Rumour Reel: Chelsea close in on Roma and Germany defender Rudiger

Liverpool look to Bastien

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to bolster his Liverpool set-up ahead of next campaign, after finishing a disappointing eighth in the Premier League in his maiden season in charge at Anfield, although a run to the Europa League final did boost morale.

The Reds are said to have opened talks with talented Anderlecht midfielder Samuel Bastien, with the 19-year-old Belgium Under-21 international having shone brightly during a loan spell with Serie B side Avellino.

His previous Italian loan side have the option of buying the teenager following his stint there, but Liverpool are hoping their initial talks over a £4m switch to Merseyside will be successful, as they sit in pole position for his signature.

Bastien is an energetic midfielder who possesses a creative eye and plenty of skill going forward, a player that Klopp would love within his ranks next term, when the German coach will aim to have more of an impact domestically in his second season.

Foxes hunt defensive duo

Following a historic Premier League triumph, Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City are close to capturing two new additions to their title-winning squad, with Germany goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler and Spanish defender Luis Hernandez set to arrive.

The Foxes’ Italian boss clearly sees strengthening his rearguard as a priority for next term, with German shot stopper Zieler having flown to the King Power Stadium recently to agree a supposed four-year move after a £2.6m offer.

Zieler will arrive from German outfit Hannover after the club were relegated from the Bundesliga and the World Cup winner will provide stern competition for current number one Kasper Schmeichel, while 27-year-old Spaniard Hernandez is expected to arrive on a free transfer following the expiration of his Sporting Gijon contract.

The defender is a youth product of Real Madrid and will provide much-needed defensive cover, as the futures of centre-backs Marcin Wasilewski and Yohan Benalouane remain unclear.

Related

With the summer soon upon us, Coral’s Rumour Reel is back in full swing, so check out other editions to ensure you don’t miss any major gossip.

Have a gander at our extensive Euro 2016 section too before the big kick-off.