Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Sunday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Balotelli edging closer to Liverpool exit
Reports have emerged of a clash between Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and striker Mario Balotelli. The Reds boss was forced to tell the Italian forward to get himself to bed just hours before a Champions League game in Switzerland.
The Daily Mirror claim that the hotel incident is just one of a string of episodes that have left Balotelli’s days at Liverpool numbered – with the star finally driving Kop boss Rodgers close to complete distraction.
Behind-the-scenes events that have left Rodgers realising the signing of £16m Balotelli from AC Milan was a major mistake, and is undermining his own position. Balotelli has scored just two goals so far this season.
Gerrard struggling to hold down Liverpool place
Steven Gerrard’s future at Liverpool is in the balance just four weeks before he becomes eligible to sign for a foreign club. The Reds captain was left on the bench for yesterday’s win against Stoke, and manager Brendan Rodgers is not prepared to match his current £170,000 a week wages.
Rodgers also warned Gerrard that his days as Anfield’s 90-minute man are over. Rodgers confirmed it is now time to manage the workload of the 34-year-old, saying: “Always now he and I will look at when he can play and when he can’t.”
Gerrard enjoyed the 16th anniversary of his first-team debut yesterday, commemorated by a special programme cover. The Reds’ captain came on to good effect in the final stages, helping inspire the 1-0 victory at Anfield.
Charlie Austin and Jackson Martinez among targets
Liverpool are chasing two fresh striking targets ahead of the January transfer window. The Mail on Sunday believe the Reds are keeping tabs on QPR forward Charlie Austin, while the Sunday Express believe Jackson Martinez has a £40m price tag.
The R’s front man has been in prolific form this season, ensuring that Harry Redknapp’s men have not been pulled adrift at the foot of the Premier League table. He is yet to sign a new deal with Rangers, and could be available.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both said to be interested in Martinez, who has been in top form this season and bagged in the Champions League last match day. The Colombian striker has been attracting interest from across the Premier League.
Liverpool prepared to battle for Alex Song
The Mail on Sunday also believes that Liverpool could battle with Manchester City for the signature of Alex Song next summer when he returns to Barcelona. Song is currently on loan at West Ham United.
When he returns to his parent club in the summer he is said to be surplus to requirements, something which interests Liverpool and City. The 27-year-old could be a longer-term replacement for Steven Gerrard, whose future is up in the air at the moment.
Asmir Begovic possible Mignolet replacement
Simon Mignolet impressed during Liverpool’s win over Stoke, but that hasn’t prevented the club being linked with new goalkeepers. Stoke stopper Asmir Begovic is the latest in line, according to reports in the Daily Star.
Liverpool, however, will have to shift bodies out of their team to create the funds to buy a new keeper, with John W Henry telling Brendan Rodgers that he will not get a big pot of cash again. The Reds could offload Fabio Borini and Glen Johnson in January.