Here we are on the eve of the new Premier League season and business is far from wrapped up for Liverpool.
For the first time since we introduce the ‘trending topics’ feature towards the top of the site (not on mobile version) this summer, the name Luis Suarez is NOT trending. Let’s keep it that way, we say.
Right, so what’s on the back pages in terms of LFC transfer rumours with just over 24 hours until the visit of Stoke City to Anfield gets the new league campaign underway?
Let’s start with the increasing speculation on Brazilian winger Willian. Last night the 25-year-old told ESPN Brasil he was hoping for a move to England this summer, and namechecked Liverpool in that. Read his quotes here.
The Telegraph report this morning that the Reds are favourites to sign Willian from financially hit Anzhi Makhachkala, despite new interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.
Sources close to the move suggested yesterday that Liverpool was Willian’s most likely destination given how strongly they are pushing to close the transfer but that he would be open to a move to either Spurs or United.
Willian is expected to cost Liverpool upwards of £30million as Anzhi look to recoup the €35million they spent on him in January.
The Liverpool Echo is also positive that a deal can be struck between the Reds and Russian side.
The ECHO understands the Reds have opened negotiations with Anzhi Makhachkala over a fee following their initial enquiry earlier this week.
The Reds will be hoping they aren’t disappointed in their persuit of Willian, unable to offer the highly rated attacker Champions League football.
This summer has already seen failed attempts to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s (now Borussia Dortmund’s) Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.
Meanwhile, Liverpool appear to have hit complications in their move for Granada left-back, Guilherme Siqueira.
Reports earlier this week suggested Liverpool had agreed a £5million fee with the Spanish side, however the Echo have said that Granada are actually demanding a much higher fee for the 27-year-old.
They also suggest the news has reignited the Reds interest in a loan move for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.
Granada are now demanding £12million amidst claims that Real Madrid have entered the race for his signature.
If a compromise can’t be quickly sorted then Liverpool will renew their interest in Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho.
Sky Sports’ Transfer Clockwatch last night claimed Liverpool had sealed the deal for Valencia.
Aly Cissokho has finalised a loan move to #LFC. acc to Sky Sports
— Billy Liddell (@Liddellpool) August 15, 2013
Who knows. And who cares for now. Attention must refocus to Saturday’s game against Stoke. A flying start from the Reds will do a lot to lift any transfer anxiety fans have.
Fan Comments