As the January transfer window begins to edge ever closer, we bring you the latest rumours surrounding Liverpool over last few days.
We may be halfway between the end of the summer and January transfer windows, but that doesn’t stop a constant stream of rumours regarding ins and outs at Anfield.
There are numerous players being linked with a switch to help improve the Reds in January after a less than fluid start. Some rumours are feasible, while others, quite frankly, appear as likely as Ian Rush coming out of retirement to show Mario Balotelli how it’s done.
Here are the transfer stories that have emerged over the weekend.
KIKO CASILLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNg8zZThFW4
According to Spanish publication AS, Espanyol goalkeeper Casilla has edged closer to joining the Reds, having admitted he could be sold in January.
The La Liga side are currently in financial disarray, and the 27-year-old Spaniard realises his £8 million fee could help out his current employers.
“I’ve not had a call from anyone at Liverpool yet,” he’s quoted.
“Espanyol are like most Spanish clubs – they need money – and if my departure happens, it’s because Espanyol needs the money. When the bids happen, if it happens, we will value it and decide what happens.”
Meanwhile, Victor Valdes appears unlikely to move to Merseyside, after Spanish journalist Guillem Balague was told by Rodgers in an interview with AS that the Reds were not interested in the 32-year-old.
Mind you, Rodgers denied interest in Balotelli too.
MARTIN ODEGAARD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smi8jvNixL8
Odegaard is one of the most exciting young talents in world football, and recently became the youngest ever international to play in a European Championship qualifier. According to the Sunday People, Liverpool are set to beat Manchester United and Manchester City to the Norwegian’s signature.
Both Odegaard and his father are Liverpool fanatics, which is reportedly playing a big part in his decision. You can’t help but feel that, if someone like Real Madrid or Barcelona made a bid for him, that would all be irrelevant though. Money talks, and sadly we can’t compete with Europe’s heavyweights.
The Stromsgodset attacking midfielder is an unbelievable prospect, but then so was Freddy Adu at that age. Remember him?
EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI
Having been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain star Lavezzi throughout the summer, the Express now claims Brendan Rodgers could be back in for him in January. The old adage of football journalism ‘if in need of a rumour, bring up an old one’ certainly being used here.
The 29-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth for the French giants, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura often the preferred options in attack.
It does appear unlikely that the Argentinian will make the move to Merseyside, however. The fact he is approaching 30 means he does not adhere to Rodgers’ philosophy in bringing in young players – he is bordering on a pensioner in comparison to recent signings Emre Can, Javier Manquillo and Divock Origi – and Liverpool are already fairly strong in attacking wide areas.
ANDRE AYEW
The Daily Star are another who follow that aforementioned journalist adage, linking Liverpool again with Marseille forward Ayew.
The 24-year-old’s contract with the Ligue 1 club will expire at the end of the season so the Reds would be able to sign him on a free transfer.
With Balotelli currently hapless in front of goal, perhaps Rodgers is already concerned about his lack of depth up front.
MARCO REUS
It’s 2014, you don’t think a week can by without Liverpool being linked with Reus do you?
There’s always plenty of scope for the ridiculous when it comes to transfer rumours, and Reus’ continual link with a move to Anfield fits the bill. This time it’s the Daily Star who still claim the Reds could sign the brilliant German.
Although it would be wonderful to feel otherwise, there is no way the 25-year-old will be signing for Liverpool. He is one of the world’s top players and, as the article eludes to, there is every chance he will end up at Bayern Munich with former teammate Robert Lewandowski.
GLEN JOHNSON
Johnson’s future looks very up in the air, with the Daily Mail reporting on Saturday that the 30-year-old is unsure about his future.
His form has been patchy for a while now, and the addition of Manquillo and return of Jon Flanagan from injury makes his Anfield future look very cloudy.
When interest from other clubs suddenly appear, Johnson’s form can often seem to be curiously improve drastically. The cynics among us would claim he’s putting himself in the shop window.
Let us know your thoughts on the current transfer situation in the comments section.
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