MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 18, 2014: Manchester City's Martin Demichelis in action against FC Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Wednesday LFC Transfer Rumours: Is Sanchez deal “done”?

We bring you the best of today’s Liverpool transfer rumours, with speculation mounting regarding a move for Chile and Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 18, 2014: Manchester City's Martin Demichelis in action against FC Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Ignoring the obvious, the beginning of this week has been an interesting one for Liverpool, with many ins and outs linked already.

Despite the World Cup still blazing in full glory, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly looks to be utilising his precious down time to make significant moves in the transfer market.

Most interestingly, is today’s developing link with current World Cup star with Chile, Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez.

https://twitter.com/fkhanage/status/481503719750926337

The 25-year-old has been linked with the club many times in recent weeks, but speaking this morning to Irish radio station NewsTalk, former Liverpool defender and manager Phil Thompson described the deal as “done.”

“Even just yesterday I had things from people, newspaper guys with their ear very close to the ground at Liverpool, saying that the Sanchez deal is actually done.”

Whilst it is questionable that Thompson or his unspecific sources are the most reputable, a move for the Chilean forward would somewhat placate any worries regarding the future of Luis Suarez.

According to Squawka, Sanchez has scored one and made another in three World Cup appearances so far as Chile continue underline their status as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side play a familiar brand of high pressing football that should see Sanchez slot straightforwardly into Rodger’s system at Liverpool.

 

Elsewhere, conflicting reports have arisen over the past two days regarding a move for Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

Sky Sport Italia reporter Fabrizio Romano tweeted last night linking the Belgian centre-back with a move to Anfield this summer.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/481575725808762881

However, this morning, Russian journalist Artur Petrosyan appeared to quash these rumours.

A move for the 25-year-old would make sense, however, as Rodgers is likely interested in a right-sided centre-back, seen with the club’s reported interest in Dejan Lovren.

Alderweireld, who moved from Ajax to the Champions League finalists last summer, featured sparingly throughout 2013/14, making only 12 league appearances according to WhoScored.com.

Compared to current first choice central defender Martin Skrtel, Alderweireld only really has the upper hand when it comes to tackling, making 2.3 per game on average compared to the Slovak’s 1.4.

Overall, Skrtel is a more well-rounded defender more suited to Rodgers’ system, although Alderweireld’s age and versatility—also able to play at right-back—may work in the Belgian’s favour.

 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 5, 2014: Liverpool's Luis Alberto in action against Oldham Athletic during the FA Cup 3rd Round match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

In terms of outgoings, the most significant report this morning involves Spanish attacking midfielder, Luis Alberto, who is reportedly close to a loan move to La Liga side Malaga.

The Liverpool Echo suggest that the midfielder, who made only two starts last season, will spend the 2014/15 season with the Spanish side.

Malaga have apparently “offered a £1million loan fee,” and “will also pay all the 21-year-old’s wages after promising him the first-team football which was lacking during his first campaign with the Reds.”

The move makes sense for all parties, a move similar to that of Suso at Almeria last season, as Alberto will gain valuable experience whilst remaining on the books at Anfield.

If the midfielder impresses at the La Liga side, a return to the Reds the following season may be beneficial to Rodgers.

 

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 2, 2014: Liverpool's Kolo Toure looks dejected as West Bromwich Albion score the equalising goal during the Premiership match at the Hawthorns. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The publication continues to link Ivorian defender Kolo Toure with a move to Turkish side Trabzonspor.

The 33-year-old is reportedly “considering his options” after falling out of favour under Rodgers, and the club “won’t stand in his way if he decides he wants to move.”

Furthermore, moves for Uruguayan World Cup defender Sebastian Coates—“expected to be sold”—and Portuguese youngster Tiago Ilori—“likely to be loaned out again”—are also on the cards.

Do these reported moves make sense for Liverpool? Let us know in the comments below.

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