Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Liverpool enter Josko Gvardiol chase

Posted Thursday, February 23, 2023 by Goal.com

Liverpool enter Josko Gvardiol chase (Romano)

Liverpool are interested in RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, says Fabrizio Romano.

The Croatian defender, who scored against Manchester City on Wednesday, nearly joined Chelsea last summer. Their inability to sign him as proven a major misstep as his value skyrocketed soon after the World Cup. Now, the Reds are among the teams to pay up and snatch him away from potential lingering interest at Stamford Bridge.

As a 5-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid demonstrated, Liverpool see the need for fresh legs in defence and are willing to spend to ensure that they aren't left short again if their crop of injury prone squad members experience another rash of fitness concerns.

Raphael Guerreiro seeks Dortmund exit

Raphael Guerreiro is ready to leave Borussia Dortmund as a free agent at the end of the season, according to Nicolo Schira.

He has spent most of his career in the Bundesliga and is interested in a fresh opportunity.

Xavi: I have contact with Messi

Barcelona manager Xavi said he is "in permanent contact" with Lionel Messi and would leave the doors open for a return to his boyhood club.

Napoli president addresses transfer talk

Amid huge interest in star players Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis gave an update on their futures.

He admitted "sometimes there are offers you cannot refuse" but expressed optimism at being able to retain his star players.

McKennie's Leeds future at risk after Gracia appointment

USMNT star Weston McKennie may not stay beyond his half-season loan at Leeds United following the appointment of Javi Gracia on Tuesday.

Italian outlet TuttoJuve24 note that the Spaniard's introduction at the helm could spell trouble on two fronts: providing McKennie with a sufficient number of appearances and, of course, keeping Leeds from going down.

Leeds can only trigger a buy-back clause if the USMNT midfielder reaches at least ten appearances, and if the Yorkshire club survive the drop.

If the deal isn't made permanent, McKennie will find himself in a state of limbo, given that he is surplus to requirements at his parent club Juventus.

Lazio president regrets selling Anderson to West Ham

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has revealed that he regrets selling star player Felipe Anderson to West Ham back in 2018, who remains the Hammer's record signing at £36m.

Speaking to Italian outlet Il Messaggero, Lotito claimed: "I would never have sold him. But [Simone] Inzaghi didn’t want him.”

The Brazilian had his moments but largely flattered to deceive in East London, and returned to Lazio in summer for a measly £2.5m fee.

Weghorst set for Turkey return

Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst has been linked with a move back to Turkey if the club refuse to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

Turkish outlet Takvim are reporting that Galatasary could be lining up a move for the Dutch forward, who is still property of Championship club Burnley but joined United after a loan to Super Lig 1 rivals Besiktas was cut short.

Weghorst has recorded just a goal and assist in 10 appearances since joining the Premier League side on loan in January.

Inzaghi wants Acerbi on permanent deal

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi wants to sign defender Francesco Acerbi from Lazio on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

That's according to Wednesday's edition of Turin-based outlet Tuttosport (via FCInterNews), who state that Inzaghi has already got the ball rolling over a summer move.

The Nerazzurri boss worked with Acerbi during their time together at Lazio, and has not hidden his admiration for the 35-year-old centre-back.

Arsenal and Real Madrid enter race for Hojlund

Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is thought to have attracted interest from across Europe, reports Italian outlet La Repubblica, including the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Real Madrid are looking for a long-term Karim Benzema replacement, while the Gunners are keen on strengthening their depth in that position alongside Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Hujland signed for the Bergamo side in the summer for just £15m and has gone on to score seven goals in 21 games.

Dyche tells Everton to sign Udinese's Beto

New Everton manager Sean Dyche has reportedly told his employers to "break the bank" for Udinese striker Beto in the summer, according to CaughtOffside.

The Toffees failed to land Beto in January having had a £22m bid rejected, with Dyche's side now decidedly threadbare in their forward position.

The Portuguese has seven goals in 23 Serie A matches, and at 6ft 4 he possesses the suitable physical attributes to match a Dyche team.

Lucas Moura's agent rubbishes recent transfer rumours

The agent of Tottenham forward Lucas Moura, Junior Pedroso, has come out to dispel rumours that his player has a deal agreed with Turkish club Fenerbache.

Pedroso is thought to have told journalist Jorge Nicola of the "lies" of the story, and claimed that there is "absolutely nothing" in terms of new negotiations, all of which was revealed on Nicola's YouTube channel.

Moura's Spurs deal expires in the summer, meaning he is free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club, although thus far it appears no suitable offers have materialised.

Leicester City eyeing Juventus' Bremer

Leicester City might submit a bid for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as a replacement for Caglar Soyuncu, according to Calcio Mercato.

The Turkish international was linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and might move to the Spanish capital after his contract ends in the summer. The Foxes are looking to replace him with Bremer who joined Juventus for a fee of around €41 million.

United plot double Leicester City swoop in summer

Manchester United might try to bring in two Leicester City players James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, according to Football Transfers.

Tielemans can be signed as a free agent in the summer if he doesn't extend, whereas, for Maddison, they need to shell out a hefty chunk as the midfielder has been in sensational form for the Foxes.