Liverpool are ready to make a surprise move for Italy legend Andrea Pirlo; Chelsea are leading the race to sign Koke; and Manchester City will have to pay big money to land Kevin de Bruyne - the top stories from the Sunday papers.
‘Liverpool ready to sign Pirlo’ - Liverpool are ready to sign Juventus midfield legend Andrea Pirlo in the summer, according to the Independent on Sunday. Apparently Liverpool are very keen to sign the vintage midfielder, who has just a year remaining on his current deal and has suggested he may leave, at the end of the season. The newspaper reports that Brendan Rodgers is especially keen to sign Pirlo as he seeks to replace departing club captain Steven Gerrard. Chelsea are also reportedly interested in landing Pirlo, but Liverpool are in the box seat.
Paper Round’s view: Pirlo was again excellent as Juventus beat Real Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final on Tuesday but the Italian has also been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer. Italian newspaper Tuttosport also claim that Liverpool and Chelsea are prepared to sign the 35-year-old in the summer if he fancies a move to the Premier League, but would he favour a big-money farewell in the USA? There’s no doubt that he would provide much needed class in the Liverpool midfield and play just the way Rodgers wants his team to operate. It would certainly be a real crowd pleaser.
‘Chelsea lead race for Koke’ - Chelsea lead the race for £40 million Atletico Madrid star Koke, according to a report in the Sun on Sunday. The Spanish midfielder is being eyed by the Premier League champions as Roman Abramovich looks to bolster a title-winning squad for Jose Mourinho.Manchester City are also reportedly keen as they line up a Yaya Toure replacement, but Chelsea are in the box seat as they did business with Atletico last summer, landing both striker Diego Costaand full-back Filipe Luis from the Spanish outfit.
Paper Round’s view: Koke made his Atletico debut six years ago and is seen as the future of the Spain midfield engine room, with Xavi and Xabi Alonso in their mid-30s. Taking him over to Englandwould be a major coup for Chelsea, but how would that leave their squad? Teaming Koke up with Nemanja Matic would potentially allow Cesc Fabregas to move forward into a number 10 role at Stamford Bridge, which could be a real plus for everyone.
‘Liverpool place bid for Lacazette’ - Liverpool have placed a £20 million initial bid for Manchester United target Alexandre Lacazette, according to a report in the Sunday Express. Lyon star Lacazette is expected to leave the club this summer, with PSG and United both following Liverpool plotting offers for the forward. But it is Liverpool who have stolen a lead over United, who were previously considered frontrunners to bag the France star.
Paper Round’s view: Lacazette has scored 29 goals in 33 appearances this season and his arrival on Merseyside would all but end Mario Balotelli's stint at the club. Balotelli has failed to impress since his £16m move from Milan last August - scoring just four goals all term. The striker has been in and out of the first team and has made just three of manager Brendan Rodgers' last 13 first XIs - all three games that Liverpool failed to win. This would certainly be a much need upgrade for Liverpool.
‘City to bid £45m for De Bruyne’ - Manchester City will have to pay a whopping £45million to land number one target Kevin de Bruyne this summer, according to the Sunday Mirror. The former Chelsea star will command a hefty price after Wolfsburg tried to tempt him to stay with a new contract that will tie the playmaker to the club until 2020. De Bruyne is reportedly happy in Germanyand would be willing to stay for another season - particularly as it is likely he will have Champions League football to look forward to – so City know that a huge bid is required to interest the player and club.
Paper Round’s view: The Belgium international is the main man at Wolfsburg following his move to Germany from Stamford Bridge so of course it is going to take a massive offer to attract him. If the decision-makers at the Etihad have decided that De Bruyne is the man they want, they are apparently likely to face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, which will only further drive up the price Wolfsburg can command for the player.
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