Jude Bellingham is ready to disappoint Liverpool after prioritizing a move elsewhere, and Jurgen Klopp will look to sign two Argentine stars instead, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claim Chelsea are keen on signing a Celtic defender to cover for Reece James.
JUDE BELLINGHAM REFUSES TO MOVE TO LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are set to miss out on signing Jude Bellingham as the player has decided to move elsewhere.
The Reds kicked off their transfer business in 2023 in style with the capture of Cody Gakpo in a deal that could reach £45million. However, their main priority next month, and this summer, is to strengthen their midfield.
Indeed, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita likely to leave as free agents, Klopp has at least two vacancies to fill.
His No.1 priority is most definitely Bellingham and those hopes of a deal have been heightened amid claims of a knockdown release clause. And with Liverpool among three clubs in the mix for his signature, they seemed the most likely candidates to seal his signature.
However, Purpose now report that Bellingham has decided to sign for Real Madrid instead. They claim the teenager has told those around him that the Spanish giants are his next dream club.
And with Los Blancos well aware of his intentions, they now make his signing their top priority for 2023. They see the player as a dream successor to Luka Modric in their midfield. And with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde, they will have a world-class midfielder who should serve them well for years to come.
The Reds are believed to be aware of Bellingham’s intentions to sign for real Madrid and now fix their attentions elsewhere.
WATCH LIVERPOOL ON ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER AND ENZO FERNANDEZ
Liverpool are now reportedly looking to use the money allocated to Bellingham to sign a pair of World Cup winners instead.
And at the top of their list of targets would be Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an exceptional World Cup, having been named Young Player of the Tournament. And his season could be set to get even better if he seals a successful move to the Premier League.
Demand for Fernandez is high, Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be keen.
However, reports on Wednesday claim that Liverpool are desperate to get their hands on Fernandez in January. And they would be ready to break their club record to conclude an agreement.
Benfica, however, are well aware of the interest and refuse to let Fernandez go on the cheap. Indeed, they point all suitors to the £105m release clause that is in his contract if they want to secure the midfielder.
Mac Allister available for a great price
While Liverpool may have to pay a premium for his signature, they can console themselves with a deal for an Argentine teammate. And, according to reports in Italy, Liverpool are also ready to go all out to sign Alexis Mac Allister.
The Brighton star has established himself as a mainstay in the Argentina squad, providing an excellent link man between midfield and attack. His performances alerted a series of top clubs, with Juventus, Benfica and Borussia Dortmund all enthusiastic.
But reports claim it is Liverpool leading the way. And Klopp is apparently alerted by an apparent exit clause of just £35million in his contract.
His loss will be keenly felt by Brightonwhere Mac Allister is much adored, but they are also unable to prevent.
Should Liverpool sign the two Argentines, a double deal would cost them around £140million.
CHELSEA TARGET DEAL FOR JOSIP JURANOVIC
Chelsea are looking to Celtic defender Josip Juranovic as cover and competition for the injured Reece James.
The England star saw his comeback against Bournemouth on Tuesday night come to an abrupt end. This is after he suffered a relapse of his knee problem around the hour mark.
Having already seen the problem cost him a place in the England squad for the World Cupthe sight of James limping will not have been welcome.
Chelsea have since confirmed James will face another month on the sidelines as a result.
And, having been left light in the right-back department, chelsea will now look to sign a replacement.
Denzel Dumfries is among those who would be on their wanted list. However, any deal for the Dutchman won’t come cheap, with Inter Milan looking for around £40million.
However, Celtic’s Juranovic would be seen as a more affordable option.
And according to Sky Sports Newsthe Celtic man is a player they are watching closely.
The 27-year-old is said to cost around £8million, with his screens also alerting Barcelona.
And it looks like the 27-time capped Croatian will be on the move in January if Celtic receive a big offer.
Celtic want to tie Juranovic to a new and improved deal. But the talks have so far failed to result in an agreement. And even if his contract expires in 2026, Juranovic would have had his head turned.
