10 Apr 2016 06:36:11
Morning eds. Is there any chance you could do an updated list of players you know we have looked at? I understand your busy and this would take time but we appreciate your knowledge and with only really a month of the season left, it would be good to know who we realistically should be watching as fans. Thanks in advance.
{Ed002's Note - {Ed002's Note - I think this should give you something to chew on for a while.
Before we get in to discussing players there are a three things which are relevant to what happens leading up to the summer. Firstly, folks (including Klipperty) must make a decision about the loan players as the club cannot keep adding to the first team squad and then expect to bring the loan players back in to it as well. Secondly, fans need to step back from any thoughts about there being some baseball (“moneyballâ€) related transfer policy at the club - complete red herring. All clubs look to buying and developing youngsters with the purpose of using them. If they don't use them for whatever reason they would obviously like a return on their investment, but it is not a driver to buying young players. Equally there needs to be a mix of experience the team in order to deal with the rigours of soccerball at the highest level - hence the likes of Milner and Lallana were purchased by Liverpool. And to confirm this it is not "policy" to buy young and cheap to sell at a profit, you then need to look at what Liverpool has paid for some of these youngsters. Firmino is the best example from the batch there at present - €41M potentially rising to €50M for a player that no German side were interested in buying from Hoffenheim at his €25M release clause.
Finally, a timely reminder as to how the Liverpool transfer process works. The manager will have discussed the players he would like to bring in with the transfer committee throughout the season and scouts will bring other names to the table via Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows. These would all be looked at by Michael Edwards and his team and perhaps then a refined list could be considered. When it comes to the financial side and any approaches to other clubs it will be up to Mr Ayre to investigate the availability of players negotiate and subsequently agents and clubs. Mr Gordon will, overall, be responsible for providing input from the perspective of the owners and from an overall standpoint of the club.
Clubs will typically informally ask an agent (a) if the player is going to be available, and (b) would the player consider a move to the club. There may be some broad discussion on the sort of deal that would be offered. If the answer is yes, it is then necessary for the club to approach the player's club to ask if they would be willing to sell and if they would grant permission to speak to a player's agent and possibly even the player about actually making a move. This will typically involve either broadly (through an offer) or actually agreeing a fee and responsibility for any significant costs (agents fees etc.). Once this has happened the club will be able to speak to the player's agent and perhaps the player himself to look at the package that will be involved. Many players are looked at and discussed at a high-level with agents and clubs; a subset of those have an offer placed; a subset of those involve discussions with the player's club; a subset of those involve discussions over terms, and; a subset of those go ahead.}
The fans tend to see giant holes across the squad and often have distorted views - "we need a striker", "Mignolet has to go", "Can makes too many mistakes", "Lucas has to be moved on", "Moreno is not a good defender", "we must get four new centre backs", "Ilori is the greatest footballer of all time" etc.. Coaches and managers take in to consideration how a squad is built and how teams work together - they will look more at the group than individuals - and then they will look to individuals who can improve that group. Fans tend not to see that and simply crave "marquee" signings. It is a long way to go still. Rebuilding and make large numerical changes year-on-year has not suited Liverpool in the past - I doubt it will next summer either.
Some of this will change by the summer and there are major dependencies on (a) players leaving, and (b) how much money the club can raise through sales. However, there is known to be (or have recently been) some level of interest in the following players fairly recently:
Goalkeeper:
The money was never going to be there last summer for an expensive goalkeeper given the significant spending (and over-spending) on other players. The club were clearly happy with Mignolet and never tried to replace him. I am not sure that anything has changed much in the few months Klipperty has been around and I would be very surprised if a decision has been taken this early to replace him next summer. Mignolet has been given a new contract so a move is not likely. The club has, as I have previously explained, looked at another goalkeeper since Klipperty arrived and they have continued to look at other players from a scouting perspective. But right now this does not mean too much and please don't read too much in to it. Liverpool are likely browsing and tyre kicking like many other clubs.
Real Betis' Antonio Adan returned to Spain after citing problems settling in Italy. He has certainly attracted the attention of scouts from a number of teams this season with Everton, Southampton, Marseille, Sunderland and Newcastle all paying attention as far as Betis understand. I am not aware of any declared interest from Liverpool although he has been scouted. The club will certainly be looking for a replacement for Bogdan in the summer and Adan would give Mignolet a better run for his money. Adan would also be much cheaper than ter Stegen who seems to be the one the supporters want. Marseille may drop their interest in the light of something going on in the background. If Sunderland were to be relegated then I would discount them. What I don't know is if the player would want to leave southern Spain for England.}
Sevilla's Sergio Rico has watched by Liverpool, Barcelona and Everton in several games this season.
Marseille's Steve Mandanda is out of contract in the summer and Marseille would ideally like a new deal. They would not to sell in January as it would have given them a goalkeeping issue they don't want. There has been no approach made to Marseille by Liverpool but he could be considered going forward. Won’t be interested in being anything other than first choice.
Asking price for ter Stegen is sky high for a player who has hardly played the last couple of years. The player wants to stay in Barcelona and is looking to new opportunities there next season, but critically he wants guarantees of playing time and is asking the club rather than the manager about this. There is no secret that Manchester City has declared an interest with Barcelona and have indeed made an offer, but with Joe Hart there I cannot see his situation would be any better other than for the money. Liverpool will certainly be looking for a replacement for Bogdan in the summer - and someone who would give Mignolet a run for his money. Adan has been of interest and would also be much cheaper than ter Stegen who seems to be the one the supporters want. Barcelona has admitted the interest of Manchester City, but not at this time Liverpool - but that may well change. Barcelona would not likely want to start looking for a goalkeeper this summer and will try to keep hold of him pending what could be a "big" summer next year.
My advice would be for Liverpool to look at Begovic.
Centre Back:
Schalke's Joel Matip will join in the summer.
Dortmund will be willing to let Neven Subotic, who has been of interest to Spartak Moscow and Arsenal, leave in the summer as they chase a replacement. I suspect the interest of Arsenal has moved on but I would not rule out an offer being made by Hamburg or Hannover, or indeed even Liverpool still if others were to leave – Ilori and Skrtel perhaps. He will be available at a good price and he is a player who Klopp has worked with at his two previous clubs.
PSGs Lamine Ba has been of interest to Liverpool but he would be an unlikely addition to the first team squad.
My advice would be for Liverpool to look at Sule as I have said before – they could well miss a trick here.
Left Back:
Previously of interest to Manchester United and Spurs, Roma and Manchester City see Schalke's Sead Kolasinac as a target who both Chelsea and Liverpool have also had watched.
Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro has been of previous interest to Newcastle, Milan, Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City and Sampdoria. Marseille, Liverpool, Sunderland and Swansea have had watched the player this season. I understand from an Arsenal scout that they are looking again. Liverpool interest would certainly come to the fore if Moreno were to leave.
Fenerbahce and Caner Erkin again struggled in their discussions over extending his contract and the club accept this summer he will move on. Liverpool have certainly considered him in the past when Rodgers had scouts look at him. Chelsea, Stoke, Hannover 96, Everton, Arsenal and Roma have also had him watched in the past and a deal with Inter was previously scuppered by very high signing on fee and wage demands. However, Inter are confident that a deal can be done for this summer and that they will have the funds in place.
Leicester’s Ben Chilwell has been attracting the attention of a number of sides with Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Norwich all attending Huddersfield Town games to watch the loanee after he impressed in the academy last season. Spurs and Newcastle have also been keeping a watchful eye. However, to cover for an injury, Claudio Ranieri recalled Chilwell but matters are seemingly being taken out of his hands as Arsenal has made a formal approach to Leicester about a transfer. Leicester fought off that approach but will have to do the same in the summer.
Jonas Hector would be a very odd choice if Liverpool were interested, and I am not aware that they have declared any interest. He is very much a defender who doesn't get forward too often and that does not seem to fit the kopflose huhn style of play Klipperty prefers.
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 interested in him but I find that a little far-fetched.
Approaches to the MLS have been made by Genk, Reading and Shimizu S-Pulse in respect of LA Galaxy's Gyasi Zardes. I suspect the interest of Liverpool left with Rodgers. The Reading interest likely left with Stevie Clarke.
Defensive Midfield:
Liverpool will have the option of playing Grujic in a holding midfield position if the wish and have Lucas, Emre Can the well respected Rossiter and even Pedro Chirivella who could play there. I don’t see an immediate problem but they have certainly looked at players.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona, 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 (hoping Barcelona come calling rather than just looking). I suspect the interest from all sides will continue but he was not one for January. In order to avoid a subsequent summer auction, Chelsea has opened discussions with Ajax about how a transfer may be possible. They are willing to include a player if that helps but are aware that Manchester City are likely to soon make an approach as well.
Midfield:
I don't think there are any plans for Lucas to leave right now and with Henderson, Can, Lucas, Milner, Stewart, Allen, Brannagan, Rossiter and Chrivella all playing in an area (where only two would typically start) and Grujic arriving I am not sure it will be the priority area where the club will look to make changes in the summer. I do however agree that Allen may well leave. If Lucas were also to leave and a decision made not to promote any of the youngsters then perhaps the club would look to this as more of a priority. However, a little side note regarding one of the normally ignored players that may well be impacted by this move – Allan. He got another loan for Allan in January and there is a slim chance that he might be able to get a work permit later in 2016 - getting called in to the International U20 side would be a boost. But even that could be touch and go and if he doesn't get one then there is a problem in that he could end up not being eligible to play as a home grown player - then we are in to a big decision being made. Right now Liverpool is not well structured for looking after such players - something I would hope that they can address – but the addition of Grujic makes Allan’s long-term future as a Liverpool player in doubt.
Norwich's Todd Cantwell has attracted the interest of Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle.
Liverpool, along with Manchester United, Stoke and in Particular Bournemouth, are looking at Leeds' Lewis Cook.
Granit Xhaka signed a new long-term contract but there was interest from Napoli, Atletico Madrid and Inter in January. Previous interest from Stoke and Everton is gone. Newcastle, Valencia, Manchester City, Spurs, Napoli and Arsenal have scouted the player this season and any would likely continue that interest with a bid if he were available. I can completely discount Inter at this time and although interested Atletico are needing to plan very carefully knowing that they have a significant issue on the horizon. Borussia Monchengladbach made it very clear that he would not move in January and that is what was told to Napoli when they made an approach to the club. I am not aware of Liverpool either directly tapping up the player nor approaching his father as the Liverpool fans have been suggesting nor am I aware of him being announced prior to any European game by Liverpool. In the coming months we will likely see Arsenal and Napoli posturing regarding Xhaka - and if another target cannot be achieved, possibly Manchester City. At this time there have been no formal offers made - but Arsenal will be looking for an early agreement.}
Manchester United, CSKA Moscow and Liverpool were all impressed with the scouting reports on Shakhtar Donetsk's Viktor Kovalenko.
Manchester City had a sustained interest in taking Piotr Zielinski as padding for their squad but Udinese didn't want to sell him - and over last summer they stepped back from their pursuit of him completely after watching him during his first season on loan at Empoli. Certainly he was not going to be moving in January but a number of clubs have looked at him whilst on loan at Empoli this season including Brighton, Liverpool, Napoli, Roma, Auxerre, Young Boys and Bayer Leverkusen. Udinese still remain unconvinced about the player even though things are going well for him now - and in the summer they may well pass him off to "sister" side Watford for another season. Napoli have approached Udinese to see if something can be done for the summer.
The constantly fishing agent of Rubin Kazan's Magomed Ozdoev has said Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool and Spurs have watched the player this season. Previously he said that Dortmund, Lyon, Basel and Spartak Moscow are interested in the player. Tough to see a move to England happening.
Attacking Midfield:
Liverpool has plenty of options for attacking midfield players. I don’t expect anything to happen much in the summer
Gillingham's Bradley Dack has drawn scouts from Bristol City, Newcastle, Arsenal, Brighton, Liverpool, Ipswich Town and Spurs to watch him this season. Gillingham rejected an offer from Bristol City in January. Liverpool are certainly interested and did manage a couple of goals when watched by Liverpool and Ipswich representatives. I would not be surprised to see a premier league offer for Dickory.
Schalke rejected bids from Spurs and Stoke for Leroy Sane in the summer of 2015. A number of clubs from across Europe have had the player watched in the first and reserve sides towards the end of last season and at the start of this - including Manchester United, Barcelona, Sunderland, Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, PSG, West Ham and RBL. Do not discount a bid from Manchester City in the summer after an approach was pushed back in January - where they were loathe to meet the potential asking price, even though they were willing to make a very significant offer. Know Manchester City know that a bid from Barcelona is imminent and that will be immediately followed by a bid from Real Madrid as the three clubs battle over a summer move. As to whether he is ready just yet, no, probably not. There is the potential to yet again see a great talent squashed (at least for a year or two) if he moves too soon and I suspect he will be advised to stay where he is for now.
Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG and Manchester City all remain keen on the signing of Miralem Pjanic and although they may need to sell before buying it is less likely they will now be put off by the price. PSG were willing to include Verratti as part of the deal but Verratti was not keen and is now staying in Paris. Real Madrid would likely not prioritise the move and have moved on to consider another player ahead of Pjanic. Manchester City may still look to Pjanic in the summer but they have other priorities. Liverpool and Spurs enquired in the summer and were made aware that he could be available at the right price - but that would be very high and the player has said he has no interest in either club. However, Chelsea are looking to Pjanic for the summer of 2016 and are looking to negotiate a more sensible transfer fee and certainly more sensible wages. Talks took place in Monaco recently and the club is confident that something can be done. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Zenit St Petersburg seem to have dropped their previous interest. Roma's owners have said they don't want to sell but the player is maybe looking for a way out if the right deal is offered. A real wildcard but circumstances at Juventus may well change in the coming months and Pjanic may well be a player they will look to.
Bayern Munich offered Goetze as part of a deal for Gundogan in the summer of 2015 but nothing came of it - although Dortmund would take him back at the right price (but the Dortmund fans are seemingly in unison against such a move - one because he left for Bayern Munich and two because his form has dropped right away). Bayern have also spoken to his agent about a couple of issues with his constant bitching and whining. An enquiry from Juventus led to them being told that they would have to agree to pay at least his €37M release clause before there could be any discussions - and the expectation is that Juventus might agree to do making a significant bid and will open discussions with a move being mooted for the summer of 2016, but critically they are looking at other options as they do not see Goetze worth anything like the asking price. The situation is that Goetze has gotten to the point where he has not been playing regularly for a long time but his club are still looking for a significant fee to help him move on. Bayern are certainly open to the idea of using him in part exchange if the right opportunity comes along. As for any interest from Liverpool, Bayern jokingly say they await the call from Liverpool but there has been nothing at this time. They are aware of all of the speculation and are requesting the player to state what discussions he has had with either Klopp or any other representatives of Liverpool. Whether all of this will prompt other clubs to look at him or not is not clear right now - but many would see the investment as too much of a risk - and don't rule out another English side getting involved as there is a little rustling in the bushes.
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 Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester United showing increased interest since the turn of the year, but Milan seem confident a move will happen in the summer.
My advice is that I am yet to be convinced why yet another AM player is needed, but if there is to be one: Mainz had no interest in selling Yunus Malli in January but are aware that Bayern Munich, Spurs, Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray have all looked at the player. For the summer, Malli is the sort of player who Klopp may have Liverpool scouts look at, particularly given that he knows the player well. An ex-German international tells me he is getting better and better and would suit the English game. He is also the sort of player that a club like Arsenal may look to if they are planning Central or Attacking Midfield changes in the summer. Galatasaray have another solution in mind now but Spurs are continuing to look at the player.}
Winger:
Clearly Liverpool has been looking in particular at wingers with their scouting and that in itself may sound the death knell for Markovic. With Ibe, Ojo and Canos on the books in addition to several players like Milner, Origi and even Lallana and Firmino who are comfortable in those positions - and youngsters like Kent, it seems some sort of reshuffle will be necessary.
I am going to throw a new player to the top of the pile. Braga's Rafa Silva has been of interested to Benfica, Everton, Southampton, Wolfsburg and Schalke for a number of months. West Ham, Real Betis, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille and Spurs have had him watched but to the best of my knowledge not enquired further at this time. Notably, Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester United have watched in a number of games this season. Braga will be looking to a summer auction.
Interest in Anderlecht's Dennis Praet has run hold and cold for a while and the likes of Ajax, Southampton, Newcastle, 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 could 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. Everton (again), Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have also been showing recent interest.
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, Valencia, Southampton, West Ham, Liverpool and Manchester United. Marseille would certainly be open to a very high and over the odds offer.
Manchester City, Atletico, Spurs and Valencia have all previously declared an interest in Gokhan Tore with Atletico having made two offers to take him as a replacement for Arda Turan in the summer. I would think any Manchester City bid is dependent on David Silva moving on and that has gone for now. Valencia will probably not now follow up on their interest. Spurs interest remains but will likely go nowhere. Besiktas said that they are not looking to sell him over the winter window but were open to further discussions over making an agreement for a summer move to Atletico Madrid - and further discussions are scheduled but I suspect their interest is waning. Besiktas say they have not been approached by West Ham United with any offer to take Tore back to London but are aware of their interest. They have admitted that Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal (again) have watched the player in recent months.
PSG may well be less willing to let Moura move as he has now settled better in France - but it took a very long time. An attempt was made to strike a deal for Lucas Moura to make a return to Sao Paulo on loan in January 2015, but PSG pulled the plug as discussions dragged on. Juventus had declared interest if he becomes available but baulked at the €40M asking price they were given. Spurs and Liverpool did manage to scout him earlier this season. Whilst his agent has spoken to Arsenal about him, the player himself is now keen to stay in Paris, and having settled, PSG will likely support that. As such, I suspect a summer move to be unlikely.
Partizan Belgrade's Andrija Zivkovic has been of sustained interest to Atletico Madrid and Chelsea with Real Madrid, Valencia, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Spurs, Benfica and Cagliari all watching the player. Chelsea were looking to sign Zivkovic last summer and send him on loan, and Real Madrid has made similar advances that were also rebuffed. But it was Atletico who were probably best placed to complete a January deal - but could not get by complex ownership issues involving Pini Zahivi needing to be resolved first. One to watch for the summer and one on Arsenal’s list of youngsters again.
According to his father, Liverpool, Celtic and Munich 1860 are interested in Dinamo Zagreb's Davor Lovren, brother to Dejan. He plays in the reserve team and I have no idea how much, if any, interest Liverpool have in him. He would be one for the future.
Ajax will look to keep Anwar El Ghazi from interested parties for perhaps one or two years. Bayern Munich, Milan, Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester, Atletico and Chelsea have all declared an interest. The player has said he wants to play for Real Madrid. Chelsea were to put an offer on the table in the summer and would have been willing to leave him with Ajax for up to two years. However a third party advisor to Chelsea blocked any move at that time citing the player as still being inconsistent and wanting longer to consider whether or not Chelsea should progress a move for the player who he thinks could "disappear" very easily at a higher level, and particularly in England - this was the same person who said Depay was not ready this summer. Arsenal have now had him watched in a match against Vitesse Arnhem - whether that will manifest itself as interest or not is unclear right now. Milan, who had a January bid rejected, will use income from El Shaarawy to explore again if a deal can be done and have appointed a third party to act on their behalf. Spurs and again Manchester United have had him watched recently.
Whilst Valencia's Sofiane Feghouli was stalling on signing a new contract, his agents were scurrying around looking for interest in the player and they have found it in Inter who looked to a pre-agreement in January - but Inter's cash flow has dried up and they were not in any sort of a position to place a security deposit equal to the signing on fee in escrow. Both Fenerbahce and Manchester United asked about buying Feghouli at a reduced price in January and that would have possibly suited the player - but not his club. Interest of the likes of Juventus, Liverpool and Milan remains no more than speculation as far as anyone even vaguely close to the situation is aware and given that all three clubs could talk to the player now it seems surprising that they have not. Dark horses are perhaps Roma, but Inter do remain keen and Fenerbahce are likely to make a very significant push (that I suspect may just be successful). Manchester United walked away after third party advice suggested he would not be any sort of improvement over what they have already. In the mean time, Valencia has said they will meet his salary demands but are reluctant to pay a very significant "re-signing on fee" his agent is requesting.
Deportivo's Lucas Perez has been performing well this season and has been watched by Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, Liverpool and Valencia. However, this season has been a peak in an otherwise pretty average journeyman career. I suspect the English sides will see sense.
Bayer Leverkusen's Karim Bellarabi's was previously looked at by West Ham, Montpellier and Chelsea but interest from those sides went when he signed a new long-term contract last year. Both Arsenal and Manchester City made their interest known to Bayer Leverkusen both in the summer and leading up to the January window when Inter also declared an interest. It is just possible that Arsenal could try and get further talks going. If Inter were to qualify for the Champions League next season it will give them a significant boost if Bayer Leverkusen were to look to sell and they had the money available. Liverpool have had scouts watch him.
Odd's Rafik Zekhnini is a player that van Gaal tried to take to Manchester United in the summer whilst PSV, Dortmund and, I understand, Liverpool have all been taking a look at him this season.
Striker:
Liverpool has Sturridge, Firmino, Origi, Benteke, Ings and Sinclair in the first team squad with Balotelli, Yesil and Awoniyi out on loan – a striker is not really needed at this time even with Balotelli, Yesil and Sinclair moving on.
As Real Madrid prepare for a potential transfer ban they have spoken with Monaco regarding Kylian Mbappé about an agreement to possibly recruit him in once their ban is over. A number of clubs have been watching him including Barcelona, Porto, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Rennes, Marseille and PSG, but next year might be a better time for a move. Arsenal are talking to Monaco about options for another player on their youngsters list and Porto might yet push.
Basel's Breel Embolo remains a target of Arsenal, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Spurs, Inter, Juventus, Red Bull Leipzig and West Ham with Basel aware of interest from all of these clubs in addition to Wolfsburg who have discussed a transfer with the club. Inter will push to agree a summer move as they don't have the money for a January transfer unless they can offload Icardi. Barcelona, Everton, Real Madrid, Southampton, Liverpool and Leicester have also had the player watched.
Kuki Salazar is a player that Brendan Rodgers was very keen to take to Liverpool with a number of sides being prompted by his agent to take interest - these included Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and Chelsea. But he is young and will likely stay with Malaga for a while.
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, Aston Villa, Spurs, Norwich and Bordeaux appears to have gone. Leicester, Shalke, Bayer Leverkusen, 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 Summer for the striker. They were asking close to €30M and rejected a €17M offer from an English side out of hand in January. So perhaps €25M would work. Liverpool will likely not pursue their interest.
Lech Poznan's Dawid Kownacki has been a player that Arsenal have been watching since he was 16 and he remains on the long list of young players they may move for this summer. RBS, Ingolstadt, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Nurnberg are among the clubs to have watched the player this season.
I am not aware of any discussions with River Plate about Alario at this time but it would mean Liverpool having to pay way over the odds in transfer fee and wages in order for him to qualify for a work permit for a player Klipperty was interested in when at Dortmund. The starting point for any approach would need to be Italian lawyer Luca Vittorini. Ajax and Palermo have both declared an interest with his club and have both been told of the issues that exist and the difficulties in negotiation and, specifically, that River Plate are only a minor shareholder in his rights at this time. In January Inter used Alario as an example of a player they could "easily buy" whilst trying to negotiate for another player they did not have the money for. It was pointed out that his ownership is split between two clubs and third party investors as well. River Plate are looking to buy out the remainder that is owned by another club in the coming months - they don't wish to sell. A further complication is that another third party wishes to invest in the player - and this one is much closer to home. They would propose to leave the player in South America for another season before negotiating a move to Europe giving themselves what they hope is a very good profit - and that might suit River Plate. If Liverpool have the stomach to pay well over the odds something could probably be done.
No doubt much will change in the coming months.}
10 Apr 2016 10:51:46
How avout Kolarov for LB?
{Ed002's Note - No, zero chance.}
10 Apr 2016 11:20:28
Ed002 If that's the Standard of the Posts on this Forum I have a long way to Go. Well Done.
10 Apr 2016 11:32:01
Cheers for the info, ed02, always appreciated!
Do you know if Kevin Volland is considered by the club? It has been suggested that this is a player Klopp knows and likes.
{Ed002's Note - Dortmund, Southampton and Bayer Leverkusen have been scouting Hoffenheim's Kevin Volland and will look to making offers should Hoffenheim be relegated.
I have no idea how Klopp would know Volland.}
10 Apr 2016 11:53:33
Thanks Ed002,great indepth read, gets me excited.
10 Apr 2016 12:52:16
Thanks Ed02. Very in depth. Much appreciated Mate!
10 Apr 2016 13:20:36
Intriguing that Michael Edwards gets a decisive say in which players we go for. I know he's an important player in the process but I imagine he knows less than me about building a winning squad.
It seems the process is far too 'micromanaged'. Should be one man asking Klopp who he wants and who is surplus to requirements.
{Ed002's Note - No, that is not what Klopp signed up for.}
10 Apr 2016 14:35:47
Have to say Ter Stegen is the only one of the keepers named that I'd hope we consider. Seen Adan play and he's as bad as Mignolet. As for Begovic, I know you're advocating we go for him but he's already turned down the chance to be our number one before and then subsequently jumped at the chance to be number two at Chelsea. So he's clearly happier picking up more money to sit on the bench, which in my mind is an automatic no, plus at nearly 29 and on a long contract at Chelsea he'd be at a ridiculous fee for someone who is at best bang average. Mandanda frankly isn't good enough even on a free, poor on crosses and doesn't command his area very well, we've already got Mignolet for that role!
I'd hope we went with one of the up and coming German keepers instead like Leno etc.
{Ed002's Note - Actually Begovic is pretty much the perfect professional. I note the continued obsession with anything German. It should also be noted that ter Stegen has hardly played for two years and would still be the most expensive option.}
10 Apr 2016 14:51:04
Ed you said a player like hector wouldn't suit the style, but I'd like to see us go for full backs whose first priority is defending. If his fitness is good and defending up to standard, keeps concentrated and positionally aware, he can be taught to make runs on occasion. If he was a solid full back with Flanagan right, they won't add much attacking threat but hopefully cut out more crosses and lapses in concentration.
{Ed002's Note - That would be fine, then you need to change the manager to one who wants to play that way.}
10 Apr 2016 19:41:44
I would comment that Ter Stegen went to Barcelona in the expectation he'd get the number 1 shirt and be first choice which hasn't happened, whereas Begovic went to Chelsea fully knowing he'd be second choice to Courtois. He may well be very professional, but again, he's already said that he didn't want to play for Liverpool as first choice previously (and that was as first choice) so that's the end of it for me, I wouldn't bother with a player who made it very plain that didn't want to play for the club under any circumstances previously.
Brilliant round up btw and agree with everything else. We'll just agree to differ on the keepers front Ed! :)
10 Apr 2016 21:21:29
Thank You ed002, a very informative post, you have always liked begovic but do you think he went to chelsea to play or to pick up his money, i'm not having a go but asking your take on his chelsea move, plus klopp has already said he only wants players who wants to play for liverpool and begovic has already said no to us to sit on the bench at chelsea, do you see klopp going in for him after he rejected us.
{Ed002's Note - Given how large the Liverpool squad is then Klopp is making an arse of himself given most stand little or no chance. I was previously asked advice about who I thought would be suitable - clearly it is not worth my while.}
11 Apr 2016 17:34:23
Great post Ed002. Main difference between this season and the 13-14 runner up season is the lack of goals from our strikers. Suarez 31 and Sturridge 21 has never been replicated. Not even close. Defense, despite all the money spent, is more or less the same. Pretty porous. Conceded 42 to Spurs 25. Leicester 31. Scored 50 to Spurs 62, Leicester 57. This season's standard overall is low and reflects why English teams are doing poorly overall in the Champions League.
We have way too many players. First job for Klopp is to off load so that those who remain think they are realistically in with a chance of 1st team football or if young have a chance of cup football. Will new players fix the problem of our defence? Maybe not. hasn't worked so far. Will Klopp coach it out of them after a full pre-season? Hopefully. That's what he is paid for. Will be score more next season? Should do as Firmino and Origi will benefit most from pre season and the experience of this year. Will new players help? Unlikely unless it is a superstar like Suarez who would elevate any team. We got lucky with him.
Big squad. Loads of players. Tonnes of talent. It is time for Klopp to put together a team/ squad and cut the excess. Winning the Europa League would be a huge bonus for us this season.
Getting our team as a whole to defend better and our strikers to score more goals would make next season a success.
Spending the summer getting excited about 'names' coming in is probably what we do not need.
11 Apr 2016 21:42:42
Thanks for the really detailed reply. As an addition to that, do we know how much, if any, interest there is from other clubs in our players? We know we have too big a squad and some to lose but is there a clear exit path for them?
12 Apr 2016 16:11:05
Thanks for the reply ed, quite the read! Very interesting but as you say lots of this is liable to change by summer. Still it's interesting to see the types of players we are chasing - I have to be honest I know nothing about them, I barely get a chance to watch Liverpool, let alone tons of random European teams - so appreciate the knowledge provided here. As I've said before this website is by far and away the most valuable source of Liverpool-related information accessible to me, long may it continue.
{Ed002's Note - Thanks.}