Liverpool lead Barcelona in pursuit of Gladbach’s Denis Zakaria
The summer transfer window was unlike any other; check out all the major offers and find out how we ranked the biggest signings. And just because the window is closed until January doesn’t mean the rumors won’t continue. Here are the latest gossip and speculation.
TOP STORY: Liverpool, Barça replaces Zakaria
With Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Denis zakariathis summer’s contract, a plethora of top clubs are said to be interested in signing it.
The fact that the Switzerland international is available as a free agent certainly helps give him more options, after he has already chosen not to sign a renewal with the Bundesliga as he wants to win trophies and play in Champions League every season.
El Nacional says he may have decided who to join at the end of the season, but adds that his first choice would be to move to Liverpool.
Barcelona had been interested in the 25-year-old, having made contact with the midfielder and his representatives – although Xavi Hernandez is not entirely certain about the move, especially if it means losing Frenkie de Jong.
Other than that, Liverpool are in a position to offer Zakaria a much more lucrative financial package and the report adds that they are more likely to win trophies and enjoy a stronger project at the moment.
Therefore, Zakaria has decided to prioritize negotiations with the Premier League side, although he is still open to discussing with Barcelona if things fail in England.
Zakaria is also the subject of interest for AS Roma, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
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08:00 GMT: Manchester United announced the appointment Ralf rangnick Monday as interim manager of the club until the end of the season.
Rangnick, 63, left his post as sports and development manager at Lokomotiv Moscow and signed a six-month contract at Old Trafford.
Sources told ESPN that the German was in advanced negotiations with United and that a breakthrough was made when a consulting role was offered as part of his move to the club.
Rangnick is expected to take charge of his first game when United host rival Arsenal on Thursday in the Premier League, although this is subject to his UK work permit being finalized.
He previously managed Hanover, Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
– Marcotti: Can Rangnick fix United?
PAPER GOSSIP (by Danny Lewis)
– Although he has the option to do so, the Manchester United midfielder Paul pogba is « very unlikely » to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club abroad, as has been reported by athletics.
The France international is currently focused on football as he seeks to come back from injury and assesses all of his options before the summer, when his contract with the Red Devils ends. United have made an offer for the 28-year-old, but it « almost certainly » should improve if they are to accept it, the story says.
– Manchester City working to expand Riyad Mahrezcontract, writes The Sun, with the winger’s current contract ending in the summer of 2023.
They want to have new terms in place when the Algeria international takes off to play the Africa Cup of Nations in January. However, it is added in the report that he could make an exit this summer if a deal is ultimately not reached before the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain enthusiastic.
– Newcastle United set to move for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, reports El Nacional, who adds that Real Madrid are unwilling to invest seriously in the Dutchman due to his lack of playing time since joining Old Trafford.
Although Van de Beek is keen to step away from the Premier League, he is aware that he would be seen as an important player as the Magpies seek to avoid relegation. A substantial offer was also made to the player and the Red Devils.
– Xavi supports the idea of bringing a graduate from La Masia Alex grimaldo return to Barcelona from Benfica, according to a bola.
The media writes that such a decision is necessary to facilitate the transition between Jordi Alba, 32, the main left-back. After Ronald Koeman backed the Spaniard’s signing, Xavi showed the same sentiment.
– Dries Mertens is ready to devote himself to Napoli despite several proposals from MLS clubs, reports Calciomercato.
With his current contract ending this summer, Napoli plan to offer the Belgian € 2.5million a year, half of what he currently earns, as he seeks to reduce his payroll. Despite this, Mertens is still keen to sit down and make a deal.
