Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Sunday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Brendan Rodgers maintains that it will be a ‘quiet’ January
Despite being heavily linked with several players, Brendan Rodgers continued to maintain that it will be a quiet January transfer window for his Liverpool side, following yesterday’s win over Sunderland.
Speaking after the 1-0 success, he said: “January will be quiet for us, unless we think there is something that can really improve our team and then the owners will look to do that. We have a lot of exciting young talent here.”
Emre Can and goalscorer Lazar Markovic both impressed in the victory at the Stadium of Light, which moved the Reds to within touching distance of the top four places.
Berahino still trying to force Liverpool move
Despite Rodgers’ comments, Liverpool are continuing to be linked with West Brom striker Saido Berahino, who is now stalling on a new contract in the hope of forcing through a £20m switch to Anfield.
The England Under 21 striker, who has hit 13 goals in 24 games so far this season, could become Albion’s highest paid player of all time if he decides to remain at the Hawthorns, with a £65,000-per-week offer on the table.
It’s an offer that would see him triple his current wage packet, despite the fact that he still has two-and-a-half years left on the contract he signed in November 2013. Tottenham are also believed to be interested in the player.
Reds also lining up Aston Villa duo, Delph and Benteke
Aston Villa are preparing themselves for a renewed bid from Liverpool for midfielder Fabian Delph, who the Reds view as a potential successor to Steven Gerrard, who leaves for the MLS next summer.
Several reports are also claiming that Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as the man to lead Liverpool’s line.
The Reds are ready to test the water with a £15m bid for the Belgian hit-man, who was valued at almost double that figure 12 months ago. Villa manager Paul Lambert will fight to keep both players at the club.
Rodgers could snap up exciting youngster Demarai Gray
A more realistic target for Rodgers could be Birmingham City’s Demarai Gray. Gray has captured widespread interest from Premier League clubs and has become the Championship’s hottest young property with his displays this season.
The 18-year-old has scored four time so far this season, and is valued at around £5m. Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also believed to be interested.
Balotelli and Assaidi on the way out
The Mail on Sunday believe that Liverpool must get rid of Mario Balotelli if they wish to sign Serie A stars Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Romero, with Brendan Rodgers needing to sell before he can buy.
Another potential fundraiser could be the sale of Oussama Assaidi. The Moroccan international is currently on loan at Stoke, but the Reds are set to recall him in a bid to confirm his switch to United Arab Emirates club Al-Ahli.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news