One of the main midfielders Liverpool have been looking at is seemingly on the verge of securing an agreement over his next move, while Brighton have started talks for a promising striker who has previously been linked with the Reds – all in Tuesday’s transfer gossip.
KONRAD LAIMER CLOSE TO BAYERN MUNICH MOVE
Liverpool look like they have missed out on the signing of one of their main midfield targets, Konrad Laimer.
Laimer has been on Liverpool’s radar amid their search for new midfielders. With a contract expiring in 2023, the RB Leipzig star has seemed like a gettable target.
TEAMtalk was told earlier this month that Laimer has been “very much in contention” to join Liverpool. However, in recent hours, there has been a disheartening twist.
Florian Plettenberg revealed via Twitter on Monday evening that Laimer is instead on the verge of joining Bayern Munich, who have a “verbal agreement in total” to take him.
Laimer is yet to complete a medical with the Bundesliga champions, who also wanted him back in the summer.
Yet there has been progress on the deal and Bayern Munich are set to hand him a contract until at least 2027 when he does sign.
Other sources have followed up Plettenberg’s reveal to confirm it looks like bad news for Liverpool. For example, 90min has verified Bayern’s belief that they have “finalised an agreement” for Laimer.
The 90min version of the story indicates that Liverpool have been told by Laimer’s representatives that his preference is to join Bayern instead.
Now, all that remains to determine is whether Bayern will wait until the summer to sign Laimer for free, or try and negotiate a deal to pay RB Leipzig for him as soon as January.
As for Liverpool, the attention will have to turn elsewhere. The dream target might be another Bundesliga option, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but Laimer would have been more affordable by a comfortable distance.
Hence, they should be exploring alternative opportunities so they can replenish their midfield.
BRIGHTON IN TALKS FOR STRIKER SIGNING
Brighton have begun discussing a deal for promising Ivory Coast striker David Datro Fofana, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fofana is establishing himself as one for the future with current club Molde. This season, he has scored 17 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions for the Norwegian side.
His form has led to links with clubs as big as Liverpool, but the next step in his career could come with Brighton instead.
According to Romano, the Seagulls have started talks with Molde over a transfer for Fofana. The asking price will be above €10million (above £8.6million).
Brighton are not Fofana’s only suitors, so will have to act decisively in the transfer battle.
Due to turn 20 in December, the striker could get his first taste of Premier League football the month after if Brighton are able to get a deal over the line for January.
Their attack currently consists of Danny Welbeck, Julio Enciso and Deniz Undav, among others. What’s more, with fears that versatile winger Leandro Trossard could leave, more depth could be required for Roberto De Zerbi’s frontline.
ASTON VILLA RECEIVE ATTACKER APPROACH
Aston Villa could offload young striker Cameron Archer to Sunderland in the January transfer window, per a report.
Archer is just 20 years old, so has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Villa Park. He is behind the likes of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings in the attacking pecking order.
Now, Villa might be ready to loan him out in January, according to Football Insider. The report claims Sunderland are among a number of Championship clubs to have touched base regarding a potential deal.
Archer spent time on loan away from Villa last season with Preston, which was beneficial for his development. Now, the Premier League side are deciding whether to send him down a similar route.
Keeping him under contract until 2027, they have faith in Archer for the long term. For the time being, though, he may be best off proving himself in the Championship again.
