Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi ‘fear’ emerges as PSG and Barcelona target $160m Liverpool ace
Liverpool will look to secure its place in the quarter-final draw for the Europa League as it faces its second leg against Sparta Prague. The Reds lead 5-1 from the first match in the Czech capital and already has one foot in the last eight.
Victory will put Jürgen Klopp’s side one step closer to an unprecedented quadruple, with an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford to come on Sunday before the international break.
That will be followed by 10 matches in the Premier League that will ultimately determine who will win the Premier League title, with just one point currently separating the top three. Arsenal and Manchester City both remain in excellent form but the champions have been dealt an injury concern.
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Kevin De Bruyne, who was taken off at Anfield last week, has been left out of the Belgium squad for its upcoming matches against England and Ireland because of a groin strain. The news will come as a blow to City but a real boost to Liverpool in the title race.
Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the Premier League and across the continent to see what’s going on at Liverpool’s rivals including managerial speculation and interest in a current Reds star.
Brighton ‘fearful’ over De Zerbi exit
Roberto De Zerbi could look to leave Brighton this summer after attracting attention from a number of clubs. The Italian took over last season and guided the Seagulls into Europe for the very first time.
He has been linked with the Liverpool job since Jürgen Klopp announced his plans to leave this summer, with The Guardian reporting De Zerbi has been identified as a potential alternative to Xabi Alonso. He has also been tipped to be in Chelsea and Manchester United’s thinking, if they opt to make a change at the end of the season, while Barcelona is also keen.
De Zerbi criticized the board after last week’s Europa League defeat to Roma and The Times now reports that he has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks. It is claimed that Brighton is growing ‘increasingly concerned’ that the 44-year-old will depart this summer.
Liverpool.com says: De Zerbi has done an excellent job at Brighton and is clearly being watched by a number of clubs right now. He will not be short of offers if he does decide to leave Brighton and Liverpool could be among them. The Reds will step up the search for Klopp’s successor in the coming weeks and you would expect De Zerbi to be considered.
Barcelona and PSG keen on Diaz?
Liverpool could face a fight to keep hold of Luis Díaz this summer with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested. The Colombia international has been a regular this season and stepped up to the plate in recent weeks amid an ongoing injury crisis.
He was particularly impressive against Manchester City last weekend but El Pais Colombia claims his future is uncertain, with Jürgen Klopp departing at the end of the season.
PSG is on the lookout for a replacement for Kylian Mbappé as he prepares to leave on a free transfer and has reportedly been watching Díaz for some time. Barcelona and AC Milan has also shown an interest in the 27-year-old.
However, it remains to be seen if either club could afford the former Porto man. Díaz is contracted to Liverpool until 2027 and the report states Liverpool would demand around $160m (£120m/€145m) to entertain any approaches.
Liverpool.com says: You would expect Liverpool’s next manager to build his new team around Luis Díaz, who is enjoying a fine season at Anfield. With Mohamed Salah out of contract in a year’s time, it is important that the side is built around the likes of the Colombian. If he is to go, it will be for a huge fee and that will likely put any interested club off.
