August 16 – Southampton’s in-demand Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia is on the brink of a £58 million move to Chelsea after rejecting Liverpool’s advances last weekend. The 19-year-old was reportedly offended by his treatment from Liverpool after their pursuit of Moises Caicedo became the priority, despite weeks of negotiation with the young Belgian.
As part of the deal, Manchester City, who transferred Lavia to Southampton last summer, will receive 20% of the profit generated by the transfer to Chelsea as part of a sell-on clause.
Egypt forward Mohammed Salah has reportedly “given the green light” for a Saudi Pro League side to negotiate with Liverpool over a possible transfer this summer.
Salah reportedly became tempted by the Saudi proposition after frustration showed versus Chelsea on Sunday following an untimely substitution in favour of Liverpool youngster Ben Doak.
The Egyptian was seen throwing his hand straps to the floor and ignoring Jurgen Klopp, much to the delight of the Stamford Bridge crowd. The potential move only adds to a tempestuous and headline-hugging transfer window for The Reds.
Liverpool have reportedly contacted Crystal Palace over the availability of central midfielder Cheick Doucoure in their latest twist in their hunt for a defensive midfielder. The aim is for Doucoure to slot into the 6 position left vacant by Fabinho after his move to Saudi Arabia last month left the red’s defensive midfielder stocks barren.
New star signing Alexis Mac Allister occupied a defensive role for the Liverpool’s Premier League curtain-raiser on Sunday, far from his skill set that complements attacking play.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha also makes the list of suitors for Liverpool’s 6 spot. The 28-year-old Portuguese international led the Premier League for tackles last season with 147, topping Ecuadorean starlet Moises Caicedo who left Liverpool red-faced last weekend after opting for a move to Chelsea.
Palhinha is a significantly cheaper option to Caicedo and his £115 million price tag, but would likely still command a transfer fee north of £65 million after an impressive debut campaign in England.
West Ham’s pursuit of Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire has ended after the East London club grew tired of waiting for the 30-year-old to agree his exit from Old Trafford. The player has been told he is not part of Ten Hag’s plans and was stripped of his role as captain in June, which was given to fan-favourite Bruno Fernandes. Maguire’s minutes were limited last term following the club’s acquisition of Lisandro Martinez and Rafael Varane in recent transfer windows. He has been responsible for a number of high-profile errors that left him out of favour with both the club and the fans.
The collapse of the deal has thrown Manchester United’s pursuit of 27-year-old Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard into jeopardy.
Manchester City have stepped up their interest in West Ham star Lucas Paqueta. Ambition for the move was accelerated by the injury to superstar midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in the opening day of the season, which will see him sidelined until the new year.
The Hammers have already rejected a bid from the sky blues in the region of €100 million for the Brazilian playmaker. The treble-winners are expected submit a fresh bid for Paqueta to complete the move to Manchester ahead of the next round of the Premier League this weekend.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714739909labto1714739909ofdlr1714739909owedi1714739909sni@o1714739909fni1714739909