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Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea face Real Madrid and Barcelona competition for Jeremie Frimpong - Paper Round
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Published 12/03/2025 at 21:45 GMT
Liverpool and Chelsea are two of five clubs interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, while Manchester United could sell several big-money signings this summer to raise transfer funds for a rebuild. Elsewhere, Arsenal face competition from AC Milan to land sporting director Andrea Berta, and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is not yet sure of his future beyond the current season.
Slot believes Liverpool were 'unlucky' to be playing 'one of the best teams in Europe' in PSG
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Top clubs chase Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong could spark a huge transfer chase this summer as the Bayer Leverkusen player appears keen to leave.
Should the defender leave, then Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all said to retain an interest.
The Daily Record writes: "Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong is reportedly 'ready' to leave the club this summer - which would see Celtic bank a bumper sell-on payday.
"The full-back has been a key figure in helping Xabi Alonso's side claim an historic first Bundesliga title and an unbeaten domestic campaign last year - and has remained a key figure for the club this term both domestically and in the Champions League.
"The former Celtic defender also saw his star rise at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands and the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been touted as potential destinations.
"Sky Germany now report that the 24-year-old is 'planning a move in summer' with clubs in Spain and England 'two concrete options for him'.
"A €40 million (£34 million) price tag has been floated for the defender with the Scottish Premiership champions holding a 30 percent sell-on fee as part of the £11million deal that allowed Frimpong to leave the club for Leverkusen back in January 2021."
United plan clear-out
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe unsatisfied with the current performance of Manchester United, The Sun reports plenty of players will be shown the door.
There are four players who are set to leave when their contract ends, while Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund could all be sold.
The paper states: "Several Manchester United players are at risk of being axed this summer as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a complete rebuild.
"Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all set to leave Old Trafford as free agents in June.
"But the Red Devils may find it hard to offload some players - especially without taking a huge loss.
"Casemiro - who cost United a whopping £70 million in 2022 - is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
"Meanwhile, £85.5m man Antony has struggled at Old Trafford since completing his move from Ajax three years ago.
"Hojlund is another player who has failed to match expectations following a big-money move."
AC Milan make late play for Berta
While many had expected Andrea Berta to join Arsenal as their new sporting director, a competitor has emerged.
The Mirror relays reports in Italy which suggest AC Milan could make a move.
The paper explains: "Arsenal will need to fend off late interest from AC Milan to ensure they land sporting director target Andrea Berta, it has been claimed.
"Berta, who left Atletico Madrid in January, has emerged as The Gunners' top target as they look for a permanent successor to Edu. The Gunners were thought to have agreed terms with the Italian, but it looks as though there is one final hurdle to overcome.
"Brescia-born Berta had spells with Italian clubs earlier in his career, but has sp2ent more than a decade in Madrid. He oversaw a number of high-profile signings during his time with Atleti, including bringing Antoine Griezmann back to the Spanish capital from Barcelona.
"There are conflicting reports about the 53-year-old's future in the Italian press. While it had earlier been claimed that an agreement between Berta and Arsenal was already in place, doubt has now been cast on this.
"According to Corriere della Sera... Milan haven't yet given up on Berta. Club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been involved in meetings to decide on a new appointment, and CEO Giorgio Furlani is poised to hold meetings with 'at least four' candidates."
Van Dijk future remains unclear
The Daily Star reports that Virgil van Dijk is not yet sure of his next move as his contract runs down.
The Liverpool captain spoke after the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain knocked the club out of the Champions League.
The paper reports: "Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has cast doubt on his Anfield future by admitting not even he knows if he will play in the Champions League for The Reds again – and says anybody who says different is a liar.
"Arne Slot's side were knocked out of the competition on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield after a 1-1 draw on aggregate on Tuesday night and with his contract set to end in the summer, talks have been taking place.
"Van Dijk says his representatives are still in talks with his deal set to end on June 30. But asked if he will play in Europe's top club competition for The Kop side ever again, the Holland international said: ‘I’ve no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely, I have no idea at the moment.
"‘At the moment I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they’re lying to your face.’"
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