Rumour reel: Keita nears reds deal

A catch-up on the latest from silly season

Managers across the land are working hard to make a dent in their summer wish-list, but Crystal Palace will keep their cards close to their chest until they get a new boss in place. It’s looking increasingly likely Frank de Boer will be the man to take The Eagles forward.

The Londoners are expected to name the Ajax legend as Sam Allardyce’s replacement this week. Returning to the matter at hand, we round-up the latest news stories from the transfer market in our ever-popular rumour reel column.

Liverpool free to move on Keita

An ambitious move for Kylian Mbappe may be a non-starter for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, but it looks like the door has been left open for him to go and get target Naby Keita. The 22-year-old midfielder, currently on the books at RB Leipzig, has been told by his employers that he is free to find a new club, but they won’t flog him on the cheap, with £70m believed to be the asking price. The player seems keen on a transfer to Anfield this summer, but Premier League champions Chelsea are said to be sniffing around. That could well force Klopp to make his move sooner rather than later. Keita was a standout in what was a memorable season for the German club last term.

Spurs looking to Barcelona midfielder

Tottenham have work to do in the coming weeks, but they will have a job on their hands if they are to hold onto the stars already at the club, with a number of rival teams showing an interest in their top performers. Manchester United want Harry Kane – doesn’t everyone – and Jose Mourinho is willing to spend £100m of his employers’ money to get him. The White Hart Lane side have targets of their own, and appear to be making progress on Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena. The promising 19-year-old has been capped at youth level for Spain, and Spurs have seen enough to convince Mauricio Pochettino that it’s worth getting in early. At under £3m, it’ll be a gamble fans hope pays off.