Reds call off De Ligt chase
Liverpool have “opted against pursuing a move” for Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.
According to talkSPORT the Champions League finalists have concluded that there’s no room in their squad for the 19-year-old defender.
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It had been rumoured that Jurgen Klopp was hoping to beat Barcelona to the £60m-rated defender, but apparently the Liverpool boss has “decided to prioritise their transfer business elsewhere”.
That’s good news for Spanish champions Barca, as is the report that Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have also ended their interest in De Ligt because of his price tag.
That leaves the way clear for Barcelona while Liverpool, claims talkSPORT, will look to purchase a versatile forward, a left-back and a new goalkeeper, given that Simon Mignolet is expected to move on.
The Eastern Daily Press reports that newly-promoted Norwich City could land Belgian keeper Mignolet in a £15m deal. The 31-year-old is also linked with Bournemouth and Watford.
Flying Scot an option
The Daily Mail says that Liverpool “are ready to join the race for Bournemouth’s in-demand winger Ryan Fraser”.
The flying Scot has been heavily linked to Arsenal in recent weeks, although Manchester United are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old after his outstanding season on the south coast.
The Mail says that Fraser has been offered a new deal by the Cherries but he is expected to knock back the offer in favour of a summer move.
Aware that Fraser could leave on a free transfer in 12 months, Bournemouth are ready to listen to offers “in the region of £30m”.
Brandt staying put
The Liverpool Echo reports that Julian Brandt is “set to stay in Germany” and sign with Borussia Dortmund rather move to Anfield.
German newspaper Bild says that despite interest from the Reds, the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder will move to Dortmund.
However, Leverkusen head coach Peter Bosz said he hoped Brandt would stay loyal as they had qualified for the Champions League.
“Julian, I hope he will stay,” said Bosz. “Every player wants to play at the highest level and we have the chance next season to play at the highest level.”