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Liverpool are, according to reports from Spain picked up by the British press, leading the race to sign young Barcelona prospect Sergi Samper. The 20-year-old Spaniard, who's made just three appearances for Barca's senior team this season, is said to be dis-satisfied with his prospects at Camp Nou and is actively seeking a transfer away from the club this summer.
While the media has been predictably hyperbolic about the young midfielder - The18 has seen him described as "the next" Pep Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and Sergio Busquets - Samper is undoubtedly a prospect, capable of defensive tenacity as well as goal-scoring:
Liverpool could certainly do with a dynamic, cultured midfielder to replace the departing Steven Gerrard. Indeed, they arguably never filled the void left when Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano departed Anfield for La Liga in successive summers five years ago. Samper is believed to have a release clause set at just $15 million, which could prove to be very good business in the medium-term.
In other transfer news, reports that Manchester United are in talks to sign Edinson Cavani have been rubished by Paris St Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi, who says the Uruguayan "feels very good with us, and there is no question of him leaving."
Elsewhere, Arsenal are said to be "ready to open talks" with Napoli for the transfer of Gonzalo Higuain. Whether Napoli themselves are ready to open talks isn't mentioned.
