Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Mauro Icardi, Paul-Georges Ntep

The wife and agent of Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi has confirmed the striker will not be leaving the Nerazzurri, denting the hopes of Liverpool and Arsenal of taking advantage of his current situation in the Italian fashion capital.

As reported by Football Italia, Icardi has come under fire from a group of supporters over a controversial chapter in his book. The Curva Nord demanded the club revoke his captaincy and said they were finished with the hitman:

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There are no more excuses. We considered him young, a bit of an idiot (like many), but deep down a good lad. Instead this is an individual who cannot be allowed to wear the Inter armband. It's not for us, but Inter simply don't deserve this.

You are finished with us. You're done. TAKE THE ARMBAND OFF, YOU CLOWN. Yes, that is what we demand.

"

But speaking to the Argentinian press, Wanda Icardi said her husband is determined to stay with Inter, having just signed a new long-term deal. Asked if he would leave, she said:

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Absolutely not. He has just renewed his contract for five years, which includes a termination clause of €110 m for foreign teams.

There have been offers from other clubs, but Inter conducted themselves in an incredible way with Mauro. He has always worked hard to stay at the club.

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She previously told Corriere della Sera (h/t London Evening Standard's James Benge) several major clubs targeted Icardi during the summer, with Arsenal said to have made an offer to Inter.

Icardi has long been Inter's most talented and productive striker, but he's also been responsible for a lot of headaches. His wife, who also acts as his agent, tends to talk to the media on a regular basis and frequently highlights how badly foreign clubs want the 23-year-old.

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That never sits well with fans or the club, and this latest incident could be the final straw.

Manager Frank de Boer weighed in on the situation in a press conference, and the Dutchman seemed determined to keep working with his ace striker:

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This situation is not good for the team, the fans or the club.

In the future we need to avoid similar things, which lead to distractions from the game. Everyone must learn how to avoid these things in future, not just Icardi.

It’s very important for me that the players and coaching staff remain focused on the match. Similarly Icardi must take on board what happened, because he has responsibilities as a captain.

"

On the pitch, Icardi has been a rousing success in Milan. The former Sampdoria man is a prolific striker with a complete set of skills. He's effective in the open space, where he can flash his athletic ability, but he is also a monster in the box and in the air.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal would love to add a player of his calibre, especially if a falling-out with the club and the fans leads to a reduced fee. The longer the feud continues, the more likely an exit becomes.

Another player seemingly poised to leave his current club is Rennes star Paul-Georges Ntep, who is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, and the Gunners, the Reds and Southampton reportedly want the Frenchman.

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According to the Sun (h/t Daily Mirror's Liam Corless), Ntep is refusing to sign a new deal with Rennes, and the club hopes to cash in during the January transfer window. The speedy winger has clearly outgrown the Ligue 1 minnows, having made his full international debut for France since joining the Red and Blacks in January 2014.

The 24-year-old could be one of the bargain purchases of the January window, although a move to a mid-table club like Southampton seems more likely than an immediate jump up to a top side.