Liverpool transfer gossip: The Reds are closing in on moves for Benfica winger Lazar Markovic and Lille striker Divock Origi, Lovren angered by Southampton decision and more.
Read more Liverpool transfer rumours.
Liverpool closing in on Markovic and Origi
Liverpool are closing in on a double-swoop for Benfica winger Lazar Markovic and Lille striker Divock Origi, as they look to splash the cash from the imminent sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
The Daily Mirror reported last night that both deals were close to being completed. Markovic, 20, scored seven goals in 49 appearances for Benfica last season, having joined the Portuguese giants from Partizan Belgrade the previous summer. The Serbian, known for his exceptional acceleration speed, was also a target for Chelsea and will cost in the region of £25 m.
Origi, 19, has recently returned from the World Cup – where he led the line for Belgium in place of the injured Christian Benteke and the out of favour Romelu Lukaku. He scored the only goal in his country’s 1-0 win over Russia, and netted six times for Lille last season.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has proposed a £9.8 m move, with Origi to return to the French side on loan next season.
Martin Skrtel targeted by Turkish giants
The Daily Express has linked Martin Skrtel with a surprise move to Galatasaray.
The 29-year-old Slovakian, who has been with Liverpool since 2008, played in all but two of the Red’s Premier League fixtures last season, but has reportedly been told he can leave if the club purchases an adequate replacement.
Skrtel has made a total of 245 appearances for the Anfield club, scoring 16 goals – seven of which came last season.
Lovren desperate for Liverpool move
Dejan Lovren has unleashed an angry tirade towards current club Southampton for refusing to allow him to leave for Liverpool, according to the ESPN website.
The Croatian defender claimed that his head was “already at Liverpool”, despite the Saints rejecting a bid believed to be in the region of £20 m from the Anfield club.
Lovren will be hoping to force through a move and join former teammates Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert on Merseyside.
Daniel Agger offered to Barcelona
Another defensive casualty at Anfield could be Daniel Agger, who has reportedly been offered to Barcelona, according to the Daily Express.
The 29-year-old struggled for first-team opportunities last season, making just 23 appearances. And the Dane, who was linked with a move to the Nou Camp last summer, could now be available in a cut-price deal.
According to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are desperate to offload Agger and they would prefer to do business with Barcelona.
Newcastle midfielder the next man on Rodgers’ shopping list
Newcastle United’s want-away midfielder Moussa Sissoko is a target for Liverpool, according to reports in the Metro.
Sissoko moved to St James’ Park for about £1.8m from Toulouse in January 2013, and still has five years left on his contract at Newcastle.
However, he has reportedly told the club he wants to leave, with United having already purchased Ajax’s Siem de Jong as a replacement.
Liverpool face competition from Monaco for the 24-year-old Frenchman, who scored his first international goal at this summer’s World Cup in the 5-2 demolition of Switzerland.