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The summer transfer window was unlike any other; see all the major deals and check out how we graded the biggest signings. And just because the window is shut until January, that doesn’t mean the rumours won’t keep coming. Here is the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Liverpool ahead of Man United in Phillips chase
Liverpool are set to battle Manchester United to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, reports The Daily Star.
The 25-year-old has impressed for both Leeds and England in recent months — especially during the 2020 European Championships — which has risen his profile among the top clubs in Europe.
Leeds are hoping to keep hold of the academy graduate, who has gone on to become a talismanic figure, but are aware that attention from some of the country’s biggest clubs could lure Phillips away from Elland Road.
It is reported that Phillips wouldn’t want to join the Red Devils, as having grown up a Leeds fan and come through at the club, he worries about what that move would do to his family — it would also likely ruin his legacy at his footballing home.
This means the midfielder would rather join Liverpool if he was to depart Elland Road. Even that is not necessarily a certainty, though, as Leeds have opened talks in a bid to keep Phillips, whose contract already runs until 2024.
However, if Phillips does eventually leave Leeds, it seems as though Old Trafford bosses have very little chance of signing their favoured man — surely another victory for Liverpool after their recent 5-0 win on the pitch on Sunday.
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PAPER GOSSIP
– Bayern Munich are looking to sign Victor Osimhen, who already has nine goals and an assist in 11 matches across all competitions for Napoli this season, reports Calciomercato. However, Napoli are only willing to discuss offers over €100 million and are looking for around €120m, while Aurelio De Laurentiis wouldn’t even sit down to talk for an offer of €80m. With the Nigeria international’s contract running until 2025, they will not be pushed around.
– Paris Saint-Germain will look to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha after receiving a glowing reference from national teammate Neymar, according to TeamTalk. Liverpool had already been interested in the winger, but PSG are looking for new faces with the knowledge that Kylian Mbappe could leave during the summer. So, it seems as though Raphinha is now one of those being considered.
– Juventus have joined many of Europe’s largest clubs in showing interest in FC Salzburg forward Karim Adeyemi, writes Calciomercato. Fellow Serie A giants Internazionale have already been looking at the Germany international, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig in his homeland, while Premier League clubs are also interested.
– Arsenal are interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, as has been reported by Sport Bild’s Christian Falk. The Switzerland international’s contract ends in the summer of 2022, meaning he’ll be available as a free agent. AS Roma and Juventus are among the other clubs who have been linked.