The summer transfer window is months away but the rumour mill never comes to a standstill.
Clubs work around the year, laying the ground work for transfers and rightly so, given there’s a lot of money involved.
Here, we look at the top headlines doing the rounds in Europe on Friday.
MALCOM
Bordeaux star Malcom looks set to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer.
The attacker has revealed, “Bordeaux have promised I can leave in June and I will choose the destination.”
The Brazilian has attracted plenty of interest from the Premier League with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal leading the chase.
Having come close to securing his signature in January though, it would appear that the Gunners have the inside track heading into the summer transfer window.
RATING: 8/10
VERDICT
Jose Mourinho has already said United won’t be making any attacking signings in the summer and even if they did, you’d think it would be an established star. Arsenal on the other hand have been closely linked to Malcom for a while and may look at the Brazilian as a long-term replacement for Alexis Sanchez.
Malcom
MARCO ASENSIO
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing rising Real Madrid Marco Asensio.
The attacking midfielder has been a revelation over the last two seasons, prompting the Reds to launch a €150 million (Dhs 689m) bid for him, one that has already been knocked back by the Madridistas.
The La Liga giants’ president Florentino Perez has told all potential suitors that the club will not accept anything less than his €700 million (Dhs 3.2bn) asking price, according to Mundo Deportivo.
RATING: 2/10
VERDICT
Try as they might, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool signing Asensio. For all their attacking play, they can’t compete with the wages other clubs would offer him and don’t guarantee silverware. They may be able to use the Coutinho money to fund part of the transfer fee but it’s a stretch and Madrid won’t want to lose their brightest young talent.
Asensio
ALISSON
Liverpool have set their sights on finally strengthening the goalkeeper’s position in their first team by securing the services of AS Roma’s number one, Alisson.
Reports in Italy suggest that discussions are already underway. Jurgen Klopp’s side are said to have inquired about the Brazilian’s availability during the January transfer window and are keen to sign him in the summer.
However, the Serie A side value their custodian at €70 million (Dhs 321.5m).
RATING: 7/10
VERDICT
Despite Loris Karius’ recent form between the sticks, failing to secure a reliable custodian could come back to hurt Liverpool, especially if they’re going to launch a serious bid for silverware. Alisson is a solid option and comes with enough experience.
Alisson
