Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Luis Suarez discusses ‘irreplaceable’ Steven Gerrard
Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has described Reds captain Steven Gerrard as irreplaceable, following the midfielder’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season, when he will join LA Galaxy.
Suarez said: “There are a small number of players in the world that are irreplaceable, and Steven is one of them. Not just irreplaceable as a player, but also as a captain, and what he represents for Liverpool.
“Liverpool are a great team though, big players will want to play for them. They have great midfield players already there who can make a step up – and I am sure the boss is already thinking about replacements.”
Raheem Sterling on extended break in Jamaica
Brendan Rodgers has allowed youngster Raheem Sterling an extended Christmas break to recharge his batteries. The 20-year-old forward is currently in Jamaica enjoying his holiday.
According to the Daily Mirror, he will not play against Sunderland in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and has already missed Monday’s 2-1 FA Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon.
Sterling was born in Kingston on the Caribbean island and lived there until moving to England at the age of four.
Simon Mignolet told to sort his feet out to keep place
Simon Mignolet has been told that he must sort out his kicking problems if he is to secure his long term Liverpool future. The much maligned Anfield stopper returns to his former club Sunderland today, looking to avoid another mistake.
Mignolet was dropped ‘indefinitely’ by manager Brendan Rodgers earlier this season, but won his place back following an injury to number two Brad Jones.
Unfortunately, his performances have not improved and there is still plenty of talk about an imminent replacement arriving at the club in the January transfer window.
Liverpool targeting double Serie A raid
Liverpool are lining up Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic as Steven Gerrard’s replacement, and will also push through their prospective move for Gonzalo Higuain six months early, according to reports.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Bosnian star is set to be subject of a £23.5m bid from Anfield bosses and would be offered a £4m-a-year wage packet to make him the new main man on Merseyside.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express believes Liverpool could make a £30m offer to Napoli for Higuain as early as next week, now Rafael Benitez’s side have signed Manolo Gabbiadini as a replacement.
Shaqiri snubbed Reds move in favour of Inter Milan
Reports on Goal.com are claiming that Xherdan Shaqiri rejected Liverpool in order to sign for Inter Milan. The former Bayern Munich midfielder made his move to the San Siro official on Friday.
When asked why Bayern turned down the €20m offer – €5m more than they got from Inter – Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “I don’t owe explanations to anyone.
“But if you really want to know, it’s very simple: the boy only wanted to join Inter and it was the same for us. End of story. I also refused offers from half the continent back in the day so I could join Inter. Inter are Inter.”
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news
