Liverpool's summer transfer plans have been thrown into turmoil after Paris Saint-Germain adopted a firm stance on Bradley Barcola, while Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has been given the green light to leave. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to take over as Germany manager after the national team's World Cup exit.
PSG Stand Firm on Barcola
Bradley Barcola has emerged as Liverpool's top target to replace Mohamed Salah on the right wing, following the setback of Yan Diomande's preference to join PSG. However, David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that PSG 'do not need to sell' Barcola, who has refused to negotiate a new contract with two years left. The French champions value the winger at a much higher price than the £116m Manchester City will pay for Elliot Anderson, citing the precedent set by that fee.
Liverpool had shown their hand with a €100m (£87m) bid for Diomande, but PSG's valuation of Barcola could present a real problem. According to Ornstein, PSG feel the speculated market rate is 'way off' and Barcola should be valued higher. More affordable options under consideration include Yankuba Minteh at Brighton, Said El Mala of FC Koln, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo of Lille.
El Mala Move Complicated by Family Demands
Said El Mala, the 19-year-old German attacker who scored 13 goals from 20 starts in the Bundesliga last season, looks like the most achievable option in terms of fee. However, a bizarre factor could limit his options: his family's request that any club also sign his brother, Malek El Mala. The siblings have moved together every time they changed clubs since 2017. Malek, 21, has never played above the third tier of German football and would be unlikely to secure a work permit in the post-Brexit landscape. Sky Sports Germany's Marlon Irlbacher confirmed El Mala is 'still aiming for a move this summer', but the family's position makes a Premier League move 'impossible'.
Bouaddi Set for Summer Sale
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed for GiveMeSport that 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is 'set to be sold this summer', with Liverpool among the clubs interested. Bouaddi impressed in Morocco's World Cup campaign. Lille are expecting bids after the tournament and have set a minimum price of €80m, but would prefer a deal that sees the teenager stay for one more year on loan. Liverpool face competition from Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. City view Bouaddi as a potential right-back, as their search for a new player in that position has been difficult, with Chelsea valuing Malo Gusto at £75m.
Curtis Jones Price Set Amid Forest Interest
Curtis Jones looks increasingly likely to leave Liverpool this summer, with the club prepared to cash in with just a year left on his contract. Nottingham Forest have shown genuine interest, but Ben Jacobs stated it is 'unclear' whether they will meet Liverpool's £40m asking price. Inter Milan also balked at the valuation, with sporting director Piero Ausilio admitting a 'significant gap' between their assessments and Liverpool's. Liverpool are content to keep Jones if the price is not met, and talks over a new contract are not ruled out.
Klopp Linked with Germany Job
Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to take over as Germany manager after their World Cup exit on penalties to Paraguay. Speaking in the Magenta TV studio, Klopp said: 'I haven't thought about that yet. It's not the right moment to talk about it.' However, Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg said: 'I can really imagine there will be a consequence for Julian Nagelsmann... then Klopp is the only alternative. I'm totally convinced he would be ready.'
Other Reports
Turkish sources claim Virgil van Dijk is close to joining Galatasaray, but the reports are conflicting. Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports links Liverpool with Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano. Wolves youngster Mateus Mane has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, while Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to give Neco Williams a new contract. Bournemouth have no intention of selling Alex Scott this window.
