January Transfer Window Day 22
Here’s the latest LFC transfer rumours and reports.
Philippe Coutinho – From Inter
As the Wesley Sneijder rumours started picking up speed, reports also emerged about Liverpool placing a bid for the 20 year old Brazilian. As reported yesterday in The Liverpool Echo – The Reds’ initial £5m bid was turned down, but the club is expected to raise the offer in order to push through a deal before the window closes.
The former Vasco da Gama man was bought by Inter at the age of sixteen, but stayed in Brazil until his 18th birthday in 2010. He got his chance under then manager Rafa Benitez, but has since struggled to get sufficient playing time. Last season he was loaned out to Spanish club Espanyol, where he became an important player for Pocchetino’s men and notched up five goals in fourteen league starts.
Quotes attributed to Coutinho today suggest he will remain at Inter, but that is not to say a deal still won’t happen.
Spanish journalist Guillem Balague wrote on his twitter “Coutinho told Sky Italia that he would prefer to stay at Inter but also told a key Liverpool player that he wants to come to Anfield.”
Update: The Guardian report this evening that Liverpool hope to agree the transfer of Coutinho on Wednesday despite the midfielder’s claim that he wants to stay and fight for his place at Internazionale. The Times report that talks are ongoing but no significant breakthrough yet. Inter want nearer £10m for the midfielder.
Sebastian Coates – To Newcastle
The defender was linked with a loan move to West Brom last week, and now Newcastle are also rumoured to be interested as they seek to replace their captain Fabricio Coloccini, who could be on his way back home to Argentina.
This should fuel speculation about Brendan Rodgers looking for another defender, as Coates’ departure would leave Liverpool short at the back.
Guillermo Ochoa – From Ajaccio
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the goalkeeper position the last couple of months, with Pepe Reina being linked to Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Barcelona. Since the news broke about Victor Valdes not renewing his contract, Pepe’s father Miguel Reina has said this about his son’s future:
“I am absolutely convinced that Pepe would be more than delighted to return to his Barcelona, where they made him into an upstanding man from the time he arrived at the age of 12 until he left.”
Speculation will naturally continue about potential replacements, and Ajaccio’s Ochoa is the latest name thrown in the mix. Liverpool have reportedly made a £5m bid for the Mexican shot stopper (4), but with his contract expiring this summer it would make more sense to rather sign a pre-contract and get him without having to pay compensation.
The 27 year old – capped fifty times for his national team – joined the Ligue 1 club from Club de Futbol América in 2011.
And the rest:
Hungarian winger Balázs Dzsudzsák‘s agent has rubbished reports linking the 26 year old to Liverpool.
Wesley Sneijder has ended all speculation linking him to Liverpool by signing for Turkish club Galatasaray.
Scottish club Hearts are said to be interested in loaning Liverpool’s U21 striker Michael Ngoo.
Fan Comments