Euro 2020 Transfer Talk: Baumgartner, Kamara and Yaremchuk in demand

Tom Bodell
LiveScore
Austrian star Christoph Baumgartner could be Anfield-bound this summer
Austrian star Christoph Baumgartner could be Anfield-bound this summer

The Euro 2020 group stages are hotting up, with plenty on the line in the final round of matches before the knockouts.

Thoughts are already turning to the elimination rounds in the Netherlands, who finish off their Group C campaign with a dead rubber against North Macedonia — the Dutch have already qualified, while their opponents know they’ll be heading home after this evening’s encounter.

In Bucharest, Ukraine take on Austria with the winner certain of second place, though third could still be enough to advance.

Then in Group B, minnows Finland face Belgium knowing they can still qualify, while the Red Devils are already assured of progress.

At the same time, Russia meet bottom side Denmark. Remarkably, both nations could still reach the last 16.

Despite all the drama, the transfer market continues and we’ve rounded up all the best rumours involving today’s competing nations.

Anfield interest

Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner insists he is not thinking about links with Liverpool this summer.

The 21-year-old has impressed for Hoffenheim this season and is reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.

Asked about a potential move to Anfield, Baumgartner said: “In this tournament there is not much time to think about rumours like that.

“I don’t want to deny that I like hearing some of that, but at the moment that’s not a topic at all for me and I am fully focused on the tournament.”

Liverpool are expected to move for a midfielder this summer following Gini Wijnaldum’s decision to leave for Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract.

Rangers raid

Finland midfielder Glen Kamara has emerged as a transfer target for newly-promoted Watford.

The 25-year-old is in the final year of his contract with Rangers and there are fears he will run down his deal after impressing in his nation's opening two Euro 2020 clashes.

Watford head coach Xisco Munoz is keen to sign a defensive midfielder following promotion to England's top flight and former Arsenal youngster Kamara ticks a lot of boxes.

Kamara, 25, has caught the eye in what is a first major tournament appearance for the Eagle-owls in their history.

Striker search

Could Roman Yaremchuk be the answer to West Ham's ongoing striker search?
Could Roman Yaremchuk be the answer to West Ham's ongoing striker search?

Ukraine forward Roman Yaremchuk could follow Ukrainian teammate Andriy Yarmolenko to West Ham.

The pair have both scored twice at the European Championship and now Yaremchuk, who plays his club football for Belgian side Gent, is wanted by the Hammers.

A reported price of £25million will be enough to prise the 25-year-old away after he scored 23 times in all competitions during 2020-21.

The Europa League-bound Londoners are keen to bolster their striking options after selling flop Sebastian Haller to Ajax midway through last season.

Dumfries dilemma

Bayern Munich are keen on Netherlands star Denzel Dumfries — but the full-back could prove too expensive.

The PSV Eindhoven captain has scored twice already for Frank de Boer’s men at the tournament, attracting interest from the German champions as a result.

Dumfries, 25, has already admitted he is keen to test himself outside the Eredivisie and Bayern need a right-back to compete with Benjamin Pavard, with Germany star Joshua Kimmich usually deployed in midfield for his club.

However, PSV will hold out for £25million for Dumfries and, according to reports in Germany, that fee will prove prohibitive for Bayern.

Denzel Dumfries has made a remarkable impact down the right flank for the Netherlands at Euro 2020
Denzel Dumfries has made a remarkable impact down the right flank for the Netherlands at Euro 2020

Jason Denay-s interest

Belgium defender Jason Denayer insists he is happy at Lyon despite links with a move away from Ligue 1.

Denayer, 25, is out of contract next summer and negotiations over an extension are under way.

Asked about his future, he said: “I am very content in Lyon. We are in discussions. We have not yet come to an agreement.

“For the moment, everything is going well in Lyon. I would like to extend if we find common ground.”

Tags

Denzel DumfriesEuropean ChampionshipNetherlandsUkraineChristoph BaumgartnerAustriaGlen KamaraFinlandRoman YaremchukBelgiumJason Denayer