We bring you the pick of this weekend’s Liverpool transfer rumours, with a move for Xherdan Shaqiri reportedly developing.
Firstly, various sources have claimed this week that Liverpool’s move for Switzerland’s World Cup star, Xherdan Shaqiri, is developing swiftly.
Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, of Sky Sport Italia, reports that meetings have been held with the 22-year-old winger’s brother—presumably a representative of the player.
Furthermore, assuringly, Romano asserts that talks are “ongoing.”
Tor-Kristian Karlsen, a writer for The Guardian, seems to confirm these claims, furthering that these talks have stalled only on Shaqiri’s preferred destination.
Current club Bayern Munich have supposedly offered the player a “new improved contract.”
The skilful midfielder made only 17 Bundesliga appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, including seven from the bench, according to WhoScored.
With a peripheral role likely to continue given the endurance of Arjen Robben, a move away would be advised.
Elsewhere in Germany, Dutch marksman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is mooted as a potential replacement for Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, according to The Telegraph .
With the Uruguayan’s move to Barcelona edging ever closer, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be looking to fill the sizeable hole left by his most prolific of forwards.
30 year old striker Huntelaar scored 12 goals in 18 games for Bundesliga side Schalke last season, according to WhoScored, and has been linked with the Reds in the past.
The publication claims Huntelaar “admits he is aware of the speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool but refused to discuss any possibility of a transfer before speaking to his employers.”
The striker told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that “Regarding the rumours about Liverpool it would only be fair to speak to Schalke first.”
“I’ve talked with Schalke about an extension for a while. After the World Cup I am having a holiday. Then I will speak to them again.”
Finally, in terms of incomings, the Daily Mirror yesterday linked the Reds with a move for another World Cup performer: Mexico left-back Miguel Layun.
The 26-year-old Club America man made four appearances for Miguel Herrera’s men throughout the tournament, as Mexico became one of the World Cup’s surprise packages.
With the long-term future of Jose Enrique up in the air, and Jon Flanagan a natural right-back, the Mirror reports that “Layun has emerged as a surprise target.”
Furthermore, the publication claims “Inter Milan are also keen on the player, although his preference would be a switch to the Premier League.”
The Mirror have also linked three Liverpool players with moves away from the club this summer.
Firstly, Brazilian defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva, now a peripheral figure under Rodgers, has been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli, where the 27-year-old would join former boss Rafa Benitez.
They cite Sky Sport Italia as they claim the arrival of Emre Can at Anfield has signalled the end of the road for Lucas, and “Benitez wants a reunion” with the midfielder.
One of last season’s top performers, Martin Skrtel, has also been rumoured to be on the move, with a transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray apparently on the cards.
The Mirror tentatively claim that “the stage is set for a tug-of-war between the two clubs over a fee as Liverpool will be reluctant to release him.”
The Slovak will reportedly be offered a contract with a minimum salary of £100,000 a week and, whilst not looking for a move away from the Premier League side, “will be minded that several big-name stars such as Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder have already moved out to Istanbul.”
Skrtel has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in the past, but has since cemented his place in Rodgers’ side with a long run of solid performances in 2013/14.
Dejan Lovren’s arrival will seemingly have an impact on Skrtel’s future.
Perhaps more likely, the Mirror also report that Spanish striker Iago Aspas is “is set to join Sevilla for around half the £7.2million he cost just a year ago.”
Few would bemoan the loss of the former Celta Vigo man, whose lasting impression on the minds of the Anfield faithful will be a dismal attempted corner against Chelsea in May.
Which of these transfers would you be most happy with? Let us know the comments below.
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