Liverpool edge out Arsenal for Malcom and find £40m goalkeeper: Wednesday's transfer news and rumours

Liverpool FC have entered the race for Bordeaux’s Brazilian winger Malcom, stealing a march on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal were leading the way for the 20-year-old winger as they hunt for a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is close to moving to Manchester United and made it clear they were willing to pay £40m.

The Independent revealed Spurs were only willing to part with £31m but Bordeaux’s asking price is £45m but Bordeaux’s manager Jocelyn Gourvennec name-dropped Liverpool, rather than either of the north London clubs, when discussing Malcom’s future.

“I can’t deny that he’s being followed by a lot of people. With Malcom, I go from day-to-day,” Gourvennec told the French media. “He’s committed. He’s a bit, like he was in the summer… I wouldn’t say he has been disturbed by it, that’s a bit strong, he’s not disturbed, but he is asking questions.

“He’s asking himself what’s the best thing for him, for his future. That’s logical. If he’s asking questions and he still manages to make assists or score goals, it’ll be fine.

“If Liverpool want you to work for them tomorrow, you’d go. I’m a coach, I’d like to be able to count on Malcom, Malcom has to help us.

“There is one person who decides in this, that’s the majority shareholder. He talked about this at the weekend, but football remains football.”

Liverpool are still looking to replace Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona in a £142m at the start of January and Malcom would fill that position and naturally be allowed to develop.

Liverpool will need to spend in excess of £40m if they want to bring another Brazilian to the club – goalkeeper Alisson – according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp wants to sign a new goalkeeper to bolster his first-team, with Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius both struggling for form.

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The Reds are believed to be keen on Roma goalkeeper Alisson, who has established himself as a first-team regular this season, but the Italian side’s asking price could prove a sticking point.

The 25-year-old does not have a release clause and is currently valued at around £44m, despite only moving to Europe from Brazilian side Internacional two-years ago, and is currently keeping Manchester City’s No 1 Ederson out of the national side.

David Moyes may have publicly denied that he is aware of a Chelsea bid for Andy Carroll, however West Ham bosses are willing to listen to offers of £20m, according to Sky Sports. The striker was absent from the squad for the Hammers' 1-0 FA Cup replay win over League One side Shrewsbury on Tuesday, however the manager insisted this was down to an ankle injury. Speculation that the 29-year-old could go to Stamford Bridge on loan came as Antonio Conte was said to be looking to enhance their attacking capability. The Daily Telegraph says Chelsea have contacted West Ham about signing him permanently during the January window.

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Theo Walcott will complete his £20m move to Everton on Wednesday after spending Tuesday afternoon at the Toffees' training ground Finch Farm for a medical and finalising terms, the Liverpool Echo reports. After nearly 12 years with the Gunners the 28-year-old England forward is expected to be in the Blues' squad for their West Brom clash at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho is close to signing a new five-year contract with United, according to The Sun. The new deal is two years longer than his initial agreement with United, which saw him signed up for three years in May 2016. The Portuguese 54-year-old is reportedly on £250,000-a-week, said to be the same as Manchester City rival Pep Guardiola, making them the Premier League's highest-paid managers. United's top brass will likely be happy with their investment, as Mourinho has reinvigorated the side who lost their spirit under previous boss Louis Van Gaal, the newspaper says.