Liverpool have reportedly pulled the plug on Andy Robertson’s proposed move to Tottenham, citing a lack of defensive options after Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth. Attention has also turned to Trent Alexander-Arnold, with talk Manchester City could seek a loan from Real Madrid or a summer purchase. Elsewhere, Flamengo are said to be closing on Lucas Paquetá from West Ham.
Liverpool halt Robertson-to-Spurs talk as City linked with Alexander-Arnold
Andy Robertson’s mooted switch from Liverpool to Tottenham appears to be off, with Liverpool said to have ended the discussions because of a shortage of defensive cover. Saturday’s loss at Bournemouth was cited as a factor in the decision. The report added that Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is being discussed as a longer-term option in the summer to address Liverpool’s left-back situation.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure was also described as a contributor to Liverpool’s struggles this season, and his move to Real Madrid has not been a success so far, according to the report. With Manchester City said to be without a senior right-back, they have been linked with attempting to bring Alexander-Arnold in on loan from Madrid, or even buying him in the summer.
In Brazil, Flamengo’s attempt to bring Lucas Paquetá back from West Ham was described as a long-running saga that could be nearing a conclusion. The report said the deal is close to being finalised and suggested Paquetá is unlikely to stay and fight relegation with West Ham, with Flamengo set to begin their Brazilian Série A campaign on Thursday at São Paulo.
Bournemouth were also linked with a move for the Vasco da Gama winger Rayan. The report said he flew into the UK ahead of a medical scheduled for Monday, adding he has been talked up as “the new Vinícius Júnior.” Fulham, meanwhile, were described as moving to meet Marco Silva’s demands for more players, with Ricardo Pepi of PSV and Oh Hyeon-gyu of Genk mentioned among the forward options under consideration.
