Manchester United are ready to make their move for a Bundesliga star boasting crazy stats, Liverpool are upping the chase for a Jude Bellingham alternative, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims Everton lead three clubs in the chase to sign an England defender.
TEN HAG MOVE FOR JEREMI FRIMPONG ‘MORE AND MORE APPARENT’
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit to sign Jeremie Frimpong per reports in Germany.
United manager Erik ten Hag has the first trophy of his reign after claiming glory in the Carabao Cup. However, the Dutchman knows further strengthening is needed if his side are to start challenging for the game’s biggest prizes. As a result, plans are already in place for some more mjaor additions at Old Trafford this summer.
Top of Ten Hag’s agenda is a new striker to replace loan marksman Wout Weghorst. Whilst the Dutchman has proved effective, his goals record is not great and his loan stay will not be made permanent.
But as well as a new forward, Ten Hag also wants to bring in new defenders at Manchester United.
And while United have both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot as options at right-back, it is claimed he is desperate to bring in another in the form of Frimpong.
The former Manchester City man has been outstanding this season for Bayer Leverkusen. Indeed, he has 12 goal contributions in all competitions this season, a staggering record for a right-back. It is also double than both Dalot (five) and Wan-Bissaka (one) combined this term too.
Frimpong an upgrade on both Wan-Bissaka and Dalot
He is also capable of playing in a more advanced right-wing role, while is also comfortable in a flat-back four or as a wing-back.
And his form has led to his manager Xavi Alonso calling Frimpong a “special player”.
However, Leverkusen seemingly face a huge battle to retain his services. And while they rate him at between £40m and £50m, a deal can reportedly be done for around £30m – £35m.
His deal is currently due to expire in 2025, but Leverkusen would struggle to reject a significant offer for his services.
And Sky Sports Deutschland claims a United move for Frimpong is becoming ‘more and more apparent’ as we approach the summer window.
Were United to sign Frimpong, Ten Hag will consider letting one of either Dalot or Wan-Bissaka depart. The latter would be favourite, though much depends on Dalot’s willingness to sign a new deal.
His current arrangement at Old Trafford is due to expire in summer 2024 and he could be moved on if an extension is not agreed.
LIVERPOOL STEP UP CHASE FOR INTER MILAN STAR
Liverpool are stepping up their chase to strengthen their midfield this summer by sending scouts to watch a Serie A star this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp has a major rebuilding job on his hands this summer after the Reds fell way below their usual high standards.
And with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and potentially James Milner set to leave, midfield is likely to be an area of utmost importance.
To that end, Liverpool are expected to make at least two new signing in their engine room.
And their interest in signing Jude Bellingham is certainly well known. The Borussia Dortmund star has established himself as one of the world game’s elite midfielders.
And being just 19 years of age, he is likely to command a seriously massive fee to go with that talent.
Indeed, per recent reports, BVB are setting a price tag of £132m (€150m) for Bellingham’s suitors. And while Liverpool’s owners FSG are willing to help fund a summer rebuild, Bellingham’s fee might be a little beyond their price range.
As such, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool are reportedly casting their eye over a number of alternatives.
And one name that has been persistently linked with Liverpool over the years is Inter star Nicolo Barella.
The Italy midfielder is valued at around the £60m bracket, which may have once looked too steep for Liverpool.
But in light of seeing Enzo Fernandez join Chelsea for £105.7m, together with Bellingham’s new valuation, suddenly looks a bit of a bargain.
Now according to il Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool are upping their chase for Barella.
They claim Liverpool scouts have watched Barella very closely in recent weeks. And claims that a summer approach is in the works is now gathering pace in Italy.
EVERTON CHASE DEAL FOR CHRIS SMALLING
Everton are looking to bring former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling back to the Premier League this summer.
The Roma defender has impressed since ditching the Red Devils for Serie A back in 2019.
But his deal due to expire in the summer, though Roma do have the option to extend that by another year.
However, they are unlikely to offer him an extension, meaning a cut-price transfer looks to be on the cards.
To prepare for his exit, Roma have already brought in Spain defender Diego Llorente from Leeds.
As for Smalling, Inter Milan are reportedly keen to keep the former England man in Serie A.
But as per 90min, a move back to the Premier League now looks the most likely outcome.
And per their report, that chase is being led by Everton, while Fulham, Leicester and West Ham are also keen.
Sean Dyche already has plenty of central defensive options on his books. But he could look to move the likes of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate on. And that would leave just Ben Godfrey as cover for James Tarkowski and Conor Coady.
As a result, the chance to sign Smalling, now 33, for a discounted fee, seemingly holds appeal.
Smalling will reportedly make a decision on his future once the current season comes to an end.
