Rub up for double defensive boost
Manchester United might recruit TWO new left-backs.
Cerro Porteno’s Diego Leon, who turns 18 in April, is expected to join this summer.
And PSG’s Portugal star Nuno Mendes, 22, is rated the main target in the current transfer window.
Mendes only has 18 months left on his contract, which could tempt the French champs into selling him this month.
‘Salah, Van Dijk & Trent talks crucial for Reds’
Liverpool have been warned that contract talks over Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold could dent their title charge.
Star striker Salah has hinted it could be his last season at Anfield, skipper Van Dijk’s future is uncertain and Real Madrid want Alexander-Arnold.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit told DisCasino: “Liverpool have enough quality in their squad to go all the way, but their biggest problem is themselves.
“If Liverpool can hold on to their motivation, then I have no doubt they’ll be champions at the end of the season.
“The return of the Champions League could provide a bit of trickiness to Liverpool’s run.
“And if Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold keep getting distracted by their contract talks, we could see a problem within the dressing room, possibly.
“I have no idea what Liverpool want to do with those players.
“If they don’t receive new contracts, it could be damaging to the club’s form. Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest will keep gaining points.”
Palace target Esse rated at £15m
Crystal Palace have opened talks over a deal for Millwall’s Romain Esse, writes JACK ROSSER.
The winger, 19, has been tracked by the Eagles for some time.
However, after a release clause was included in his new contract earlier this year he could cost around £15million.
Newcastle have also expressed an interest in the England Under-20 international, but Eddie Howe’s men must sell before they can buy this month giving Palace an advantage.
Esse, who almost left the club for £500,000 in the summer before agreeing his new contract, has four goals and one assist in the Championship this summer.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner wants two new signings this month.
Liverpool winger Ben Doak, on loan at Middlesbrough, was the subject of a £15m bid but the Reds are holding out for double that.
Glasner also wants to add a left-back to provide cover and competition for Tyrick Mitchell this month.
Fulham, Brentford & Ipwich eye Igor
EXCLUSIVE: Ipswich have joined the growing race for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, writes ANDY DILLON.
The Tractor Boys have picked up form lately and fresh blood in the forward line could prove a huge boost to their Premier League survival chances.
Fulham and Brentford have also been linked with January moves for the £21 million-rated forward, 23, who has four Brazil caps.
Man City need Miracle to land Marmoush
Manchester City must do “something extraordinary” if they want to sign £50million-rated Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush this month, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
The Egyptian, 25, is the top target for Pep Guardiola as he looks to replace Julian Alvarez and provide some support for Erling Haaland.
However Eintracht are reluctant to sell their star players as they are going well in both their domestic league and the Europa League this season.
Frankfurt have no plans to let Marmoush leave following 18 goals in 24 games this term.
Director of football Markus Krosche said: “Our basic intention is to keep the squad together.
“Something extraordinary would have to happen for us to move away from this position.”
Kop monitoring Bayern ace
Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is thought to be on Liverpool’s radar – as they prepare for the possibility of Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving.
TAA’s current deal expires in the summer, with Real Madrid chasing the right-back.
The Premier League leaders are interested in a move for Kimmich , according to Bild reporter Christian Falk.
Like Alexander-Arnold, the German international is also out of contract at the end of the season.
Falk wrote on X: “Liverpool are considering the signing of Joshua Kimmich.
“Kimmich is a free agent in the summer, Bayern are in talks with Kimmich for a new contract.”
But Liverpool have been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the player since January 1.
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