‘We fuelled the confidence for other teams’ – Slot on Anfield fear factor
Video credit: SNTV
Liverpool aim for Konate renewal
The Daily Mail believes that Liverpool still hope to tie defender Ibrahima Konate down to a new contract.
Real Madrid are said to have stepped away from their interest in the France international centre-half.
The paper writes: “Liverpool remain committed to renewing Ibrahima Konate’s contract, with Real Madrid now cooling their interest in the out-of-form centre back.
“The Spaniards capitalised on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deal expiring last summer and Xabi Alonso’s men were keen on coming back for another Reds defender in Konate, whose deal is also up next summer and would be able to speak to overseas clubs from January 1.
“But it appears they are moving on from Konate as a target and sources in Spain say they are pleased with Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao as their defensive duo.
“Konate’s future remains in the balance, however. Other clubs remain interested in him and Liverpool, it is understood, are still in active talks with the Frenchman’s camp to try to sort out his future – and will do so if a deal can be struck.”
Salah linked with Saudi move
After Arne Slot decided to demote Mohamed Salah to the bench in the two most recent Liverpool matches, the Daily Star reports on the latest speculation.
The Egyptian has been linked with a mid-season switch to the Saudi Pro League, as rumours of interest from abroad resurface.
The Daily Star states: “Salah has been benched for the last two games, a first in his Liverpool career. But Slot’s decision to keep him on the sidelines feels like a temporary solution to a long-term issue.
“Slot might be breathing a sigh of relief as Salah is set to depart for the African Cup of Nations. The star player will leave for the tournament on December 15 and could be away for over a month.
“Rumours are swirling that Salah may have already played his final match for the English champions, with whispers suggesting he’s planning a move to Saudi Arabia in the upcoming transfer window.
“Salah has kept quiet about his future plans. He’s not known for regularly engaging with the press, which has fuelled the notion that he’s been quietly contemplating his next steps in recent months.”
Spurs hope to land stadium sponsor
Tottenham hope to find a sponsor for their north London stadium, with the Telegraph suggesting failure to do so had in part cost Daniel Levy his job.
Incoming commercial director Alex Scotcher is reported to have been responsible for landing deals for both Everton and Valencia’s stadia.
The paper explains: “Tottenham Hotspur’s Lewis family owners have given a clear signal that they plan to end the club’s long wait to find a lucrative naming rights sponsor for their £1bn stadium.
“Failure to land a naming rights deal for the Spurs stadium that opened over six years ago was one of the major criticisms of former chairman Daniel Levy, who the Lewis family seized full control from in September.
“As part of the sweeping behind-the-scenes changes instigated by the Lewis family, Telegraph Sport can reveal that Alex Scotcher will start as the club’s new commercial director in January, having worked on naming rights deals for Everton and Valencia.
“Scotcher is joining Spurs from sports and entertainment consultancy firm Elevate, where he was senior vice-president of global partnerships for over three years. Before that, Scotcher spent almost four years at Serie A club Roma, where he was director of global partnerships and chief commercial officer.”
Arsenal prepare for January window
The Evening Standard claims that Arsenal have strengthened their transfer strategy team ahead of the January window.
Maurizio Micheli has started work under sporting director Andrea Berta after joining from Serie A champions Napoli.The paper reports: “Maurizio Micheli has begun working at Arsenal, joining the club before the start of the January transfer window.
“Micheli has taken up a senior position within Arsenal’s recruitment team after leaving Italian champions Napoli.
“Micheli will work under Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, who was appointed earlier this year.
“The club have been looking to add to their recruitment team after assistant sporting director Jason Ayto left in May.”
