Transfer Talk: Manchester United fall behind Liverpool in race to sign Bellingham
The summer transfer window is closed for the major leagues in Europe. However, with an eye on January, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man Utd fall behind in chase for Bellingham
Manchester United have fallen back in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to Sky Sports Germany.
It is reported that the Red Devils have little chance of acquiring the 19-year-old England international, who is continuing to be linked with a move away from Signal Iduna Park.
Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are reported to be the three clubs at the front of the queue for his signature, with Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp having identified Bellingham as his top priority as a marquee midfield signing.
While BVB are looking for a transfer fee of up to €150 million to part ways with Bellingham but clubs will look to try to negotiate a lower fee with the Bundesliga side, amid awareness of the need to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Bellingham starred in the 6-2 win over Iran and started again for England in the 0-0 draw against the United States at the World Cup on Friday.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
– World Cup 2022: News and features | Schedule | Squads
PAPER GOSSIP
– Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez wants Sergio Busquets to sign a new deal, reports Sport. The 34-year-old’s contract is set to expire next summer, and that has seen him linked with a potential move to Major League Soccer, although his recent form could keep him at Camp Nou. Busquets has remained a key player for Barcelona, featuring in 18 matches across all competitions.
– Multiple Premier League clubs are keen on acquiring Senegal forward Boulaye Dia, according to CBS. Leeds United, Everton, West Ham United, and Leicester City are all reported to be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, who scored in Senegal’s 3-1 win over Qatar on Friday. Dia is on loan at Salernitana from Villarreal, where he has scored six goals in 14 appearances.
– Lazio are monitoring the situation of FC Porto and Iran international forward Mehdi Taremi, reveals Ekrem Konur. The 30-year-old has been a standout performer at the World Cup so far, having contributed to three goals in two games, and it looks as though that has seen interest in his signature re-surface from across Europe.
– Real Madrid will only make a move for a centre-back if Nacho Fernandez decides to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Sport. The 32-year-old defender will enter the final six months of his contract in January, and he is yet to agree new terms after the signing of Antonio Rudiger in the summer saw his minutes decrease. He has made just one start in LaLiga this season.
– Adama Traore is attracting interest from Napoli, says Calciomercato. It is reported that the Serie A club are assessing potential options for the January transfer window and are keen on the 26-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, who will be available on a pre-contract agreement if he does not sign new terms at Molineux by January.
