As summer transfer window days go, today’s been quite a slow one. Still there’s a few LFC transfer rumours knocking about and murmurs of a shift in Liverpool’s defence…
Martin Skrtel to Napoli
The Mirror reports that Napoli, and our old friend Rafa Benitez, could be coming back to take more fruit from Liverpool’s defence after completing a loan move for Pepe Reina yesterday.
Rafael Benitez is close to bringing Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to Napoli.
The report suggests 28-year-old Skrtel will join the Serie A side on a season-long loan switch from Merseyside, with a view to a permanent move next summer.
Skrtel fell out of favour with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers last season, with Jamie Carragher being preferred to him to partner Daniel Agger in central defence.
Rodgers had already added competition for Skrtel to his squad this summer with the acquisition of Ivorian international Kolo Toure, who signed from Manchester City on a free transfer.
Kyriakos Papadopoulos to Liverpool
Skrtel’s replacement at Anfield could already being lined-up too, with speculation increasing that Liverpool are renewing their interest in Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Yesterday, reports on the continent suggested Liverpool are preparing a fresh £13million bid for the Greek international.
Lorenzo Melgarejo to Liverpool
As we reported yesterday, Liverpool now have their eyes on bringing in Benfica left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo on a season-long loan deal.
Today the Liverpool Echo reported the news too, suggesting why Rodgers has turned his attentions from Valencia’s Aly Cissokho to Melgarejo.
Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment team believe Melgarejo, who played for Benfica in the Europa League final against Chelsea last season, represents a more viable option than Cissokho in terms of both salary and playing time. They feel Melgarejo also has the added bonus of being able to play as an advanced left-sided midfielder.
The Guardian also shed some light on Melgarejo:
Melgarejo was converted to full-back from a left-sided midfielder by Benfica’s coach Jorge Jesus only last season and appeared in the Europa League final defeat by Chelsea.
A new left-back at the club would increase the pressure on Jose Enrique in that position and provide good competition for a first team place. It is an area Rodgers recently confirmed he wants to improve.
An addition there would also allow Jack Robinson to head out on loan.
Liverpool could however face complications over signing Melgarejo, with the Paraguayan having only won one cap for his country, which could be a sticking point in trying to obtain a work permit to play in England.
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