Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Sunday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Liverpool among those keeping tabs on Radamel Falcao
Liverpool are believed to be among a trio of Premier League teams keeping tabs on Manchester United’s on loan striker Radamel Falcao, and would be interested in signing him from parent club AS Monaco.
The Colombian has struggled for form at Old Trafford so far this season, and United boss Louis van Gaal is looking increasingly unlikely to make the move permanent, with a potential deal likely to cost around £43m.
Arsenal and Manchester City are the other two teams watching the situation with interest, and are ready to swoop should United snub the 28-year-old – who has scored three goals so far this season.
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Mauro Icardi will rush English clubs for £30m decision
Liverpool must submit a bid in the current transfer window, if they are to sign Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi, who is valued at around £30m by the Italian giants, who are desperate to raise funds.
Milan have reportedly told interested parties, including Liverpool and Premier League rivals Chelsea, that they will be rushed on a decision over the player, who will be sold this month.
Neither are thought to be keen on Milan’s decision, and the imminent future of the 21-year-old Argentine is looking increasingly uncertain as they struggle to find a buyer.
Yevhen Konoplyanka back in the January spotlight
Yevhen Konoplyanka, the man Liverpool missed out on in the last January transfer window, is thought to be back on Brendan Rodgers’ radar, with the Ukrainian winger’s contract at Dnipro set to expire at the end of the season.
Reports explain that the Reds failed with a £20m bid last year, but with Spurs now looking at a potential deal for just £7m, the Anfield club are ready to rekindle their interest.
Manchester United, Everton, West Ham, Monaco and Inter Milan have also been linked, but there is a chance that Liverpool would be more likely to make headway on a deal, due to their previous negotiations.
Brendan Rodgers feeling positive about Champions League chances
Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on his players following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and is confident that the Reds can continue their encouraging run of form and secure a Champions League spot.
He said: “We’ve regained our identity and how the team has played for two years. In the opening four months of the season we were nowhere near where we had been and we had to find a solution.
“I changed the system and we are now playing very well. We are always trying to improve. That’s the challenge here when you are working with young players – and there is still a lot of improvement left.”
Rickie Lambert’s future still in doubt despite Villa goal
Despite a fine turn and shot that led to Liverpool’s second goal against Aston Villa, Rickie Lambert’s Anfield future is still very much in doubt, with reports once again suggesting that he could be on his way out.
His departure is dependant on manager Brendan Rodgers securing a £3m deal to bring fellow-striker Divock Origi back to the club, and cutting short his season-long loan spell with French side Lille.
Lambert has only scored three goals in all competitions since his summer move from Southampton, and has mostly found himself down the pecking order at his new club, behind the likes of Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news