Barca defender in CLAIM, City LEGAL ACTION, Luiz TARGETED – Liverpool FC News Summary

LIVERPOOL COULD TARGET BARCELONA DEFENDER

Liverpool are one of a number of elite European clubs keeping a close eye on Barcelona youngster Mikayil Faye amid reports suggesting the defender is unhappy in Catalonia.

The 19-year-old joined Barcelona for €1.5 million from Croatian side NK Kustosija last summer and has continued to play with the club’s B team (Barca Atletic) for the past year.

He has performed admirably under B team boss Rafael Marquez but is yet to make his senior debut – despite already having an international cap and a goal for Senegal.

The left-footed defender, who can also play at full-back, has become frustrated with a lack of opportunities at first-team level, according to Mundo Deportivo, and could be looking for a summer move as a result.

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CITY LAUNCHES LEGAL ACTION

Manchester City are taking LEGAL ACTION against the Premier League ahead of November’s hearing into alleged breaches of 115 of the Financial Rules and Regulations.

A two-week private arbitration will begin on Monday, June 10, which could have a major impact on the outcome of City’s subsequent hearing, which is expected to take six weeks to conclude.

In their action, City are seeking to end the Premier League’s associated party transaction (APT) rules, which were introduced in December 2021 following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle.

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ARNE SLOT VOUCHERS FOR SANTIAGO GIMENEZ

New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has already spoken to Feyenoord superstar Santiago Gimenez amid links over a potential move to Anfield for the Mexican.

Gimenez joined Slot at Feyenoord in 2022 and helped the Rotterdam club to Eredivisie glory in his debut season with 15 goals in 32 games.

That number increased last season as the 23-year-old, who was born in Buenos Aires, scored 23 times and produced six assists in just 30 league games as Feyenoord finished runners-up with PSV Eindhoven.

Gimenez has attracted interest from Europe’s top sides for some time and has been heavily linked with Tottenham, but rumors of a potential Anfield switch have intensified since Slott’s arrival on Merseyside.

According to CaughtOffside, Slot had already discussed Gimenez with Liverpool during initial discussions with the club about Feyenoord players who had the potential to thrive in the Premier League.

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LIVERPOOL ENDO REPLACEMENT WANTED

Liverpool are planning to sign a ‘midfield star’ this summer as they look to replace Wataru Endo.

The Japan captain was a surprise addition to Liverpool’s squad last summer, making the £16m switch from Stuttgart after the Reds have now missed out on Chelsea duo Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

After a slow start to life on Merseyside, Endo quickly became a fan favorite with some excellent performances over the winter, although his form dipped towards the end of the season.

Liverpool, England, December 23, 2023. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Image credit should read: Darren Staples / Sportimage EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No unauthorized use of audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online use during the match is limited to 120 images, without video emulation. Not used in single club/league/player betting, games or publications. SPI-2829-0097

The 31-year-old proved excellent value for money and helped Liverpool to be as competitive as they were last season, while his presence also allowed Alexis Mac Allister to play in a more advanced role.

However, the Reds are already making plans to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer as they look to ease the burden on Endo next season.

According to Football Insider, Endo was only viewed by Liverpool chiefs as a temporary solution to their midfield possession issues following Fabinho’s decline and subsequent exit.

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TRENT DETAILS SOUTHGATE CONVERSATIONS

Trent Alexander-Arnold says he is “not fussed” about where he plays for England after scoring his country’s third goal during Monday’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in St. James’ Park.

The Liverpool man has been heavily involved for the Three Lions, having more touches of the ball than any other England starter and has been named in the squad as a midfielder by manager Gareth Southgate.

One of three right-backs in the squad alongside Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, Trent started the game at number 8, while Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa filled in at right-back.

However, after a first half in which England struggled to break down Sergej Barbarez’s side, Trent was moved back to his usual spot and scored the goal in the 85th minute from the right.

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VAN DEN BERG WANTS OUT

Liverpool now have a player in active pursuit after he informed the club of his decision to leave this week.

Sepp van den Berg raised eyebrows last week in an interview with De Telegraaf. He openly told them that he felt Liverpool were “holding back his future” by not allowing him to leave the club.

However, don’t let him go easily. The suggestion was that Liverpool wanted around £20m to sell Van den Berg after his excellent Bundesliga campaign with Mainz 05.

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MATIP IN BOURNEMOUTH TALKS

Bournemouth have held recent talks with Joel Matip, who is looking for a new club with his Liverpool contract officially expiring on June 30, Anfield Watch understands.

The Cameroon international suffered a serious injury last season, which has raised doubts over his prospects of finding a new club.

But the veteran defender is highly admired by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is keen to bring in the experienced centre-back to replace Newcastle-bound Lloyd Kelly, who has also been a transfer target for the Reds.

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TOMATOES AND JEWELS CHASE LUIZ

Juventus have reportedly lined up Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as a Plan B should they fail to land Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners this summer.

This is a development that could have major repercussions for Liverpool’s summer spending, with Koopmeiners believed to be a key target and Calciomercato now reporting that Luiz is ALSO on the list of potential Anfield arrivals.

Koopmeiners is the main name within Juve this summer and the Dutchman has previously expressed a clear interest in staying in Serie A.

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WONDERKID DAD OPENS THE DOOR TO LIVERPOOL

Liverpool could now JUMP for German youngster Assan Ouedraogo this summer after his expected move to Bayern Munich fell through.

Assan Ouedraogo

The Schalke midfielder was lined up for a deal earlier this season, but following a change in the club’s hierarchy, it now appears the 18-year-old’s future lies elsewhere.

The player’s father revealed all in an interview with Sky Germany earlier this week, stating that a contract had been agreed but the Bavarians ultimately opted not to sign him.

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ALONSO ON THE LIVERPOOL LINKS

Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on Liverpool trying to sign him earlier this year. The Spaniard eventually stayed with Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool weren’t exactly chasing Xabi Alonso public in 2024, but reports linking them to their former midfielder were everywhere. England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France – football was talked about earlier this year.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones courting Alonso. Bayern Munich had him as their number 1 choice to succeed Thomas Tuchel. There has been talk that Real Madrid would like to tie him down as well (and still could next year).

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