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Liverpool pushing for Jeremie Frimpong as possible Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement - Paper Round
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Published 12/05/2025 at 23:42 GMT+1
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester City, who are keen to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders this summer and have made the Netherlands international a top priority. Elsewhere, Newcastle face key contract talks, Real Madrid are hoping to add Tottenham’s Cristian Romero to their defensive line, while Liverpool are a step closer to signing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement.
Highlights: Newcastle take massive step towards Champions League with Chelsea win
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Liverpool’s Frimpong talks
Liverpool have held advanced talks with Jeremie Frimpong as they look to replace Alexander-Arnold with the Bayer Leverkusen full-back, the Mirror reports.
Frimpong was part of the Alonso side who won the Bundesliga and German Cup double last season, and he could be available for less than £30m.
: “The 24-year-old, who can play as a conventional right-back and as a wing-back, is planning to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and that is made easier by a release clause in his contract.
“There had been talk of Conor Bradley coming in to replace Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool's first choice right-back, but it appears they may be looking to add more quality to provide competition for the academy star.
“Liverpool, having been crowned champions in Arne Slot's debut year, are expected to be active in the transfer market after making no major signings 12 months ago. The Reds need to add more depth with their Dutch coach working with a very small pool of players this term.”
Man City chase Reijnders
Manchester City have made AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders a top summer target, the Telegraph reports. With Pep Guardiola set to lead a rebuild of his squad, 26-year-old Reijnders is seen as a player who could play as a No. 8 or in a more defensive role.
Milan are expecting offers for the Netherlands international this summer, and value Reijnders higher than the £55 million Newcastle paid for Sandro Tonali.
The Telegraph adds: “There is an expectation Reijnders would break the club-record departure of Kaka to Real Madrid for £57m.
“City have been assessing options in the summer market as they look to bounce back from their campaign, during which they suffered a disastrous run of defeats and are yet to secure Champions League qualification.
“Guardiola has admitted he needs to expand his squad, specifically to work with players who can remain fit enough to play twice a week after a campaign of injury issues. Reijnders has started regularly at the San Siro over the two years since arriving from AZ in his homeland, playing in the Champions League in both campaigns.”
PSG target wants Newcastle stay
Newcastle defender Sven Botman is a target for Paris Saint-Germain but he remains keen on committing his future to St James’ Park, The i Paper reports.
UEFA Champions League football would strengthen Newcastle’s hand in contract talks this summer, including with Alexander Isak, while it will also allow them to chase other targets.
The i Paper adds: “Several of their top targets, including Brentford’s £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, have Champions League football as a priority for any move.
“Isak is not the only player whose future is in focus. It is understood that Botman, who performed with typical authority on his return against Chelsea, is open to a new deal. Some informal discussions took place last year as Paris Saint-Germain showed interest in the Dutch centre-back but he then suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for the majority of the campaign.
“The 25-year-old is seen as a central part of Newcastle’s future plans but new talks would surely depend on him proving his fitness. He has only recently returned from a knee injury that ruled him out for six weeks.”
Real Madrid want Romero
Real Madrid are targeting Tottenham defender Cristian Romero this summer, The Sun reports, with the Spanish club eager to bring in more new defenders given Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join from Liverpool.
The Sun adds: “Incoming boss Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan of Romero and thinks he could be the perfect addition to help Real win silverware next season.
“Reports last year suggested that Madrid made an ambitious move to land Romero last summer but Spurs had no interest in doing business.
“However, after a miserable season which could see The Lilywhites finish 17th in the Premier League table, they may now have little option but to let Romero go this time around.”
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