A round up of the latest Premier League transfer headlines - including updates on Newcastle and Liverpool
Premier League winners Liverpool are believed to be planning a shock move to sign out-of-favour Chelsea forward that they nearly got their hands on back in 2023.
Liverpool World understands the Reds went close to signing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2022 before the Frenchman ultimately decided to make the £52m switch to Chelsea.
The outlet references a report from The Times which claims Liverpool’s director of research Ian Graham had highlighted Nkunku as the perfect fit for Liverpool before former boss Jurgen Klopp put a stop to proceedings by prioritising a move for £64m move for Benfica’s Darwin Nunez - which is expected to rise to around £85m based on add-ons.
Neither forward has hit the heights expected of them since their move. Nkunku has scored 17 times in 56 appearances in the capital with just six of those coming in the league and the vast majority coming in Conference League outings.
Meanwhile, Nunez has a record of 40 goals in 141 appearances in total. However, he’s only managed five in the league this season after falling down the pecking order under Arne Slot.
Liverpool target Christopher Nkunku
With the World Cup taking place in 12 months time, it’s likely that both Nunez and Nkunku will be on the move to new surroundings in a bid to revitalise their careers and ensure their spot on the plane for their countries in North America.
Nunez has been linked with Atletico Madrid this summer while Nkunku, according to reports from FootMercato, is the subject of interest from Liverpool.
Nkunku has never hit the ground running for Chelsea but does boast a record of 70 goals and 55 assists in 172 appearances during his time at RB Leipzig. The forward, who can also play as a central attacking midfielder, was viewed as one of the finest talents in the Bundesliga and had a great deal of hype surrounding him before his move to London.
Liverpool’s interest in Nkunku is believed to be based on the quality he showed at Leipzig rather than at Stamford Bridge and the reports claim at Slot could be the man to try and rediscover the forward’s full potential.
The 3AM verdict: This one makes little sense on paper, given Christopher Nkunku’s injury problems and his impact on the game since arriving in English football.
While Darwin Nunez's output is questionable to say the least this season, he’s a player that almost always makes an impact on games due to his workrate, pace and chaotic nature. The same cannot be said for Nkunku, who has not looked the same since his knee injury earlier in his Chelsea career.
Nunez may not be the long-term answer for Liverpool in attack, but at this stage, he’s a better option than Nkunku. Liverpool should avoid this one and prioritise other striker targets.
Newcastle United plan ambitious Borussia Dortmund raid
The words Profit and Sustainability and Financial Fair Play were a regular staple at almost every press conference last summer, but it’s now commonly reported that Newcastle United are in a position to flex their muscles in the transfer market once again after their Carabao Cup triumph and the sales of Lloyd Kelly, Miguel Almiron, Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson.
The 20-year-old has had an immense breakout season in the Bundesliga this term with eight goals and is tipped to break into the England set-up in the near future. He’s a right-footed winger that primarily plays on the left at the moment but has proven throughout his career, he can be multifaceted.
Mail Sport reporter Craig Hope understands Newcastle have been monitoring Gittens throughout the season and adds that Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, a former international team-mate of Fabian Schar is also being watched closely by the North East club.
The 3AM verdict: Newcastle United are understood to be in the market for a goalkeeper despite the strong form of Nick Pope over the last few months.
Gregor Kobel looks like a great option based on his career so far. He’s 27, has international experience and formed part of the Team of the Tournament in last season’s Champions League after reaching last year’s final.
Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens is another target that makes sense based on his incredible potential, his ability to drive at defenders and make things happen, and his eye for goal at such a young age.
Newcastle will need squad depth and further quality to cope with the demands of European football and could benefit from players with experience at the elite level.
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