Liverpool monitoring Thiaw - Wednesday's gossip
September 8, 2026 20:45
Reports on Wednesday link a string of players with potential moves or contract talks. Germany centre-back Malick Thiaw is said to be of interest to Liverpool and Manchester United, though Newcastle are reported to have no plans to sell the 25-year-old. Other items include Sunderland winger Chemsdine Talbi being close to a switch to Saudi side Al-Ittihad and Fulham preparing to open contract discussions with defender Calvin Bassey, who has attracted attention from Inter Milan.
Additional reports name a £130m release clause for Bournemouth winger Rayan that becomes active in summer 2027, Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock being in line for a new deal if his form continues under Matthias Jaissle, former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez holding talks with Serie B club Avellino, and Chelsea reportedly ready to pursue Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in January.
KEY CONTEXT
- Thiaw is a 25-year-old Germany international currently linked with two top Premier League clubs; Newcastle are reported as unwilling to sell.
- Chemsdine Talbi is 21 and is close to agreeing terms with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
- Fulham intend to start contract renewal discussions with 26-year-old Calvin Bassey amid outside interest from Inter Milan.
- Bournemouth’s 20-year-old Rayan has a £130m release clause that comes into effect in the 2027 summer window.
- Joe Willock, 27, could be offered a fresh contract at Newcastle depending on his performances under new coach Matthias Jaissle.
- James Rodriguez, 35 and formerly of Real Madrid, is in negotiations with Avellino of Italy’s Serie B, who are managed by Alessandro Nesta.
- Chelsea are reported to be ready to target Bournemouth’s 23-year-old English midfielder Alex Scott in January.
WHY IT MATTERS
These items show how clubs are both seeking reinforcements and trying to secure existing assets. Top Premier League sides monitoring a Newcastle centre-back, Fulham moving to tie down a player with overseas interest, and Bournemouth’s large future release clause are all the sort of developments that can shape transfer plans and squad-building in the coming windows. Negotiations reported for experienced names such as James Rodriguez also underline how lower-division teams may pursue high-profile signings.