Transfer news and rumours: Liverpool want Luciano Vietto, Petr Cech to leave Chelsea, Manchester United 'in talks' to sign Danilo

The biggest transfer news and rumours on Wednesday 04 March

Jonathan Calleri, Sergi Roberto, Danilo and Petr Cech (Getty Images)

Liverpool are locked in a battle with Real Madrid to land Villarreal’s 21-year-old striker Luciano Vietto, according to reports in Spain. Vietto has a rather modest £7.25m release clause in his contract, and Spanish newspaper AS report that the Premier League outfit have expressed an interest in signing the Argentinian, who only moved to Spain last year from Argentine Primera Division side Racing Club.

Brendan Rodgers remains keen on strengthening his attack after seeing their struggles up front in the first half of the season during Daniel Sturridge’s prolonged absence, and the below-par performances of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini is likely to see Rodgers dip into the transfer market in the summer to add to his strike options.

Petr Cech looks to be on his way out of Chelsea after losing his first team position to Thibaut Courtois, although the Blues will not allow him to leave on the cheap. The Evening Standard reports that despite being selected for Sunday’s successful Capital One Cup final, Cech is likely to leave in the summer and last weekend was seen as a kind gesture from Jose Mourinho in case he doesn’t play at Wembley again.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in Cech, but would have to pay more than clubs from abroad given Chelsea’s reluctance to strengthen a rival.

The Blues have already begun the process of sounding out a replacement for Cech, and 44-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has emerged as a shock candidate. The American hasn’t played a minute for Spurs this season after falling behind both Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm, but the belief is that he would arrive at Stamford Bridge as a third choice option with Mourinho eager to bring in a young prospect that can challenge Courtois.

Cech is likely to leave Chelsea in the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United are reported to have already begun talks to sign Porto defender Danilo, who has a £37m release clause in his contract. Spanish newspaper Sport claims that United are interested in signing the 23-year-old Brazilian as Louis van Gaal continues his challenge of solving United’s defensive concerns. Despite sitting fourth in the table, Untied have been far from convincing of late and Van Gaal is already making a move in terms of his summer business.

However, Danilo would not come cheaply, and Porto are willing to hold out in order to have his hefty price-tag activated which would make him the second most expensive defender to arrive in the Premier League after Manchester City’s £42m transfer of Eliaquim Mangala.

Out-of-favour Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto could be on his way to Merseyside after the Daily Mirror claimed Everton have made an approach to sign the 23-year-old. Roberto has been given limited opportunities to impress this season under Luis Enrique, and when he has been given a chance he has been jeered by his own crowd when he has not performed well.

Porto defender Danilo (Getty Images)

Finally, Arsenal are weighing up a bid for Boca Juniors forward Jonathan Calleri after making contact with the Argentinian club, although they are waiting for a response before pursuing any interest in the 21-year-old. According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes.net, Arsenal face competition from Valencia, Villarreal and Inter Milan to sign Calleri in the summer.