Jurgen Klopp is well aware of the transfer talk concerning Sadio Mane which is threatening to derail Liverpool’s Champions League bid, while Arsenal have offered Nicolas Pepe to a European giant.
SADIO MANE BAYERN BOUND?
Reds boss Klopp even made reference to the transfer speculation and was puzzled as to “what I did” on Friday.
French outlet L’Equipe ran a story on Friday suggesting “the Senegalese striker should continue his career at Bayern Munich”.
The report claims Hasan Salihamidzic met with the player’s agents in Mallorca 10 days ago. The Bayern sporting director put forward the club’s strong interest and the response from Mane was reciprocated.
Bayern are chasing a replacement for Robert Lewandowski and they are reported to be set to pay £25m for Mane. And offer the 30-year-old a three-year contract.
Klopp though had no time for the talk surrounding the striker, who is out of contract in 2023.
“This is the wrong moment to speak about that,” Klopp told reporters in Friday’s press conference.
“Wherever Sadio (Mane) will play next season, he will be a big player, definitely.
“It’s not the first time in my career that before a decisive game, Bayern Munich rumours are coming up. I don’t know what I did. It happens.”
Mane, speaking ahead of the final, has hinted he is ready to stay at Anfield. And he said he would make an announcement on his future after the Paris showpiece.
“I am fully focused on Saturday’s game, that is the answer I must give before the final. But come back to me on Saturday and I will give you the best answer you want to hear, for sure. It’s special. I will give you all you want to hear then,” said Mane.
PEPE ON HIS WAY OUT
Mikel Arteta is ready to sell Nicholas Pepe this summer and Paris Saint-Germain could be his destination, claims a report.
Arteta has had enough of the £72m Unai Emery signing and decided to call time on the 26-year-old’s time at The Emirates.
He made 20 Premier League appearances last season, but started just five games, scoring once.
Now Foot Mercato report that Arteta much prefers Bukayo Saka on the right wing and Pepe will be sold.
The Gunners have offered Pepe to PSG, who are looking to replace Angel Di Maria.
He is not the only club that Arsenal have tried to tempt with a sale, but Luis Campos knows Pepe well from their time at Lille.
The former Monaco sporting director will assume the role vacated by Leonardo’s sacking this week and could explore a reunion with Pepe.
However, with a contract until 2024 and a £140,000-per-week salary he could be difficult to offload.
COLWILL CHASE
Arsenal and Leicester are interested in young Chelsea star Levi Colwill, according to Goal.
The 19-year-old has been a first-team regular in Huddersfield Town’s promotion push. And the defender’s impact for the Terriers has not gone unnoticed.
Colwill will line up for Huddersfield against Nottingham Forest in Sunday’s play-off final and a host of Premier League scouts will be in attendance at Wembley.
Crystal Palace, Southampton and Brighton are all interested, while Everton were linked earlier in the month.
The Blues are ready to bring Colwill back in the summer to train in pre-season under Thomas Tuchel. But the German did not hand a single league appearance to any teenage players last season.
That may leave Colwill looking at another loan deal, but the Blues are short of defenders.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are both leaving on free transfers and Cesar Azpilicueta could also depart.
However, Chelsea are expected to prioritise defensive signings this summer with Jule Kounde a target once again.
