Chelsea are expected to launch a bid worth €50 million ($56 million) to sign Barcelona defender

Chelsea are expected to launch a bid worth €50 million ($56 million) to sign Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, Sports Illustrated reported, a fee that contrasts with the £15 million ($20 million) valuation on 18-year-old Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, whom Real Madrid also want. The Blues’ approach, driven by manager Xabi Alonso, comes as Liverpool center back Virgil van Dijk wants one more big move before he retires and is eyeing up a switch to Barcelona, according to El Nacional.

Liverpool Line Up Van Dijk Successors While Captain Eyes Exit

Liverpool have stepped up their search for a successor to 35-year-old Van Dijk, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Luka Vušković the top target and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill also under consideration, CaughtOffside reported. Barcelona are simultaneously eyeing Colwill as a top target and could bid for the Chelsea center back as soon as the January transfer window, according to Mark Brus. Van Dijk himself is eyeing a move to Barcelona for a season or two before retiring, El Nacional reported.

Manchester United Reshape Right-Back Options

Manchester United are working on plans to sign a new right back amid concerns over Diogo Dalot’s form, Football Insider reported, with scouts having been thoroughly impressed by 21-year-old Rennes left back Mahamadou Nagida, who has been added to the club’s shortlist, TEAMtalk reported. Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández has ruled out swapping the Etihad for Real Madrid and would only consider such a move if City are hit with a punishment so severe that remaining is no longer feasible, Fichajes reported.

Everton Consider Ending Jack Grealish Loan

Everton could terminate their loan deal for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish in January, opening the door to a potential move to Atlético Madrid, Fichajes reported. If Everton offload Grealish, they could join the race for Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, who could leave Stamford Bridge on loan amid interest from Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Sunderland and Roma, TEAMtalk reported.

Reasons for Potential Transfer Discussions

When could Barcelona bid for Levi Colwill? Mark Brus reported that Barcelona could make a bid for the Chelsea defender as soon as the January transfer window opens.

Leicester City’s determination to keep Louis Page until the end of the season stands in contrast to the immediate January activity surrounding established stars like Koundé and Van Dijk, Ekrem Konur reported.