Transfer news LIVE – Liverpool’s Bellingham race, Ronaldo slams ‘lie’
Five memorable meetings between England and France ahead of Saturday’s showdown
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In the backdrop of the World Cup drama, Premier League clubs are planning their business for the January transfer window. There is now less than a month to go until teams can start completing deals again, with some big names expected to be on the move.
The World Cup has provided a platform for plenty of stars to shine. Jude Bellingham’s performances for England are likely to have seen his value soar ahead of a summer fight between Liverpool, Real Madrid, PSG and others.
Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo’s three goals in Qatar could persuade Manchester United to finally press the green button on a January move. Erik ten Hag was keen to prise the attacker away from PSV in the summer.
Could Portugal’s hat-trick hero Goncalo Ramos – strongly linked with a Premier League move several months ago – be on the radar of clubs?
And then there is the small matter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are believed to have tabled a whopping £60m contract for the former Red Devils striker. Will he accept it over a deal to stay in Europe?
Follow Express Sport’s LIVE transfer blog for all of Wednesday’s biggest news and rumours.
Cody Gakpo’s price tag soars amid Man Utd interest
Man Utd face having to pay £64m (€75m) for PSV and Netherlands hero Cody Gakpo, according to reports.
Gakpo has been one of the stars of the World Cup, scoring in each of his side’s group stage games.
Premier League clubs came close to signing Gakpo in the summer for around £25m. Southampton and Leeds both desperately tried to acquire the 23-year-old.
Man Utd also expressed an interest in the prolific attacker but prioritised a deal for Antony. Gakpo remained at PSV, where he has scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in just 24 outings.
FootMercato now report that Gakpo’s £25m value from the summer has increased by almost £40m over the last few months.
Cristiano Ronaldo slams Saudi Arabia ‘lie’
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo trudged off the Lusail Stadium pitch before reportedly slamming ‘lies’ about his proposed move to Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo, who was limited to a substitute role in the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland, is understood to be close to signing a £60m per year deal to join Al-Nassr.
But L’Equipe claim that the veteran dubbed those reports a ‘lie’ when he was approached by journalists in the mixed zone.
The 37-year-old’s future has remained uncertain since his abrupt departure from Manchester United. There are few European clubs who can offer him the astronomical salary of a Middle East outfit.
Liverpool lead Jude Bellingham transfer race
Liverpool reportedly lead the race to sign England World Cup star Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund teenager is widely expected to seal a big-money transfer next summer.
German publication BILD report that Liverpool are ahead of other clubs in their pursuit of Bellingham. So much so that the 19-year-old ace’s representatives have informed Real Madrid.
But Bellingham’s World Cup performances have seen his value rocket. No club will secure him for under £129m (€150m), which could be an issue for the Reds.
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Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s coverage of Wednesday’s biggest transfer news.
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