Lionel Messi ‘accepts’ $1.2b offer as Chelsea could beat Liverpool to transfer

Lionel Messi ‘accepts’ $1.2b offer as Chelsea could beat Liverpool to transfer

Liverpool rivals round-up: Lionel Messi has reportedly accepted a huge offer to follow Cristiano Ronaldo, while Chelsea could land a player linked with Liverpool.

PLAYER PROFILE | MANUEL UGARTE
With the season now over for Liverpool, all thoughts turn toward the transfer market ahead of a busy summer.

Jürgen Klopp’s side is expected to be among the clubs doing the most business over the next few months following what has been a disappointing campaign on all fronts. Chief among the Reds’ priorities will be a host of new midfielders, having been confronted with a number of issues in that area over the past 12 months.

With Jörg Schmadtke now installed as the club’s new sporting director, the work can begin in earnest, with no shortage of names being linked with moves to Anfield.

But while fans will no doubt be keeping a close eye on the incomings and outgoings on Merseyside, there’ll also be plenty of interest in some of Liverpool’s rivals. To that end, there is a major update on the future of Lionel Messi, while Chelsea could have their eye on a player linked to the Reds.

Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the other big sides in the Premier League and around Europe to take a look at the news going on at the other clubs.

Messi ‘accepts’ $1.2bn Saudi Arabia deal
Lionel Messi has reportedly accepted a $1.2bn (£1bn/€1.2bn) offer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

The 35-year-old’s future has been up in the air as he reaches the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, although the French champion does have the option of a further year. Messi though has been linked with a move away from Ligue 1, having been suspended by PSG following an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.

Messi could make his final appearance for the club on Saturday, with Foot Mercato claiming that the player’s camp has accepted a deal to join Al-Hilal on a two-year deal that would see him earn double that of rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea ready to meet Ugarte release clause
Manuel Ugarte will reportedly decide between Chelsea and PSG this summer as he eyes up a move away from Sporting CP, despite claims of interest from Liverpool.

According to Record, Ugarte could become Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing at Stamford Bridge, with both Chelsea and PSG ready to meet Sporting’s $65m (£52m/€60m) release clause.

That’s despite Liverpool having been strongly linked with a move for the midfielder in recent weeks, with the Reds’ interest having seemingly cooled as they pursue other options.

Liverpool.com says: It didn’t take long for Chelsea to start being linked with more players again. Despite the disastrous season the Blues endured, the appointment of Pochettino looks as though it will just lead to even more signings.

Although Ugarte had been linked to Liverpool, a potential move to Stamford Bridge could have a knock-on effect for another player. Although he plays in a more defensive role to Mason Mount, Ugarte’s arrival would hasten the need for Chelsea to offload players, which could work in the Reds’ favor.

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“I Have No Doubts…”Mac Allister Speaks Out On Where He Wants To Play Next Season Following Liverpool Talks

Liverpool transfer target Alexis Mac Allister has insisted that he wants to remain in England if he leaves Brighton this summer.

The Argentinian international says he believes that he is playing in the best league in the world and he is not interested in leaving these shores:

“I am aware that there are possibilities (to move) and if a good offer arrives for the club and for me we will evaluate it. I have no doubts that (the Premier League) is the best league to play in and that is why I am aware that I would like my next club to be in the Premier. I really enjoy being there.”

Mac Allister is said to be very close to joining Liverpool, with talks over personal terms being finalised but, it should be pointed out, that the transfer is not 100% guaranteed to go ahead at this stage.

Liverpool must trigger Mac Allister’s release clause and hope other teams don’t try and hijack the transfer

It has been suggested that the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United remain interested in signing the 24-year-old.

None of them have stepped up their attempts to sign Mac Allister yet so Liverpool remain in the driving seat but, until the player puts pen to paper, there is always the risk of something going wrong.

The main issue is the midfielder’s release clause. Any team can trigger it so if the Reds don’t close the deal fast enough, another club could still swoop in.

Reports suggest that Mac Allister’s buyout fee may only be £55m and, if that is the case, there is a chance that a team may table a bid at the 11th hour. Hopefully, though, all the groundwork that the Reds have put in over recent days will help get the deal over the line.