Rabiot wanted by the Reds
Barcelona and Liverpool are both interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain ace Adrien Rabiot, according to talkSPORT, with the Spanish club having the advantage of a transfer window that is still open.
The 23-year-old caused a sensation in France in June when he missed out on selection for the World Cup squad and then snubbed a request from France coach Didier Deschamps to be on a standby list.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Rabiot has also been critical of PSG’s mental frailty in recent seasons in the Champions League, and that controversy, coupled with his omission from the World Cup squad, is believed to have left the young playmaker wondering if his interests would be better served by moving to a more competitive league.
Barcelona circling
Arsenal have also been linked with Rabiot in recent weeks, but talkSPORT, citing French sports daily L’Equipe, says that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is “interested in arranging a pre-contract agreement”.
The Sun reports that Klopp is aware that Rabiot’s contract expires next June and hopes to land him on a free transfer.
Barcelona are also circling, however, and will “try and negotiate a deal” between now and the end of August, adds talkSPORT. Coach Ernesto Valverde has not finished strengthening his squad, and is said to be confident that he can get the best out of the volatile Frenchman.
Klopp planning a clear-out
There may be some removal vans heading to Anfield before the end of the month, with Goal.com claiming that Klopp is “keen to trim his numbers” between now and 31 August.
Estonian defender Ragnar Klavan could be the first to pack his bags. The Daily Mirror claims that the 32-year-old is wanted by a number of German clubs.
Goal.com also predicts that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will move to either Napoli or Besiktas.
Other players said to be considered surplus to the Reds’ requirements this season are Divock Origi, Lazar Markovic, Pedro Chirivella (reportedly attracting interest from Celtic), Sheyi Ojo and Serbian international Marko Grujic.
Striker Origi is wanted by Fenerbahce, and a loan deal is close to being agreed, says the Mirror. According to The Sun, the Turkish club won’t meet Liverpool’s £26m asking price.