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European Paper Talk: Liverpool join race for Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 20:  Leon Goretzka of Schalke runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at
Image: Could Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka be heading to Anfield next summer?

Some major deals are already in place ahead of the January transfer window opening next week, while many of Europe's biggest clubs are finalising their mid-season recruitment plans.

Our friends at Football Whispers have trawled through the continental media to round-up the latest transfer stories.

GERMANY

Out of contract in the summer, Leon Goretzka is a Liverpool transfer target after the Reds joined Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Manchester United in the chase for the German midfielder. Come January 1, he could sign a pre-contract with any foreign club. (Bild)

Julian Weigl is top of Pep Guardiola's wanted list for the summer. The 22-year-old midfielder could cost around €45m and they will have competition from PSG and Real Madrid. (Bild)

Eric Dier rises above Mats Hummels (c) and Julian Weigl during the friendly match between Germany and England at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park in March
Image: Man City are eyeing a move for Julian Weigl (centre)

SPAIN

Barcelona are hoping to add a signing that will improve them in the Champions League; neither Antoine Griezmann nor Philippe Coutinho are able to do that. Lyon's Nabil Fekir, Arthur of Gremio and former Chelsea midfielder Oscar are on their shortlist. (Marca)

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19:  Nabil Fekir of Lyon (18) scores their first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Group E match betwee
Image: Barca may now move for Lyon captain Nabil Fekir in January

Nico Gaitan looks set to leave Atletico Madrid. The midfielder is valued at around €15m and is rumoured to be a target for Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Everton. The Argentina international has only made six league appearances this term. (AS)

Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will be Real Madrid's only winter signing once the January window opens. They will pay €20m to land the 23-year-old and president Florentino Perez will not move for a striker. (Mundo Deportivo)

ITALY

Juventus believe they can push a deal for Emre Can over the line in January. The Serie A champions are willing to offer Marko Pjaca and cash to Liverpool to force a move for the Germany international. Available on a free this summer, they think the Reds may prefer this option. (Tuttosport)

Emre Can in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield
Image: Juve are hopeful of signing Liverpool midfielder Emre Can in January

Inter Milan, pushing hard at the top of the table, are targeting two loan signings in January. They will try and lure both Aleix Vidal and Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona, with options to buy both in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Former Roma striker Vincenzo Montella will be named as the new boss of Sevilla. Recently replaced at AC Milan by Rino Gattuso, he has to settle his release from the Italian side before he can be announced by the Andalusian team. (Tuttosport)

FRANCE

Thiago Mendes, the Lille midfielder who emerged as a target for Marseille, will be staying in northern France. The troubled club would prefer to sell their captain Ibrahim Amadou, who is valued at €20m and attracting interest from English clubs. (L'Equipe)

Marseille's Argentinian forward Lucas Ocampos (L) vies with Lille's Brazilian forward Thiago Mendes during the French L1 football match between Lille OSC (
Image: Lille midfielder Thiago Mendes (right) now looks like staying in France

Once an Arsenal transfer target, Clement Grenier's stock has fallen in recent seasons, and now the Lyon playmaker could be set for a move to Sporting. He is out of contract in the summer and the Portuguese club feel they can do a deal. (Le10Sport)

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