Liverpool plot bold £38m centre-back swoop as player 'ready' to join Everton

We begin Wednesday’s Premier League transfer rumour roundup with news of Liverpool’s apparent pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Mo Simakan. According to Sky Sports reporter Philipp Hinze, the Reds have expressed an interest in luring the Frenchman to Anfield this summer, alongside Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

As yet, there have been no concrete negotiations or offers, but it is suggested that Simakan could cost somewhere in the region of £37.8 million. For his part, the player is content in Leipzig, but can reportedly ‘imagine’ a transfer taking place.

The 3AM Verdict: This could be a decent piece of business from Liverpool. The Reds are evidently in the market for a new defender this summer, and Simakan is a promising talent capable of playing in the centre and out on the right. If they can fend off Atletico and keep this price down, this might prove to be a savvy swoop.

Everton eye Tchatchoua

Elsewhere, according to Inter Live, Hellas Verona defender Jackson Tchatchoua is ‘ready to pack his bags’ as Everton continue to circle for his signature - although, as yet, the Italian side are still waiting for a formal offer to be made for their player. It is understood that Inter Milan are also keen on the Cameroon international, but the 22-year-old himself is very much open to the prospect of a move to the Premier League.

Tchatchoua is predominantly a right-back, but is capable of playing on the opposite flank, or in a more advanced role. It is not clear exactly how much he would cost Everton were they to firm up their interest in him, but certainly, personal terms should not prove to be too much of an obstacle.

The 3AM Verdict: Tchatchoua is a versatile talent who is only just entering the prime of his career, and it speaks volumes that Inter, the newly-crowned champions of Italy, are hot on his heels. To that end, it would be a coup if the Toffees could wrap up a deal for the Cameroon star, and it bodes well that the player himself is seemingly so keen.

United not interested in Southgate

And finally, the Daily Mail claim that Manchester United would be ‘highly unlikely’ to make a move to appoint Gareth Southgate as their new manager, even if the club were to part ways with Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman had been widely touted for an exit this summer, but has instead signed an extension that is due to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026. Throughout the period of speculation preceding that renewal, the Red Devils had been linked with a possible swoop for Southgate.

For his part, the 53-year-old took the decision to leave his role as England manager on Tuesday after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain over the weekend. The Three Lions are now on the hunt for a new boss of their own. Regardless, were United to sack Ten Hag at any stage this season, it is understood that they would move for Thomas Tuchel, rather than Southgate.

The 3AM Verdict: This is fair enough. Not only is Southgate fairly inexperienced at club level, but after the work he has done with England over the past eight years, what he really deserves now is a good long break, rather than waiting on tenterhooks to see whether or not he will be parachuted into Old Trafford at any moment.