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European Paper Talk: Liverpool target Paris Saint-Germain's Julian Draxler

PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 14:  Julian Draxler of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Paris Sai
Image: Liverpool reportedly want PSG midfielder Julian Draxler to replace Philippe Coutinho

European sides can't strengthen their squads until January, but that doesn't stop deals from being struck and contracts being agreed ahead of the winter transfer window opening.

And our friends at Football Whispers have scoured the continent to bring you all the latest transfer news and gossip from the European newspapers.

France

With reports that Philippe Coutinho is still Barcelona-bound, PSG's Julian Draxler seems to be the man Klopp has identified as his replacement. The long-time Arsenal transfer target is settled in Paris, but Liverpool have been closely monitoring his progress. Draxler has struggled to break into the first team at the Parc des Princes this season, with Neymar, Mbappe and Edinson Cavani ahead of him in the pecking order. (TeleFoot)

Neymar has accepted responsibility for his actions after getting sent off in PSG's thrilling 2-2 draw with Marseille on Sunday night. The Brazilian, already booked, was given his marching orders for shoving Lucas Ocampos and has admitted that it was a 'mistake.' "I have lost my temper and I accept my mistake," he told reporters after the game. (L'Equipe)

Neymar during the Ligue 1 football match between PSG and Lyon at Parc des Princes
Image: PSG forward Neymar has accepted responsibility for his red card on Sunday

Italy

Liverpool transfer target Stefan De Vrij has put Premier League clubs on red alert after failing to promise that he will sign a new contract with Lazio. Juventus and AC Milan are also said to be interested in the defender, who would cost close to £30m if clubs tried to sign him in January. "I will meet with the club's executives, I want to sign a new deal but I can make no promises," De Vrij said. (Calciomercato)

Juventus plan to activate Emre Can's release clause in January. The Liverpool midfielder has been a long-time target for the Serie A champions and, although the Reds believe the Germany international will renew his deal, the Bianconeri are poised to make their move. The Turin-based club are not willing to spend higher than €30m (£26.7m) on the midfielder. (Calciomercato)

Emre Can in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield
Image: Juventus will return for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can in January

Leonardo Bonucci has offered the AC Milan captaincy to Riccardo Montolivo. The former Juventus centre-back joined the Rossoneri in the summer but has so far failed to recapture his best form and was sent off against Genoa, meaning he will miss Milan's clash with his former side. "If I am the problem, this is the captain armband", Bonucci reportedly told his team-mates. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Also See:

Paulo Sousa is close to replacing Vincenzo Montella as AC Milan boss. Pressure has mounted on Montella after a poor start to the season having spent lavishly in the summer and Sousa, who used to coach Fiorentina, is a leading candidate to replace him. (Corriere dello Sport)

Spain

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will open the door for Barcelona target Philippe Coutinho to leave in January, with the Catalan club poised to make another bid for the Brazilian. Barca director Robert Fernandez attended the match between the Reds and Tottenham at Wembley yesterday as Liverpool slumped to a demoralising 4-1 defeat. (Mundo Deportivo)

Kylian Mbappe's agent has claimed the forward tried to push for a move to Barcelona in the summer. The 18-year-old, who has just won the prestigious Golden Boy award, joined Paris Saint-Germain but his agent, Josep Maria Minguella, has spoken of his client's desire to play alongside Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou. "Mbappe told me he only wanted to sign for Barcelona when he found out Neymar was going to go to PSG," Minguella said. (Cadena Cope)

Kylian Mbappe speaks to the media during a press conference at Parc des Princes after moving from Ligue 1 rival Monaco
Image: Kylian Mbappe wanted to join Barcelona in the summer, according to his agent

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo believes Karim Benzema is the "best No 9 in Europe." Benzema started Sunday's 3-0 win over Eibar on the bench but came on to assist the Brazilian, who sealed the points with the third goal as Madrid moved to third place in La Liga and to within five points of Barcelona at the top of the table. (Marca)

Germany

Borussia Dortmund playmaker Marco Reus has emerged as an Arsenal and Manchester United transfer target. The 28-year-old, who has been out injured since May, has long been linked with a Premier League move, but has stayed with Dortmund while players like Mario Gotze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski have left for Bayern Munich. (Sport BILD)

Dortmund's forward Marco Reus reacts during the German First division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, in Dortmund, west
Image: Arsenal are interested in Borussia Dortmund forward Dortmund

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have been watching Dortmund's 17-year-old starlet Jadon Sancho. The former Manchester City winger made his Dortmund debut at the weekend, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, with scouts from Madrid in attendance. (Sport BILD)

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