Today's Gossip: Barca Table £138m Coutinho Bid; Klopp "Agree Deal" For Madrid Star As Replacement

Liverpool have targeted a Germany international defender, while Jurgen Klopp has verabally agreed to sign a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, all in the papers.

Barcelona Plan Fourth Coutinho Bid :
Barcelona will return with a sensational fourth bid worth £138million for Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.
The Spanish giants will table the offer, worth £101m up front to Liverpool with an extra £37m in bonuses for the 25-year-old, on Wednesday.

The add-ons are understood to be linked to Champions League appearances and are easily achievable if he were to move to the Nou Camp.
Coutinho has submitted a transfer request but Liverpool have so far refused to budge, rejecting a third bid of £114m five days ago.
The Blaugrana's desperation could finally outweigh the Reds' stubbornness, and it would be a considerable show of strength after what has been a horrendous fortnight for Ernesto Valverde's side.
The third bid from the La Liga giants was criticised for the lack of money up front and while Liverpool maintain no offer will be accepted, should a guarantee reach close to £100m, it's understood that their stance may begin to shift.

Klopp Targets Howedes:
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has targeted  Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, according to a report in Germany.

Klopp is eager add some depth to his defensive ranks after failing in his pursuit of Virgil van Dijk earlier in the window.

And now German outlet DW Sports claim Klopp wants centre-back Howedes and is prepared to spend £18million on the 29-year-old.

The Germany international is a former team-mate of Joel Matip having played together at Schalke and he has revealed he has offers on the table.

Howedes, who is contracted until 2020, admits he has no desire to join another Bundesliga club.

“I’ve said I won’t move within [Germany] and can picture a move abroad,” Howedes told Funke Sport. “As of today, that point in time hasn’t come.

“I received offers from other clubs after the surprising demotion from captain… that my agent checked and answered.”

Kovacic The Man For Liverpool

Liverpool have made plans to replace Philippe Coutinho and have verbally agreed to sign Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic, according to a report in Spain.

Liverpool are desperate to keep Coutinho, who is now ill, and they are bracing themselves for another offer for the Brazilian from Barcelona.

But the Reds have drawn up plans to sign Kovacic, who is their top target, according to Dario Gol.

Kovacic apparently wants to play further forward in the Madrid midfield but with the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Isco and Casemiro, in the ranks, his efforts have been blocked.

He would be afforded more of an attacking role and game time at Anfield.

Chelsea Eye Shock Move For Vardy

Antonio Conte is likely to have secured a late flurry of spending in the market by masterminding Chelsea's Wembley win over Tottenham and the Mirror believes Jamie Vardy is set to be one of his targets in the final days of the window.

The England striker has started the season strongly for Leicester and while speculations surrounding departures has centred around Riyad Mahrez or Danny Drinkwater, who is also wanted by the Blues, Vardy could be on his way if a suitable offer arrives.

Linked with Arsenal last summer before snubbing a move to the Emirates to sign a new deal, Vardy may be running out of opportunities to play in the Champions League again.

While Alvaro Morata should replace Diego Costa, Conte wants depth and appears unsure on Michy Batshuayi's ability to meet his requirements.

Mustafi Emerges As Juventus Target

Shkodran Mustafi is now a target for Juventus, claims Turin-based Tuttosport, as they finally prepare to replace Leonardo Bonucci after his shock move to AC Milan.

The Old Lady could move for the Arsenal star to strengthen their back line, which appears to be lacking a top centre-back in their prime.
Arsene Wenger would surely be unwilling to sanction a move for the German international this late in the window, unless the Gunners received another piece in return.
A talented young defender such as Daniele Rugani would fall into this category but the Bianconeri rate the 23-year-old highly and Massimiliano Allegri started him in the Serie A opener against Cagliari last weekend.
Tottenham Front Runners For Keita
Keita Balde is seemingly heading for London and Tottenham as a €30 million bid is being prepared, according to Corriere Dello Sport.