Liverpool prepare £50m Trincao bid as United target Croatia's Baturina after England goal

Liverpool are preparing a transfer offer in the region of Francisco Trincao’s £50.5m release clause, with agent Jorge Mendes having informed Sporting Lisbon that a bid is imminent, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha. No formal offer has yet been submitted, but Andoni Iraola’s side are understood to be firm admirers of the Portuguese winger.

The Reds are also in contention for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande, meaning their summer recruitment in the attacking third could yet take more than one shape. Victor Munoz of Osasuna has already arrived at the club, adding further depth to a squad that will need to sustain a title challenge.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have turned their attention to Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina after his eye-catching equaliser against England at the World Cup. According to Sky Sport Italy, the 23-year-old Como man has become a target for United as they look to strengthen their midfield this summer. In his debut Serie A season under Cesc Fabregas, Baturina contributed six goals and three assists in 29 appearances, operating across multiple positions — as a false nine, left-winger, attacking midfielder and deeper-lying playmaker.

Baturina joined Como from Dinamo Zagreb and his versatility, allied to his World Cup moment, appears to have caught the eye of United’s recruitment team as they assess their options ahead of the new campaign.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga has hit a wall. The Premier League champions had been linked with the 16-year-old, but Sports Mole understands Monga is set to sign his first professional contract with Leicester when he turns 17 in early July. That decision comes despite Leicester’s relegation to League One following a turbulent season, suggesting the youngster is committed to his development at the Foxes rather than making an immediate move to the top flight.