The Saints add more twist into Liverpool transfer target

Southampton have hiked up their asking price for Liverpool transfer target Virgil van Dijk to £75million, reports say.

That is after the Saints reacted furiously to Liverpool’s pursuit of their captain which lead to the club reporting the Reds to the Premier League.

Liverpool’s approach for Van Dijk is now being looked at by the Premier League, but there is no official investigation as of yet.

Van Dijk has made Liverpool his first-choice destination after rejecting interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Liverpool are still confident they can seal the deal, but Southampton have informed them of a major change to Van Dijk’s price tag.

Southampton were initially asking for a fee between £50million and £60million, but now want a figure closer to £75million.

It is potentially a huge blow to Liverpool, but the Reds are hopeful Van Dijk’s influence can help turn back the tide in their favour.

Reports that Jurgen Klopp met personally with Van Dijk have angered Southampton and prompted them to contact the Premier League.

Van Dijk would be by far the most expensive defender in history should Liverpool pay £75million for his services.

The Netherlands international is Klopp’s No.1 target as he looks to sure up a consistently fragile defence.

The Liverpool Echo claim Southampton will make it as difficult as possible for Liverpool to sign their skipper.

Southampton want a bidding war and will encourage Chelsea, Arsenal and City to revive their interest.

Liverpool have a long history of raiding Southampton for their best players with Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne all former Saints.

Pictures credits to GETTY.

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

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Liverpool link with Sporting Lisbon winger

Liverpool are looking at alternative targets to Mohamed Salah.

Sky Sports claim their pursuit of Salah have hit the rocks (due to his £35million valuation), and Jurgen Klopp is exploring the possibility of bringing winger Gelson Martins to Anfield.

The Portugal international has been watched by Liverpool representatives and could be tempted by a Premier League switch.

Martins, 22, has a £46.5million release clause in his current contract - although it's claimed Sporting Lisbon will accept £40million.

The winger produced seven goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.

That quality would likely see him fit in well under Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool are in need of quality reinforcements this summer as they prepare for a campaign in the UEFA Champions League and look to sustain a title challenge in the Premier League throughout next season.

Martins has the pace and trickery you'd expect from a promising young winger, but it's clear he possesses real end product given his excellent assist record.

While his goal record isn't overly inspiring, it's equally worth noting he only started 25 matches in all competitions, so 13 strikes overall isn't a bad return.

He still needs to prove he can be a prolific goalscorer, but if brought in relatively cheaply he could be an astute buy.

Liverpool also have joined the race for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez, according to reports in Spain.

A lack of game time has led to suggestions he will be playing his football elsewhere next term with Manchester United mooted as his next destination.

But Spanish publication Don Balon claim Liverpool are ready to battle their rivals for his signature.

Madrid chief Florentino Perez is refusing to lower his £52million valuation of the Colombian that has proved to be stumbling block in negotiations with United - but Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet his price tag.

Picture of Mo Salah credits to TWITTER @only1essam

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

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Liverpool move for versatile winger

Already moves have been made to sign a winger, with Roma's Mohamed Salah the priority.

But, for a variety of reasons, Jurgen Klopp couldn't quite bring a new wide midfielder to Anfield.

Now, as the summer transfer window prepares to swing open, the Reds boss isn't going to make the same mistake twice.

The Bayern Munich winger is keen to make a move this summer having struggled to earn a regular spot under Carlo Ancelotti.

And Bild claim several clubs have been sniffing around including Liverpool and Tottenham.

Juventus, Manchester City, and Manchester United are also mentioned.

However they are looking at alternatives and Costa appears to be one of those.

German publication Bild claim he is on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.

Klopp has already agreed the signing of Dominic Solanke, who will arrive on July 1, but he wants a forward who can go straight into the team.

And Salah and Costa fit the Klopp prototype of fluid players who can play anywhere in the front line.

Costa would cost around £35million - a similar fee to Salah - but Liverpool would face competition from a number of clubs.

The deal to take Salah from Roma is in the works with wages of £90,000 a week said to be agreed, but a an agreement with Roma still to be reached.

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

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Liverpool in the hunt for £52million Colombian play maker

Liverpool have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.

The Colombia international looks set to leave the Bernabeu after struggling for game time under Zinedine Zidane.

And Spanish outlet Don Balon say the Reds are now among the clubs interested in snapping him up.

Liverpool are willing to match his £52million price tag, while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Bayern Munich are also keen.

However, the 25-year-old is said to favour a move to their fierce rivals United instead.

Rodriguez rose to prominence at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and enjoyed a fine first season in the Spanish capital thereafter, but he struggled during the 2015-16 campaign and hasn't reached the same heights this season, either.

Team-mate Isco has been the more consistent of the two during his limited appearances, however. He's consequently played more when injuries have opened up a spot in the starting XI.

The belief is Rodriguez could return to his best with consistent playing time, something he likely won't find in Madrid. Spending £65 million on the Colombian would be a risky move and uncharacteristic of the Reds, who have been more careful with their spending under manager Jurgen Klopp when compared to other top Premier League clubs.

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

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Who is Dominic Solanke ?

Liverpool FC have agreed personal terms with Dominic Solanke to sign the England youth international this summer.
The 19-year-old striker will complete the transfer to the Reds on July 1, 2017, upon the expiry of his contract with his current club, Chelsea.
Solanke made his senior debut for the London side as a substitute in a Champions League tie in October 2014, and scored seven goals in 25 Eredivisie appearances during a productive loan spell with Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem in 2015-16.
He has represented his country at every age level from U16 to U21 and is currently in South Korea for the FIFA U20 World Cup, where the forward has so far featured in all three games and scored once to help England into the knockout stages.
Solanke, twice an FA Youth Cup champion and winner of the UEFA Youth League and U17 European Championship, will officially join Jürgen Klopp’s squad on July 1.‎
Source: Independent, Liverpool Official

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