Liverpool have learned the actual price PSG will demand for Kylian Mbappe – and it seems a deal is well within their reach, Manchester United are tracking Benfica’s goalkeeper as a replacement for David De Gea, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip has a big update on Chelsea’s chase for Rafael Leao.
LIVERPOOL CAN AFFORD KYLIAN MBAPPE TRANSFER
Kylian Mbappe is two significant steps closer to signing for Liverpool after a double update on Thursday morning.
The PSG superstar is unhappy with the Ligue 1 giants and reportedly pushing to leave just months after signing a new deal. This article looks into the five reasons behind his decision to quit Paris Saint-Germain.
As a result, a number of sides are already been mentioned as potential suitors. That chase is seemingly being led by Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants firmly on his trail for a number of seasons.
However, Marca reports that Los Blancos are steering clear of Mbappe this time around. As such, they claim they are unwilling to bid for the 23-year-old any time soon.
And that according to the report seriously increases Liverpool’s prospects of getting a deal done.
Furthermore, the article claims Liverpool DO have the financial clout to get his transfer done. Reports suggest PSG could be looking for as much as £350m (€400m) to sell Mbappe in January.
Realistically, not a club in the world can afford that sort of fee, with a more realistic asking price reportedly now set at £175m.
And according to football financial expert, Kieran Maguire, that is a fee within their grasp and one which would not take them beyond FFP regulations.
Liverpool have strong links with Kylian Mbappe
Jurgen Klopp’s side held talks with talks with Mbappe last season when his PSG deal was nearing its end. And while he stayed at PSG by signing an extension, Mbappe has confirmed he’s held talks with the Reds in the past.
“I’ve talked to Liverpool because red is my mother’s favorite colour and my mother loves Liverpool,” he said.
“We met them a few years ago, when I was at Monaco, it’s a great club.
“Now we talk to them a little, but not much. In the end it was between Real Madrid and PSG.”
Reports on Wednesday suggested PSG would be open to a potential swap deal with Liverpool for an experienced star.
Meanwhile, Norwegian football pundit Jan Aage-Fjortoft is convinced that, despite Marca‘s report, Mbappe will sign for Real Madrid.
He tweeted: “Like I have said for a long time…after the World Cup Mbappe will join Real Madrid either in the first or the second transfer window.
“My tip is that that deal is already signed and locked up someway.”
MAN UTD CHASE DEAL FOR BENFICA KEEPER ODYSSEAS VLACHODIMOS
Manchester United are stepping up their chase to sign Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to reports.
The Greek stopper was on their radar over the summer as they sought to replace the departing Dean Henderson. In the end, they opted to bring in Martin Dubravka from Newcastle on a season’s loan.
However, with doubts emerging over De Gea’s long-term future, Erik ten Hag is seemingly making plans for a new No 1.
De Gea has been the Man Utd goalkeeper since 2011 and is now in his 12th season with the Red Devils.
But with his deal due to expire at the end of the season, United are debating whether to offer him an extension. However, amid doubts he is not completely suitable to Ten Hag’s preferred playing style, reports are growing that the club could allow him to depart.
Now, according to The Sun, the Red Devils are stepping up the chase for Vlachodimos.
The Portuguese giants reportedly value the 28-year-old at around £17.5m – a fee well within United’s reach.
Vlachodimos caught the eye on Tuesday night as Benfica held PSG to a 1-1 draw. The Greek was only beaten by a Mbappe penalty.
In his 185 appearances for Benfica, Vlachodimos has kept an impressive 74 clean sheets.
CHELSEA SUFFER BLOW IN RAFAEL LEAO CHASE
AC Milan are ready to open a new round of contract talks with Rafael Leao – and hope to tie him down before the World Cup.
The Portuguese forward has established himself as one the best players in Serie A. And Leao played a leading role in their title win last season.
However, that has alerted Chelsea to the player, with the Blues reportedly making an enquiry for his services over the summer.
They instead opted to sign Raheem Sterling – but Leao remains a player very much on their watch-list. And new boss Graham Potter recently lauded the forward’s talents.
Indeed, Chelsea are seemingly willing to pay as much as £90m to tempt Milan into a sale.
But reports in Italy have always maintained that Leao’s preference is to remain in Serie A.
Now, as per il Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are increasingly confident of tying him down in the next few weeks.
His current deal with the Rossonerri is due to expire in 2024.
