Liverpool transfer rumour round-up: Anfield side targeting massive names in £100m spending spree after Luis Suarez exit.
Liverpool set for £100m spending spree
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he is yet to spend any of the money received from the Luis Suarez sale, prompting the Liverpool Echo to suggest that the Reds’ transfer spending will go way above the £100m mark.
“The signings we have made have no relation to Luis going, absolutely – these were players that were always earmarked to come in,” Rodgers confirmed.
“We felt last year we just never had the depth and we are in the Champions League this year so we have to ensure we have as strong a squad as possible.
“Obviously Luis going gives us the clout to go and spend more and we are getting the right type of player in.
“But we certainly won’t spend just for the sake of spending. It has to be the sort of player who is going to improve us.”
Liverpool target PSV Eindhoven wonderkid
PSV Eindhoven winger Zakaria Bakkali is one player on the Liverpool radar, according to the Daily Express.
The 18 year-old has already been capped for Belgium, and is considered the heir to Eden Hazard in his country’s national team.
A wonderful dribbler with exceptional pace, Bakkali could add even more speed to the lightning Liverpool attack.
The Anfield outfit will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur to sign the youngster.
Brendan Rodgers explains Alexis Sanchez rejection
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Alexis Sanchez rejected a move to Anfield purely due to location, and the Merseyside club will not struggle to attract top name players.
The Chilean opted to sign for Arsenal after turning down Rodgers’ Reds, and will not replace Luis Suarez.
“That was one where geography dictated where he wanted to go – simple as that,” Rodgers is quoted as saying to the Daily Star.
“It’s been the other way.
“Lots of players are really impressed by what we are doing as a club and really excited about coming to Liverpool.
“It wasn’t due to a lack of ambition by the club. It was about where the player and his family wanted to choose to live.
“He’s a fantastic player and would have suited us. His profile would have been great but it was not to be and we move on.”
Liverpool transfer shortlist includes huge names
Liverpool’s massive transfer budget has seen Brendan Rodgers shortlist some massive names in football.
The Daily Mirror suggest that Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus and Juventus pair Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are amongst players in the Reds’ sights this summer, as well as a host of other stars.
Liverpool ready to up Bony bid
While a number of this morning’s papers suggest that Liverpool’s top forward target for the summer is now Loic Remy of QPR, the Express suggest that the Reds will instead make an increased offer for Wilfried Bony.
The Anfield side have been locked in negotiations with Swansea for weeks with regard to the Ivorian powerhouse, and are hopeful that a bid of £15m plus “substantial add-ons” could prove decisive.