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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Liverpool may face rival challenge for Khephren Thuram as Chelsea close in on first signing

Liverpool have already made one signing in the form of Alexis Mac Allister but are not done yet - and their rivals continue to eye high-profile moves too.

Manchester City remain the team to catch after they scooped three major honours last season, while Arsenal will be licking their wounds after letting their lead at the Premier League summit slip.

Manchester United and Newcastle United both scored Champions League football as they ended their time away from Europe's elite. The Reds have unfinished business after their dismal campaign saw them fall away from the leading pack and battling to break into the top four.

READ MORE: Liverpool poised for next transfer steps as targets get set for movement

READ MORE: Liverpool need £95m to complete dream summer transfer window with three signings

Although, they ultimately failed and have to settle for Thursday night's in the Europa League. With pre-season edging closer, here is the latest transfer rumours surrounding the teams at the top of the Premier League...

Manchester City

Manchester City are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Bayern Munich over the departure of right-back Kyle Walker.

That is according to Sky in Germany who claim the 33-year-old could move to the Allianz Arena as he enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

It's been a rollercoaster stint with the Citizens for the England international, having established himself as one of the key members of Pep Guardiola's side. Walker can count himself as one of the Premier League greats for his defensive contributions and blistering pace which kept wingers at bay while nullifying counter-attacks.

But this development poses the latest eye-opening change from the Spanish tactician after he froze out Joao Cancelo which lead to his move to the Bundesliga.

The report says that Thomas Tuchel has been the main driver in convincing him to swap Manchester for Bavaria. Manuel Akanji deputised for him during the Champions League final with Walker resigned to a late cameo.

In the same report, they say Bernardo Silva will not be deterred from leaving Manchester City if he wishes to depart this summer and Ilkay Gundogan is subject to interest from Barcelona over a move.

Arsenal

There is plenty of reported movement in north London as Arsenal look to continue building to challenge Manchester City. This week brings talk of departures and incoming at the Emirates Stadium, Granit Xhaka is said to be on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen for £13m while midfield partner Thomas Partey can leave if a replacement is found.

That is according to The Telegraph who say that the Gunners are willing to cash in on the Ghana international with Xabi Alonso on the verge of welcoming a new midfield addition in the form of the former Arsenal captain.

They continue to say that the aim is rebuild the midfield around Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice - who they saw their initial bid initially rebuffed by West Ham United. With midfield options considered in the transfer market this summer, Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion was a long-term target but it is widely speculated that he will move to Chelsea.

Arsenal are also reportedly in advanced talks with their London rivals over Kai Havertz. The German struggled in recent seasons after firing the Stamford Bridge side to Champions League glory and talks are reportedly advancing quickly after their opening offer was 'rejected'.

Manchester United

After their apparent bid to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae fell through, with the Korean looking set to join Bayern Munich, Manchester United are reportedly turning their attention to Monaco defender and France youngster Axel Disasi.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano who adds that the Red Devils have sent staff to follow OGC Nice midfielder Jean-Clair Todibo in recent months but no decision has been made whether to pursue him yet.

It's clear that United are targeting goalkeeping, defensive and attacking options this summer. Reports on Saturday night suggested that they were planning a £45m move for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

The Daily Star claimed that the England goalkeeper remains the leading candidate to replace David de Gea and the former Sunderland shot-stopper's contract extension hasn't waned Erik ten Hag's interest. Among their list of candidates are Brentford's David Raya and wantaway Tottenham Hotspur captain Hugo Lloris, the report adds.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United aren't looking to rest on their laurels after securing Champions League football at St James' Park. After their reported pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella left them frustrated, Football Insider have claimed they have turned their attention to Liverpool target Khephren Thuram.

The report says that the Magpies admire the Nice talent as they look to sign a 'box-office midfielder'. Barella reportedly knocked back the North East club with Eddie Howe's side not budging on their £50m fee proving to be a stumbling block.

It has been claimed that the 22-year-old could cost suitors just over £35m, despite having two years remaining on his contract.

It remains to be seen how things play out with Thuram and Barella. The Frenchman has become Liverpool's next top target after sealing an early deal for Mac Allister, while there are suggestions the Reds could still be in the running for Barella too.

Chelsea

Chelsea are closing in on an agreement to sign Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson according to 90min.

Personal terms have already been agreed with the 21-year-old, it has been claimed, which will see the Londoners net the Senegal international for around £30m due to a release clause in his contract. But sources are said to have confirmed to the outlet that they will pay it in instalments.

The move would see him become Mauricio Pochettino's first signing since taking over at Stamford Bridge. That doesn't seem to be the end of their interest as Victor Osimhen remains on their list of targets.

The Nigerian is said to be priced north of £100m but Napoli's asking price could prove problematic.

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