Liverpool transfer news: Sampdoria tell Liverpool to cut Mario Balotelli asking price
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ByEurosport
Updated 28/07/2015 at 21:58 GMT
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has told Liverpool that they need to drop their asking price for Mario Balotelli.
Mario Balotelli
Image credit: Eurosport
Liverpool are said to have offered the former Manchester City man, but are unwilling to pay the €10 million asking price.
“Mario Balotelli costs €10m, but with a discount we await him with open arms,” Ferrero was reported as saying.
Balotelli suffered a difficult first season at Liverpool and never fully established himself in the first XI. He has now fallen further down the pecking order after the arrival of Christian Benteke.
OUR VIEW
When Liverpool lost Luis Suarez last summer, the club desperately needed to replace the Uruguayan. Their problem, however, was that there was not many strikers available on the open market. They therefore took a gamble with the volatile Balotelli.
It is a risk that has not paid off and the club understandably want shot of the forward. However, the fact that it is clear that Balotelli is not in the club’s plans has weakened their hand as they attempt to offload him. Therefore, if they are to sell then they will need to drop their asking price.
JULY 27
Liverpool lead the chase for French teenage sensation Kingsley Coman.
Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of Kingsley Coman's lack of playing time at Juventus with a cheeky swoop for the 19-year-old.
The French forward is highly regarded by Juventus, but he has grown frustrated at not being able to break into Massimiliano Allegri's first team.
Bayern Munich and Arsenal are also believed to be interested, but Liverpool are understood to be ready to make a bid.
OUR VIEW
Coman is widely regarded as a top European talent and there's only so long he'll be prepared to sit on the bench in Turin.
Liverpool's offer will be tempting one for the player, but Juventus will be in no rush to do business. A loan deal is more likely here.
JULY 26
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Marco Reus is a long-term Liverpool target
Image credit: AFP
Brendan Rodgers is a long-term admirer of the German international, and has been given the green light to open the bidding with Dutch newspaper Elf Voetbal claiming that Davy Klaassen's imminent arrival from Ajax is the biggest indication yet that Reus will leave Dortmund.
The Liverpool manager is understood to be weighing up an audacious £46million bid for the 26 year-old and is confident of finally landing his man.
OUR VIEW
This one isn't going away, but today's development adds a new dynamic to the saga. Klaassen's arrival at Dortmund can be seen in two ways: preparation for life without Reus, or as a supplement to the German and insurance against his poor injury record.
However it opens up the possibility that Dortmund may be more prepared to do business and sell their star player than ever before.
JULY 25
Liverpool are battling Tottenham in the race to sign Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko, who wants to play Champions League football
The French midfielder could be available for around £16million and has intimated that he would desire a new challenge in his career, according to French website Foot Mercato.
Though Liverpool have joined the bidding, Spurs appear to be the favourites to capture his signature. The Frenchman said: “With a year until the Euros, I shouldn’t change club and risk ended up on the bench. But at the same time I want to play for one of the biggest clubs.
“I want to play in the Champions League, which we don’t have at Newcastle. One day or another, my time will come. But in any case I see myself staying in England."
OUR VIEW
Sissoko's time in the North East appears to be coming to an end as he looks to test himself at a higher end than the lower reaches of the Premier League. His Premier League experience makes him an attractive proposition for any ambitious club , but he will not come cheap.
Brendan Rodgers may feel he needs to bolster his options in midfield, but is Sissoko really the best option for Liverpool?
JULY 24
Liverpool have been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Barcelona defender Marc Bartra and Monaco's Aymen Abdennour.
Brendan Rodgers was keen to sign the pair in order to bolster his defensive numbers, but has been dealt a significant blow as Bartra looks set to stay in Spain, while Abdennour could be joining him at Nou Camp.
The Monaco defender has opened talks with the European champions over an £11.5 million transfer. L'Equipe are reporting that the Tunisian's agent flew to the Catalnyan city to discuss a deal.
As he jets in, centre-back Marc Bartra has committed his future to the club. The 24 year-old told Marca: "Every year people say the same things, but staying at Barca was [and remains] the only thing on my mind. I have it all here. Feeling important in a team like this one is special."
OUR VIEW
Liverpool are on the look out for defensive options after splashing the cash mostly on attacking players so far this summer. Bartra's first-team opportunities will be at a premium this year, but Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to prise either of them to Anfield without the lure of Champions League football.
JULY 23
Juventus starlet Kingsley Coman is the subject of interest from Liverpool, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich also monitoring the Juventus forward.
The 19 year-old Frenchman is in demand among the top clubs in European football and is reportedly frustrated at a lack of game time in Serie A.
L'Equipe have reported that Bayern Munich will bid for the youngster this week, with the Italian club keen on a deal for Mario Gotze, but Juventus are reluctant to lose Coman, who they signed from PSG in 2013.
TalkSport say that Brendan Rodgers' side have joined Arsenal in registering their interest and may make a bid in the coming days.
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Kingsley Coman in action for France's youth team
Image credit: AFP
OUR VIEW
Coman is one of the brightest young talents in European football and naturally he fits in with the recruitment policy of Brendan Rodgers and FSG.
However Liverpool are now well stocked with forward players, and if anything need to move players on rather than recruit new ones.
JULY 22
Brendan Rodgers is looking to add the final touches to his Liverpool squad ahead of the new season with a move for French left-back Lucas Digne.
Jose Enrique is free to leave Anfield should the club receive an offer for the Spaniard, who has 12 months remaining on his contract.
Rodgers values competition for places and that would only be bolstered by the arrival of the French international.
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Lucas Digne
Image credit: AFP
OUR VIEW
With Alberto Moreno struggling for fitness on Liverpool's pre-season tour, left-back has suddenly become an area of concern for Brendan Rodgers. Joe Gomez can not be relied upon to fill in for an extended period and Jose Enrique is clearly not wanted.
Lucas Digne would bolster the squad and keep the erratic Moreno on his toes.
JULY 21
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has been offered to Italian side Lazio, as Brendan Rodgers looks to get rid of the French centre-back
The former Paris Saint Germain captain has struggled to fully assert himself in the Liverpool first-team since arriving two years ago due to a questionable injury record.
Now Tutto Mercato Web are reporting that Brendan Rodgers is looking to offload the £17million signing from September 2013, who has made only 46 appearances in two seasons.
"I feel good at Liverpool, I play," Sakho said when asked whether he could leave last month. Despite the player's wish to say, he may be swayed by Liverpool's reported desire to offload the player to Lazio.
OUR VIEW
Despite his worrying injury record, there would be little sense for Liverpool in selling Sakho. Given Dejan Lovren's struggles since joining from Southampton, Sakho would be forgiven for thinking he is first-choice this coming season, and he has looked solid when given a run in the side.
Having brought seven new players to Anfield already this pre-season, Rodgers won't want to have too much more work to do in the transfer market.
JULY 20
The England striker has been told he can leave Anfield after struggling to make an impact on the first-team squad.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis has prioritised a move for the Liverpool forward as he attempts to bolster his striker force, according to the Telegraph.
The £3 million fee would represent a loss on the former Southampton striker, barely 12 months after his £4m move from the south coast club.
OUR VIEW
This is a smart move for all concerned. With the arrivals of Benteke, Danny Ings and Divock Origi this summer, the 33 year-old is now surplus to requirements at Anfield.
It represents a great opportunity for Lambert to resurrect his career, and under Tony Pulis' style of play and management it could be a match made in heaven.
JULY 17
The International Business Times, referencing Catalan newspaper Sport, say that Liverpool are hoping to use some of the money they got from the sale of Raheem Sterling to Manchester CIty to bring the Spanish international to the club.
The winger's release clause was lowered to €30m due to starting fewer than the specified number of games in his contract.
The diminutive forward has been at Barcelona for 11 years after signing as a youth player in 2004 but now appears close to leaving the club.
His chances to start games have been limited after Barcelona signed Luis Suarez from Liverpool and now the Reds may be the team to take advantage.
OUR VIEW:
From the outside it looks like this story is based on very little other than guesswork - and quite poor guesswork at that. The fact that Liverpool have just made a £32.5m for Christian Benteke, almost all of the money they are getting for Sterling after QPR get their slice, means they would have to find another way to fund the deal.
Brendan Rodgers has already said that he will not be signing a like-for-like winger to replace Sterling but with Roberto Firmino having already joined from Hoffenheim they don't need one either. All in all, this is pretty weak stuff.
July 16th
Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid were linked with a move for Motta, 32, but the midfielder's agent Alessandro Canovi has yet to receive any bids for his client.
“No not a single offer, not Inter, nor Atletico (Madrid),” Canovi is quoted as Get French Football News.
“There are no official offers for Thiago Motta. What Thiago said was very clear and very simple.
"Before the US Tour we spoke with PSG and when they return we will see what happens."
Motta turned out 36 times for the French champions last season, but recently told Gazzetta dello Sport he is coming to the end of his time in Paris.
"I get the impression that a cycle is coming to an end for me," he said.
"I have given and received so much. It would be more comfortable to stay, but I wouldn't be honest with myself, nor the club, which I have grown to love.
"It's not a question of money, but of motivation."
OUR VIEW
Motta would bring much-needed experience to any English team. Looks like he is ready for a fresh challenge, and the Premier League is an obvious attraction for a combative midfielder who has turned out in Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. The Premier League is the last destination to complete an unique achievement. The question is: where would he fit best?
July 15
Liverpool have made Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus their prime target after the sale of Raheem Sterling.
Reus recently signed a new contract at the Signal Iduna Park but Liverpool are confident they can lure him to Anfield while Dortmund are thought to be open to cashing in on one of their star men if the right bid is received, claim the Telegraph.
Liverpool are thought to be about to be stepping up their interest in the German international having cooled on Christian Benteke and Mateo Kovacic.
OUR VIEW
If Liverpool can get a deal done for Reus then the sooner the better as he is a player of unique talent. Furthermore, a pretty solid argument could be made that Reus would, in fact, be an upgrade on the departed Raheem Sterling.
The one potential drawback to a deal for Reus would be his dubious injury record.
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Christian Benteke, Aston Villa (PA Sport)
Image credit: PA Sport
JULY 2014
Liverpool will face no competition in their bid to to sign Christian Benteke after Tottenham pulled out of the tansfer race, according to the Mirror.
Brendan Rodgers' side have been heavily linked with the Aston Villa striker in recent months and media reports suggest that the Anfield club were favourites to sign the Belgian, who notched 15 goals for the Claret and Blues last term.
And now, according to a report in the Mirror, Liverpool's chances have been bolstered because Tottenham - who were also apparently interested in the player - have turned their attentions to a cheaper option. Benteke's release clause at Villa is £32.5m, though Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is not willing to fork out that cash so is now looking at Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
OUR VIEW
Though very little has happened on the Liverpool-Benteke front, this transfer has somewhat of an inevitability about it. Spurs aren't willing to spend the cash on a proven Premier League goalscorer - a player who has 49 goals in 101 matches for Villa - so Liverpool may reap the benefits of putting coughing up the dough.
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July 13
Liverpool apparently made an effort to keep the 18-year-old forward at the club, but he has not not been included in the pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East.
He is spending the close season with the U21 squad in the Republic of Ireland.
"Sometimes things just aren't meant to be! Exciting times though! New chapter pending, Can't wait to see where this year takes me," said Sinclair on Twitter over the weekend.
Sinclair made two appearances, one against Chelsea in the Premier League last season, but is heading elsewhere after three-and-a-half years at the club.
He became the youngest player to represent the club when he made his debut for the club in a League Cup win at West Brom in September 2012 when he was only 16.
OUR VIEW
Losing Sinclair does not sound like too big a blow, but the club's fans will hope it does not come back to haunt Liverpool in future years. Coming hard on the heels of the Raheem Sterling exit, it is hardly good news for the club as another bright young talent slips out of the door. But it will all depend upon how well Sinclair progresses away from the club. And you do wonder why he is so keen to depart such a club when he is only 18? Perhaps that will become clearer in the near future.
July 12
Liverpool have made a bid of £22million for Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev, according to the Sunday People.
The Russian could replace Raheem Sterling, who is on the cusp of a move to Manchester City. The switch would reportedly allow Jordan Ibe to go out on loan again.
Cheryshev, 24, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Villarreal and Sevilla but is said to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu.
OUR VIEW
The timing would, of course, be perfect for Liverpool with the Sterling deal set to go through. But that is all that seems to make sense with this move. Jordan Ibe turned in some good performances last season – not least in the Merseyside derby in February – so it does seem unlikely that he would be loaned out yet again.
Brendan Rodgers has also signed James Milner, who can play on the flank, so it seems like a lot of money to spend on Cheryshev, who is yet to make an impact at Madrid.
July 10
Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette has not asked to leave the club, according to the Express.
Brendan Rodgers' side have reportedly been chasing the signature of Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette as they prepare to lose Raheem Sterling. Lacazette scored 31 goals in all competitions last season and has attracted much attention from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
But, according to Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas, the player has not asked to leave the club, as per the Express.
"The guy can still leave, but before a solution is found, the better for everyone. We'll have to make a decision, but Lacazette has not asked for the transfer," said Aulas.
OUR VIEW
It seems almost inevitable that Sterling will leave Liverpool after reportedly refusing to join the club on their pre-season tour, citing a breakdown in trust with Rodgers. Liverpool will almost certainly hold out for the £50m, of which City will almost certainly pay, so the Reds can afford to tempt Lyon and Lacazette with a mega-money offer.
July 9
Sporting CP midfielder Carvalho, a longtime target of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, is now being targeted by Los Blancos with a price tag of around £32 million.
Carvalho was the player of the tournament at the European Under-21 championship, and according to the Mail Real will only entertain letting Illaramendi move on if they replace him with the Portuguese enforcer.
Rodgers has been tracking the ex-Real Sociedad man since his arrival at the Bernabeu, which has not lived up to expectations so far.
OUR VIEW
If this all happens for Liverpool it's not only a big signing for them, but a blow for Arsenal who really wanted to lure Carvalho over and could really use an engine-room player like him. More importantly for Brendan Rodgers, he really needs a coup of a signing to hush down the Raheem Sterling situation a bit.
July 9
Aston Villa expect Christian Benteke to report on Thursday for their pre-season training camp in Portugal, report the Daily Mirror.
Benteke, 24, is thought to be keen on a move to Anfield, but will not be handing in a transfer request as he did when Tottenham showed an interest two years ago.
The Belgian has a buyout clause of £32.5 million and Villa will not allow him to go for less, the report adds.
OUR VIEW
This appears to be a relatively simple question of whether Liverpool will pay the buyout clause. If they do, they get their man. Their ability to pay said buyout is probably dependent on whether they sell Raheem Sterling or not.
However, a more prevalent question is whether Benteke suits Liverpool or not. Do they need him if they can get Daniel Sturridge fit? Will he play if Sturridge is fit? Liverpool already have Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli and Philippe Coutinho – so do they really need another forward?
JULY 8th
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Alexandre Lacazette - Bordeaux vs Lyon in Ligue 1 on December 21, 2014
Image credit: AFP
Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette could yet be up for grabs this summer, according to L'Equipe.
Reports suggest Lacazette, 24, could be on his way out of Olympique Lyon with no sign of a new deal being penned over the close season.
The forward's contract with Lyon does not expire until 2018, but L'Equipe claim the Ligue 1 runners-up are keen to finalise fresh terms with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all interested.
OUR VIEW
Liverpool need numbers to bolster their squad, and they also require quality if they are to challenge for a spot in the top four. Alexandre Lacazette appears to fit the bill. He can be deployed as a striker or a winger, and finished Ligue 1's leading marksman with 31 goals from 40 outings last term. But he will not come cheaply with a fee of £36 million touted.
July 7
Liverpool have stolen a march in the battle to sign Moussa Sissoko, according to L'Equipe.
Sissoko is also wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United but the France international may favour a move to Anfield as he is more likely to see playing time.
"With only one year to go until the Euros, you can’t change your club and find yourself on the bench,” said Sissoko, who moved to Newcastle from Toulouse in 2013.
“At the same time though, I want to play for one of the biggest clubs and I would especially like to play in the Champions League, something I can’t do at Newcastle.
“One day or another my time will come, I do though see myself staying in England.”
The report suggests that Liverpool's willingness to offer first team football could tip the transfer in their favour.
OUR VIEW
The assumption here is that Liverpool vaguely fit Sissoko’s desires; they are a big club, he is likely to play and they will be aiming to be in contention for a Champions League spot after missing out last year.
Of course, Sissoko could wait a year, play almost every game for Newcastle which would more than likely retain his spot in the France squad and then move. However, he appears intent on leaving St James’ Park this window and Liverpool look set to be the beneficiaries of his impatience.
If Liverpool can get a deal done for Sissoko then they absolutely must – he would go a long way to filling the void left by Steven Gerrard.
JULY 4th
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Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring the first goal for Real Madrid
Image credit: Reuters
Liverpool are on red alert after Manchester United told Javier Hernandez he is free to find another club, according to a report.
Hernandez broke his collarbone playing for Mexico and could be out for up to eight weeks but United still hope to sell him this window.
The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals in 154 games for United but the Red Devils are ready to listen to offers for him.
The Daily Star report that United’s £8 million asking price for the Mexican will not deter Liverpool from making a bid.
OUR VIEW
Louis van Gaal, for whatever reason, does not rate Hernandez. He loaned him to Madrid last season and wants shot of him. However, £8 million is a very good price for a striker with a proven Premier League pedigree. Liverpool struggled for goals last season and the Mexican’s willingness to run in behind broadly suits manager Brendan Rodgers’ philosophy.
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Martin Skrtel, Liverpool
Image credit: PA Photos
JULY 3rd
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is set to sign a new contract next week, according to reports.
The Slovakian will agree a new three-year contract and has sorted the terms in principle, with the details to be sorted out on Monday, the Liverpool Echo insists.
Skrtel, who is in the last 12 months of his contract, had previously slammed an “unacceptable offer” from Liverpool earlier this year.
But an agreement has now been reached and Skrtel will extend his seven-year stay at the club.
JULY 2nd
Liverpool are battling it out with Bayern Munich for Inter Milan’s Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
The Croatian has been linked for many weeks with a move to Anfield, with Brendan Rodgers said to be keen on another midfielder after captain Steven Gerrard moved to LA Galaxy.
Italian newspaper Tuttosport, however, claims that Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has the 21-year-old top of his transfer list as well, which could scupper any move to Anfield.
OUR VIEW
With James Milner already brought in to replace Gerrard and Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, Emre Can and Lucas Leiva also competing for midfield berths, will Rodgers really splash the cash again? It really doesn’t seem likely, especially as Inter boss Roberto Mancini has already said that he does not have to sell his top players.
JULY 1st 2015
Liverpool have signed Southampton and England right back Nathaniel Clyne on a long-term deal to further freshen up Brendan Rodgers's likely team.
The 24-year-old, who had one year left on his Southampton contract, has signed for a fee reported in British media to be around 12.5 million pounds ($19.57 million).
Clyne becomes Brendan Rodgers's sixth signing of the close season as the Liverpool boss continues to overhaul his squad following a frustrating campaign.
Clyne told Liverpool's official website: "I'm delighted and it's a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club with all of its history. I can't wait to get started.
"As soon as Liverpool showed their interest in me, I was happy and just wanted the deal to go through."
Liverpool finished sixth last season -- one place above Southampton -- but have already bolstered their ranks with the signings of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez.
OUR VIEW
Liverpool badly needed a new right-back and the club have acted swiftly in addressing that need. Clyne's talent is not in question but it is not certain whether he will cope with the additional scrutiny of playing for such a big club and in a defence which has never been particularly solid under Brendan Rodgers.
At 24-years-old, Liverpool are signing a player who still has a great deal of potential development and his athleticism should complement Rodgers's fluid system. This move was always going to happen and now it finally has. Who else are Liverpool going to sign? That's six new faces already...
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JUNE 30th 2015
LUCAS HEADING FOR ANFIELD EXIT
Liverpool could be prepared to allow Lucas Levia to leave with Inter Milan reportedly primed to launch a bid for the Brazilian.
The arrival of versatile midfielder James Milner from Manchester City further demotes Lucas in the Liverpool pecking order, with the Reds willing to listen to offers.
Inter initially tried to sign Lucas in January, but Brendan Rodgers was reluctant to let him leave as he helped Liverpool climb the Premier League table after a disappointing start to the campaign.
However, his services may no longer be deemed essential as Liverpool seek to bounce back from their underwhelming season.
Tuttosport are now claiming that the Serie A club will test Rodgers with a bid. Inter have already signed midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco during the summer window.
OUR VIEW
With the arrival of Milner, and the expected positional shift for Emre Can to midfield, Lucas could be surplus to requirements at Liverpool.
He should command a relatively healthy fee – but the Reds hopes of snaring the reported £15 million valuation might be a little misguided.
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LIVERPOOL SET TO COMPLETE HUGE TRIPLE DEAL
Liverpool are on the verge of completing moves for three key signings, according to a report in the Daily Star.
Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, Barcelona winger Bobby Adekanye and FC Copenhagen left-back Ludwig Augustinsson are all set to move to Anfield in the coming days.
Clyne will complete his £12.5m switch from St. Mary's; Barcelona whizz-kid Adekanye is expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday before arriving on a free transfer; and the Reds are also in advanced talks about a move for 21-year-old Augustinsson as Rodgers looks to provide competition for Alberto Moreno.
OUR VIEW
Jose Mourinho demonstrated the value of doing all the key business nice and early in the transfer window last season and Rodgers is clearly aiming to have the same decisiveness this time round.
Clyne looks a formality at this stage, while Adekanye and Augustinsson are the kind of exciting and developing players Liverpool have talked about targeting for some time. Whether or not fans feel that the club are overpaying for Clyne, there is no doubt that he is a big upgrade on Glen Johnson given his performances last season.
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Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa
Image credit: Reuters
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JUNE 29TH, 2015
LIVERPOOL AFTER CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Liverpool are hoping to find a way around the £32.5million buy-out clause in the contract of Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, according to the Independent.
One option for them is using Fabio Borini – who has been little more than a bit-part player for them – as a makeweight in the deal.
Rickie Lambert could also be an option with his chances of a starting spot hindered even further by the arrival of Firmino.
OUR VIEW
It is understandable Liverpool’s interest in Benteke given how he has been revitalised under Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood. But using Borini as a sweetener seems unlikely given he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.
Surely a cash-only deal is the most likely outcome, if the deadlock in negotiations is to be broken.
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JUNE 26TH 2015
Liverpool have been urged to make a bid a bid for Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca by the player's agent.
The Colombian forward apparently has a list of clubs he fancies joining, and plenty of interest after leading Sevilla to successive Europa League triumphs.
But his agent told The Guardian that there has still been no concrete bid, and suggested that Bacca is getting frustrated at being caught in an increasingly-complicated game of cat-and-mouse - despite a £21 million transfer buy-out clause which ought to have made things simple.
"We have had lots of interest but so far there has been no official approach," Bacca's agent 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."
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Carlos Bacca of Sevilla
Image credit: AFP
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JUNE 25TH 2015
Liverpool's deals for Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino and England full-back Nathaniel Clyne have turned fans' support around in style.
Manager Brendan Rodgers and CEO Ian Ayre took huge flak for the Reds' poor season - but the two biggest deals of the Premier League summer so far have left fans frothing at the mouth.
Here's how Liverpool could line up next season:
JUNE 24th 2015
STERLING LEAVING ANFIELD IMMINENTLY NOW FIRMINO DEAL DONE
Liverpool will cash in on Raheem Sterling now that Hoffenheim have sold them Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino.
With the completion of the £29 million Roberto Firmino deal, Liverpool have turned their attentions to finding the best possible buyer for Raheem Sterling. Manchester City are expected to stump up £45m to complete the deal, according to multiple reports. But the Daily Express claims that Chelsea are still in the mix and ready to offer the Reds an unconditional £40m (rather than the £35m plus £5m add-ons City wanted to pay).
OUR VIEW
Sterling's exit is now absolutely a matter of time - the money is in place for a prodigiously-talented young player to go to a title-chasing club. Our money is on Manchester City - Chelsea have far less need for a skilful playmaker-cum-forward. The Blues are probably only in the mix to make sure Liverpool don't land Sterling on the cheap.
JUNE 23rd 2015
REDS CLOSE ON FIRMINO COUP
Roberto Firmino was previously thought to be close to joining Manchester United but reports in Brazil now state Liverpool are clear favourites. According to Globoesporte, the transfer fee could be in the region of €25m (£18m) and Firmino could well sign a five-year deal at Anfield rather than join Manchester United or Manchester City. Hoffenheim have now apparently signed off on the deal.
OUR VIEW
This would be a real coup for Liverpool, although if Firmino is opting for Anfield then it’s hard not to think that interest from Old Trafford cooled somewhat. Either way, he is an exciting player and a great possible addition for Brendan Rodgers.
JUNE 19th 2015
BORINI HEADING FOR THE EXIT
Out-of-favour striker Fabio Borini’s disappointing spell at Liverpool appears to be drawing to a close after his agent criticised the club’s treatment of his client. Borini opted to stay at Anfield last summer, despite real interest from QPR and Sunderland – where he spent a successful season on loan in 2013/14. A record of three goals from 38 games did little to endear himself to the fans, with just one of those goals coming last season. And his agent Marco de Marchi now understands it is time for Borini to move on.
"We expected more consideration from Liverpool," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Fabio feels like having a new experience. He has no preference, he just wants a team that gives him a clear chance to prove himself. Right now he feels like a lion in a cage. Top clubs in Europe are keen on him, from the Premier League to the Bundesliga and there also clubs in Italy, but many clubs in Italy have had coaching changes and that has slowed things down."
OUR VIEW
Yet another inadequate signing from the Brendan Rodgers era. Fabio Borini’s agent is right, of course. There is no future for his client at Anfield. Why he felt compelled to announce it to the media, however, is a mystery. Everyone knew that already.
The Italian has been a huge disappointment at Anfield, unable to deputise sufficiently for the injured Daniel Sturridge on the rare occasion he was called upon. However, his stint at Sunderland suggests he can offer something to a mid-table Premier League outfit.
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JUNE 16th 2015
Italian daily Corriere dello Sport have reported that Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero is looking to bring controversial forward Mario Balotelli back to Italy after he struggled to make an impact at Anfield.
However, the 24-year-old’s €6m-per-year wages could be a stumbling block as Sampdoria wouldn’t be able to afford the salary and would need Liverpool to continue contributing.
"I would love to see him here but I can not afford it," Ferrero said on Monday when asked about a move.
Having signed Danny Ings already this summer and added Belgian Divock Origi to the squad, Balotelli may well be surplus to requirements next season.
OUR VIEW
In an idea world Liverpool would sell Balotelli and forget his £16m move ever happened but unfortunately it's not going to be that siimple. The club's best option may well be a series of loan moves to clubs who are willing to pay a portion of his large wages. If Sampdoria are willing to do that and Balotelli is willing to move then a deal could be on the cards.
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JUNE 15th 2015
Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Charlton teenager Joe Gomez as a replacement for the soon-to-be-offloaded Sebastian Coates.
With Sunderland seemingly set to pay £4million to make Coates' loan last season into a permanent deal, the Reds are on the lookout for cover at centre-back.
Press Association Sport understands Gomez, aged 18, is of interest and while no formal offer has yet been made, the club believe there is a possibility of signing the England Under-19 defender for about £3.5m.
Gomez, whose breakthrough season in the SkyBet Championship last term saw him make 24 appearances, is viewed as a long-term prospect and - like Ilori - would more than likely be loaned out for more experience.
OUR VIEW
Liverpool seem to have settled on a transfer policy based around British talent this summer after last year’s struggles. Gomez would most likely be one for the future, as the Reds currently have four senior central defenders in Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, last summer's £20m arrival Dejan Lovren and Kolo Toure.
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Liverpool defender Kolo Toure
Image credit: PA Sport
While the acquisition of Gomez makes sense and is prudent, this is a transfer with the future in mind but Liverpool are in need of defensive reinforcements – they may have four centre backs but, put simply, they were not good enough last season.
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JUNE 14th 2015
Liverpool are reportedly keen on Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, who has a mdoest release clause, and a bright future according to Spain's manager.
Catalan newspaper Sport claims that Liverpool are among the interested parties in the 24-year-old, whose €12m release clause and bright future - Vincente del Bosque has called him the future of Spanish football - getting even the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City interested.
But Liverpool's need of improvement in defence is probably greater than any other big club in Europe, and if it's regular football that Bartra wants then Brendan Rodgers will surely be able to guarantee it for him.
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JUNE 11th 2015
KOVACIC MOVE TO LIVERPOOL IN DOUBT
Inter coach Roberto Mancini believes Mateo Kovacic will stay at the club, despite interest from Liverpool.
It had been reported that the Reds had struck a deal with the 21-year-old Croatian midfielder, but Mancini does not believe that is true.
"He’ll become a champion,” Mancini told Sky Italia. "Of course, he’s still lacking some things, but he’s improved a lot, and I think that’s showed.
"At the moment there’s nothing, I think he’ll stay. I don’t think we’ll sell our top players, I don’t think that’s a risk.”
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Inter's Mateo Kovacic in action against Lazio
Image credit: LaPresse
OUR VIEW:
Agreeing a deal for one of Europe's most hyped young player was never going to be as easy as reports suggested. The claimed £17m fee seemed low and why would Inter agree to sell quickly rather than waiting for higher bids from other clubs? That doesn't mean a deal couldn't happen but it's going to be a lot more complicated and expensive than some people suggested.
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JUNE 8th 2015
BORINI OUT, INGS IN
Liverpool striker Fabio Borini is set to leave the club this summer as manager Brendan Rodgers restructures his forward line.
The Reds confirmed on Monday that they had reached an agreement for the signing of Burnley striker Danny Ings, pushing Borini further down the pecking order.
Borini was Brendan Rodgers' first signing as Liverpool manager back in 2012, but the 24-year-old has endured a frustrating time at the club, scoring just two Premier League goals.
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Liverpool's Fabio Borini celebrates his goal against Aston Villa
Image credit: Reuters
"Soon we will have to talk to Liverpool," Borini's agent told Italian news outlet Calciomercato."
Several teams have asked for Fabio on loan, but the Liverpool board have always refused, especially in light of the £10m bid that was rejected last year from Sunderland."
OUR VIEW:
In truth, Fabio Borini should have left Liverpool last season when Sunderland made an offer to sign him on a permanent basis, but, to his credit, he tried to make things work at Anfield. Despite being coached by Brendan Rodgers at Chelsea and Swansea in the past, Borini's not been seen as good enough and with Danny Ings and Divock Origi arriving he'll have even fewer chances to shine. His time on loan at Sunderland showed he has got talent and at 24 he needs to be playing more regularly than he is now. With teams like Lazio and Inter Milan said to be interested in bringing him back to Italy, he has surely played his last game for Liverpool.
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