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Transfer Gossip: Liverpool raise stakes as sensational Spanish steal nears; Newcastle plot £50m move for Chelsea reserve

 

Fears are mounting at Barcelona that teenage star Gavi is ready to quit for Liverpool, West Ham are plotting a move for a Man Utd youngster, while Easter Monday’s Paper Talk claims Newcastle fancy a £50m raid on Chelsea.

GAVI SWOOP ON FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool are growing increasingly confident of signing Gavi this summer after making a firm approach for his services.

The 17-year-old is regarded as one of LaLiga’s brightest prospects, having made 42 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona this season. Furthermore, six senior caps for the Spain show exactly how high the midfielder is rated.

Under the watchful eye of Xavi Hernandez, the youngster – just like fellow teen Pedri – is making big waves at at a rejuvenated Barca.

However, with his contract due to expire in summer 2023, Barcelona face a battle to tie him down.

He has already rejected a couple of offers to extend his stay, with talks due to continue this week.

That appears to have let in his suitors, with one of those, Liverpool, reportedly already reaching out to the player.

As per the Daily Express, the Reds are already in contact over a summer switch.

They plan to offer him hugely tempting wages to move to Anfield and plan to help him develop under the tutelage of Thiago Alcantara.

What’s more, Liverpool will have no issues meeting the midfielder’s £42m exit clause.

The possibility of Gavi switching to Anfield is also gaining column inches in Spain.

Spanish daily Sport reports Barcelona are increasingly concerned over Gavi’s future.

Claiming Liverpool have ‘sounded Gavi out’, they hint at the increasingly possibility of the player moving to Anfield this summer.

NEWCASTLE PLANNING KEPA SWOOP

Newcastle are ready to step up their interest in Kepa Arrizabalaga by making a firm approach for the Chelsea reserve.

The Spaniard became the world’s most expensive keeper in making a £72m switch to Stamford Bridge in summer 2018.

However, he’s struggled to live with his price tag and is very much regarded as second choice at Chelsea.

Largely used in cup competitions, Kepa has just 15 appearances to his name this season.

Now it seems Chelsea are finally ready to let him leave.

As such, the Daily Star names Newcastle as rivalling several LaLiga clubs looking to sign him this summer.

However, it seems the Magpies are the favourites with Chelsea reportedly demanding £50m for the 27-year-old.

The cash-rich Magpies are looking to add quality all over the pitch as they plan for a big summer. They also want a new striker, midfielder and possibly a centre-half as they look to push into the higher end of the Premier League.

With an enormous transfer warchest at his disposal, Eddie Howe seemingly sees Kepa as his next big signing.

That said, any such deal looks harsh on Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian has rarely put a foot wrong this season, proving himself one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers.

WEST HAM LINE UP DI-SHON BERNARD SWOOP

West Ham are reportedly keen on signing Manchester United defender Di’Shon Bernard after impressing on loan this season.

The 21-year-old joined United’s academy set-up, having left Chelsea back in 2017.

He has just one senior appearance to his name, spending time on loan at Salford City last season.

This time around, Bernard has been at Hull City, making 28 appearances for the Tigers.

Those performances have alerted long-term suitors West Ham, who have been keeping a close eye on his progress.

His contract at United runs until 2026.

However, West Ham believe they can tempt him by offering him a faster route into the first team, writes the Daily Mirror.

Bernard earned praise from Gary Neville during his time at Salford last season.

“Di’Shon Bernard has done really well since he’s gone in at centre back,” Neville said. “On the front foot, steps in front, pushes up a little bit, makes us more aggressive. I’d like to sign him full-time but I don’t know if United would let him go.

“He’s the type of player we need. Young, hungry, wants to develop a career for himself. Players who can pass like he can, run like he can, got the physicality that he has, the talent, the ability to read the game. He’s a really good player.”

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