Transfer Talk: Barca spoiling Liverpool's Rabiot move

Published on: 14 August 2018

FacebookTwitterFacebook MessengerPinterestEmail

The English transfer window is closed, but the rest of Europe is still open for business, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.

When does the transfer window close in the top European leagues?

All completed moves: Prem | Champ | La Liga | Serie A | Bundesliga | Ligue 1

Liverpool keen on Rabiot, but Barca may frustrate them

Liverpool could move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the winter -- that is if Barcelona don't beat them to it before summer windows close in Europe.

The Mirror, citing reports in France, says manager Jurgen Klopp "is a keen admirer" but, with the Premier League window having closed last week, must hope that Barca do not make a move.

The La Liga champions have until the end of the month to finish transfer business, but Liverpool "hope to land Rabiot on a pre-contract agreement in the winter with a view to him joining next summer."

Rabiot has a year remaining on his PSG deal and will be free to talk to overseas clubs from January.

Meanwhile, the Liverpool Echo reports that defender Ragnar Klavan is likely to leave Anfield in the near future. It says Liverpool are ready to listen to offers for the former Augsburg player, who could return to the Bundesliga.

Chelsea's Loftus-Cheek wants to stay amid loan links

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is a wanted man with several European clubs, including Schalke, keen to bring him in on loan -- but they face disappointment, according to the Telegraph.

It says Loftus-Cheek, who helped Crystal Palace to survival in the Premier League last season, is "extremely unlikely" to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge and wants to stay and fight for a place in Maurizio Sarri's lineup.

Schalke are hopeful that the arrival of Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic at Stamford Bridge for the season might persuade Chelsea to let the England international leave.

But the Telegraph says "Tiemoue Bakayoko's loan move to AC Milan has helped create space in the squad" and Loftus-Cheek -- who Palace had wanted to re-sign -- is keen to battle for a first-team role.

United's Darmian poised for Italy return

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian is "on standby" for a move from Old Trafford before the Serie A window closes on Friday, the Manchester Evening News reports.

It says Darmian wants to leave after three years at United and has set his sights on a return to his native Italy.

The 28-year-old, who started the 2-1 home win over Leicester on Friday, has been linked with Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan, and the Evening News says United "are prepared to let him depart, provided they receive an acceptable offer."

Tap-ins

-- Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is considering his Craven Cottage future after being left out of the squad for the opening weekend's game against Crystal Palace, according to the Mail.

Bettinelli, a key to the Londoners' promotion, has seen new keepers Sergio Rico and Fabri arrive over the summer and the report says "he may look at alternatives to continue his progress, with a host of clubs waiting to swoop."

-- Birmingham's hopes of signing Besiktas striker Alvaro Negredo could be over, says the Birmingham Mail, which reports that he is in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano.

Former Manchester City striker Negredo, who had also been linked with both Cardiff City and Leeds United, now appears poised to return to his boyhood club.

Source: espn.co.uk

Comments