Man United rival Liverpool in interest for Bournemouth star as £47m price tag is named
Manchester United are due to oversee a number of significant changes this summer and with a lot of their transfer targets, they are up against some stiff competition.
Bolstering their attack is one of the main priorities for Ruben Amorim, who saw his side struggle to find the back of the net compared to the majority of their Premier League rivals last season.
The Red Devils are keen on bringing in an established centre-forward to take their frontline to a new dimension this summer but other creative targets are also on the radar. However, most players have a line of rival clubs also eager to snap them up.
Man United ‘closely monitoring’ Justin Kluivert
According to CaughtOffside, United are ‘closely monitoring’ the current situation involving Justin Kluivert at Bournemouth. The Red Devils have been admirers of the Netherlands international since his time in the Eredivisie and see him as a ‘versatile attacking option who could thrive under a more fluid setup’.
Kluivert remains on United’s shortlist as they prepare for a raft of changes, but Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also in the frame. The 26-year-old is under contract with Bournemouth until 2028, so there is no rush on their side to cash in. The Cherries reportedly value him in the region of €50-55 million (£43-47m) and will only sell up this summer if their asking price is met or exceeded.
While Bournemouth view Kluivert as a key part of their machine, they understand the potential of making a significant profit. The Cherries signed the Dutchman in 2023 from Roma for less than £10 million, so they are in good stead to pocket a handsome amount of cash if they do sell.
Bournemouth players gaining interest
After an impressive season in the Premier League, Bournemouth have found themselves being explored by rival clubs. With a lot of standout players on their books, they may be fighting off interest for those they are unwilling to sell.
The Cherries are already close to losing Milos Kerkez to Premier League champions Liverpool, who are now are also keen on Kluivert.
Liverpool have been pursuing Kerkez for a while now and Fabrizio Romano has provided a confident update on their progress.
“My expectation is for this deal to happen, absolutely,” he said on his YouTube channel. “Liverpool are prepared to close the deal for Milos Kerkez. There will be a final round of talks with Bournemouth, the deal with the player is done, Kerkez wants to go to Liverpool.”
The pending arrival of Kerkez at Anfield could potentially result in Bournemouth playing hardball over other popular transfer targets. Kluivert, who contributed 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions last season mostly from midfield, is a clear jewel in their attacking crown.
United have been interested for a long time but they may be forced to work for his signature this summer, as the Cherries will unlikely be willing to see a bulk of their most important players leave easily.
Report: Chelsea have €35m bid rejected for Serie A star, Bournemouth and Spurs in the race
Chelsea have had a €35m bid rejected for Lazio star Mario Gila as they continue their search for a new centre back according to reports.
The Blues are once again set for a busy summer and have already completed the signing of Liam Delap for £30m from Ipswich.
More new faces are expected to follow the striker through the door, with the Blues looking for a versatile attacker, left winger and centre back.
Chelsea have bid rejected for Mario Gila
There’s set to be movement at centre back and the likes of Renato Veiga and Axel Disasi are set to leave, whilst Benoit Badiashile faces an uncertain future.
Chelsea are said to have five names on their radar, but one target Jorrel Hato has hinted he could remain at Ajax this summer.
However, the Blues have previously been linked Gila and Il Messaggero have reported both Chelsea and Bournemouth have had bids rejected.
The report adds the Cherries had an offer of €40m rejected, whilst Chelsea’s offer of €35m was also knocked back.
Paris Saint Germain and Tottenham are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old, with Lazio said to be holding out for €50m.
Gila has two years left on his contract and made 43 appearances in all competitions as Lazio finished seventh in Serie A.
Marc Guehi still a target
With Gila seemingly a target Chelsea still retain interest in Marc Guehi who they explored a deal for in January, before deciding he’d be too expensive.
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