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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Isabel Baldwin

Liverpool transfers - Kylian Mbappe contract twist and Ollie Watkins 'interest'

Liverpool have only made one transfer so far this summer as Ibrahima Konate officially joined the club at the beginning of July.

But players are constantly being linked to moves to Anfield.

We take a look at the latest gossip from around the globe and rate how likely they are to happen.

Who?

Kylian Mbappe.

Where?

Football 365 via L'Equipe.

What?

Liverpool were put on high alert last week after Kylian Mbappe reportedly asked PSG to leave.

However, L'Equipe have now reported that the 22-year-old has told his teammates that he will respect the final year of his contract - and instead leave on a free next summer.

Real Madrid have long been touted to make a move for him, while Liverpool have been much more tentatively linked with interest.

PSG would be looking for a fee of €200million to allow the striker walk this summer - a sum Liverpool would not consider.

But if the latest report is to be believed, the Reds could open talks with the Frenchman in January ahead of free transfer next summer.

The decision also puts Real Madrid firmly back in the running after it was suggested the La Liga giants would not be able to afford both Mbappe and rumoured transfer target Erling Haaland this summer.

Who?

Renato Sanches.

Where?

The Express.

What?

Although Liverpool have not set replacing Gini Wijnaldum as a priority this summer, Liverpool have five names on the shortlist according to The Express.

The midfielder endured a difficult loan spell at Swansea back in the 2017/2018 season but has enjoyed a renaissance recently winning Ligue 1 with Lille and impressing for Portugal at Euro 2020.

The 23-year-old has two years left on his contract making it a good time for Lille to sell him if they were looking to get the best price for the midfielder.

In March, the French side slapped an €80million price tag on Sanches and it is unlikely to have decreased following his performances for A Seleção.

With a host of midfield options at their disposal, Liverpool could regard the move for his services too expensive.

Who?

Ollie Watkins.

Where?

Goal.

What?

Goal's Neil Jones names Watkins as one of four forwards the Reds have shown interest in.

The forward has just one Premier League season under his belt after moving to Aston Villa from Brentford last season, but then he went on to make 40 appearances with 16 goals and five assists.

The 25-year-old's debut Premier League season clearly impress England boss Gareth Southgate who named him in his preliminary 33-man squad for the Euros.

Villa paid £33million for Watkins last summer meaning he would not come cheap if Liverpool were to make a move for the forward.

Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino have all been linked with moves away this summer.

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