Liverpool are stepping up their pursuit for a £50m star after getting the green light from Jurgen Klopp, a Manchester United midfielder has changed agents as a move away nears, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip claims Aston Villa are ready to pay £50m for one of the Bundesliga’s outstanding attacking talents.
ROMEO LAVIA DEAL TO GO THROUGH FOR LIVERPOOL THIS WEEK
Liverpool are reportedly hoping to wrap up the signing of Romeo Lavia this week from Southampton.
The Reds’ focus this summer has firmly been on rejuvenating their midfield after something of a lacklustre 2022/23 season. They acted quickly to secure the £35m signing of Alexis Mac Allister soon after the campaign came to an end. And a second signing – the £60m arrival of Hungary playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai – was also wrapped up.
Now talks over signing No 3 are finally gathering pace.
To that end, Klopp’s interest in signing Belgian star Lavia has been known for some time. The 19-year-old emerged through the season with great credit, despite Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League.
However, strong interest in the teenager means he will not be sticking around to play Championship football.
To that end, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all strongly considering a move for Lavia.
Liverpool had been in pole position, but were unwilling to match Saints’ £50m valuation.
However, with Manchester City now also asking to be kept informed of developments – City have a £40m re-sign option on the star that becomes active in summer 2024 – Jurgen Klopp has been forced to act.
And it seems they are now willing to go that bit closer to the Southampton asking price in light of interest in Lavia.
Lavia to sign – but Liverpool willing to let Thiago leave
Now according to Sky Sports Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool and Southampton are locked in talks on the deal.
He claims talks over the transfer are ‘ongoing’ but is adamant there is no agreement yet on personal terms.
Explaining that Klopp has now approved his signing, he has revealed the attributes that the Reds boss admires.
He tweeted: “[Lavia is a] Very press resistant player – even in high pressure situations, he loses the ball only once out of 10 times.”
As a result, talks over a deal for Lavia will step up rapidly this week.
And there appears a growing confidence from a Liverpool point of view that a deal can be finalised this week.
Klopp has also decided on Lavia ahead of other interest in the likes of Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone.
The arrival of Lavia, however, might yet mean a big-name exit from Anfield in the shape of Thiago Alcantara.
The 32-year-old struggled for form and fitness in the 2022/23 campaign, featuring in just 18 Premier League games.
And with just a year left on his deal, Klopp has reportedly sanctioned his departure.
To that end, early interest in the Spaniard has emerged from Saudi Arabia.
However, a new destination looks on the cards, whereby allowing Thiago to link up with a former Man Utd star in a new-look midfield.
Manchester United midfielder Fred has switched agencies as talk of a summer move away from Old Trafford gather pace.
The Brazilian has made 213 appearances for the Red Devils since a £50m move from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018.
But with just a year left on his deal, and having reached the age of 30, Manchester United are ready to let Fred move on.
To that end, TEAMtalk exclusively broke the news that Erik ten Hag was open to offers for the 32-times capped star back in May.
Since then, Fulham have strongly been linked with a move for his services. The Cottagers are looking to build on an excellent top 10 finish and are keen on adding Fred to the mix.
However, there is also interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia too.
Either way, it seems Fred’s exit at Old Trafford will be sealed in the coming weeks.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the midfielder has changed his agents in an effort to secure himself the best possible deal.
Per Romano, Fred has now hooked up with Marcelo Pettinati, the same agency that represents Gabriel Jesus. And after ending his relationship with former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva, Fred is hoping to push through his move.
To that end, Fred wants his new agent to sort the best move possible for him. And while a final pay-day is important, Romano claims Fred will put the focus on joining a club whereby he can play an important role.
His fee is likely to be around £15m to £20m, with United adding the funds to their summer kitty.
ASTON VILLA JOIN RACE FOR MOUSSA DIABY
Aston Villa are putting themselves firmly in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
Unai Emery has worked wonders since arriving at Villa Park as a successor to Steven Gerrard. Indeed, the wily Spaniard has led the club back into European competition via the UEFA Conference League.
However, their ambitions do not stop there and Villa next want to make a push for the top four.
They have already added Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City. And a deal for Villarreal’s classy defender Pau Torres will likely go through in the coming days.
Now Villa want to add France winger Diaby to the mix.
Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen is one of the Bundesliga’s brightest attackers.
Indeed, in the season just gone, he claimed 12 goals and nine assists. That takes his tally to an impressive 49 goals and 50 assists from just 172 appearances for Bayer. That’s a goal contribution every 1.7 appearances.
As a result, Bayer rate the star highly.
And in reaction to a Villa enquiry, the Daily Mail claims Bayer have responded with a £51m (€60m) asking price for the star.
That would completely shatter the club’s transfer record, which currently stands at the £38m paid for Emi Buendia.
However, Diaby is a player that Emery is desperate to get hold of. And with owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens preparing to back their manager, a firm Villa approach could be lodged this week.
Long linked with Newcastle and Arsenal, the 24-year-old is one of the Bundesliga’s most deadly attackers.
