Liverpool News Roundup: Higuain Will Cost £30m, Sturridge Ruled Out For England And New Contract For The Captain

The biggest stories on Wednesday for the Reds.

Liverpool target Isco rules out Real Madrid departure

The attacking midfielder has been strongly linked with a move away from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu following the arrival of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez this summer.

Isco was signed from Malaga for £23.4m in 2013, but has since seen many new arrivals move ahead of him for a place in the starting XI, yet the 22-year-old still wants to stay and fight for his place.

“I’m playing very little and hope to play more. Last year was amazing, winning titles, and I am very happy at Real Madrid,” the Spain international was quoted by the Daily Express.

READ MORE:
Liverpool v Basel – predicted lineup.
Jackson Martinez Liverpool transfer.
Five Liverpool January striker targets.

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain targeted for £30m

The Argentina international is said to be unhappy at the Stadio Olimpico currently and could well welcome a move away from Serie A.

Despite signing both Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli this summer manager Brendan Rodgers is considering bringing in Higuain as well to help cushion the blow of Luis Suarez’s sale to FC Barcelona, according to the Daily Express.

The 27-year-old has only been in Italy for a little over 12 months after completing the £34.5m move from Madrid.

FC Basel manager sends out message of warning to the Reds

Rodgers’ men play their second match in the 2014/15 Champions League when they take on the Swiss champions in their own back yard.

Basel boss Paolo Sousa has said his team will not roll over though and whilst he respects the Merseysiders they are of course looking to win.

“Liverpool can win this competition but the feedback I have from my players after the last two days’ training is that we will have a fantastic game and cause problems for Rodgers’ team,” Sousa was quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge will not play for England in Euro 2016 qualifers

There is potential for some animosity between two managers as the Reds boss tells Three Lions head coach Roy Hodgson that Sturridge will not play in the upcoming fixtures with San Marino and Estonia.

The striker has been sidelined with a thigh problem since the last international break and even if the 25-year-old plays against West Bromwich Albion this weekend, he will not compete for his national team.

“He won’t be fit to play for England whether he’s available for the weekend or not,” the Northern Irishman was quoted by ITV.

Captain Steven Gerrard to be rewarded with new contract

Rodgers has also revealed that discussions have begun with the club’s skipper over and extension to his current deal at Anfield.

Gerrard has just eight months remaining on his contract, but at 34-years-old and with his form dropping some have questioned whether the Englishman should be kept on.

“It is something we are looking at as a club, and with Steven and how he feels. He is still in a real good physical condition. He’s 34, he trains every day, he never needs a day’s rest. He wants to work,” the 41-year-old was quoted by ESPN.