Rumour Mill: Liverpool plotting for January swoop on Argentine midfielder

Although the summer transfer window is officially closed that doesn’t stop clubs working hard behind the scenes to prepare for future signings, so we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest gossip. We take a look at one such prodigious talent, Javier Pastore.

Liverpool are ready to launch a January bid for PSG play-maker Javier Pastore after the player’s agent admitted his client has grown unhappy with life in France.

Pastore kick-started PSG’s big-spending when he arrived from Palermo in 2011, but despite a handful of good performances, he has largely struggled to impress.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move away over the summer, but said at the time he wanted to prove himself to new manager Laurent Blanc.

However, Roma are set to step up their interest in Liverpool target with the PSG star desperate to secure regular first-team football.

Pastore wants to assure his place in the Argentine World Cup squad for next summer's finals in Brazil, but has made only six starts for the French champions this season.

According to reports in Italy, current Serie A table toppers Roma are looking to secure Pastore, 24, on a six-month loan deal and will battle Liverpool for his signature.

The earlier comments are a welcome boost to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who is now ready to swoop in the new year after months tracking the Argentine.

Liverpool have been on the lookout for a big money marquee player, but missed out on Willian to Chelsea in the summer, and are yet to find an available alternative.

But it’s thought around £17million would be enough to get Pastore from PSG – and the Argentine international would reportedly relish the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Read More

Liverpool’s fourth signing imminent

Liverpool are on a spending spree. First, the Reds signed Kolo Toure on a free transfer. Luis Alberto checking in from Sevilla and Iago Aspas completed his move to Anfield yesterday.

Liverpool are ready to rekindle their long-standing interest in Eljero Elia.

According to TalkSport, Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers has set his attention to Elia, currently at Werder Bremen.

Liverpool's interest in the Dutchman dates back to his time at Hamburg but they missed out on him when he signed for Juventus.

Elia moved to Bremen in 2012 for £5million and Rodgers has tracked his progress - with a potential move now in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have yet to agree a deal with Sunderland to sign goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, according to the player's agent.

The two clubs had reportedly agreed a fee in excess of £11million for the Belgium international, who has won 13 caps for his country.

But the 25-year-old's representative, Guy Vandermissen, says he has still not been informed from either club that a deal has been done.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have reportedly agreed to meet the €10m (£8.5million) release clause written into Barcelona attacker Cristian Tello's contract but now must look to persuade the young Spaniard to move to Anfield according to Sport.es.

Barcelona may well be ready to sell a number of their squad players as Tito Vilanova eyes up the purchase of a central defender this summer, having already forked out £48m to sign Brazilian starlet Neymar.

However 21-year-old Tello is apparently leaning towards sticking with Barcelona for at least another season to see if he can force his way into a more prominent role in Vilanova's first team set-up.

The adaptable forward, who can play up front in an central striking role or out wide on either wing, was handed just 12 La Liga starts last term and only two starts in the Champions League but did manage to net eight goals in all competitions.

The arrival of Neymar is sure to leave Tello playing an even more limited role in Tito Vilanova's first team set-up with the locally born Barcelona player already having to challenge the likes of David Villa, Alexis Sanchez, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro for a spot supporting Lionel Messi in the Catalan giant's attack.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Read More

Liverpool move for £12M striker

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge is due to have a medical at Liverpool today ahead of a £12million transfer.

Liverpool have agreed a deal with Chelsea for the 23-year-old England international and a £60,000 per week contract with the player.

Liverpool are desperate to bolster their forward line, with Luis Suarez their only fit out-and-out striker and boss Brendan Rodgers has been keeping tabs on Sturridge since the summer.

Liverpool cannot officially register any new signing until 2 January when the transfer window opens.

The former Manchester City striker has made seven league appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring one goal.

His last league appearance for the Blues was in the 2-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on 17 November.

Sturridge has not featured since Rafael Benitez arrived at Stamford Bridge, due to a hamstring injury.

Source: Sky Sports

Stay tuned for more updates.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Read More

Post-Match Interviews: Liverpool vs Fulham

Watch Brendan Rodgers and Martin Jol post-match press conference.

   “I thought Stewart was brilliant today, in every aspect of the game,”

Read More

Rumour Mill: Liverpool want Miguel Pérez Cuesta move

January transfer window just twenty one days away from now. The rumour mill are back and news of every strikers in the Europe continent has been linked to Liverpool FC, yet again.

Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Swansea centre-forward, Miguel Pérez Cuesta or short for, Michu if he misses out on top strike target Daniel Sturridge in January.

The former Rayo Vallecano striker has been prolific for Swansea City since his arrival in the summer and has already netted 13 goals in 18 appearances for the club. The centre-forward leads the Premier League scoring charts, ahead of Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez and Demba Ba.

Swansea manager, Michael Laudrup does not want to lose Michu and on Thursday claimed it would take a £30million bid to change his mind.

But even a more realistic bid of around £10million would represent a fine piece of business for a player who cost £2million just six months ago.

Brendan Rodgers knows he needs to bring in attacking alternatives and support for the Uruguayan but will surely face competition for Michu’s signature if Swansea show any willingness to listen to offers in January.

Michael Laudrup signed Michu within a month of taking charge of the Liberty Stadium side and clearly the Dane was aware of the former Rayo Vallecano man’s ability, having managed both Getafe and Real Mallorca in La Liga prior to moving to South Wales.

Michu is clearly enjoying life at Swansea but may feel that a high-profile move could aid a push for a senior Spanish national team call-up.

Liverpool's owners FSG have promised their manager the funds needed to push for a top four position and it looks as if a deal for Michu could materialise due to Rodgers relationship with his old club.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Read More

Video: Rodgers on City and Mancini on Liverpool

LIVERPOOL v MAN CITY

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 4PM

 

  

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

The Redmen TV on Nuri Sahin loan move to Liverpool

Liverpool Football Club have today completed the signing of Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old passed a medical at Melwood before putting pen to paper on a deal that will see him spend the 2012-13 campaign with the Reds.

 

Profile:

Nuri Sahin was born to Turkish parents in the German town of Ludenscheid and joined Borussia Dortmund's youth academy as a 12-year-old after being spotted playing for RSV Meinerzhagen.

His early football career was punctuated by a series of records and achievements which began at the U17 Championships in Italy, where his flourishing contribution for Turkey was acknowledged with the Player of the Tournament award.

Sahin was then instrumental once more as the Turks clinched a fourth-place finish at the U17 World Cup in Peru, where he won the bronze ball behind Premier League stars-to-be Carlos Vela of Mexico and the Brazilian Anderson.

Domestically, he became the youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant aged 16 years and 354 days when he got his first run-out for Dortmund in August 2005.

The same month, Sahin made his full international debut for Turkey - turning down the opportunity to play for the country where he was born and raised, Germany.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool set to complete the loan move for Turkish midfielder

Liverpool expect to follow victory over Hearts in the Europa League play-off first leg with the signing of Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid. Brendan Rodgers is in pole position to land the long-time Arsenal target and could complete a season-long loan for the coveted Turkey international on Friday.

Sahin is due to arrive on Merseyside for a medical before Liverpool's game against Manchester City on Sunday and would represent a major coup for Rodgers as he attempts to improve his midfield, having spent his allocated transfer budget on Joe Allen and Fabio Borini.

Official club statement today revealed Rodgers will be expecting to discover in the next 24 hours whether Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin will join Liverpool on loan.

Rodgers said: "Hopefully in the next 24 hours we will get some confirmation on that. It's quite far along. He's a very good footballer."

According to source, Liverpool have offered to pay more of Sahin's £120,000-a-week wage at Real than Arsenal have. They have also been helped by Rodgers' relationship with his former manager at Chelsea, José Mourinho, and the Spanish champions' reluctance to loan the German-born player to a club in the Champions League.

Source: Official Liverpool FC

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool to hijack Arsenal’s deal

Liverpool without the financial muscle to sign player on a permanent basis will be relying on one or two loan deal this summer.

Reports on Monday claimed that Nuri Sahin was set to be announced as an Arsenal player but Madrid said the reports were false as the Turkish midfielder attended training in the Spanish capital.

Now, it is reported that both Real Madrid and Arsenal are failing to agree terms as the Gunners are unwilling to accept a loan deal and were pushing for a permanent deal.

This has prompted reports in Spain that Sahin’s agent Reza Fazeli has met with senior Liverpool officials in an attempt to revive the possibility of a loan move to Anfield.

It is understood that Liverpool withdrew their interest in signing the former Borussia Dortmund player last Saturday after learning that he wanted to join Arsenal.

It is uncertain whether Real are willing to sanction the permanent sale of Sahin even though Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the player will benefit from a season in the Premier League.

Sahin would strengthen the midfield options of Wenger, who sanctioned the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona for £15 million on Monday and is also likely to be without Jack Wilshere for the first three months of the season through injury.

We know how Wenger deal in the transfer market – buy cheap, gain profit later. He will not pay over the odds to get his players.

Mourinho and Rodgers has a good relationship back at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool could use Rodgers’ influence to scupper Arsenal’s deal.

We’ll soon find out where Nuri Sahin will play his football this weekend.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Rumour Mill: Surprised signing and more surprise signing for Liverpool

We really didn’t see this coming last week as Liverpool FC and Brendan Rodgers surprised everyone with the signing of Morocco international winger, Oussama Assaidi.

Liverpool were understood to have interested in Gaston Ramirez with the news from Italy has suggested that the Uruguayan will be joining his compatriot, Suarez and Coates at Anfield.

Southampton are now favourite to complete the signing of Gaston Ramirez despite Bologna delaying the move due to their financial troubles.

A fee and payment plan have been negotiated for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who has won nine caps for Uruguay and is reported to be commanding a club record fee of £12million.

Former club Penarol, who own 30 per cent of his registration, are also satisfied by the terms of the agreement.

However, it is understood cash-strapped Bologna are stalling as they seek to secure a loan against the repayments.

Southampton are determined for the transfer to proceed having beaten off competition from Liverpool and Tottenham for Ramirez, but are looking at other options in case the deal collapses.

Ramirez last week outlined his desire to swap Serie A for St Mary's.

What makes Liverpool FC to missed out on a potential big signing? M-O-N-E-Y. Rodgers has spent £11million on Fabio Borini and £15million on Joe Allen. From there, a total of £26million has been use and we could guess that Rodgers’ transfer budget are limited to £30million plus fees recoup from players sale.

Poor Clint Dempsey who are desperate to join Liverpool. But without player leaving Anfield, I don’t see where do Liverpool FC will find the money for the Fulham’ midfielder fee? The Cottagers has slapped a £10million price tag on Dempsey.

All talks on Liverpool signing midfielders but the Reds could lose on one of its striker in the transfer deadline day. Andy Carroll wants Newcastle move but the Toons are reluctant to meet Liverpool’s transfer fee. Liverpool are ready to cut their loses and demands £24million in returns from the big Geordie striker.

Liverpool’s fourth and fifth signing are very much depend on the sale of Carroll. We would expect Liverpool to sign a relatively unknown striker and a winger to end the summer transfer dealing.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Video Highlights: Baggies downed 10-man Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers' first Barclays Premier League game in charge ended in defeat as 10-man Liverpool went down to a 3-0 opening-day loss at West Bromwich Albion.

Zoltan Gera gave the hosts the lead just before half-time at the Hawthorns, finding the back of the net with a well-struck 20-yard volley from a half-cleared corner.

Liverpool were then left stunned by five second-half minutes which began with a red card for Daniel Agger after he was deemed to have bundled over Shane Long when the home side's striker went through on goal.

The No.9 took the resulting spot-kick himself, but was thwarted by Reina. However, the Reds' custodian could not keep out a second West Brom penalty on 63 minutes which Peter Odemwingie drilled into the back of the net after Martin Skrtel was adjudged to have brought down Long.

And the Reds' afternoon went from bad to worse when Romelu Lukaku headed in a third for West Brom late on to secure all three points.

The pre-match team news confirmed starts for summer signings Joe Allen and Fabio Borini, while Glen Johnson began at left-back as a slight knock sustained in training prevented Jose Enrique from travelling to the Midlands.

Full report: Liverpool FC Official

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Video Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen

Raheem Sterling took just three minutes to net his first senior Liverpool goal as the Reds completed their pre-season with a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

The 17-year-old put the finishing touches to an incisive Liverpool move when he sprung clear of his marker and curled past Bernd Leno to open the scoring.

Lucas Leiva added a second before Andy Carroll fired home the Reds third and Sidney Sam clinched a late consolation goal for the visitors.

Sami Hyypia made his return to Anfield as Leverkusen manager and the crowd had barely finished chanting his name to welcome him back to his former home when Sterling broke clear and fired the Reds ahead.

Full report: Liverpool FC Official

Video source: FootyTube

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool to tempt Fulham with cash plus player for American midfielder

Liverpool may have received some encouragement in their pursuit, according to the Daily Telegraph. A report claims that the Reds are willing to allow Charlie Adam to join the Cottagers on part-exchange potentially helping to force through a deal.

Rodgers sees the 26-year-old as surplus to requirements at Anfield following the arrival of Joe Allen from Swansea City on Friday and the impressive form of Jonjo Shelvey.

Rodgers and the club’s American owners want USA striker Dempsey but have been unable to agree a deal with Fulham, who value him at £10million.

But Liverpool hope the inclusion of Adam as part of the package will help push the move forward. Fulham are looking for a creative midfielder following the departure of Danny Murphy.

Rodgers is an admirer of Adam but has been surprised by the emergence of youngster Shelvey, who was picked ahead of his Scottish rival for the Europa League win against Gomel last week.

Rodgers has already begun breaking up Dalglish’s squad by letting Craig Bellamy, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Alberto Aquilani leave but he needs more departures to bring in more signings, following the arrivals of Fabio Borini and Allen.

Daniel Agger is the subject of interest from Manchester City, while Liverpool hope to agree a deal which would see £35m Carroll return to Newcastle only 18 months after he joined.

Both the Telegraph and Guardian also report that Rodgers remains keen to add width to his side, with Adam Johnson his preferred target. The England international has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Manchester City first team and could well be available this summer.

Although left-footed Johnson has established himself on the right flank and could potentially be a replacement for the departed Dirk Kuyt.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool make second signing and third to follow soon

Liverpool have signed Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen on a long-term deal, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The move reunites the Wales player with manager Brendan Rodgers, who left Swansea for Anfield in the close season.

The two clubs had an agreement that Rodgers would not target any of his former Swansea players for 12 months but the Welsh side can agree to any deal in the interests of the club.

Allen is the second player Rodgers has brought to Merseyside after Italy striker Fabio Borini arrived from Serie A side Roma.

He has been capped eight times by Wales and represented Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are weighing up whether to pursue a £10million deal for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godín, as Daniel Agger gets set to leave, according to reports.

The Reds are resigned to losing Danish centre-half to Manchester City after they agreed to met their £22million asking price, and as such, Rodgers is on the lookout for a replacement.

Rodgers has been promised all the money from the sale of any players and knows the £22million City are ready to pay is more than enough to bring in at least two new recruits.

The Reds boss is looking to use part of the fee from the sale of Agger to bring in Uruguay defender Godin, who has been told by current club Atletico that he can leave if they receive £10million.

Rodgers has earmarked Godin due to the 27-year-old's similarities to Agger, coupled with his lower wage demands, which would give the manager more room to maneuver elsewhere.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool gave no assurance on whether Andy Carroll stay or go?

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has claimed the club will not allow striker Andy Carroll to leave on a loan deal.

However, Rodgers did admit offers will be considered if they are "worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole".

The ex-Swansea boss said: "To consider a loan period for someone the club spent £35million on isn't something we're looking to do at this moment in time."

Newcastle are expected to make an improved offer for the 23-year-old, having had an initial bid turned down.

The Magpies sold Gateshead-born Carroll to Liverpool for £35million in January 2011 - the third-highest fee paid by a British club for a player.

However, the England international has struggled at Anfield since his move and only rediscovered some form towards the end of last season.

Rodgers also brought in striker Fabio Borini from Roma last week.

The Italian is still currently on holiday but is expected to join up with the rest of the Reds' squad on their pre-season tour in Boston on 23 July.

Rodgers told the official Liverpool website: "Andy will be the same as every other player - if there's ever an offer that comes in we'd look at it as a club and see if it's going to be worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole.

"The club invested £35million in him. People talk about whether he can fit into my style or not, but if you're a club and you spend £35million on a player you'd like to think he can fit into whatever style the team plays.

"He's a good player. He'll join the rest of the group next week and we'll take it from there."

Newcastle hierarchy are still keen admirers of Carroll, but initially only offered to pay part of Carroll's £80,000-a-week wages as part of a loan move.

The Magpies also wanted to pay £13million if he then signed a permanent deal, although the Reds are understood to want at least £20million.

Source: BBC Sport

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Dempsey not joining Liverpool, yet?

Fulham have dismissed reports linking Clint Dempsey with Liverpool by announcing they have yet to receive any offers and would not welcome interest in the American.

Dempsey has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer after enjoying a superb campaign for Martin Jol's side last season.

It had looked as though Liverpool were closing in on Dempsey after a video posted on the official website of the Fenway Sports Group, who are the club's owners, indicated that a deal would be completed by the end of the week.

The mention of Dempsey was soon deleted and Fulham have now moved to clarify the situation by insisting that nobody has contacted them with an official approach.

"We have not received any bids for Clint Dempsey," a spokesperson said. "We would also discourage any bids."

Dempsey has previously stated that he would love to play UEFA Champions League football, having emerged as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers since arriving at Fulham from New England Revolution in 2007.

He is now 29 and has just one year remaining on his current contract, but Jol has made it clear that the versatile attacker remains an important part of his plans and hopes a new deal can be agree.

Source: Sky Sport

However, Brendan Rodgers revealed yesterday that Liverpool have made enquiries about Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.

In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com at the team hotel in Boston, the manager moved to clarify the club's position on the USA international, who scored 23 goals for Fulham last season.

"Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that," said Rodgers.

"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we're at.

"He's a very talented player but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."

Source: Liverpool FC Official

Fulham are trying to keep hold of its player but it’s only a matter of time until Liverpool FC could offer the right amount of money for their midfielder.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Rumour Mill: Liverpool eye Arsenal winger

The summer Anfield clearance has begun! With the latest signing of Fabio Borini and the departure of Maxi Rodriguez, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has started to reshuffles his playing squad.

Andy Carroll has been subject to many speculation after Rodgers has admitted that the England international striker could leave on a season-long loan with a permanent deal at the end of 12-months. Although Liverpool has rejected Newcastle bid earlier for Carroll. AC Milan and West Ham United are still interested on signing the big striker on a season-long loan deal.

News on Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost completing his move to Paris St. Germain from AC Milan has boosted the chance of Carroll moving in the opposition direction.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are ready to rival Chelsea in the hunt for Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Walcott has just a year to run on his contract with the Gunners and could follow Robin van Persie's lead by seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium if the club does not boost his wages to £100,000 per week.

Rodgers will be pondering a £15million move and could use money from any sale of Andy Carroll to pay for the deal.

As a pacy winger with an eye for goal, Walcott would fit seamlessly into Rodgers' preferred playing style.

Target-man Carroll, however, may find opportunities under Rodgers more limited.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to keep Walcott, especially with Robin van Persie refusing to sign a new deal but some members of Emirates board would be prepared to cash in now.

Will Theo Walcott move to Anfield?

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool: Carroll out, Borini in?

Andy Carroll’s days at Anfield are numbered. According to reports, Italian giant AC Milan are interested to take Liverpool’s England international striker to San Siro on a loan deal. However, Carroll remained unfazed by the interest as he relaxed by the pool enjoying his extended holidays following England’s quarter-final in Euro 2012.

West Ham are set to launch an ambitious bid for England striker Andy Carroll.

Sam Allardyce wants to make a marquee signing ahead of his club’s return to the Barclays Premier League and West Ham’s owners are prepared to break their budget for the Liverpool No 9.

West Ham are proposing an initial loan with a view to buying Carroll for around £15million. That would represent a huge loss for Liverpool, who signed the forward for £35m in January 2011.

But Carroll is facing an uncertain future at Anfield after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to  dismiss the idea he could leave on loan.

Significantly, Rodgers would not give any assurances about Carroll’s future when presented with the opportunity on Monday and a switch to Upton Park could prove enticing.

Allardyce’s style of play would suit Carroll, while he would also link up with close friend and former Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan.

Rodgers is expected to make Fabio Borini his first signing in a £10m deal after Roma confirmed Liverpool’s interest. The new Kop boss is just as keen on tying down Luis Suarez, whose deal runs to June 2016.

Roma striker Borini is 'seriously considering' the opportunity to join Liverpool this summer, according to his agent.

The Serie A club's sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed earlier on Tuesday that the Anfield outfit had expressed an interest in signing the 21-year-old.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers knows Borini well, having worked with him during their time together at Chelsea and again during a loan spell with Swansea.

Borini netted nine goals in 24 appearances in the league for Roma last season and earned a place in Italy's Euro 2012 squad, although he did not feature during their run to the final.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Transfer deadline slapped on Icelandic midfielder move to Liverpool

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been  given until the end of the  month to seal his move to  Liverpool.

New Anfield manager Brendan Rodgers is  keen to snap up Sigurdsson after the midfielder impressed during a spell on loan under him at  Swansea City from Hoffenheim during the  second half  of last season.

The  22-year-old  was poised  to complete a club record £6.8million move to the Swans last month until Rodgers’ departure put a block on  the deal.

Rodgers has expressed his interest in taking  Sigurdsson to Liverpool but stressed the player  had to first speak to Swansea, who appointed  Michael Laudrup as their new boss on Friday.

That, though, is expected to be a formality,  although Liverpool will have to pay nearer  £8.5million  for Sigurdsson’s services after Swansea negotiated a discount as  part of their initial loan deal  for the player.

The Iceland international  was scheduled to begin  pre-season training with  Hoffenheim yesterday, but  the Bundesliga side have  granted extended leave in  order for him to complete a  move to England.

The pundit has tipped Sigurdsson to join Rodgers at Liverpool rather than complete his proposed permanent move to Swansea.

The Welsh club earned £45.9million from television and prize money during their first season in the Premier League, finishing 11th in the table, and so have funds to strengthen the squad.

Sigurdsson said in April he would be happy to stay at the Liberty Stadium beyond the end of the season.

But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins had also admitted the Welsh club would struggle to keep hold of the midfielder.

Will he choose Liverpool over Swansea?

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More

Liverpool could sign this player for £10M now

The papers has been going rounds and more speculation on the Premier League champions, Manchester City’s winger Adam Johnson’s footballing future at the Etihad Stadium. It’s difficult to know exactly who’s to believe in.

According to some sources he’s perfectly content at the Etihad stadium, whilst according to others he’s itching for a move. One paper will say that Roberto Mancini is prepared to sell the 24-year-old, whilst another will claim that Manchester City view him as a keeper.

More intriguing stories from the daily paper suggested Manchester City would entertain bids of around £10million for Johnson’s services. Of course, it’s difficult to know exactly how true this is. Manchester City spent £8million bringing Johnson in from Middlesbrough and he’s improved in quality significantly in the proceeding years. Given his status as a young British talent (and given that Liverpool spent approximately £20million on Jordan Henderson last summer) that price tag seems rather low.

While my poll on “First summer signing for LFC?” has been up and running with Johnson leading the vote counts, it’s hard not for Liverpool new manager Brendan Rodgers to take a look at the City’s winger.

Perhaps, moneybags Manchester City are merely exercising their more generous side. He’s a player who hasn’t got a fair run of games in the first team and they may well be prepared to accept bids below his worth in order to give him the exit route he deserves. He’s a good player but he’s perhaps not as fully formed as a number of others in City’s roster so it’s fair to say he’ll always be a part of the squad’s second string.

Last summer Liverpool gambled on Stewart Downing. I think it’s fair to say that that experiment was a failure. No League goals, after 72 shots is an absolutely dreadful return. The Reds need a player like Johnson to run the wings. A player who offers results, not just potential. If the club are ever to drag themselves back up to the Premier League, Johnson is exactly the kind of player they should be looking at.

So if there’s any truth to the claims that he currently has a £10million price-tag, I think Liverpool should snap him up now.

Source: This Is Futbol

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

Red's Fury™on

Stay tune for more news and follow me on Twitter.

Read More