Liverpool target Benedikt Howedes for £18m as Virgil van Dijk alternative but Barcelona ready new Philippe Coutinho bid

David Cooper - Writer 09:30 23/08/2017
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  • Another day in football, another wave of transfer rumours to keep up with. Take a look at the most recent names and gossip being floated around in the media.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts by getting in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    BENEDIKT HOWEDES

    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has identified Schalke’s towering centre-half Benedikt Howedes, according to German outlet DW Sports.

    The Reds’ summer-long pursuit of Southampton’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk is looking less likely and Klopp will turn his attention elsewhere to bolster his back line.

    RATING: 7/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    Makes sense for Liverpool to start considering their Plan B because Southampton’s stance on Van Dijk does not appear to be softening.

    Klopp likes to buy from Germany and at £18million the 29-year-old represents an older but cheaper alternative.

    Howedes has played alongside Liverpool defender Joel Matip in the past and has talked up a move abroad recently, adding credence to a possible transfer.

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO

    Barcelona will table a fourth offer to Liverpool for their playmaker Philippe Coutinho in a deal which could rise to £138million, reports Sky Sports.

    Liverpool have so far rejected bids of £118million, £90million and £72million and are hoping to reintegrate the Brazilian back into their starting line-up.

    RATING: 6/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    The report says the Catalan club will offer £101million up front and then a further £37million in bonuses related to Champions League appearances.

    With so little time left in the window and a large chunk of that fee in add-ons, it’s incredibly difficult to see Liverpool accepting the offer having stood firm so far.

    Coutinho in pre-season

    Coutinho in pre-season

    ALEX SANDRO

    Chelsea are set to revive their efforts to sign Juventus full-back Alex Sandro.

    According to calciomercato.com, the Serie A giants are hoping to negate the advances of Chelsea by offering a new contract but the Premier League side will return with a €70million offer after having multiple bids previously rejected.

    RATING: 5/10

    SPORT360 VERDICT

    It’s another rumour which has dragged throughout the summer but a resolution appears no closer.

    Juventus have been clear in their stance and it seems Antonio Conte will be left disappointed, not for the first time this summer.

    Alex Sandro

    Alex Sandro

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