TOP STORY: Liverpool join race for Monaco marvel Mbappe

Liverpool have added their name to the lengthening list of those interested in Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe, according to the Mail.

It reported that Jurgen Klopp "has made contact with Mbappe's agents" as interest in the teenager heats up further.

Real Madrid remain favourites, with recent reports saying that they are willing to pay more than £100 million to head off interest from Manchester United and Arsenal. Liverpool, though, have been tracking Mbappe's progress for a year, and the Mail said Klopp has "held preliminary talks with his representatives."

Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have not been put off trying to deal with Southampton by the saga that saw them end their interest in defender Virgil van Dijk.

The Liverpool Echo reported that the target this time is playmaker Dusan Tadic, who "is believed to have a £13 million release clause that would potentially allow Liverpool to recruit him without the problems involved in the Van Dijk chase."

Chelsea "new favourites" in James Rodriguez race

There appears to be almost no limit to the number of potential destinations for Real Madrid's James Rodriguez.

At the start of the weekend, reports said Arsenal were "plotting a spectacular move" for the Colombia international, while both Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned. But now Premier League champions Chelsea are more than in contention, according to the Mirror, which said they have become "favourites."

Citing a report in Spanish outlet AS, it added that the potential departures of both Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have opened the way for the arrival of James, who it said "has asked for guarantees that he will be a first-team regular."

However, Inter Milan and Juventus could yet have something to say about that, with both keen to add him to their ranks. Recent reports have said that Inter want to make James their marquee signing and will step up their moves to bring in Madrid teammate Pepe.

Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths took plenty of headlines with the pair of free kicks that came so close to earning his side a memorable win over England. Now he could be on his way to the Premier League.

The Mirror reported that both Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion are keeping an eye on Celtic's Griffiths and could make moves.

It added that although he has scored 64 goals in 95 league games, "Celtic might have a problem, as their system only uses one striker, and they also have Moussa Dembele." That means Celtic "might be tempted into selling Griffiths for around £6 million if either Newcastle or West Brom come in for him."

Tap-ins

-- Relegated Middlesbrough and Sunderland are interested in Norwich City forward Cameron Jerome, according to the Eastern Daily Press.

It said that Norwich would be willing to listen to offers as they set about overhauling a squad that failed to challenge in the Championship last season, with midfielder Jonny Howson another who could be on his way.

-- Staying in the Championship, Nottingham Forest have offered more than £1 million for Hibernian's Jason Cummings, according to Sky Sports.

It said that the prolific forward could become Forest's first signing of the window as they look to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN STAFF

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