Liverpool want January loan move for PSG star while Courtois is linked with Atletico

David Cooper - Writer 10:32 23/11/2017
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  • The transfer window may not open again until January 1 2018 but that hasn’t put an end to plenty of speculation throughout Europe.

    Here, we take a look at three big stories dominating the headlines on Thursday.

    Will any of the following deals happen?

    Let us know your thoughts.

    Get in touch via Twitter and Facebook.

    JULIAN DRAXLER

    Liverpool want to sign Julian Draxler on loan from PSG in January, according to L’Equipe.

    The 24-year-old has been restricted to seven Ligue 1 starts this season with the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe pushing him further out of the first-team picture and a move away could be on the cards.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer having tried to sign Draxler before he signed for PSG. In a World Cup season a move for more first-team action would appeal although given the Reds’ wealth of options in attack you have to wonder where he fits into their starting XI.

    Still, the 24-year-old has undoubted quality and will likely attract the attention of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Arsenal should he become available so he won’t be short of options.

    THIBAUT COURTOIS

    Atletico Madrid are hoping they can bring back Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea if current No1 Jan Oblak departs next summer, according to AS.

    Oblak has been linked with a move to Manchester United and should the goalkeeper merry-go-round see David De Gea leave for Real Madrid then Courtois could also be tempted in a return to Spain.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    Perhaps a perfect storm could be on the horizon with Courtois yet to sign an extension to a deal which expires in 2019 and Atletico at risk of losing Oblak.

    Goalkeepers could dominate the headlines next summer with Man United’s De Gea a target for Real and Oblak linked to the Red Devils, but given Courtois’ importance to Chelsea and a lack of world-class alternatives on the market you would suspect he’s virtually unsellable.

    Thibaut Courtois has been linked to a return to Atletico Madrid

    Thibaut Courtois has been linked to a return to Atletico Madrid

    MOUSSA DEMBELE 

    Manchester United have held preliminary talks with Celtic as they explored the possibility of signing French striker Moussa Dembele last summer, according to L’Equipe.

    The 21-year-old is one of the most in-demand young forwards in Europe and was reportedly set to move to Chelsea in the previous transfer window but for a late collapse on deadline day.

    RATING: 5/10

    VERDICT

    After scoring against PSG it’s probably no surprise to see him linked with Europe’s big hitters once more and if United have already touched base with the Hoops then don’t be surprised if they reignite their interest in January.

    It seems a matter of when, not if, he leaves the Scottish top flight and there will be a whole host of interested parties chasing his signature.

    Dembele in action against PSG after Celtic were battered by the French giants

    Dembele in action against PSG after Celtic were battered by the French giants

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