It is a well-known fact that Liverpool are short on goal scoring players at the moment. After the Summer Transfer Window which saw Liverpool’s record signing Andy Carroll leave on loan to West Ham, Liverpool failed to land a replacement for the England International. This left Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini as the two senior recognized strikers for the reds. Borini was injured in a match against Manchester United and then he broke his foot while away on international duty with Italy’s U21 side. This mounted the pressure on Luis Suarez who was forced to play almost every match for the reds and find the back of the net consistently. The figures show that Suarez has been involved with over 80% of the Liverpool goals this season, either by scoring them or by assisting them.
Liverpool close in on Daniel Sturridge and Thomas Ince
Brendan Rodgers stated that they will be looking to land a few signings early in the January transfer window to ease the pressure on Luis Suarez and keep their hopes of a top four finish alive.
Rumors are that Rodgers has been given 20m to spend in January. The Reds Manager stated that he will not be landing any high profile names. This means that fans can forget about names such as Fernando Llorente, Huntelaar or Cavani. It is reported that Liverpool and Chelsea have agreed on a 12m fee for England International Sturridge. The former City man now at Chelsea wants to play a more central role for his team which he has been denied at Stamford Bridge.
Tom Ince is also on Liverpool’s radar. The Blackpool wide man is a product of Liverpool’s youth academy. He failed to make an impact at Anfield and was sold to Blackpool for a cheap fee. Now the reds want to sign back the winger and the fee is expected to be around 6m.
Ince is the son of former Liverpool and Manchester United player Paul Ince. Paul Ince was also the first black player to captain the English Team.
Liverpool meanwhile are trying to agree a contract deal with young prodigy Raheem Sterling. It is rumored that Manchester United are interested in the 18 year old.
Liverpool have also told England International Steward Downing that he can leave. Downing who fell out of favor under Rodgers after failing to impress is expected to be sold for around 7-8m after arriving for 20m in 2011. Downing though has proved to be a more than able cover for Jose Enrique at left back and was very impressive in Liverpool’s defeat to Aston Villa last week. It is expected that Downing will leave for a club that can give him more playing time.
Another former Liverpool International is also on the verge of leaving Anfield. Joe Cole who has played decently in the recent weeks has been left with the choice of leaving or staying. If Cole is to stay then the 30 year old will have to accept a pay cut. If he is to leave then it is expected that he will move back to the club where he started off and captained West Ham.
Theo Walcott was also on Liverpool’s radar, but the chances of Liverpool signing him look bleak with Manchester United said to be interested in him, if they offload out of favor winger Nani.
Liverpool meanwhile will be looking to loan out Sebastian Coates to another English Club to build his experience. The Uruguayan has given in mixed performances at Anfield and has to step up a lot more if he is to become Jamie Carragher’s long time replacement.
With January inching closer, Liverpool are expected to have a busy window early on.
Tags: Daniel Sturridge, EPL, Football, Liverpool, Premier League, Thomas Ince
