Liverpool plot January transfer for in-form Salzburg hitman; Man Utd out of working

Liverpool are hoping to win the race for an RB Salzburg ahead having fun with a unbelievable season in entrance of purpose, Graham Potter’s choice might show pricey as a Chelsea man desires out, whereas Tuesday’s Switch Gossip claims Napoli will hand a Premier League-linked star a brand new contract.

BUNDESLIGA ATTACKER WANTED BY LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are reportedly among the many golf equipment hoping to signal versatile ahead Noah Okafor from RB Salzburg.

The centre-forward, who may also function as a winger on both flank, is having fun with a high season in Austria. He has managed 10 objectives and two assists in his first 22 matches this marketing campaign, with seven of these strikes coming in Austria’s Bundesliga.

Okafor discovered the online 14 instances in the entire of final season, so he’s primed and able to surpass that achievement when home leagues return after the World Cup.

The 22-year-old, who’s hoping to be part of the Switzerland squad for the event, has previously been named as a target for Arsenal and Leeds United.

However these two Premier League golf equipment might wrestle to seize him after a journalist revealed how the switch race is hotting up, with Liverpool now within the combine.

Based on Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis and AC Milan are the latest teams to set their sights on Okafor.

Manchester United, although, is not going to go after the participant’s signature. Given their big pulling energy, it is a enhance for the likes of Liverpool, Metropolis and Milan.

Plettenberg claims a winter switch may be very a lot doable for Okafor. His Salzburg contract expires in summer season 2024 and he’s unlikely to resume it as he is aware of about curiosity from elsewhere.

As a consequence of this stance, the reigning Austrian champions should promote him within the new yr. And it appears a January exit is extra possible than a summer season one.

World Cup ‘crucial’ to Okafor future and price – journalist

The World Cup will apparently be ‘crucial’ in deciding the place Okafor finally ends up and the way a lot he’ll price.

Ought to the previous FC Basel man be shocked and omitted of the Switzerland squad, then he is not going to have the possibility to extend his switch worth. That at present stands at £30.7m-35m.

But when Okafor makes the 26-man setup, as anticipated, then he might shine on the most important stage of all. And this may occasionally see his price ticket rise to above £40m.

Such a flip of occasions might rule Milan out of the working. They don’t have as a lot spending energy as Liverpool or Metropolis.

Liverpool have already got a bunch of attacking choices, together with Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

However Jurgen Klopp has needed to cope with harm issues, which have stored Jota and Diaz out of the group. That is one motive why the Reds would possibly transfer for Okafor, as he can cowl any place within the entrance three.

Liverpool may be making ready for the eventual exit of Brazilian ace Firmino. Many thought he would depart in the summertime, however potential strikes to Juventus and Atletico Madrid by no means obtained going.

Firmino is out of contract on the finish of the season. And if he alerts his want for a brand new problem, then Liverpool must go all-out for Okafor to interchange him.

CHELSEA MAN GUNNING FOR EXIT

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is ‘considering’ a possible Stamford Bridge exit as a consequence of Potter’s alternatives, as per a report.

Whereas Mendy was an authorized starter beneath Thomas Tuchel, that is not the case now Potter is in cost. The supervisor likes Kepa Arrizabalaga and has chosen him in purpose 10 instances this season.

This has left Mendy on the bench extra typically not too long ago and he isn’t glad. Based on the Each day Mail, the 30-year-old will consider a potential transfer during the World Cup break.

He is because of symbolize Senegal on the event. And they’re hoping to impress after profitable the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this yr.

However Mendy can even have a few of his ideas targeted on a Chelsea exit. Such a switch is extra more likely to happen subsequent summer season quite than January, although.

The report additionally offers a little bit of perception on Mendy’s contract scenario. His present Chelsea deal runs till summer season 2025.

Blues chiefs have held preliminary talks with Mendy and his agent over an extension. However these discussions haven’t resulted in an settlement. Presumably, that is right down to the shot-stopper dropping his beginning spot.

Chelsea spent £22m to signal Mendy from Rennes in September 2020. And regardless of him being 30 years outdated, they’d in all probability need to make most of this a reimbursement on the France-born star.

NAPOLI ACE IN LINE FOR NEW DEAL

Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might quickly obtain a brand new contract provide from the Serie A membership, in response to a report.

Kvaratskhelia has been arguably the very best breakout participant in Europe this time period. He has had a hand in 18 objectives already, serving to Napoli high the Italian league and assist them qualify from Champions League Group A forward of Liverpool.

The Georgian has put in some devastating performances from the left wing, resulting in him being affectionally labelled ‘Kvaradona’.

His high kind has additionally, inevitably, resulted in hyperlinks with English golf equipment. Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea are all considered admirers of the 21-year-old.

However Napoli are taking steps to chase away his potential suitors. Based on Italian outlet Il Mattino (through Soccer Italia), Napoli will soon offer Kvaratskhelia a new contract.

They need to improve his weekly wage in addition to embrace extra bonuses related to objectives and assists. The intention is that this can preserve Kvaratskhelia glad in Naples and forestall him from searching for a transfer overseas.

Napoli haven’t wasted any time, both. They’ve solely simply obtained the brand new contract in movement however have already spoken with the star’s agent a few doable renewal.

A brand new contract might show important to Napoli within the second half of the season. As Georgia haven’t certified for the World Cup, Kvaratskhelia can relaxation in the course of the subsequent month or so.

This implies he ought to have the ability to tear up Serie A as soon as once more upon its return. Napoli are at present weak to January bids for him, however contemporary contract phrases would make an exit much less possible.

And Kvaratskhelia remaining at Napoli would assist them massively of their bid to win a primary league title since 1989-90.

In the meantime, West Ham are hoping to sign a Liverpool defender in 2023, according to one transfer insider.