Liverpool lead transfer race for £51m midfielder as Aston Villa plot intriguing £26m Arsenal raid

We begin Thursday's Premier League transfer rumour round-up with an update on Liverpool and their pursuit of Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Reds are in the 'front row' to rival Juventus for his signature in the coming months, with current club Atlanta said to be demanding somewhere in the region of £51.3 million for one of their prize assets.

Koopmeiners has established himself as a key figure for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in recent times, and it is understood that there is a reluctance to sell on the part of the Bergamo side. Interest is rife, however, and while Juve are said to be pushing hardest to sign the player, Liverpool are right there alongside them.

The 3AM Verdict: Koopmeiners is a talent of real quality, and it makes perfect sense that Liverpool are taking a closer look at him. The Reds will no doubt need a midfield acquisition or two this summer, and to that end, the Dutchman would be an eye-catching signing who would fit the bill ideally at Anfield.

Villa plot Tierney raid

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report that Arsenal are willing to offload Kieran Tierney on a permanent basis this summer. The Scot is currently out on loan in Spain with Real Sociedad, but is expected to return to the Emirates at the end of the campaign.

That is where Aston Villa come in, with suggestions that Unai Emery's men are eager to offer him an escape route by launching a bid for his services in the coming months. It is claimed that Arsenal would listen to offers of around £25.6 million for the full-back, who is under contract in the capital until 2026.

The 3AM Verdict: This feels like the sort of move that could benefit everybody involved. Villa bring in a top signing, Arsenal receive a decent fee for a star who is surplus to requirements, and Tierney gets a fresh start to revive his Premier League career. In many respects, it would be an ideal agreement.

Tel set for new deal

And finally, BILD report that both Manchester United and Tottenham may be thwarted in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel. According to the German outlet, the two Premier League clubs are 'specifically interested' in the French teenager, but despite him receiving limited game time this season, it is understood that the forward could be about to pen a fresh deal in Bavaria.

Last month, it was suggested that Tel's representatives had met with Bayern officials to inform them that the player was considering the prospect of a move away from the club, but the recent announcement of Thomas Tuchel's imminent departure has led to a 'big turnaround' on the matter. As such, any hopes of a summer exit have seemingly been dashed.

The 3AM Verdict: This is a blow for both United and Spurs. Tel is a fine young talent with boundless potential, and when it looked as if he could be available this summer, several high profile clubs were rightly interested. As things stand, however, he won't be going anywhere, and as such, in Manchester and North London, alternative targets will have to be found.