Liverpool to beat Man Utd to €60m defender with France winger also eyed; Arsenal in talks with LaLiga winger

Liverpool to beat Man Utd to €60m defender with France winger also eyed; Arsenal in talks with LaLiga winger

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has identified a new centre-half and a winger  worth a combined €90m, Arsenal hope to sign a quality Girona winger, while Tottenham and Napoli are to discuss a €30m midfielder transfer.

SLOT DECIDES NO 1 DEFENSIVE TARGET FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are reportedly set to make a huge approach to sign Goncalo Inacio this summer after manager Arne Slot decided the Sporting Lisbon star is his top central defensive target this summer.

The Merseysiders are preparing for a bright new era at Anfield with Slot the man chosen to replace the iconic Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager. And with money to spend, the Dutchman has decided, after talks with Michael Edwards, that he has three priority positions to strengthen in this summer: a left-sided centre-half, a new holding midfielder and a new attacker.

As far as a new midfielder is concerned, Liverpool have decided that last summer’s arrival, Wataru Endo, is little more than a short-term fix with moves now being planned for his replacement. To that end, it was reported on Saturday that the Reds have made contact with FC Porto over a deal for Argentinian star Alan Varela.

However, it seems he may not be the only arrival to come to Anfield this summer from the Portuguese Primeira Liga with the Reds also ready to step up their interest in signing Sporting centre-half Inacio.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the best outstanding young defenders in the world game and fits Liverpool’s demands perfectly as they look to sign a young, dominant – but crucially left-sided centre-half – this summer.

His release clause is set at €60m (£51.1m) – a price that has alerted both Liverpool and Manchester United this summer.

However, it is Liverpool who pose the strongest interest and now a firm move is set to be launched to secure his services, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Inacio, who boasts excellent composure on the ball and finished the season just gone making an average of two clearances and 1.4 tackles per game, as well as an 89.4% pass accuracy, has played 171 times for Sporting CP and is a two-time champion of Portugal.

Slot steps up quest to bring Lyon star to Liverpool

Liverpool have also reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Rayan Cherki this summer as they consider a long-term future beyond Mo Salah.

The Egyptian is expected to remain at Anfield this summer, despite ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia. However, with his deal due to expire in summer 2025, Liverpool know they will one day soon need to consider a long-term heir to the goal-hungry superstar.

Now reports in France claim Slot has recommended the Liverpool board take a look at Cherki as someone who has the capacity to one day replace their talismanic star.

A number of costly options, ranging from Leroy Sane to Federico Chiesa have been touted as successors.

But Liverpool also want to build for the future and have taken a look at a couple of young wing options, including Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville and PSV star Johan Bakayoko.

However, reports in France now claim Cherki is emerging as a serious option to move to Anfield with an approach to Lyon now arriving to try and work out what it would cost to sign the 20-year-old.

Cherki is rated at around the €30m mark and is also of interest to Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG.

And with the player’s deal due to expire in summer 2025, Lyon know this summer represents their last chance to claim a respectable fee for the France youth international.

BARCELONA VERDICT ON RAID FOR MAN UTD STAR BRUNO FERNANDES

Barcelona have been priced OUT of a deal for Bruno Fernandes after deciding they have other priorities to sign this summer. Manchester United value the Portuguese star at the €60m mark, though have also made it clear they do not want to negotiate the Portugual playmaker’s sale. (Matteo Moretto)

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has added Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles to their list of targets after TEAMtalk’s revelation that the Italian has made it clear he wants to sell Robert Sanchez. (various)

Newcastle expect to tie up the free-transfer signing of Lloyd Kelly in a matter of days and have no fears of losing the player in the same way they have Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea. (Fabrizio Romano)

Juventus are exploring a possible swap deal that will see Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and former Leeds midfielder Weston McKennie trade places this summer. (Sky Italia)

Aston Villa have also made contact with the representatives of Denzel Dumfries as they prepare an official offer for the €30m-rated Inter Milan right wing-back. (Tuttosport)