Liverpool are upping their interest for Mykhaylo Mudryk with their top sout deployed to watch him and Shakhtar’s asking price emerging, Edu’s No 1 target for Arsenal in January has emerged, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Barcelona were priced out of a move for a Ligue 1 defender this summer.
TOP SCOUT DEPLOYED AS LIVERPOOL UP CHASE FOR MYKHAYLO MUDRYK
Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their chase for Mykhaylo Mudryk with their top scout deployed to watch him in action several times in the next few weeks.
The Shakhtar Donestsk star is turning heads after some impressive performances of late. The 21-year-old right footer, who operates mainly on the left-wing, has four goal involvements (two goals and two assists) from two Champions League matches this season.
Mudryk has been strongly linked with Arsenal in the past with the Gunners reportedly seeing a £25m summer bid failing.
And that looks to be a wise choice from a Shakhtar point of view with Mudryk now likely to command a higher fee.
To that end, Liverpool are now very much on his trail with reports on Monday revealing Liverpool’s interest. That’s despite Mudryk previously dropping a hint as to a future move to Arsenal.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano claims as many as 15 clubs are keeping tabs on his progress.
And the trusted reporter, speaking to Caught Offside, claims Shakhtar now value the winger in the £35m – £40m (€45m – €50m) bracket.
“Despite growing speculation, I have no updates on Mudryk now. I think he will be linked with 15 clubs in the next three months, and it’s normal as he’s a top talent, but nothing will be decided now.
“Shakhtar will take their time and I’m sure they want more than €45-50m for Mudryk. But we’ve to see how his performances in the Champions League will be in the next weeks.”
Liverpool send top scout to watch Mykhaylo Mudryk
Of those keen on a possible deal, it seems Liverpool are now his top suitors.
Calciomercato reports he is pushing higher up sporting director Julian Ward’s wanted list.
And now The Guardian journalist Artur Petrosyan claims Ward will deploy his top scout to watch Mudryk in action in the coming weeks.
That man, Barry Hunter, will likely be in attendance on Wednesday night as Scotland tackle Ukraine at Hampden Park. Their next Nations League match comes on Saturday in Armenia. And they wrap up their campaign with the return match against Scotland at Poland’s Marszałek Piłsudski Stadium on Tuesday.
Hunter will also be checking out Mudryk in Shakhtar’s next Champions League match on October 5. That’s when they tackle reigning champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
And should he impress, Mudryk may well find himself the subject of a concrete approach from Liverpool in January.
ARSENAL MAKE JESPER LINDSTROM TOP JANUARY TARGET
Arsenal are making Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Jesper Lindstrom – rated at around £20m – their No 1 target in January. (90 min)
Rafael Leao is in a hurry to sign a new deal with AC Milan and is ready to ignore approaches from Chelsea to stay at the San Siro. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Barcelona were price out of a summer move for Monaco defender Vanderson with the Ligue 1 club demanding a £52.5m (€60m) fee. (Sport)
Todd Boehly has reportedly bemoaned Chelsea for snubbing the chance to sign Aurlien Tchouameni in summer 2021 for a knockdown £30m (€35m). (Sport)
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro ‘was close’ to securing the Everton job in January, before Frank Lampard’s arrival. (Ciro Venerato)
West Ham came close to signing Arnaut Danjuma this summer with the move breaking down over personal terms. (Fabrizio Romano)
JUVENTUS CONSIDER FORMER CHELSEA BOSS AMID ALLEGRI SACK TALK
Sacking Massimiliano Allegri will cost Juventus €80m, though possible options include Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel. (Tuttosport)
Barcelona are pushing hard to sign Marco Asensio on a controversial free transfer from Real Madrid in 2023. (Mundo Deportivo)
Manchester United are reportedly in contact with the representatives of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos ahead of the January window. (various)
Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross suggests Graham Potter’s biggest issue at Chelsea will be dealing with a packed squad. (Sport 1)
Italy coach Roberto Mancini is backing Gianluca Scamacca to become a success at West Ham despite his Premier League drought. (La Repubblica)
PSV chief Marcel Brands has told Leeds they will need to restructure their offer for Cody Gakpo if they’re to have any chance of signing him in January. (Voetbal International)
BAYERN BACKING JULIAN NAGELSMANN AMID SACK REPORTS
Bayern Munich are publicly backing Julian Nagelsmann after defeat by Augsburg at the weekend left the champions fifth in the Bundesliga. (Sky Deutschland)
Fabio Cannavaro is close to reaching an agreement with Benevento to become the new head coach of the Serie B side. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
Premier League clubs are keeping a close watch on Eintracht Frankfurt winger Ansgar Knauff, 20, amid comparisons to Arjen Robben. (Sport1)
Nuno Tavares’ prospects of ever making it at Arsenal are being called into question by journalist Stephane Guy. (RMC Sport)
Robert Lewandowski reckons his move to Barcelona can finally help fulfil his dream of winning the Ballon d’Or. (Marca)
Benjamin Pavard admits he could see himself leaving Bayern Munich at some point in the future amid links with Manchester United. (Telefoot)
