Liverpool rivals round-up: Harry Kane has given his assent to a blockbuster transfer, while Man United might be taking a leaf out of the Jürgen Klopp playbook.
Liverpool rivals round-up: Harry Kane has given his assent to a blockbuster transfer, while Man United might be taking a leaf out of the Jürgen Klopp playbook.
By this point, the logic has been scrutinized to within an inch of its life. Liverpool did not feel it could sufficiently complete the required rebuild task if it spent so much on Bellingham, and in any case were not sure he would choose Anfield, so chose to use the money to sign up to three good players rather than one generational talent.
And so another transfer window will pass where Liverpool is only an observer of the blockbuster moves. Among the biggest potential activity involves Harry Kane, who is the subject of serious interest from Bayern Munich.
While Manchester United has also been credited with interest, it seems highly unlikely that Spurs would ever sanction such a move. As a result, Erik ten Hag’s side is said to be looking at more of a Liverpool repeat, with one club president claiming the Red Devils are preparing a sizable offer.
Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.Liverpool repeat could beckon for Manchester United
Under the management of Jürgen Klopp and particularly Pep Lijnders, there has been a recent preference at Liverpool for the Portuguese market. The assistant manager knows it very well indeed, having previously worked at Porto, and there seems to be a belief throughout the club hierarchy that there is value to be found in Europe’s ‘sixth league’.
Sitting just outside the traditional big five, it nonetheless offers a high level, as well as regular chances for players at the top clubs to test themselves in the Champions League. Liverpool has been confident enough to sanction major deals for both Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez in the recent past.
Now, it seems Manchester United might be following suit. It has also shopped there before, buying the likes of Bruno Fernandes, and this summer it looks ready to go to Benfica and sign the man who was effectively the Núñez replacement.Now, it seems Manchester United might be following suit. It has also shopped there before, buying the likes of Bruno Fernandes, and this summer it looks ready to go to Benfica and sign the man who was effectively the Núñez replacement.
That’s according to Correio da Manha (print edition via Man Utd News) which reports that president Rui Costa has claimed Manchester United is willing to pay almost $87m (£69m/€80m) for Gonçalo Ramos.Liverpool.com says: Ramos was just starting to make a name for himself when Liverpool signed Núñez, to the point where a few suggested he should be looked at instead. Sure enough, being the main man at Benfica has seen his price tag shoot up in a similar fashion.
This really would be a Liverpool repeat for Manchester United, with Ramos offering much the same risk and upside as Núñez. The latter was more prolific during his final season in Portugal, but it seems his successor will cost slightly less money.
Clearly, big clubs retain faith that the Portuguese league is an adequate proving ground, despite Núñez suffering a relatively tough first season. There remains plenty of optimism that he will kick on, and he will undoubtedly be desperate to do so — particularly if he is head-to-head with his old teammate.
Harry Kane ‘agrees’ to Bayern Munich transfer
Harry Kane has given the ‘OK’ to Bayern Munich, via his camp, although a fee still needs to be agreed with Spurs. That’s according to German outlet Sport Bild.
While Bayern is not yet allowed to negotiate directly with Kane, and nothing has been signed yet, the club has spoken to his father Pat and brother Charlie. An accord has been reached, with the striker said to have agreed to make the move.
An initial offer of $77m (£60m/€70m) plus add-ons was rejected by Spurs. It is thought that Bayern Munich is set to return with an improved bid (via the BBC).
