Liverpool identify two players to tempt Bayer Leverkusen into selling Florian Wirtz, Arsenal eye Joao Pedro, Spurs talk to Thomas Frank – Paper Round

Liverpool are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and are prepared to offer a player in a bid to tempt the Bundesliga club into a sale. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank as they line up a replacement for manager Ange Postecoglou, and Arsenal have entered the race to sign Joao Pedro, who is valued at £70 million.

Liverpool weigh up player exchange

Liverpool may have to offer Bayer Leverkusen a player if they are to land Florian Wirtz this summer, it has been claimed.

The Reds have reportedly had two bids for the Germany international turned down, and now the Premier League champions are ready to offer Harvey Elliott or Jarrell Quansah to tempt the Bundesliga club into a sale.

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"Liverpool have seen two of their opening offers for Florian Wirtz rejected and may have to give Bayer Leverkusen a player if they want to succeed in landing the German," reports the Mirror.

"They will have to smash their transfer record if they want to sign him, but first they and his Bundesliga club must agree on a fee. After two rounds of negotiations there has still been no breakthrough for the Premier League side.

"Originally they offered £84million with an additional £12.6m in bonuses. After that was rejected, they upped it again and tabled an overall package which totalled £109.6m, but both were ultimately knocked back, reports Kicker.

"The German club want £126m before they consider letting their playmaker go. Their club chief Fernando Carro previously said they 'would never let Wirtz leave' for less than their valuation.

"Harvey Elliott and Jarrell Quansah are seen as two players who could help the two parties reach a breakthrough in negotiations, with Leverkusen admiring both.

"With a clear amount between what Liverpool want to pay and what Leverkusen are demanding the former Fulham youngster or the homegrown centre-back could help bridge the gap."

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Frank could replace Postecoglou

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is one of several candidates in line to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

A report in the Mail claims Spurs have already held talks with Frank, with Postecoglou’s future at Spurs becoming increasingly uncertain, despite ending the club's long wait for a trophy with the UEFA Europa League.

"Ange Postecoglou has two years left on his contract with Tottenham Hotspur but it is no secret that club chiefs are looking at possible replacements this summer," reads the article.

"It has been reported that Spurs made direct contact with Thomas Frank earlier this week, with the Brentford boss widely touted as a strong candidate to take over from Postecoglou.

"That is according to Foot Mercato, who claim that Frank discussed his vision for Spurs during the talks, as well as identifying some possible transfer targets.

"However, it is also noted that, although Frank ranks high on Tottenham's shortlist of managers, chairman Daniel Levy is considering several candidates."

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Arsenal enter race to sign Pedro

Arsenal are one of four Premier League clubs interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro this summer.

The Sun reports that The Seagulls want £70 million for the Brazilian, who is also wanted by Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

"Brighton have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro," states the article.

"Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears The Seagulls are willing to do business.

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"But they will only be listening to offers around that figure, a huge mark-up on a player who joined in a £35m deal from Watford in July 2023.

"Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa are thought to be keen."

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