The biggest stories on Reds on Friday.
Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile targeted by Liverpool
In his pursuit of a new striker Brendan Rodgers is looking to the Bundesliga and out of favour Dortmund ace Immobile, according to the Daily Star.
The Italian has struggled since a £15m summer move from Torino, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s struggling side.
Rodgers has not been totally convinced by Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini or Rickie Lambert this season and was tempted by Immobile when Luis Suarez left for FC Barcelona.
READ MORE:
Liverpool transfer news.
Liverpool Ace Mario Balotelli Boasts Great Penalty Record, But Chelsea And Real Madrid Stars Overshadow Him.
QPR Midfielder Takes To Twitter To Defend Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli After Penalty-Gate.
Steven Gerrard says Balotelli was disrespectful in penalty debacle
Although the Reds won the first-leg of their Europa League last-32 clash with Besiktas on Thursday, the winning penalty has stolen all the headlines – and not for the right reasons.
After being awarded a spot-kick an argument broke out between Balotelli and Daniel Sturridge, whilst stand-in captain Jordan Henderson was stuck in the middle, and usual skipper Gerrard is unhappy with the Italy international.
“Jordan is the captain and Mario showed Jordan a bit of disrespect there, but he’s scored a very important goal,” the 34-year-old was quoted by the Guardian.
Balotelli appeals for the drama to stop via Instagram
The forward himself – who not for the first time in his career is the centre of the controversy – has tried to defuse the situation via social media.
Balotelli wrote on his Instagram account a thank you to Henderson for giving up the spot-kick and allowing him to take it instead.
Win over Besiktas was first in six games for the Reds
Despite all the penalty controversy the fact of the matter is that Balotelli scored and in doing so gave his side their first European victory in six attempts.
After returning to the Champions League this campaign having finished second in the Premier League in 2013/14, Rodgers’ men gave a poor showing of themselves.
The Merseysiders finished third in their group behind Real Madrid and FC Basel, with a win over Ludogorets their only three pointer, and now they will be hoping to push on in the Europa League instead after beating the Turks.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Luiz Adriano targeted for £7.5m
Another forward that Rodgers has his eye on is Adriano and has been scouting the Brazilian for a number of months, according to the Metro.
The 27-year-old has been in good form for Shakhtar this season and has also been targeted by Arsenal and Juventus.
At £7.5m Adriano is viewed as a cost effective option as well.