Liverpool Rumours Archive January 29 2016

29 Jan 2016 18:26:32
Hello Eds, is there any intrest in Piotr Zielinski or Milan Badelj from us? Or someone else have been intrested?

{Ed001's Note - yes, yes and again yes.}

29 Jan 2016 22:52:13
Was reading the polish papers I think Ed mentioned too that it's not likely in January but maybe summer. Regardless as a polak I'd like to see one at Liverpool but again as a polak I don't think he'd make it. You could actually taste the pessimism in the air during the qualifiers with the Scottish Irish and polish in one room.

29 Jan 2016 16:18:13
Thanks for the update ed my question is about matip is he close to sign a new contract at schalke?

{Ed002's Note - Schalke's Joel Matip has been watched by Sunderland, Marseille, Newcastle and Liverpool but will not be available in January with the club rather letting his contract run down as opposed to having their season disrupted - unless of course someone were to pay way over the odds. Schalke will try and get him to sign a new contract and have already rejected approaches from Liverpool and Sunderland to take him in January. The lady from Marseille tells me that they have stepped back and will not be pursuing their interest any further at this time but when the player is open to discussing a pre-contract they will. Lille are also interested. Whilst I can't see him as being any more than a Toure replacement at Liverpool, Klopp is very keen and will look to the club negotiating a pre-contract agreement if they are not willing to pay way over the odds now.}

29 Jan 2016 16:35:15
Is the lady from Marseille an actual lady you know from Marseille or is this another saying I don't understand?

{Ed002's Note - She is indeed a lady from l'OM.}

29 Jan 2016 18:00:23
ED002

I've noticed you refer to Sakho (well I'm presuming its Sakho) as Kirikou?

I hope I'm not being naive her, but could you explain the relevance?

Regards.

{Ed002's Note - It is the name he is known by to his French team mates because of his likeness to Kirikou. Stupid haircut and tiny todger.}

29 Jan 2016 18:00:55
Ed 002 is she attractive, does she have any French charm and is she wealthy?

{Ed002's Note - (a) Of course. (b) Fierce. (c) Subjective but worth more than most EPL soccerball players.}

30 Jan 2016 05:22:07
I agree with ed2, I do not believe matip is the type of centre back we need and he will fair no better than Lovren or sahko. I'm guessing the only perk in this deal is that it's a pre contract, but if you want top quality you have to buy top quality. I don't think matip is too quality from what I've seen in the bundesliga although he has had a decent season so far. So did Lovren.

29 Jan 2016 11:15:58
Go on ed2,
Please could you enlighten us mortals with a much-appreciated summary?

{Ed002's Note - Of course, you should have mentioned it:

I don’t have the time to do a full update but here is some food for thought regarding players that Liverpool has been looking at but have probably not been mentioned too much before:

Left Back: Koybasi - Out of contract in the summer, Besiktas' Ismail Koybasi is attracting the attention of Valencia and has been watched by Empoli, Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Kiev. There is an unconfirmed suggestion by the player's representative that Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in him. Guerreiro remains the more likely option for Liverpool to at some point concentrate their efforts on.

Midfield: Bazoer - Chelsea, Napoli, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus have all shown an interest in teenage Ajax midfield player Riechedly Bazoer. Napoli has made an offer but taking advice from a third party who provides consultancy for one of the interested sides, the player is keen to stay at Ajax and bide his time. I suspect the interest from all sides will continue but he is not one for now.

Attacking Midfield: Vazquez - Milan have enquired about the availability of Palermo's Franco Vazquez and were told that he would be allowed to leave in the summer if an offer of more than €30M were made. That would be enough to scare off Inter and Sevilla who have looked at him since the beginning of the season. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs have scouted the player this season with Liverpool and Manchester United showing increased interest very recently.

Attacking Midfield/Winger: Praet - Interest in Anderlecht's Dennis Praet has run hold and cold for a while and the likes of Ajax, Everton, Southampton, Hoffenheim and Dynamo Moscow have moved on in the past year. Both Sevilla and Valencia had offers rejected in the summer whilst Aston Villa were also being kept informed by Anderlecht of any approaches for the player, but there is no way the player will want to move there and they won't have that sort of money to spend on one player. Juventus were represented at a couple of games but were, I understand, unconvinced by the player - but I suspect interest will continue knowing that his value might well tumble as his contract is running down. Fiorentina has had several meetings with representatives of the player and Anderlecht - and were seemingly getting to the point where an agreement over a January transfer could be reached but interest in another player has given them an unexpected twist to deal with and they are now out of the picture. Arsenal has again looked at him in recent weeks, once they knew that there would be a January bid from elsewhere, but I am not aware of them taking it any further just yet. I understand that Liverpool are again interested in the Praet, and it is a player Klipperty would like. Praet may well provide more versatility than others as he has the ability to play as a winger as well.

Winger: NKoudou - Georges-Kevin N'Koudou of Marseille - perhaps a youngster for the summer for one of the many clubs who have looked at him - including Crystal Palace, Valerncia, West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United. Marseille would certainly be open to a very high and over the odds offer at pretty much anytime.

Forward: Mbappé - Real Madrid prepare for a potential transfer ban they have spoken with Monaco regarding Kylian Mbappé (who cannot sign a professional contract until December 2016) about an agreement to possibly recruit him in 2017. A number of clubs have been watching him including Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Rennes, Marseille and PSG, but next January might be a better time for a move. Arsenal are talking to Monaco about options and how they might be able to secure his services.

Striker: Slimani - Sporting Lisbon are open to selling Islam Slimani at the right price and the prior interest of West Ham and Crystal Palace has been revived. Previous interest from Fiorentina, Napoli, Fenerbahce, Leicester, Aston Villa, Spurs, Norwich and Bordeaux appears to have gone. Liverpool, Udinese, Everton and Borussia Dortmund have scouted the player recently. If an offer close to the asking price is made it is possible a deal can be done this January for the striker.

Striker: Nolito - Barcelona has approached Celta Vigo about taking Nolito in January - but Nolito says he will not move anywhere just as cover for others and wants a commitment of game time. Both Spurs and Arsenal have had Nolito watched by scouts recently and Arsenal had a tentative approach knocked back but they may still be an option for January. A Spanish club could force move (if the player agrees) by paying a release clause that he has, but even though he has been playing well recently, Barcelona are the only Spanish club to have shown an interest at this time and are likely to have explained to him that he will have a number of opportunities and changes are coming in the summer. Right now a deal with Barcelona seems to be off the table. It is likely something can still happen with one club or other in January but I rather suspect money will be an issue. I am not aware of a Liverpool bid at this time but I am aware that they are considering such a move.}

29 Jan 2016 11:28:23
So do i summarise your summerise correct by saying that the player we are closest to try to make a bid for is Nolito this January?

Not a sure bid but under consideration?

YNWA.

{Ed002's Note - No, I didn't say that and can't answer things about "closest".}

29 Jan 2016 11:29:58
Very much appreciated, mate.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

29 Jan 2016 11:53:14
Cheers ed great update on players. All points to us waiting until the summer imo when things will be a little easier and will no what players we might have moved on.

Praet stands out for me as a good option.

Time will tell i guess.

29 Jan 2016 11:54:21
Awesome summary, thanks a million Ed2, you made my lunch break. :)

Sorry for the money question, but roughly what do you think would be considered the right price for Sporting for Slimani?
Considering his form and their league position, I'd have thought they'd be desperate to keep him for their title bid. So, would it be very high? Ballpark like.

{Ed002's Note - They were asking close to €30M and have rejected a €17M offer from an English side out of hand. So perhaps €25M would work.}

29 Jan 2016 12:03:19
Thanks Ed that's an excellent read.

{Ed002's Note - Thank you.}

29 Jan 2016 12:43:36
Appreciate the answer Ed.
Uff, 25 million yoyos. You think he's worth it?

{Ed002's Note - He is worth what a club wishes to pay.}

29 Jan 2016 12:48:06
Great insight, thanks ed!
I'm pretty relaxed about having a quiet Jan. There's already too many uncertainties in our squad without bringing even more bodies at the moment. I'd be happier to wait till the summer, let klopp trim the squad as he sees fit (assuming other clubs will buy our STR players) and then bring in the players he needs at a more reasonable price - before the euros!
thanks again for the info.

29 Jan 2016 12:50:33
Excellent read Ed, thank you. Any idea when you'll be posting the full summary?
Also if you don't mind me asking do you think Vazquez is a good player? I only ask because 3 goals so far this season seems a low return for an attacking player valued at e30 million!

{Ed002's Note - He is certainly well thought of EMS - as for goals I don't know what he has been up to with out checking.}

29 Jan 2016 12:53:06
Nice one Ed002.

If we're going to wait till the summer, it's a positive from the point of view that LFC won't buy just for the sake of buying. I'm sure some of the youngsters and those on the fringe can step up!

29 Jan 2016 13:03:08
Cheers ed, always doing a great job!

29 Jan 2016 13:06:42
I have seen him play a fair few games Ed002 and he reminds me of the Tottenham player Moussa Dembele. His best attributes are his power, tenacity, work rate, vision and composure. I think he could be excellent in midfield for us but if he was signed as a striker I'd have my doubts. When you say increased interest in him how do you mean? Additional scouting, enquiry, bid, approached his agent etc?

{Ed002's Note - There has been representation at (at least) the recent Tondelo game where he scored and the Pacos de Ferreira wghere he scored twice.}

29 Jan 2016 13:11:09
Great read ed. thanks for taking time to do it.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome Lee.}

29 Jan 2016 13:15:20
Cheers Ed002.

What time scale should we expect for these deals?

😉.

29 Jan 2016 14:00:31
OK thanks ed for your time!

29 Jan 2016 14:16:57
Huh? Time scale?
Eds I think you'll have to look into getting a clickable 'likelihood scale' and 'time scale' on the website. Perhaps with whack-a-mole graphics. Or whack-a-Migs, even better! :)

{Ed002's Note - The "Whack-a-mole" would be a good idea to keep the Liverpool fans occupied between transfer windows.}

29 Jan 2016 14:26:03
😂😂

Ed002 knows I'm kidding, got one bite though 😉.

29 Jan 2016 15:24:19
Cheers ed for all your info.

P. s I love whack a mole, its an absolute classic and certainly passes the time.

29 Jan 2016 15:53:28
Not Wack-a-mole. We fans need a Flash Gordon game to play to pass the time. That way we could get to fight the bad guy, not Ming the Merciless but Migs the Hopeless!

29 Jan 2016 16:27:23
ah thank dog. i thought you might have been Ron, since you're a regular. But you just never know on here sometimes. The Eds have to keep their crystal balls highly polished to field some of the questions. ;)

29 Jan 2016 17:23:59
Eds 002,you've made several references to Barcelona's big changes afoot, over the last month or so, would you care to elaborate, take our minds off January madness and maybe give you a break from Teixeria theories!

{Ed001's Note - they are about to hit La Liga's salary cap, but have a 16.6m euro pay rise due to Messi for next season and about 7m euros pay rise to Neymar, so they have to clear house a bit.}

29 Jan 2016 18:08:18
Cheers eds, that puts a few transfers into a whole different perspective! Thankyou.

{Ed001's Note - they are in major trouble with salaries. The president will lose his position if the finances aren't fixed as they are outside of the club's statutes allowances.}

29 Jan 2016 18:21:38
So Suarez will be freed up, probably for around the £50-55m mark and Liverpool will re-sign him as the messiah returns, obviously displacing Illori. For 5 years with wage demands of £200,000 a week, the glory days will return within a season, and all fans on this site will have nothing left to complain about? Am I right Eds?

{Ed001's Note - damn you have put us all out of work!}

29 Jan 2016 18:40:28
I'd rather Suarez stayed in Spain, he was an incredible player for us but brought too much baggage with him.
In Spain he can't do any damage to us.

29 Jan 2016 17:25:39
Excellent summary Ed002! Thanks for that.

29 Jan 2016 18:13:39
Cheers ed, thanks for that.

30 Jan 2016 09:10:51
So how can Barcelona sort that ed? Is it simply that they'll have to get rid of one of their highest profile players to free up their wage bill, or could they balance the books by by selling some less vital players and redirect that money to wages, or does it not work that way? If they do need to sell, do you think Neymar is likely to head off to city / United/ .?
And Ron is this another kidding post or would you not actually want Suarez back? Just checking before I bite?,

{Ed001's Note - they have a salary cap in La Liga coming in next season, they are just about on it without the wage increases, and Neymar's talk of a new contract with a wage rise is worrying for them. It makes it almost certain they will have to break up the 'MSN'. Interestingly, Messi has a clause in his contract which means Barca have to pay him a compensation payment equal to his forthcoming pay rise for next season of 16.6m. It is most likely he would be the one to make way, if any, as his salary will be such a huge chunk of their budget, they will not be able to shift enough back up players to reduce the salary bill sufficiently.}

31 Jan 2016 00:13:15
Boss read that Ed nice one.

29 Jan 2016 08:19:28
Texeira seems unlikely now (well even more unlikely) nolito too unlikely. Hernandez not going to move before summer at the earliest. Do the eds expect any incoming for lfc in the coming days? Or will it now be a case of waiting for the summer? Thanks eds great work as normal.

{Ed001's Note - unless someone becomes suddenly available, I expect the club to step back and wait now. That is an opinion only though, not based on info as a lot has changed recently.}

29 Jan 2016 10:58:44
The guardian is saying they are looking 70m Euro for him not happening and rightly so at that price.

29 Jan 2016 11:17:19
What is it that has changed ed1?

{Ed001's Note - because the targets are not available and there is no interest in just buying for the sake of it.}

29 Jan 2016 16:23:21
Ed01

Finally some good news

Not buying for the sake of it

1st decent decision taken by the club in a long time.

29 Jan 2016 17:03:14
Welcome to the post-rodgers era.

29 Jan 2016 01:01:05
Slimani, n koudou and mbappe ed2 are they players we've been watching then buddy?

{Ed002's Note - Of course but they will no doubt be trashed tomorrow DR.}

29 Jan 2016 04:32:44
Looks like we are after a lw with pace then ed. At 17 mbappe is quite young too start, personally would buy him with a loan back for 2 years, then move on too a premier league club for a year on loan.