Liverpool move to beat Manchester United to £106m Enzo Fernandez signing – Paper Round

Liverpool aiming to secure Fernandez deal

Liverpool have already beaten Manchester United to the signing of PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo, but there could be another winning bid on the way for a second United target. Benfica’s 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez is wanted by both sides, and recent reports that United are leading the race might have Liverpool rushing to meet the £106 million release clause, according to the Mirror.

Paper Round’s view: Liverpool’s late dash to secure Gakpo was a potentially excellent bit of business, and at the very least it disrupts their rivals United as they both chase a top for finish, Fernandez would slip into a Liverpool side that need younger players in midfield and after his superb World Cup performances, he would be an exciting prospect.

Three Premier League teams target Pickford

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are all keen on signing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 28, according to the Sun. United might see David de Gea leave at the end of his contract this summer, Chelsea are not sure about either Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Tottenham know that Hugo Lloris’ contract is just 18 months away from expiration.

Paper Round’s view: Pickford has performed adequately for Everton and England of late and at 28 he should continue to improve for some time yet. However the only really tempting thing about him is that his contract is up at the end of the season and he is therefore affordable. Otherwise he is not an exceptional goalkeeper for clubs to be looking at.

Everton want Elanga loan

Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga has grown frustrated with a lack of action under Erik ten Hag, with Alejandro Garnacho preferred during Jadon Sancho’s absence. The Mail believes that Everton manager Frank Lampard is keen to bring him in on loan, with the 20-year-old available if his parent club can find reinforcements this January transfer window.

Paper Round’s view: United have once again fouled up a transfer window after failing to do business in good time to buy a target who wanted to join them. The worry for Ten Hag must be that the Glazers, who are keen to sell the club, will fail to properly commit to buying him the players he needs, costing United the chance to get back to the Champions League.

Arsenal’s first bid for Mudryk rejected

Shakhtar Donetsk rejected the first bid from Arsenal for their winger Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian international winger. The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move to Mikel Arteta’s side and reinforcements have been needed since Gabriel Jesus’ injury. The Telegraph reports that a first offer worth up to £55m has been turned down, with Shakhtar wanting £85m.

Paper Round’s view: If Arsenal are the only side interested in the forward then they will probably be able to keep the price down a little bit, but if there’s a bidding war then they may have to ultimately meet that high valuation. With Jesus out injured, Arsenal may think that any price is worth it for the player as they look to keep their title charge on track.