Liverpool leading race to sign Christian Pulisic but Real Madrid and Barcelona remain in the hunt

David Cooper - Writer 10:46 12/02/2018
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  • Christian Pulisic

    The transfer window is heating up and we have our daily transfer gossip column to keep you in the loop.

    Here, we look at the top headlines doing the rounds in Europe’s media on Monday.

    MERSEYSIDERS IN FOR CHRISTIAN PULISIC

    Liverpool will have to fork out at least €100 million if they are to land the Borussia Dortmund attacker this summer. Given the 19-year-old won’t be playing for USA in the World Cup, the Merseysiders are hoping to conclude a deal at the earliest opportunity and have reportedly already held preliminary talks with the player’s representatives.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    There is no doubt the American is one of the next big names in the game and an investment in the teen would be a wise move for Jurgen Klopp’s men. Liverpool will have to be prepared to battle with Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid for his signature though.

    Pulisic is expected to leave Dortmund.

    REAL STILL HARBOUR HOPES OVER THIBAUT COURTOIS

    Real Madrid will move for the Chelsea star in the summer, with long-term target David de Gea seemingly staying put at Manchester United. Los Blancos are seeking a replacement for Costa Rican stopper Keylor Navas and Blues goalkeeper Courtois has made it known he wants to move back to the Spanish capital, where he previously plied his trade with city rivals Atletico. Some of the Belgian’s family are still based in the Spanish capital.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    The Whites have made no secret of the fact they’ll keen to sign a new goalkeeper and Courtois obviously fits the bill, with Chelsea’s indifferent form this season adding further fuel to the fire. There should be some movement on this transfer in the coming months.

    Key man for Chelsea: Courtois.

    MARIO LEMINA COULD LEAD SOUTHAMPTON EXODUS

    The Gabon star could be one of first out of the door at Southampton, if the south coast are relegated from the Premier League. The 24-year-old penned a £16m deal at the Saints back in August from Juventus but hasn’t quite had the desired impact. A return to Serie A could well be on the cards while Arsenal could potentially rekindle their interest in the midfielder.

    RATING: 8/10

    VERDICT

    The Red and Whites are in real trouble and sit in the bottom three, with rumours Mauricio Pellegrino could face the axe this month. While there’s still time to turn the season around, Lemina could be one of several first-teamers to leave come the end of the season if the club drop to the Championship.

    Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (L) jumps against Southampton's Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina (R) during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 11, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

    Mario Lemina battles for the ball during Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool.

    SPURS MONITORING BRAZILIAN PROSPECT DAVID NERES

    Tottenham are monitoring the progress of the rising Ajax star, with the 20-year-old being one of Europe’s hottest prospects. The Brazilian ace was linked with Mauricio Pochettino’s men during the January transfer window but the Dutch giants were reluctant to part with the prolific forward. Spurs wish to add another striker to the ranks in the close season and provide support for main man Harry Kane.

    RATING: 7/10

    VERDICT

    Neres is similar to Pulisic in terms of his age and that he is an emerging star, but it’s fair to say the striker is less known. That, though, is good news for the north London club as they are very much at the front of the queue to sign him.

    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JANUARY 21: David Neres of Ajax takes on Sven van Beek and Tonny Vilhena of Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord at Amsterdam ArenA on January 21, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

    David Neres has impressed in the Eredivisie.

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