Transfer talks: Liverpool extend Diaz deal; Salah and Trent wait

The transfer window may be closed in Europe’s top five leagues, but the rumour mill keeps on churning! Transfer Talk informs you about the latest news, developments and of course closed deals!

TOP STORY: Diaz set for new Liverpool contract

Liverpool are set to begin extension negotiations Luis Diaz’s contract until 2029, according to Ekrem Konur.

This attitude comes after the 27-year-old’s impressive performances this season, which have seen him become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Although the Colombia international was forced to settle for a place on the bench during Liverpool’s opening UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan, he has certainly made his mark in the Premier League. His first returns of the season came with a goal and assist against Brentford, followed by braces against Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth. In fact, only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals than Diaz so far this season.

Diaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 and has made 104 appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals and providing 14 assists.

Liverpool will also have to resolve other contractual situations, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold And Mohammed Salah among those whose current contracts expire in the summer.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Juventus will only proceed with the signing Victor Osimhen — currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli — if Dusan Vlahovic leaves, reports Calciomercato, who add that the Lille striker Jonathan David is another option. In another report, Calciomercato claims that Juve want to extend Vlahovic’s contract until 2028 or 2029 at a salary of €10 million per year, although negotiations have stalled. Elsewhere, TEAMtalk reports that Chelsea have made new contact with Osimhen’s entourage, as he remains at the top of the Blues’ priority list in their search for a striker.

– Paris Saint-Germain have started talks with Achraf Hakimi to extend the right-back’s contract until 2030, reports Ekrem Konur, with The Parisians wants to secure the 25-year-old’s long-term future. Hakimi is open to extending his stay at PSG despite being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

– Barcelona has decided that Wojciech Szczesny is the goalkeeper they want to bring in to replace the injured Marc-André ter Stegen, Diario Sport reports, although the outlet adds that the 34-year-old will have to sort out a clause agreed with Juventus when he decided to retire in the summer. The clause stated that Szczesny would have to pay Juve a fee if he moved to a top club within a certain period, with the amount said not to be large.

– Manchester United considering transfer of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Seskoaccording to TEAMtalk. Sesko, 21, has reportedly verbally agreed to leave the Bundesliga club in 2025, which has given the fallen Premier League giants hope of signing him.

– Udinese have reached an agreement to sign Oumar Soletas reported by Fabrizio Romano. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a free agent since leaving RB Salzburg earlier this month.