Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Sunday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Why is Mario Balotelli in the news again?
It’s both good and bad news for the Italian this week. First, Liverpool are facing a striker crisis after Balotelli suffered a hamstring injury with Italy.
The forward was hurt ahead of Sunday’s European Championship qualifier with Croatia and has been sent back to Merseyside, and is a big doubt for this club’s next league fixture against Crystal Palace.
However, Roberto Mancini has ruled out an Inter Milan return for Mario Balotelli, as the Italian takes charge of the San Siro club for a second time.
Balotelli, who had a high-profile bust-up with Mancini at Manchester City in 2012, is said to be happy at Liverpool and is not looking for a move away.
But could Stevie be on his way to Italy instead?
But one place Mancini is interested in recruiting is Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. The Mail on Sunday claimed that the former Man City boss wants to recruit Gerrard in January.
Gerrard, 34, has been linked with a move to the MLS as his career at Anfield is coming to an end. The star was dropped by Brendan Rodgers for the showdown at Real Madrid last month.
He is yet to agree an extension to his current deal at Anfield and is set to listen to offers from elsewhere before he commits his future to the club. Reports suggest that a move to Serie A could be very tempting for the midfielder, who is keen to prolong his playing days.
Liverpool willing to fight for Serie A striking sensation
Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head to try and sign highly-rated Lazio striker Keita Balde Diao, according to the Sunday Express.
Diao joined the Italian club in 2011 after making the switch from Barcelona’s youth team, but he is now being eyed up with both Premier League teams sending scouts to watch him.
Reports in Italy suggest that bids for the 19-year-old were rejected last week, with Lazio wanting €30m before they are willing to accept a bid for their Spanish born, Senegalese international.
Reds continue to chase Maxi Pereira on pre-contract agreement
Liverpool target Maxi Pereira is likely to become a free agent at the end of the current season, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, who believe that the Reds consider him a suitable replacement for Glen Johnson.
The 30-year-old right-back’s contract is up at Benfica at the end of the season – and Liverpool were linked with a move to the star in the summer.
There is a chance that he could sign an extension at the Estadio de Luz, although negotiations are said to not have started. Liverpool could sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January.
Roma the latest club to show an interest in Glen Johnson
It comes as no surprise that on the same day as reports linking Liverpool with a move for Maxi Pereira, the Daily Mail has claimed that Glen Johnson could be set to join Ashley Cole at Roma.
The Serie A giants, who are challenging Juventus for the title this year, are said to be confident of wrapping up a deal for the defender on the Bosman ruling in January.
The full-back is said to be no closer to renewing his deal at Anfield and looks certain for an exit at the end of the season. He is reportedly on a wage of £120,000-a-week at the moment, but Roma are said to be prepared to pay those wages to secure their man.