MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea are planning further talks with Benfica in the hope of striking a deal for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, according to The Metro.
Fernandez, 21, has intimated he is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge but his current employers refuse to listen to offers.
That would mean the Blues, or any other prospective suitors, having to meet the central midfielder’s release clause of £106million.
But instead of paying the fee in one go, the Londoners reportedly want to make several installments over the next four years in order to comply with financial fair play rules.
Deal or no deal?
Jurgen Klopp refuses to rule out further signings but admits Liverpool are unlikely to splash the cash again after landing Cody Gakpo.
Dutchman Gapko, 23, is not expected to be involved against Brentford tonight but appears set to make his Reds debut in the FA Cup next weekend.
And Klopp has suggested the Merseysiders are likely to have to raise some cash before thinking about further additions to the squad.
He said: “Every window is pretty much the same — we talk about these things as though money didn’t play a role.
“It is never like this. We sign an outstanding player like Gakpo and then you read about the next player.
“We cannot play like Monopoly. Of course, we cannot just spend — and never could.
“It is clear that you need real quality in all positions and two teams with the same level that you can rotate but people are surprised when we say we cannot start splashing the cash.
“If there is something we can do and that means the right player and financial situation, we will do it.”
Asked whether any of his fringe players could be sold, Klopp added: “That is a different situation, I don’t know.
“Nobody came to me and asked to leave the club. If that should be the case then I would listen but nobody came yet.”
Not done yet
The Daily Telegraph’s Sam Dean has told Sky Sports that Arsenal may walk away from a move for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk.
He said: “It’s absolutely a possibility that Mudryk won’t join this month as Shakhtar want so much for him. There is a big gap in the valuation.
“Arsenal are trying to drive that price down. It is not a done deal as they have walked away in the past when the price is too big.
“It is clear he is the man Arsenal want and it is clear that he wants them.”
In other news
The Daily Mail claim Manchester United are monitoring developments with Borussia Dortmund forward Marcus Thuram. The Frenchman, 25, is out of contract in the summer.
According to The Express, Leicester have set their sights on Angers midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, 22 — which could clear the way for Arsenal to sign Youri Tielemans.
Football Insider believe Everton have registered their interest in United and Sweden winger Anthony Elanga.
Leeds are interested in Southampton striker Che Adams, say Give Me Sport. Adams, 26, has netted four goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
