Liverpool’s hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga have been dashed.
Reports in both the English and Spanish media have linked the Reds (and Manchester United) with a move for the 23-year-old.
It was believed that the failure to make France’s squad for the World Cup would force Camavinga into departing the Bernabeu.
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However, writing in The Athletic‘s Transfer DealSheet column, journalist Mario Cortegana has confirmed that the player is refusing to leave.
While Real are prepared to sell Camavinga, Cortegana claims a source “close to” the midfielder says an exit is “impossible”.
Where does this leave Liverpool’s search for a new midfielder?
Sporting director Richard Hughes has been scouring the market for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
An enquiry was made for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes a few weeks ago, but it seems likely that the Hammers’ £85m asking price put them off from making an offer.
Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha is another name that has been doing the rounds, while Brighton’s Yasin Ayari and Juventus’s Khephren Thuram have also been linked in recent weeks.
A new arrival may depend on Jones leaving
One of the reasons why the Reds have been looking for a midfielder was down to the expectation that Curtis Jones would be sold.
The 25-year-old has strong interest from Serie A champions Inter Milan, but sporting director Piero Ausilio has recently admitted that the two clubs have not been able to agree a transfer fee:
“I never denied our interest in this player; we had also tried for him in January, but I must also be equally honest here and say he’s a player with characteristics we’d like, but at this moment there is a big gap between our valuation and that of Liverpool.
“Seeing as he is a Liverpool player, they have every right to ask what they want, but we too have the right to say if we accept or not. At this moment, I can say it is a very difficult operation to see through to the end.”
Inter have reportedly offered €25m (£21.6m) while Liverpool are demanding €40m (£34.5m). There is now a good chance that Jones stays and leaves on a free transfer when his contract expires next year.
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