We’ve reached Friday on a particularly hectic week in the transfer market for Liverpool, and we round-up the latest rumours from the last couple of days.
For the first time in a while, there is a genuine feeling of positivity among Liverpool supporters, following a very productive few days.
The £29 million signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim has galvanised everyone at the club, while the likely arrival of Nathaniel Clyne represents an excellent acquisition.
With over a month to go until the start of the new Premier League season, there is plenty of time for the Reds to still get plenty of business done.
Here are the latest rumours affecting the club.
Liverpool Back in For Christian Benteke
It’s fair to say that Christian Benteke is not someone many Liverpool fans want to see at Anfield next season, but having gone quiet, the rumours of him joining the Reds have resurfaced.
According to David Maddock of the Mirror, Brendan Rodgers is lining up a huge bid for the Aston Villa striker, whose release clause is a whopping £32.5 million.
The bid is expected to be over £25 million, and although not meeting the asking price, it is thought it could still tempt Villa to sell their prized asset.
Benteke is a good striker, but he just doesn’t feel like a Liverpool player. Rodgers is clearly a fan, but signing him for big money would be a backwards step in an increasingly positive transfer window.
Battle for £21.5 million Carlos Bacca
Carlos Bacca is clearly a more popular option for Liverpool to sign up front instead of Benteke, and the Guardian reports that they will be able to sign the Colombian for £21.5 million.
The 28-year-old’s agent, Sergio Barila, confirmed that the Reds are one of a number of clubs to have shown an interest in his client, but stressed that his release clause must be met.
“We have had lots of interest but so far there has been no official approach,” he said.
“I spoke with Carlos on Wednesday night and we agreed we need a real solution. Clubs are telling him not to sign anything until they have made an offer but we are still waiting.
“Liverpool and another English club are among those that have shown an interest but there are also clubs in Italy. What is clear is that they must meet the release clause but at this stage nobody has.”
Although Bacca wouldn’t be a guaranteed success on Merseyside, and turns 29 later this year, his style of play is perfect for Liverpool.
He would likely thrive alongside Philippe Coutinho and new star signing Roberto Firmino.
- Read more: Liverpool must identify the type of striker they need before pursuing targets this summer
Liverpool Again Linked With Barcelona’s Pedro
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo claim that Barcelona star Pedro remains on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with the Spaniard potentially allowed to leave Camp Nou for £18 million.
The 27-year-old is a proven top-class player, but he has been unfortunate to have arguably the greatest ever front three in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar starting ahead of him week-in, week-out last season.
He is a European Championship winner with Spain, and has won three Champions Leagues and five La Liga titles during his time at Barcelona.
Capable of thriving on either flank, combining blistering pace, clever movement and terrific finishing, he would be a superb signing if the Reds could get him.
That seems unlikely, in truth, with a lack of Champions League football working against the Merseysiders, and more lucrative offers likely to come elsewhere.
Adriano an Option for Liverpool at Left-Back?
According to the Express, Barcelona left-back Adriano could be set for a move to Liverpool.
The 30-year-old struggled to get much playing time ahead of Jordi Alba for last season’s Champions League winners, appearing just 16 times in La Liga.
The Brazilian was linked with a move to Anfield back in January but nothing materialised, but with a Camp Nou exit likely, it is believed the Reds could be back in for him.
With Jose Enrique surely leaving, and Alberto Moreno still a work in progress, reinforcements at left-back are certainly needed.
Although Adriano is clearly a talent, there would be question marks against his age, and whether he would adapt well to the fast-paced Premier League.
Barcelona to Hijack Liverpool’s Bid for Mateo Kovacic?
It has been the rumour that simply won’t go away in recent weeks, but the Express are now claiming that Barcelona could be set to hijack Liverpool’s move for Mateo Kovacic.
The Inter Milan starlet has been tenuously linked with a move to Anfield by endless European sources for a while now, but they are now tipping him to join the Catalan giants instead.
The 21-year-old would reportedly be involved in a swap deal with Barca duo Alex Song and Martin Montoya, plus a large sum of money.
The Kovacic rumours may have been constant since the end of the season, but at no point have the British press reported it.
He would be a tremendous signing for Liverpool if a move did suddenly come to fruition, but it has never felt likely.
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- Elsewhere in the news: Key Liverpool trio set to miss Reds’ pre-season tour
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