Saturday’s Liverpool transfer gossip: Liverpool are chasing Karim Benzema, Wilfried Bony, Loic Remy and more following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.
Read more Liverpool transfer rumours.
Brendan Rodgers will reinvest Suarez cash, £40m World Cup striker targeted
Reports suggest that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be allowed to reinvest the entirety of the £75m transfer fee from the sale of Luis Suarez, with the Daily Star claiming that French striker Karim Benzema is the man the Reds will start by targeting.
The Anfield club look set to sign at least one more striking talent this summer as they look to deal with the loss of their star man, and the Real Madrid forward, who scored 24 goals in all competitions for his club side last season, could be a leading candidate.
Benzema, 26, has recently returned from the World Cup with France, and could be tempted into a move away from Madrid, where he plays second-fiddle to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Reds eyeing up long term Arsenal target
Another striker linked with a move to Anfield is QPR’s wantaway forward Loic Remy, a target for both Arsenal and Newcastle United – where he spent last season on loan.
The 27-year-old Frenchman was in impressive form last season, scoring 14 league goals in 26 appearances for the Magpies to attract the interest of Arsenal, who looked set to sign the player this summer.
However, Liverpool have now emerged as late contenders and could yet convince the player to move to Anfield.
Caulker poised to choose Crystal Palace
Steven Caulker will sign for Crystal Palace, rather than QPR or Liverpool, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The England international defender was seemingly on the verge of a move to newly promoted Rangers, after announcing his desire to quit relegated Cardiff City.
However, Crystal Palace have now emerged as favourites for the player’s signature, despite the former Swansea City loanee being keen on a move to Anfield.
Liverpool and Tottenham battle it out for Bony
Wilfried Bony will face a choice between Liverpool and Tottenham, with both sides seemingly keen on meeting the striker’s reported £19m buyout clause.
Swansea are desperate not to lose one of their prize assets, but could have little choice if a big money offer comes forth from either club. Although, at this stage, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins insists there has been no direct contact made by the Reds representatives.
The 25-year-old Ivorian scored 16 goals in his first Premier League season with the Welsh club, and also netted twice for his country at this summer’s World Cup.
Southampton refuse to sell third star to Liverpool
Southampton are prepared to reject any further offers from Liverpool for star defender Dejan Lovren, and are willing to fine the player if he does not return to training with the club.
ESPN are reporting that new Saints boss Ronald Koeman is determined to hold firm over any dealings surrounding the Croatian international, and has declared that the player is not for sale.
Lovren risked the wrath of club officials by declaring that his “head was already at Liverpool” earlier this week, and may now be forced to make some hasty apologies to the Southampton hierarchy.