Liverpool in new assault on Konoplyanka; Man City close on Mangala

Liverpool in new assault on Konoplyanka

Daily Mail is reporting that Liverpool have reignited their interest in Dnipro midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The Reds narrowly missed out on the Ukraine international on transfer deadline day in January, but they seem determined to make things right in the summer transfer window.

Konoplyanka’s representative James Lippett seems to be ready to resume talks with the Liverpool officials, as witnessed by his latest comments.

“En route to Liverpool..,” Lippett wrote on his official Twitter account, which has added fuel to speculations linking his client with a summer switch to Anfield.

Yevhen Konoplyanka, 24, has developed into a key player for both club and country and he is widely tipped to leave Dnipro for a big European club at the end of the current campaign.

The attacking midfielder has been in fine form this season, scoring 6 goals in 19 league appearances, while netting three times in nine 2014 World Cup qualifiers for Ukraine.

Man City close on Mangala

Manchester City are close to wrapping up a deal to sign French defender Eliaquim Mangala from FC Porto, reports Daily Mirror.

It is no secret the Citizens are looking to sign a defensive partner for captain Vincent Kompany and the latest reports suggest the Porto star is their primary target.

Daily Mirror has learned that sporting director Txiki Begiristain flew to Portugal yesterday evening to watch the talented defender in the Europa League clash against Sevilla.

And with Mangala helping his side keep a clean sheet and record a 1-0 triumph, the Spaniard is convinced he has what it takes to succeed at the Etihad.

Manchester City are now expected to step up their interest in the 23-year-old and ensure he joins the club in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are also believed to be keen on Mangala’s services, but it is clear the Citizens have the upper hand at the moment.

Vertonghen on Zenit radar

Russian daily newspaper Izvestia has learned that Zenit are considering a summer move for Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.

Former Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas has just taken over the reigns in St Petersburg and he is hoping to add the Belgian defender to his ranks at the end of the season.

Zenit are on the lookout for a high-quality centre-back and they had been linked with a move for Benfica star Ezequiel Garay, but it appears the club have now turned their attention to Jan Vertonghen.

And while Tottenham will not be keen to sell, the player himself could be tempted by the prospect of playing Champions League football.

Jan Vertonghen, 26, has largely impressed since joining Spurs from Ajax, having made 57 Premier League appearances and scored 4 goals.

Zenit have revived their title bid in Russian Premier League with back to back wins over Krylya Sovetov and Amkar, and they are priced at 11/10 to lift the coveted trophy.

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