It was a mixed weekend for Liverpool’s rivals in the Premier League. As the Reds beat Bournemouth 3-1 to climb into the top four, two other members of the ‘big six’ fell to defeat.
Manchester United followed up a highly unconvincing 1-0 victory over Wolves in its opener with a 2-0 defeat at Spurs, one that laid bare the work Erik ten Hag’s side still has to do before the end of the transfer window
Meanwhile, Chelsea went down 3-1 to West Ham on Sunday even though the Hammers were playing with 10 men for the final quarter of the game. Moisés Caicedo, who came off the bench to make his Chelsea debut after snubbing Liverpool in favor of a Premier League-record move to Stamford Bridge, gave away a penalty in a nightmare start.
On the flip side, reigning champion Manchester City made it two wins to two, prevailing 1-0 in a much-anticipated clash with Newcastle thanks to a Julian Álvarez goal.
Man City in Jérémy Doku transfer talks
Manchester City is in talks with Ligue 1 outfit Rennes over a deal for Jérémy Doku, according to Sky Sports News. Fabrizio Romano has since reported that the deal is done for a fee of $65m (£51m/€60m).
Pep Guardiola wants a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left to join Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli earlier in the summer, and has identified Doku as a leading candidate.
Fellow English club West Ham made an unsuccessful bid for the Belgian earlier in the window but doesn’t currently intend to improve its offer after being alerted to Manchester City’s interest.
Manchester United wants Marco Verratti
Manchester United and Bayern Munich have both joined the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, as per L’Équipe (translated by Get French Football News).
PSG manager Luis Enrique and director Luis Campos have told Verratti that he’s free to leave the club before the end of the transfer window, and he was left out of the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw with Toulouse this weekend.
Verratti had reached an agreement with Al Ahli but no deal between the clubs has materialized, raising hopes that United or Bayern will be able to swoop in for the $65m (£51m/€60m)-rated talent.
