Liverpool transfer news: Bayern set to beat Reds to midfielder
It’s a busy month as far as Liverpool are concerned. Having already signed Virgil van Dijk and sold Philippe Coutinho, the Reds are expected to delve into the market to strengthen further and here we round up the Sunday rumours…
‘Medical for midfielder is done’
Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, it seems Bayern Munich remain ahead of the curve to sign Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The Germany international is a target for a number of European sides, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen, but Bayern Munch are leading the race to secure his services.
The Bundesliga champions have been in the market for Goretzka for some time and while the 22-year-old is yet to pen a deal with Bayern, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed a medical has taken place.
"There is an agreement when the contract is signed and a medical is done,” Rummenigge told Sky Sports Germany.
“All the big clubs wanted him - Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus.
"Normally an agreement is reached when the contract is signed and the medical is done, but we are not that far yet.
"He will announce his decision in the next few days and it would be good if he opted for Bayern."
‘Sporting winger still on the club’s radar’
22-year-old Sporting winger Gelson Martins has been linked with a move to Liverpool for 18 months now.
The attacker has a £53m release clause in his contract, though the Reds are prepared to pay around half of that according to Portuguese publication Correio da Manha.
What’s more, Liverpool are prepared to hand Martins a huge pay rise to convince him to swap Portugal for England.
An agreement for the youngster is yet to be announced, though Martins has impressed in Liga NOS this season, scoring five and registering three assists from 17 appearances.
‘Monaco set hefty price tag for top target’
Another long-term target for Liverpool is Monaco star Thomas Lemar, who the Reds have identified as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
Liverpool were prepared to pay around £60m for the France international this month, but according to the Sunday Times, Monaco are asking for upwards of £90m for the youngster.
The Ligue 1 side had indicated they would accept a lower fee for Lemar, 22, but aren’t budging on their £90m valuation, the fee Arsenal were prepared to pay for the attacker last summer.
Lemar hasn’t been at his best for the French champions this term, having chipped in with just two goals and four assists in 14 league appearances, but has still gained a WhoScored rating of 7.33.
‘Liverpool emerge as surprise contenders for Arsenal star’
The Sunday Mirror indicates that Liverpool could make a shock bid for Arsenal star, and Manchester United and Manchester City target, Alexis Sanchez.
Alexis has been left out of the Arsenal squad to face Bournemouth today as his impending departure from the Emirates Stadium looms.
The Gunners are demanding £35m for the Chilean and while Manchester United and Manchester City are ahead of Liverpool in the pecking order, the Reds are aware they can match the Gunners’ valuation.
