Transfer expert reveals Spurs firmly in Liverpool, Man Utd race for star defender as new fee quoted Tottenham are firmly in the hunt alongside Liverpool and Manchester United to snap up RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to a report. France international Dayot Upamemcano has dominated speculation over a marquee Leipzig sale for months. Indeed, several Premier League clubs – including Liverpool and United – have supposedly shown interest. But his fellow Frenchman and centre-back partner Konate has more recently entered the fray. Fresh reports from Christian Falk claimed that Liverpool are keenly tracking his progress. As well as United, Arsenal have also been linked. Speaking for BILD (via Sport Witness), though, journalist Falk outlined how Spurs are a top candidate to sign Konate. The reporter also revealed the player’s release clause in his contract. “Of course he’s in great demand,” Falk said. “But he’s also got an exit clause of around €30m (£26.5million) plus that can be made possible this summer. Liverpool know that, United know that and Tottenham too. “Leipzig have to be prepared for an exciting summer transfer window if they are to avoid losing two centre-backs come the end of it.” Konate, 21, spent his youth career in his native France before moving to Germany in the summer of 2017. But despite still being a teenager then, he played 16 Bundesliga games in the 2017/18 season. What’s more, he has since continued his upward trajectory, hence the interest in his signature. However, injuries have halted his progress in the past two seasons and the 11-time France Under-21 international has only made 12 outings in all competitions this term. Konate could further enter the spotlight should he return from an ankle injury to play Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League in February and March. In any case, Upamecano should be fit, having played the full 90 minutes in each of the past nine Bundesliga games. USA skipper on Liverpool radar Liverpool look highly unlikely to splash the cash on a marquee centre-back arrival before the current transfer window closes. Indeed, doubt remains over whether the Reds will do anything to find cover for their drastic shortage of defensive options. According to one report, though, USA captain Aaron Long is a target on a short-term deal. Read more… The post Transfer expert reveals Spurs firmly in Liverpool, Man Utd race for star defender as new fee quoted appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Tottenham are firmly in the hunt alongside Liverpool and Manchester United to snap up RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate, according to a report.

France international Dayot Upamemcano has dominated speculation over a marquee Leipzig sale for months.

Indeed, several Premier League clubs – including Liverpool and United – have supposedly shown interest.

But his fellow Frenchman and centre-back partner Konate has more recently entered the fray.

Fresh reports from Christian Falk claimed that Liverpool are keenly tracking his progress. As well as United, Arsenal have also been linked.

Speaking for BILD (via Sport Witness), though, journalist Falk outlined how Spurs are a top candidate to sign Konate.

The reporter also revealed the player’s release clause in his contract.

“Of course he’s in great demand,” Falk said.

“But he’s also got an exit clause of around €30m (£26.5million) plus that can be made possible this summer. Liverpool know that, United know that and Tottenham too.

“Leipzig have to be prepared for an exciting summer transfer window if they are to avoid losing two centre-backs come the end of it.”

Konate, 21, spent his youth career in his native France before moving to Germany in the summer of 2017.

But despite still being a teenager then, he played 16 Bundesliga games in the 2017/18 season. What’s more, he has since continued his upward trajectory, hence the interest in his signature.

However, injuries have halted his progress in the past two seasons and the 11-time France Under-21 international has only made 12 outings in all competitions this term.

Konate could further enter the spotlight should he return from an ankle injury to play Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League in February and March.

In any case, Upamecano should be fit, having played the full 90 minutes in each of the past nine Bundesliga games.

USA skipper on Liverpool radar

Liverpool look highly unlikely to splash the cash on a marquee centre-back arrival before the current transfer window closes.

Indeed, doubt remains over whether the Reds will do anything to find cover for their drastic shortage of defensive options.

According to one report, though, USA captain Aaron Long is a target on a short-term deal.

Read more…

The post Transfer expert reveals Spurs firmly in Liverpool, Man Utd race for star defender as new fee quoted appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Jonny Whitfield