Jurgen Klopp has turned to a classy Serie A centre-back to try and solve Liverpool’s defensive issues this summer, while Friday’s Transfer Gossip claims that Newcastle are in a four-way race to sign a LaLiga defensive sensation.
KLOPP TARGETS INTER STAR IN REDS FIX
Liverpool are keen on striking a deal to sign a classy Inter Milan centre-back as Jurgen Klopp looks to fix an increasingly leaky defence this summer.
The Reds were ripped to pieces by a rampant Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first leg of their last-16 tie, before eventually losing 5-2 at Anfield.
And now Klopp has another priority position to fix this summer, to add to his team’s midfield struggles.
After a hugely disappointing campaign domestically, with the Reds currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table, Klopp was clearly hanging his hat on Champions League progress past Real and into the quarter-finals.
However, Liverpool now need a miracle to get through after their woeful defensive display at Anfield.
And that has led Klopp to switch his transfer focus towards bringing in a new partner for Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman himself has hardly excelled this season. But both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are not considered good enough to start regularly, while Ibrahima Konate continues to have injury issues.
Bastoni jumps to top of Konte wishlist
To that end, a report on Friday has revealed that Liverpool have now made Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni their top target.
The 23-year-old’s contract at the San Siro ends in June 2024 and he has yet to agree an extension.
That stance has led to several clubs chasing his signature, including Tottenham who are big fans of the player.
The report adds that the Reds will look to push Bastoni, if he does not pen an extension before the summer transfer window.
Inter Milan may then be forced to sell a player who would be out of contract a year later, with Bastoni valued at £50million.
The left-sided centre-back has made 144 appearances for the Nerazzurri and has five assists in 26 games this season.
TOON LEADING CHASE FOR LALIGA SENSATION
Newcastle are one of four clubs leading the way to sign Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda in the summer, according to journalist Simon Collings.
Collings took to Twitter to state: “Lots of clubs around Europe interested in Ivan Fresneda. Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Newcastle viewed as four frontrunners. Player will decide future in summer.”
Collins then revealed in the Evening Standard that the 18-year-old has a £26.5m release clause which will likely be triggered in the next window.
The defender ‘will sit down with representatives at the end of the season’. He is then expected to assess his options ahead of a potential move.
Eddie Howe is looking at Fresneda as an understudy to Kieran Trippier, with the idea that he eventually replaces the 32-year-old at St James’ Park.
Trippier has been outstanding for Newcastle since his move to the north east but is in the latter stages of his career. To that end, having a ready-made back-up makes perfect sense for a Newcastle side hoping to be playing Champions League football next season.
ARSENAL SNUBBED IN RAPHINHA BID
Arsenal reportedly had a bid worth €70million (£62m) rejected by Barcelona for their Brazilian forward Raphinha in January.
Barcelona winger Raphinha
Spanish outlet Sport claims that the Gunners moved quickly to try and land the former Leeds man after losing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to rivals Chelsea.
However, the Catalan giants turned down the proposal as they see a future for Raphinha at the club.
Miel Arteta eventually landed Brighton’s Leandro Trossard on a £27m deal shortly after, although Raphinha was clearly preferred.
The Brazil international has scored seven goals and added nine assists in 33 games for Barcelona this season.
