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Liverpool’s chances of a blockbuster transfer are rated by a former chief of a big European club, while Barcelona make a ploy to change managers – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

LIVERPOOL, HAALAND TRANSFER DOUBT

Former Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that Liverpool are unlikely to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

The 21-year-old forward is one of the most coveted players in world football following his rise in recent seasons. But while he had transfer links with Manchester City and Chelsea this summer, he stayed put. Indeed, his £100million-plus price tag proved restrictive.

However, a release clause reportedly worth €75million (£64million) in his contract activates next summer.

Manchester United have had links with his transfer in 2022 to finally find a long-term solution to their desire for a new striker. In fact, the Red Devils are one of four clubs who currently supposedly have the funds to pull off a deal.

Liverpool have also had apparent loose interest, but Rummenigge has insisted that he knows the club’s owner – Fenway Sports Group chief John W. Henry – well, and his club signing Haaland looks unlikely.

“With [Robert] Lewandowski you have the best centre forward in the world. Haaland is the second best,” Rummenigge told Bild.

“I think Bayern are interested in Robert staying beyond the end of contract in 2023. Haaland is an investment. I don’t think he’s going to Liverpool. I know the owner very well and he is not known for opening the [money] box.

“For Haaland, I wouldn’t rule Real [Madrid] out. Maybe they’ll open the box a little more in the summer and possibly get Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.”

Haaland has scored 66 goals in 66 games for Dortmund since signing in December 2019.

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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Barcelona have asked Jordi Cruyff if he would like to take over from Ronald Koeman as manager. However, he has rejected the proposal, backing Koeman to impress. (Sport)

Meanwhile, Ansu Fati has ordered a fresh round of contract talks to resolve his future at Camp Nou. (Marca)

A close friend of Georginio Wijnaldum has said that Paris Saint-Germain made a “mistake” by handing the former Liverpool midfielder a three-year deal. (L’Equipe)

Barca striker Martin Braithwaite will be out for up to four months after having surgery on his knee injury. (Mundo Deportivo)

West Ham had summer transfer interest in former Arsenal defender David Luiz, but were never truly in the battle to sign him. (Globo Esporte)

NO MOISE KEAN, EVERTON REGRETS

Striker Moise Kean insists that he has no regrets over his spell with Everton, despite struggling to make his mark. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Toffees playmaker James Rodriguez has eyes on a role at Goodison Park, but cannot yet fit into manager Rafael Benitez’s plans. (Marca)

Chelsea did not include a buy-back clause in the transfer which took centre-back Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan. (Fabrizio Romano)

Former Inter manager Antonio Conte says that Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi would love to return to Real Madrid. (AS)

VICTOR OSIMHEN HAILS NAPOLI SPIRIT

Victor Osimhen hailed Napoli’s togetherness following his brace, which helped his side claim a 2-2 Europa League draw against Leicester. (Sky Italia)

Roma boss Jose Mourinho says that he was not happy “at all” with his side’s performance after they recovered from a goal down to beat CSKA Sofia 5-1. (Sky Italia)

Mourinho also confirmed that midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini will soon sign a new contract with the Serie A club. (Sky Italia)

Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger’s contract uncertainty means that a January raid for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is still on the cards. (La Colina de Nervion)

Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso has admitted that he cannot say for definite that Manchester City and Tottenham-linked striker Dusan Vlahovic will sign a new contract. (Calciomercato)

The post Euro Paper Talk: Ex-chief who knows FSG ‘very well’ reveals all on big mooted Liverpool plan; Barca manager swap ploy fails appeared first on TEAMtalk.