Serbian international when the transfer window reopens.

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Milinkovic-Savic has a contract with the Italian club until the summer of 2024. However, the Rome-based outfit could be under pressure to cash in on him if he refuses to sign an extension.

The 27-year-old, whose asking price could range between £45-53million, has established himself as one of the best midfielders around Europe in recent seasons, and that is one particular area that Howe wants to upgrade in the summer.

Bruno Guimaraes has made an outstanding impact since he moved to the Premier League club, while Joelinton has looked a completely different player since dropping into a deeper role.

However, Howe wants another high-quality performer in his engine room and Milinkovic-Savic adds defensive cover as well as providing a goal threat.

In 29 appearances in all competitions this season, he has scored six goals and also provided eight assists.

And with Newcastle in prime position to secure a Champions League spot for next season, Howe knows he needs to add proven quality to his first XI to compete on several fronts going forward.