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Today’s Liverpool transfer roundup brings you three stories about the Reds that have recently broken. Jurgen Klopp and co reportedly agree a fee for Nicolas Pepe, Idrissa Doumbia is scouted and the Anfield outfit’s German boss speaks about Gareth Bale.
Liverpool agree Pepe fee
Report: According to L’Equipe, Liverpool have agreed a fee for Lille’s Nicolas Pepe. They are said to be one of four clubs to have done so, along with Arsenal, Napoli and Internazionale. The accepted offer is €80m (£72m).
Verdict: No-one can doubt that Pepe is an exciting player and provides an attacking threat – he scored 23 goals for Lille last season – but do Liverpool really need another winger? Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ended the past campaign as joint top-scorers in the Premier League alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and the two African wide men scored over 50 goals in all competitions between them. Yes, it could be argued that the Ivory Coast international would provide top-quality back-up but, not only would a place as a reserve be a waste of his talent, it seems unlikely he would accept it. A move to any of the other three options would appear to have more legs.
How likely is the deal? 5/10
Reds scout Doumbia
Report: Today’s print edition of Record (via Sport Witness) is reporting that Liverpool are scouting Idrissa Doumbia. Apparently, the Reds have asked their scouting team to look at the 21-year-old more closely after noticing him during their pre-season game against Sporting Lisbon.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes is the Sporting player that the Reds were said to have had their eye on (Journal de Noticias via The Daily Express), so this claim comes a little out of the blue. His career in Portugal is only just starting – he has made 14 appearances for his current club’s first team – but the Verde e Brancos clearly think a lot of him having included a €60m (£53.8m) release clause in his contract, which runs until 2024. His signing would be one for the future, so perhaps Liverpool would be best served by following his development before making a formal approach.
How likely is the deal? 6.5/10
Klopp rubbishes Bale link
Report: Jurgen Klopp has rubbished claims that Liverpool would be interested in signing Gareth Bale this summer. “Bale is a Real Madrid player and if he leaves it will be outstandingly expensive and big wages. He is an outstanding player, I like him a lot but it is not about him. You have to create a team. A team is not a collection of the best individual players, they have to work together”, said the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
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Verdict: Of all the places where the Wales international could end up, Liverpool is far from the top of the list. Much like Pepe, he would be too big a name to be used as a back-up option – he would not provide an upgrade to Salah or Mane in terms of goal contributions based on last season either. Add on the fact he has a miserable injury record and it is 100% clear why the Champions League holders should avoid the former Tottenham man at all costs. China would welcome him with open arms, though.
How likely is the deal? 2/10
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