Liverpool no closer to signing a targeted striker…
SEE ALSO: Liverpool’s worst ever signings!
Liverpool will not be signing Mario Balotelli, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed.
“I was asked the question about Balotelli and spoke about what a talent he is and excellent player he is,” said the Reds boss.
“I can categorically tell you that he will not be at Liverpool.
“He is a wonderful player, but an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him, but that doesn’t mean I will be signing him.”
Swansea boss Gary Monk is desperate for his side to keep hold of reported Liverpool target Wilfried Bony.
The Ivorian striker has a £20m release clause, and he’s interesting Arsenal and Spurs as well.
“I’ve said all along how important Wilfried is to us and what a good player he is. For me I can help him become an even better player this season,” Monk said.
“We saw a very good Wilfried last season but with the work ethic he has and what we’re trying to do I think he can be even better this year.
“If he listens to what we’re telling him – and he does, because he’s a great guy and a great person to work with – you’ll see a better Bony.”
Young Spanish right-back Javier Manquillo could complete his loan move imminently from Atletico Madrid, reports the Mirror.
He’s flying to Melwood for his medical today, and if completed the deal could be confirmed before the end of this week.
World-class German Marco Reus will not be leaving Borussia Dortmund under any circumstances, reports the Mirror.
“We have said many times this summer that Reus will not leave,” Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke told Kicker.
“Marco will play with us next season.
“There is no possibility that he will play elsewhere. We will try to tie him to our club for longer and we are proceeding with peace of mind that he will renew his deal.”
AC Milan are interested in signing Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, but are put off by his excessive £100k per week wages, reports the Mirror.
It’s possible that the Spanish keeper could agree to a contract termination at Anfield, with Brendan Rodgers no longer seeing Reina as part of his plans.
Sunderland’s deal to sign Fabio Borini permanently is still on the table, reports the Mirror.
The Black Cats have agreed a £14m fee with the Reds, but the player himself is unsure yet whether to commit to a move or not. He’s currently out of action with a shoulder injury picked up on pre-season, but will decide on his future before the Premier League campaign gets under way.