Paper Round: Liverpool lign up Lorenzo Insigne as Philippe Coutinho replacement

Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne could replace Barcelona-bound Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool, Spurs bid for Anthony Martial, and Chelsea target three new signings.

Liverpool to replace Coutinho with Insigne

Liverpool are making plans for life after Philippe Coutinho. Should Coutinho join Barcelona, then his current side will have around £100m to replace the 25-year-old Brazilian. Their target is Napoli playmaker, Lorenzo Insigne, who scored 20 goals from last midfield last season. The 26-year-old Italian could cost around £60m.

Barcelona prepare £100m+ Coutinho bid

Philippe Coutinho is still expected to join Barcelona, but the Catalans may have to spend more than £100m, as Liverpool rate the midfielder's value at close to £145m. Such a high figure could rule out a move entirely, but Barcelona are preparing a new bid that is closer to that valuation. The saga could drag out until the end of the transfer window. 

Our view: Now Barcelona are talking. Liverpool know they can't keep hold of an unhappy player so they may have decided to let him go but maybe only for a record bid.

Spurs bid for Anthony Martial

The Independent report a French story, that Tottenham Hotspur have had a bid rejected for Anthony Martial. The 21-year-old French international has been subject of rumours after Jose Mourinho appeared to favour other players, and was first suggested as a makeweight in negotiations for Inter Milan's 28-year-old Croatian winger, Ivan Perisic. Spurs have denied making a bid, but there is genuine interest.

Chelsea target three more signings

Following a crushing home defeat by Burnley, where they finished with just nine men, Antonio Conte is looking to make three more signings before the end of the transfer window. The club will make a second bid for Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater, with interest in Alex Sandro, Serge Aurier, Jose Cancelo, Danny Rose, Virgil van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ross Barkley. 

Our View: Such move is inevitable at this time. The earlier the better.