Premier League transfer news: Mohamed Salah, Ryan Sessegnon, Jorginho
Liverpool to offer Salah new deal as his value soars; Man Utd and Man City face off; Harry Kane Twitter row
Premier League transfer news and rumours
Mohamed Salah: New Liverpool deal
With Mo Salah fast becoming the hottest property in football, Liverpool are taking steps to secure his Anfield future with a new contract designed to ward off the attentions of any suitors.
The Egyptian, who has scored more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi this season, is being tipped to break their two-man stranglehold on the Ballon d’Or award.
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According to the Daily Mail, Salah’s value has soared in recent months. He was worth close to £100m at the end of last year, but would now command a transfer fee closer to £200m.
“Salah has become an Anfield icon and one of the biggest stars in world football,” says the Mail.
“But Liverpool made it clear after they had beaten Watford in March that they would not consider any approaches for Salah and his remarkable form since – he has scored seven times in his last six appearances, including Tuesday’s double against Roma – has strengthened their resolve.
“Liverpool want to keep Jurgen Klopp’s side together and Salah is central to that.”
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The Reds will reportedly review the terms of the five-year deal he signed in the summer, worth a measly £90,000 a week, in a bid to tie him down. They also have a strong relationship with the player’s agent Ramy Abbas, which strengthens their hand.
The paper adds that the absence of a buy-out clause in the deal complicates matters for Salah’s potential suitors.
Ryan Sessegnon: Fulham to Man Utd or Spurs
Jose Mourinho has set his sights on signing at least one full-back this summer, says The Times, and according to the paper top of his wishlist is Ryan Sessegnon. The England Under-21 blocker has been linked with Old Trafford in the past, given that Antonio Valencia turned 33 in August and Ashley Young is still not assured at the back. The Times says that the 17-year-old Sessegnon is “one of a number of left-backs United have been monitoring all season” and his impressive performances in the Cottagers defence have impressed Mourinho.
The teenager has won the Championship player of the year award and not surprisingly he’s being tailed by other clubs. Tottenham is showing a particular interest as they look for someone to challenge Ben Davies in the first-team set-up. Worryingly for United, the Times reports that “Sessegnon would prefer to stay in London”. Mourinho could look to cut a deal with Mauricio Pochettino in which he gives the Spurs gaffer a free run at Sessegnon and in return gives him first refusal on Danny Rose, the England left-back who is also on United’s “radar.”
Jorginho: Napoli to Man United
Jose Mourinho will go head to head with Man City boss Pep Guardiola in the battle to sign Napoli star Jorginho this summer. The £50m-rated midfielder is wanted by both clubs but the United manager hopes to strike another blow after beating Guardiola to the signing of Alexis Sanchez in January. But Jorginho may not be the only player United and City fight over this summer. Nice’s Jean Michael Deri and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred are also on both clubs’ radar. (Daily Mirror)
Radja Nainggolan: Roma to Arsenal
The Gunners have identified the Belgium midfielder, who is valued at £45m, as a key target this summer as they prepare for life after Wenger. Roma could still be forced to sell the 29-year-old to balance the books this summer if they fail to win the Champions League. Other suitors are expected to enter the race, but Luis Enrique, the favourite to succeed Wenger, is said to be a big fan of Nainggolan. (The Sun)
Abel Hernandez: Hull to Newcastle
Rafa Benitez may make a move for Uruguayan striker Hernandez when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. The 27-year-old, who has spent much of the season injured, recently returned to fitness. He has scored five goals in his past seven games. (Daily Mail)
Jonny Evans: West Brom to Man United
The defender could return to his former club in a cut-price £3m deal this summer if West Brom are relegated. United sold Evans to the Baggies for £6m in 2015. Since then he has attracted interest from the likes of Man City, Arsenal and Leicester, who have all offered in excess of £10m for him. But his contract has a £3m release clause if West Brom are relegated and Jose Mourinho is said to be keen. (The Sun)
Premier League news and talking points
Is Harry Kane being bullied?
PFA chairman Ben Purkiss is under pressure to apologise to Spurs striker Kane after making a joke about the player on Twitter.
It’s the second week in a row that Kane has been caught up in a row about gags on social media.
This week the FA was forced to say sorry after a tweet during the FA Cup semi-final between Spurs and Man United mocking Kane’s lack of impact in the game. The message contained a GIF of Chris Smalling saying ‘Harry Kane’ in response to the question – “what’s in your pocket”.
Both Spurs and Manchester United were understood to be unimpressed by the tweet as it came from an official account.
The latest row concerns a message from Purkiss sent during the PFA Awards on Sunday. In it he referenced a controversial goal for Spurs against Stoke, which was awarded to Kane even though it was unclear whether he touched it.
“Harry Kane is so prolific that he is able to score without touching the ball,” said Purkiss.
“It is understood Kane and his family are furious and see the jokes being made at the striker’s expense as a form of bullying,” reports the Daily Mirror.
Steven Gerrard to manage Rangers?
The Liverpool legend could become the new manager of Scottish side Rangers. Since retiring in 2016, Gerrard has been coaching the Liverpool Under-18 side, but he’s now being linked to the vacancy at Ibrox. Rangers have not had a permanent manager since October last year but bookies have slashed the odds on Gerrard taking over. If he does, he would find himself up against old boss Brendan Rodgers at Celtic. (Talksport)