Jurgen Klopp's plans to bolster Liverpool's midfield continue apace but the Reds might have to wait a little longer before securing the services of Nabil Fekir.
Having signed Fabinho from Monaco for $58.8 million last week, the five-time European Cup winners are looking to add the Lyon captain to their squad before the World Cup begins. Over the weekend, reports emerged suggesting Liverpool had reached an agreement to sign the midfielder for $80 million, only for Fekir's agent to pour could water on those rumors.
"We will go with Nabil to Liverpool or elsewhere when there is an agreement with Lyon—and if Jean-Michel Aulas gives the green light," Jean-Pierre Bernes told French newspaper Le Progres.
"Liverpool's interest exists, but for the moment nothing is done and other clubs could come in. The [transfer] window will be long."
The Liverpool Echo, meanwhile, believes any claims Fekir is on the verge of joining the Reds is "premature."
Liverpool, however, looks set to miss out on Roma's goalkeeper Alisson, who the Daily Mail believes will opt to move to Real Madrid instead. Should the Brazilian move to the Spanish capital, he is unlikely to be managed by Mauricio Pochettino, as the same paper reports Real Madrid have accepted they will not succeed in luring the Tottenham Hotspur manager away from the Premier League.
The Reds are also set to lose midfielder Emre Can, who has agreed a four-year deal with Juventus as a free agent, according to Sky Sports' sister channel in Italy.
Not wanting to be outdone by one of its main rivals, Manchester United is also closing in on the first signing of the summer, with the Manchester Evening News suggesting Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred could be a United player by Tuesday.
The Brazilian's representatives have arrived in the U.K. to complete the $69.5 million deal and the medical could take place within the next 48 hours. Fred is not the only midfielder on Jose Mourinho's radar, with the Daily Mirror suggesting the Portuguese manager is eager to bring Marco Verratti to Old Trafford. However, Paris Saint-Germain wanted $133.7 million when United enquired about the Italy international last summer and is likely to ask for a similar fee this year.
ESPN, meanwhile, claims United is also keeping an eye on Lazio's midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, while up to three new defenders could arrive at Old Trafford. Fresh defensive options would likely spell the end of Daley Blind's career at United and The Sun reports Inter Milan has stepped up its interest in the Dutchman.
Speaking of defenders on the move, new Everton boss Marco Silva is determined to make Jamaal Lascelles his first signing at Goodison Park. According to The Sun, the Toffees will test Newcastle's resolve to keep its captain with a $40 million bid and the same paper believes Bayern Munich are monitoring Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, amid concerns over Manuel Neuer's long-term fitness.
Meanwhile, Davy Klaasen appears to be on his way out of the Premier League as Sky Sportssuggests the Dutchman is likely to leave Everton in the summer just 12 months after arriving on Merseyside, with Turkish club Besiktas the probable destination.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
