Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Liverpool back in for loan man Origi
Liverpool are set to renew their interest in their own striker Divock Origi, and according to the Daily Star, are prepared to make a last ditch attempt to cut short his season-long loan deal at Lille.
Origi joined the Reds on a permanent deal in the summer, but remained at the French club on loan for the 2014-15 season. But Brendan Rodgers is so desperate for a new striker, that he is prepared to pay £4.7m for the privilege.
The Belgian World Cup star has scored four times this season, with his last strike coming way back in October, against Wolfsburg in the Europa League. He has since gone 13 games without a goal.
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Shaqiri race hots up in Italy
Juventus and Roma are both set to make moves for Bayern Munich’s wantaway winger Xherdan Shaqiri, as Liverpool’s hopes of landing the Swiss international continue to fade.
Shaqiri was left out by Bayern for their final Bundesliga game of 2014 at Mainz on Friday night, and looks set to depart the Allianz Arena in January.
According to Italian daily Leggo, both Italian clubs are preparing moves for Shaqiri in the new year.
Skrtel hoping to extend Anfield stay
Liverpool centre-back Martin Skrtel wants to finish his career at Anfield. The Slovakian defender has told media sources in his own country that he can see himself retiring on Merseyside – as he now sees Anfield as his second home.
Skrtel has been a part of the Liverpool team for seven years and celebrated his 30th birthday earlier this week.
“I would like to play as long as possible. As long as I am able to play abroad, I will stay there. But I wouldn’t definitely rule out the possibility of coming back to Slovakia. I can imagine staying at Liverpool until the end of my career.”
Gerrard hopeful of Sterling deal
Steven Gerrard is desperate for Liverpool teammate Raheem Sterling to sign a new contract at the club, and end speculation linking him with a big-money move to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
Gerrard, who is quoted by the Daily Mirror, said: “I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years.
“He’s going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.”
Rodgers – Sanchez snub still hurting
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the transfer snub from former Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez, who instead chose a move to Arsenal, still frustrates him.
The Reds tried everything to tempt the former Barca man to ignore Arsenal and instead make the trip north to Merseyside, but to no avail – even after offering him more money than he eventually accepted to sign for the Gunners.
“Not to get him was obviously bitterly disappointing, because he was identified for us as someone who would have been a key signing and really just a roll-on to what we had with Luis Suarez,” Rodgers explained.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news