Liverpool are set to be on the hunt for a senior centre-back this summer, with two of their current defenders heading for the door. Also: Man Utd are ready to pay £107m for a striker…
LIVERPOOL TO LISTEN TO BIDS FOR CENTRE-BACK PAIR
Anyone who has watched Joel Matip this season won’t be surprised to learnt that Liverpool are apparently inviting offers for the centre-back.
Matip was at the heart of a disastrous defensive performance at Wolves on Saturday for which Jurgen Klopp could offer ‘no explanation’. He wasn’t the only poor performer – everyone at Anfield shoulders the blame for their current malaise – but Matip has been wretched for much of the season.
So, according to Football Insider, Liverpool have decided to sell the 31-year-old. They are also willing to let Nat Phillips leave – finally – after the back-up defender was made to stick around in the last couple of windows amid concerns over cover.
Which means Liverpool will be in the market for at least one senior centre-back this summer. And, obviously, a midfielder. Unless they decide to ignore the bleeding obvious once more and splurge on a forward again…
REDS TARGET SPANISH DUO
…Which is a genuine possibility, if there is any truth in an AS report linking Liverpool with an Athletic Bilbao star.
Apparently, the Reds are preparing to spend around £45million on Nico Williams after initially registering their interest in January. Aston Villa also let it be known that they too are interested in taking the 20-year-old Spain international.
Liverpool could fill part of their midfield void at the same time, with Oihan Sancet said to be a target for Klopp. Attacking midfielder Sanchet has scored seven goals this season, including a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Cadiz on Friday.
Read more: Klopp defensive complaints show he is football’s sorest loser – with Man Utd his main target
UNITED READY TO BREAK RECORD FOR OSIMHEN
Like Liverpool, Manchester United’s priority this summer is clear: a centre-forward.
Rumours persist over their interest in Tottenham record-breaker Harry Kane, especially while he creeps towards the end of his contract at Spurs. But the other hit-man in the frame is Victor Oshimhen.
The Nigeria star has been in fine form for Napoli again this season during their ascent to the Serie A summit. Oshimhen’s 16 goals in 17 appearances have helped his side build up a 13-point lead at the top, with United, Chelsea (obvs) and Real Madrid seemingly the clubs most keen to sign him in the summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport says United are minded to break the British transfer record for Osimhen, with the Red Devils preparing to pay £107million for the 24-year-old.
