Premier League Transfer News: Liverpool, United, Tottenham Targets
Premier League giants are already moving pieces for January, with young midfielders, emerging defenders and one high-profile striker all at the centre of early transfer manoeuvres.
Liverpool track £51.5m-rated Kees Smit
Liverpool sent scouts to watch Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit as AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League this week, with the 20-year-old increasingly viewed as one of Europe’s most intriguing young midfielders.
AZ value Smit at around £51.5m and Liverpool are far from alone in circling. Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are also monitoring him, turning every European outing into an audition in front of half the Premier League.
Manchester United eye Branthwaite
At Old Trafford, Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 24-year-old has grown into one of Everton’s most reliable performers, and United are tracking his form as they weigh up defensive options for the coming windows.
Tottenham push for Arthur Dias – and weigh up Icardi
Tottenham are pushing to the front of the queue for 19-year-old Brazil defender Arthur Dias of Athletico Paranaense.
The centre-back is valued at around 30m euros, and Spurs currently lead the race, with Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford all keeping tabs. For now, Ange Postecoglou’s side hold the strongest position, but competition is building.
Spurs are also considering a short-term move for free agent Mauro Icardi after the Argentine’s departure from Galatasaray. Any deal would have to wait, though – they would not be able to register the 33-year-old until January.
Balogun set for Monaco exit
In Ligue 1, Monaco have confirmed plans to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January.
The 25-year-old came close to leaving on deadline day but changed his mind over a move to Everton. Monaco now expect to move him on in the winter window, with suitors ready to return for a proven goalscorer.
The French club have also opened the door to a possible January exit for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara. The Senegal international has attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, and Monaco admit a deal could be on the table once the market reopens.
Chelsea prospects under the microscope
Chelsea’s academy conveyor belt continues to draw attention. Several European clubs are monitoring the situation of 20-year-old English defender Josh Acheampong at Stamford Bridge, with his pathway to regular senior football under scrutiny.
Real Madrid go after Abdellah Ouazane
In Spain, Real Madrid are preparing a major push for Morocco’s latest midfield talent, Abdellah Ouazane.
The 17-year-old, currently at Ajax, has impressed enough for Madrid to plan an all-out move, underlining their ongoing drive to lock down the best young midfielders in Europe before rivals can react.
Newcastle revisit Bo Hegland
Newcastle United are ready to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland.
The 22-year-old Norwegian turned down a move in the summer, but Newcastle have not walked away. With another approach being lined up, the next window could finally bring a breakthrough.
Arsenal, Brighton and Villa chase Luca Weinhandl
In Austria, Sturm Graz teenager Luca Weinhandl is drawing a crowd. Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa are all tracking the 17-year-old midfielder, who is already valued at around £20m.
For a player still in his teens, that price tag underlines how quickly his stock is rising.
Nmecha on Manchester City and Liverpool radar
Back in Germany, Felix Nmecha has emerged as a target for both Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Germany midfielder is under contract at Borussia Dortmund, who are expected to demand 80-90m euros for any sale. That sort of fee would put him among the most expensive midfielders on the market – and set up a heavyweight tug-of-war between two clubs who know each other far too well.
