Sunday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Brendan Rodgers hoping to pull off Ezequiel Lavezzi swoop
Liverpool and Tottenham will have the opportunity to bid for Paris Saint Germain’s Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, who will not be offered a new contract to remain in the French capital.
Reports in the Daily Express confirm that after months of deliberation, a deal will not be made between player and club, meaning that the £17m-rated winger is available in the January transfer window.
Lavezzi has 18 months left on his current deal, and PSG may reduce their asking price to stir up some interest in the 29-year-old. Inter Milan are also thought to be monitoring the situation.
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Raheem Sterling claims belief has returned to Anfield
Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling, who scored the only goal in the club’s Boxing Day win at Burnley, has claimed that ‘the belief is back’ at the club following the success.
The Daily Mirror quote the 20-year-old, who said: “We’re just taking it step by step. In the last few games, you can really see the belief back in the boys. Even at difficult times, you could see we are sticking together and trying to grind results out.
“It’s massive for us to stick together and try to play the football that we know we can play. Hopefully that can get us the wins over the next few games. We didn’t start off as well as we would have liked this season.”
Liverpool plotting double Aston Villa raid
Fresh reports are linking Liverpool with a £15m double bid for Aston Villa duo Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar, who are both out of contract in the summer, and are available in cut-price deals.
Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he has no plans to cash in on either but Liverpool are ready to test that resolve, as Brendan Rodgers aims to strengthen the defensive qualities of his side.
Vlaar is seen as the commanding centre-back that the Reds have struggled without so far this season, while holding midfielder Delph would likely replace Lucas in Rodgers’ side, with the Brazilian linked with a move away from Anfield.
Simon Mignolet speaks about his return to the team
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has revealed that being dropped from the team did nothing to change his preparation for matches, before adding that he was fully prepared for his Burnley chance.
“I just take every game as it comes,” the Belgian said, who now wants to regain his number one spot. “I work hard and keep my head down like I’ve always done – nothing changes.
“Sometimes things get tough but you still have to step up and I am a positive guy and will try to go again.”
Reds want to swap Fabio Borini for Serie A star
Liverpool are ready to pursue powerful midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, who currently plays for Italian giants Lazio. The Reds will offer striker Fabio Borini plus £8m to make the deal happen.
Reports in the Daily Express claim that the Reds are desperate for more strength in the centre of the park, and Brendan Rodgers has identified 22-year-old Onazi as the man to help the Reds storm back up the Premier League table.
The Nigeria international is a key man for the Serie A side, but Liverpool are looking to take advantage of Lazio’s long-term interest in Borini to make a deal happen.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news