Liverpool target Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes transfers to overhaul midfield - Paper Round
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Updated 19/01/2023 at 08:20 GMT
Liverpool could move for both Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes to reinforce their midfield, while Manchester United hope to keep Alejandro Garnacho out of the clutches of Real Madrid and Juventus. Elsewhere, Sergio Busquets could now extend his stay at Barcelona, and West Ham are keen to sign experienced striker Danny Ings, who may be sacrificed to raise funds for Aston Villa.
Worst defeat of my career says Klopp as Liverpool lose 3-0 to Brighton
Liverpool plan double swoop
The Sun believes that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has his eye on two midfield signings to replace some of the more experienced names in his squad. The first is Borussia Dortmund’s 19-year-old England international Jude Bellingham, who could cost in excess of £88 million, while the other is Wolves’ midfielder Matheus Nunes, who only joined the Premier League side from Sporting Lisbon for £42m last summer.
Paper Round’s view: With Liverpool’s season a struggle already and weaknesses apparent across the pitch, signing Cody Gakpo is not a stop-gap solution, but probably part of a more extensive - and expensive - overhaul at Anfield under Klopp, with the German apparently keen to stay. If a takeover does go through then he will probably receive additional transfer funds.
Garnacho to be offered new deal
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho will be offered a new contract by the club with his current deal set to expire in a year and a half. The 18-year-old forward has broken into the first team under Erik ten Hag, who wants to keep the player. The Sun reports that there is interest in signing the player both from Juventus and Real Madrid, with United keen to keep hold of him.
Paper Round’s view: Garnacho’s contribution in the recent Manchester derby only gave more evidence that the teenager could be a player to hold down a first team spot under Ten Hag for the next few seasons, as more experience refines his effectiveness. Real and Juventus will be lurking to make sure they can get a cut-price bargain if he comes up for grabs soon.
Busquets turns down huge offer
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has rejected a £17 million-a-year contract offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, who recently signed Cristiano Ronaldo on his own massive deal. Busquets is 34 and has considered leaving Barcelona this January, but could now sign fresh terms to stay with his current club, though he is also wanted by MLS team Inter Miami, according to the Mail.
Paper Round’s view: Busquets remains a regular starter for Barcelona under the leadership of their coach Xavi Hernandez, and after years at the top of football he probably does not need to make any decision for financial reasons. He has never been a physically imposing player, so despite his age he may be able to continue to play in La Liga for some time yet.
West Ham keen on Ings
West Ham could bid for Aston Villa’s striker Danny Ings, who is valued at around £15 million, according to the Telegraph. Villa boss Unai Emery was not planning to sell Ings but if the 30-year-old attracts a bid, then the Spaniard is willing to move him on and reinvest the funds in a player of his choice. West Ham boss David Moyes wants to add attacking options.
Paper Round’s view: Ings consistently scores at Premier League level and that quality is essential for all teams, but especially those who are threatened by relegation. Moyes may be running out of time in east London but any manager who comes in, especially on a short-term deal, will be able to find space in the starting XI for a player such as Ings.
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