£45m Reds star reveals Man Utd talks as Chelsea eye bargain signing
A round-up of the Premier League transfer rumours – including a shock Pep Guardiola recommendation
Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager, according to reports in Spain. Catalan icon Xavi Hernandez is set to step down at the end of the season – but the Brighton boss has played down talk about a potential exit.
“Yes, I have a contract. Until now, I have not decided anything and my mind is on Brighton 100 per cent.” De Zerbi said at a recent press conference.
However, Guardiola – revered by Barcelona – has urged his former club to appoint the Italian. Liverpool are also linked with signing De Zerbi to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.
3AM verdict: Who would I be to question the great Guardiola? Brighton are renowned as a stepping-stone club and where else to test your skills than the Nou Camp? His style of play would also fit in with the Barca way. The club are, however, riddled with financial instabilities… but he hardly has a king’s ransom to spend on the south coast.
Chelsea are plotting a swoop for £15 million 21-year-old defender Archie Brown, who plays for Belgian outfit Gent. The Blues have options at left-back, including Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.
3AM verdict: Needing to sign another left-back highlights the state of Chelsea’s transfer dealings in recent years. Spending the best part of £100m on left-backs and still looking light in that department is puzzling –especially with Lewis Hall also on loan at Newcastle.
Cody Gakpo has revealed he spoke to Erik ten Hag… before signing for Liverpool. Manchester United were linked with the forward after appointing Ten Hag as manager. “It was the summer. I was in contact with the club [Man United] and the manager,” he said.
3AM verdict: Gakpo has not hit the heights expected of him at Liverpool – but there is no doubt he would have improved United. The Red Devils’ frontline has underwhelmed all season. Having a player like Gakpo would also trigger the likes of Marcus Rashford to up their game.