Liverpool scouts are seriously impressed by a Brazilian full-back and are plotting a 2020 approach, while Tottenham are ready to end a French midfielder’s Italian woes, according to Tuesday’s European papers.
LIVERPOOL READY APPROACH FOR PORTO FULL-BACK
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reported to have identified Porto full-back Alex Telles as a prime target in 2020.
The Brazilian has carved out an outstanding reputation in Portugal, having registered a staggering 48 assists in all competitions since moving to Estadio do Dragao in 2016 from Galatasaray. He’s also weighed in with 13 goals – and, according to Calciomercato, his form has very much attracted the attention of Klopp and his scouting team.
As per the report, Klopp views Telles as seriously strong cover and competition for No 1 Andy Robertson, with Liverpool failing to sign a back-up left-back following Alberto Moreno’s departure over the summer and having James Milner on standby should he be needed.
But Klopp is a big fan of expansive, attack-minded full-backs and it’s reported that he sees Telles as someone to seriously keep Robertson on his toes and offer the European champions serious strength in depth in a key position.
Telles’ contract expires in summer 2021 and it’s reported Liverpool will test the water in January with a bid less than the current €40m exit clause that exists in his contract. However, as per the report, it’s claimed a summer 2020 deal looks more realistic for the Reds, with the Portuguese giants likely to be forced into his sale with the 26-year-old by that stage having under 10 months left on his contract with Porto.
AND THE REST
Tottenham are “seriously thinking” about making a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, with the France midfielder angered by his lack of minutes in Turin (Calciomercato)
Liverpool and Manchester United will go head to head in January for the signature of Ousmane Dembele after he was cleared to leave Barcelona in an €100m (£86m) deal (Don Balon)
Barcelona will try and sign Real Betis striker Loren Moron as a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez. Reports claim the club deem the €75m-rated Spaniard a more realistic target to Harry Kane, who is likely to cost around €200m (Marca)
Man Utd and Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti is fighting to save his Barcelona career with the player likely to be told he can leave unless his form and fitness improves in the coming months. Bayern Munich have also been mentioned as €60m suitors (AS / Don Balon)
Man City sent a scout to watch €50m Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali on Monday night in his side’s clash with Fiorentina. The young Italian has been compared to Andrea Pirlo and has also been linked with Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea (Gazzetta dello Sport)
AC Milan are ruing their decision not to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on a permanent €30m basis after it’s claimed he’s exactly the sort of midfielder they’re missing this season (Calciomercato)
Former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti claims “maybe I’d have done something so crazy” and brought back Zlatan Ibrahimovic back to the club in January (Sport MediaSet)
Real Madrid will offer Spurs their Spain midfielder Isco and Dominican Republic forward Mariano Diaz in an attempt to secure Eriksen’s signature (El Desmarque)
Marseille midfielder Maxime Lopez has admitted he ‘lost his ability to focus on his game’ after hearing that Barcelona had tried to sign him (Canal+)
Barcelona have ended their dispute with Atletico Madrid over summer signing Antoine Griezmann, 28, by paying an extra 15m euros for the France forward (Mundo Deportivo)
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