Liverpool defender’s father snubs transfer to Premier League rivals due to weather concerns

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The father of Liverpool centre-back Tiago Ilori has confirmed that his son isn’t interested in a move to Premier League club Sunderland…because of the weather in Tyne and Wear.

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“We talked last week about the future of Tiago,” Kola Ilori began, speaking to the Sunderland Echo.

“They [Liverpool] say he will have a chance and go in the pre-season tour of Thailand,” he continued.

“There are other clubs interested, like Sunderland, but Sunderland is a cold city.”

The 22-year-old spent last year on loan at Girondins de Bordeaux in Ligue 1 where, despite some injury concerns, he demonstrated moments of class that reaffirmed his potential.

He possesses excellent pace, and while he can be caught out aerially—an oddity for such a tall player—his acceleration can make up for deficiencies in both decision-making and positioning problems.

Ilori benefitted from early-season injury to Lamine Sane, but managed only 12 appearances and did little to suggest that he can force his way into the Reds first team.

He has been linked with a move to Sunderland [Sunderland Echo]—a move which may allow him to adapt to the Premier League and prove himself in English football—and the local newspaper report that the Black Cats have been keeping tabs on the player for the last six months.

Last season, Ilori’s Liverpool teammate Sebastian Coates spent the campaign at the Stadium of Light—making 10 appearances as the north-east giants evaded relegation—and Dick Advocaat’s side are believed to be keen on bringing the Uruguay international back to the club permanently according to the Echo.

Ilori, who is also eligible for both Nigeria and England through his father, is currently on international duty with Portugal.

He was in action against England in his side’s opener at the U21 European Championship and helped his team to a 1-0 victory in that match and a 0-0 draw with Italy.

The defender represented Sporting Lisbon before moving to Anfield in 2013, and spent some time on loan at Granada during 2014.

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