Everton and Liverpool transfer rumours: Man Utd drop price on Blues-linked forward, Reds handed Barnes blow

Things couldn’t have gone any better when it came to the opening Premier League weekend on Merseyside.

Everton and Liverpool both began their respective seasons with comfortable victories.

The Toffees defeated Southampton 3-1 at Goodison Park in Rafa Benitez’s first game in charge as manager. Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, the Reds eased to a 3-0 win at newly-promoted Norwich, with Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah scoring.

With the transfer window closing in two weeks’ time - on Tuesday, August 31 - both clubs may now look to strengthen and offload players.

Here’s a look at the latest transfer rumours.

United drop Lingard asking price

Manchester United have slashed their asking price on Everton-linked forward Jesse Lingard.

United’s value on the England international has dropped from £30 million to £20 million. It comes against the backdrop of the 28-year-old being left out of the Red Devils’ match-day squad for their 5-1 thrashing of Leeds United on Saturday.

Lingard enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at West Ham United during the second half of last season. He scored nine goals in 16 games to help the Hammers qualify for the Europa League.

West Ham unsurprisingly want to sign Lingard on a permanent basis, while Arsenal has also been credited with an interest. (Daily Express)

Henderson in line for new deal

Jurgen Klopp wants to ensure Jordan Henderson’s future is tied down by August 31 so he can’t be prised away from Anfield.

The Liverpool captain is into the final year of his contract and fears have grown he could depart on a free transfer next summer.

However, Klopp is looking to give the Reds’ Champions League and Premier League-winning skipper a bumper new deal.

Liverpool lost Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer after failing to hand him fresh terms and they don’t want to repeat the mistake with Henderson. (Football Insider)

Blues bid being lined up for Hoppe

Everton are preparing a bid for Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe.

The USA international, 20, enjoyed a breakthrough season at the German club last season.

He scored six goals in 22 matches as his side were relegated from the Bundesliga.

The Toffees are supposedly set to bid £2 million for Hoppe but are battling Arsenal, Newcastle and Wolves for his signature. (Various)

Barnes blow for Reds

Liverpool-linked winger Harvey Barnes is set to commit his future to Leicester.

The 23-year-old was one of the Foxes’ standout performers last campaign. He scored 13 goals in 35 appearances before suffering a season-ending knee injury in February.

However, Barnes has made a full recovery and started Leicester’s 1-0 victory over Wolves on Saturday.

Brendan Rogers is looking to fend off interest in Barnes by rewarding him with a new contract.

The one-cap England international is poised to pen a four-year deal to keep him at the King Power Stadium until 2025. (The Athletic).

Correa window opens for Everton

Everton are hoping to beat Inter Milan to Lazio forward Joaquin Correa.

The Argentina international wants to leave the Rome-based outfit this summer in search of a new challenge.

Although Correa would prefer a move to Inter where he would reunite with former Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi, there has been no concrete bid.

That’s opened a window of opportunity for Everton but they face competition from Tottenham (Gazzetta dello Sport).

Davies relishing return to action

Ben Davies admits he can’t wait to get back to playing matches after leaving Liverpool for Sheffield United.

The centre-back hasn’t played a single game for the Reds after arriving from Preston in February.

Davies has joined the Blades on a season-long loan as they bid for immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

He was also linked with Celtic and Bournemouth.

Davies told United’s website: “Hopefully I can fit into the manager’s plans well. I’ve missed match days and the buzz of having fans in grounds.

"That’s part of the excitement of coming here and hopefully having a successful year.”

Nathan aiming to build head of steam

Nathan Broadhead is aiming to hit the ground running at Sunderland after leaving Everton on a season-long loan.

The winger, 23, was on the bench for the Toffees’ opening-day victory against Southampton on Saturday before completing his move to the Stadium of Light the following afternoon.

Broadhead told Sunderland’s official website: “It’s been a mad 48 hours from being on the bench for Everton to arriving in Sunderland, but I’m so happy to be here.

“I’ve had a good pre-season, training and playing for the first team and travelling with them to America, and I’m sure that will help me hit the ground running.”

Anfield youngster seals dream loan

Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson is thrilled to have joined boyhood club Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old has made the switch to Ewood Park to gain crucial senior experience to bolster his chances at Anfield in the future.

He follows in the footsteps of Harvey Elliott, who had a highly-fruitful spell with the Championship club last campaign.

Clarkson grew up a Blackburn fan and cannot wait to get started.

He told Rovers TV: “I’ve supported Rovers all my life. I grew up not far from here, I used to go to the games from when I was two until I was about 16 and I also played here when I was younger, so I’ve always supported the club and it feels good to be here.

“It’s not sunk in yet, but I’m really happy to be here and really happy to have met the boys and got a good session under my belt.”