Liverpool transfer gossip: Luis Suarez could complete his move to Barcelona this weekend, Alexis Sanchez not expected to be part of the deal, Reds will move for Shaqiri and more.
Read more Liverpool transfer rumours.
Suarez closes in on exit as Liverpool wait on Sanchez
Luis Suarez is closing in on a move to Barcelona, with reports claiming that Liverpool have reached an agreement with the Spanish giants over the sale of their star striker.
The move could be completed as soon as the end of this weekend, with the Reds waiting on a decision from Alexis Sanchez before deciding whether to include him as part of the deal.
There are contradictory reports regarding the nature of the deal, but the Mail believe that Barcelona will meet the Uruguayan’s release clause, believed to be between £70m and £80m, and that any deal for Chilean star Sanchez will be made separately.
Liverpool are highly interested in Sanchez, but the player has been widely linked with Arsenal, who are confident of convincing the 25-year-old to move to North London.
Rafael Benitez targeting Lucas reunion
Reports in Italy are suggesting that defensive midfielder Lucas is being targeted by Italian side Napoli, who are managed by former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.
Benitez has turned to the Brazilian after giving up on his pursuit of Lyon’s Maxime Gonalons, who has rejected a move. Napoli have also been linked with Tottenham midfielder Sandro, but have been put off by Spurs’ £20m asking price.
Lucas moved to Liverpool from Gremio in 2007, making 243 appearances for the club. However, the 27-year-old only started 20 Premier League games last season, and could be tempted into a move.
Liverpool turn their attentions to Mexican left-back
The latest left-back to be linked with Liverpool is Mexico’s World Cup star Miguel Layun.
Layun, 26, who currently plays for Club America, has been capped 19 times for his country, and played all four games in this summer’s World Cup, including the agonising 2-1 defeat against the Netherlands in the Last 16.
Inter Milan are also interested, but Layun would reportedly prefer a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool have been linked with Ryan Bertrand and Alberto Moreno this summer, but have so far been left frustrated in their attempts to sign a new full-back.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar unsure on future
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar insists he will speak to current club Schalke before making any decision on his future.
The 30-year-old striker, formerly of AC Milan and Real Madrid, has scored 91 goals in 139 games for the German side, after joining in 2010.
Huntelaar, who is currently at the World Cup with the Netherlands, scored the decisive penalty in his country’s 2-1 Last 16 win over Mexico last week, and will hope to be part of the team that faces Costa Rica in the quarter-final later today.
He has so far scored 35 goals in 63 games for his national team.
The Reds remain keen on Shaqiri
Liverpool remain strongly linked with Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has recently returned from an impressive World Cup with Switzerland.
The 22-year-old has been offered a new contract with the German champions, but could be keen on a move after finding his first-team opportunities limited under Bayern manager Pep Guardiola.
Former Spurs and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega believes his countryman would be a great success at Anfield.
Vega told GiveMeSport: “There is no doubt he would be a great addition to the Premier League if a club like Liverpool manage to sign him. They are a top club, and he has a great attitude to succeed whenever he plays.”