Alberto Moreno‘s Liverpool future has been cast into doubt by reports in Italy this morning, with the admittedly dubious Calciomercato (cited here by the Liverpool Echo) claiming that Roma have made an £8m bid.
There is little indication that such an offer would be accepted – despite the Italian’s apparent confidence – with the Reds having paid £12m for the defender just twelve months ago (via BBC Sport).
However, there are several aspects to this story that make it worth consideration, rather than instant dismissal.
For one, Moreno is yet to feature on Liverpool’s pre-season tour, with Rodgers claiming the full-back has picked up a ‘knock’.
Rodgers says that left-back Alberto Moreno has been injured and has only just started training again. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 17, 2015
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The 23-year-old also didn’t have the best of first seasons on Merseyside, despite featuring regularly throughout the campaign, and Rodgers could consider youngsters Joe Gomez, Andre Wisdom and Joe Maguire more viable long-term candidates for his position. With Jon Flanagan also due back from injury later this year, competition for places is likely to be fierce.
There is also the departure of Liverpool’s Spanish contingent to consider. As the Echo state, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto, Javier Manquillo and Suso have all been ditched over the last six months, while Jose Enrique looks likely to follow them after being left out of our pre-season activities. Perhaps Moreno wants to move closer to home.
For those pointing out the fact that we’re clutching at straws with such suggestions, let us confirm that this is very much just a rumour. We don’t expect Moreno to be leaving and his presence on the tour – despite his injury – reflects that. Rodgers wants to keep in and around the squad and must still consider him his first choice.
Nonetheless, this is definitely one to keep an eye on if he starts the season poorly and loses his place. Unlike last season, there will be players waiting to take his place.