Liverpool should sell Raheem Sterling, says John Aldridge

Raheem Sterling: Time to cash in, says John Aldridge

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City is a "win-win" for the club as they have a better replacement in Jordon Ibe.

The Reds have rejected two bids from their Premier League rivals for the England international, the last amounting to £40million, as they value the 20-year-old at £50million.

However, with most of the players scheduled to return to pre-season training next week Aldridge insists now is the time to cash in on the youngster - who has turned down a £100,000-a-week contract offer.

"Brendan Rodgers should let Raheem Sterling leave for Manchester City now," he wrote on sports social network Kicca.

"The sooner he leaves the better for all involved. All this transfer talk is making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club.

"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordon Ibe.

"I think he's got as much, if not more, potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player.

"Sterling is obviously too young to think for himself so his agent (Aidy Ward) has been doing his thinking for him.

"For the sake of Liverpool Football Club they should take the millions on offer and then everybody will be better off.

"Raheem will be a bit richer and Liverpool will be rid of a player who doesn't want to play for the club. It's a win-win.

"Manchester City are a big club and Raheem will get paid well and play Champions League football so he will be happy."

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Liverpool should sell Sterling, says Aldridge

Raheem Sterling: Time to cash in, says John Aldridge

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City is a "win-win" for the club as they have a better replacement in Jordon Ibe.

The Reds have rejected two bids from their Premier League rivals for the England international, the last amounting to £40million, as they value the 20-year-old at £50million.

However, with most of the players scheduled to return to pre-season training next week Aldridge insists now is the time to cash in on the youngster - who has turned down a £100,000-a-week contract offer.

"Brendan Rodgers should let Raheem Sterling leave for Manchester City now," he wrote on sports social network Kicca.

"The sooner he leaves the better for all involved. All this transfer talk is making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club.

"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordon Ibe.

"I think he's got as much, if not more, potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player.

"Sterling is obviously too young to think for himself so his agent (Aidy Ward) has been doing his thinking for him.

"For the sake of Liverpool Football Club they should take the millions on offer and then everybody will be better off.

"Raheem will be a bit richer and Liverpool will be rid of a player who doesn't want to play for the club. It's a win-win.

"Manchester City are a big club and Raheem will get paid well and play Champions League football so he will be happy."

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Turan future decision due

Arda Turan: Could be set for a Premier League move

Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan, who has stated his desire to play in England, will make a decision on his future this week, according to his agent.

The Turkey midfielder has set his sights on a move away from Madrid this summer and Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with his services, as well as European heavyweights AC Milan and Paris St-Germain.

The 28-year-old's agent Ahmet Bulut revealed over the weekend there are as many as six teams vying for the playmaker's services, but the former Galatasaray man will now make a decision on his future in the next four days.

"A lot of things about his transfer are being published but not everything they say is true," Bulut told NTVSpor.

"We want to clarify that at this time there is a lot of pressure about this situation but we don’t want to make a formal statement about his destination before he signs. That being said, in the next four days Arda will decide which team he’ll play for next season.

"Our decision really surprised Atletico Madrid. They don’t want Arda to leave and were persistent but in the end, they respected and accepted our decision.

"But of course, nothing is completely done until he signs. However, we made sure the message was clear that we wanted to leave Atletico," added Bulut.

Attacking midfielder Turan joined Atletico from Gala in 2011 for £8.5million and has won the Copa del Rey and La Liga in a four-year spell in the Spanish capital.

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Aymen Abdennour's agent says Monaco defender wants Premier League transfer

Aymen Abdennour: Tipped to leave Monaco this summer

Aymen Abdennour's agent says the Monaco defender wants to play in the Premier League, but has ruled West Ham out of the race to sign him.

The 26-year-old is eager to leave the principality this summer and has been linked with moves to the Hammers, as well as Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan.

The powerful Tunisian centre-back, 26, caught the eye with his performances in last season’s Champions League and his club are reported to have already rejected a bid from Spurs.

His agent claims that a move to England or Spain will be his next move, but he poured cold water on talk of a possible transfer to West Ham.

Abdelkader Jilani told Calcio Mercato: "Abdennour want to play in the Premier League or La Liga, not in Italy. The track leading to West Ham is closed."

Pressed on whether his client would consider a switch to AC Milan if the opportunity arose, he added: "No, because it does not want to be in Italy. I repeat: England or Spain in the future."

Although Abdennour recently signed a new contract that ties him to Monaco until June 2019, Jilani’s briefing indicates that a move could be on the cards.

The agent also appears to have very clear instructions from the player about precisely where he sees his future.

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O'Driscoll set for Liverpool - Report

Sean O'Driscoll: Heading for Anfield

Liverpool will appoint England Under-19 head coach, Sean O'Driscoll, as their new assistant manager, according to reports.

The former Nottingham Forest and Bristol City boss is all set to replace Colin Pascoe, who was axed earlier in the month along with first-team coach Mike Marsh after a season review by owners Fenway Sports Group.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer of O’Driscoll, 57, and according to The Guardian the deal should be finalised before the Reds embark on their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East on 12 July. 

Rodgers has previously described O'Driscoll as "one of the best coaches I have ever come across" and he is believed to have identified the former Doncaster and Bournemouth boss as the man he wants as his number two.

Liverpool are also expected to confirm that Academy under-16s coach Pepijn Lijnders is being promoted.

The Dutchman is set to be Marsh's replacement as first-team coach at Melwood.

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Samp coach fuels Balotelli speculation

Mario Balotelli: Could leave Liverpool this summer

New Sampdoria coach Walter Zenga has fuelled speculation the Blucerchiati could move for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli this summer.

Liverpool are expected to announce Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne as their sixth signing of the summer in the next 24 hours, and Balotelli is among the players they are willing to offload as they continue to pursue Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero said last month that the club would "open our doors" for Balotelli if he fancied a move back to Serie A, and Zenga has now admitted he too is a fan of the 24-year-old.

He told Rai Sport: "Pazzini, Cassano and Balotelli? They're all quality players. There are many issues to consider that sometimes escape the people, though. We'll see, the market is open until September."

As well as Balotelli, Liverpool are said to be open to offers for Lucas, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to West Ham.

There is speculation in Italy, meanwhile, that the Reds have identified Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez as a possible alternative to Benteke, with Carlos Bacca set for AC Milan.

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Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca says he has agreed terms with AC Milan

Carlos Bacca: Looks set for a move to Serie A

Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca has confirmed that he has agreed terms with AC Milan, with the transfer expected to go through later this week.

Bacca, who is understand had held talks with Liverpool, looks set to continue his career in Italy after two prolific seasons at Sevilla.

The 28-year-old, who scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, says the San Siro giants are the frontrunners to secure his signature.

When asked about his move to Milan, he told journalists in Colombia: “It needs to be confirmed, but it is true - we’ve reached an agreement with Milan. 

"My representative tells me they are the club with 100 per cent of the possibility [of signing me].”

Bacca's representative, Sergio Barila, also confirmed the agreement between the club and player. He said: "I can confirm that Milan and the player have reached an agreement.

"Carlos has chosen the best for his future, it is normal to be happy."

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Nathaniel Clyne to undergo Liverpool medical on Monday

Nathaniel Clyne: To sign for Liverpool in next 24 hours

Southampton-back Nathaniel Clyne will undergo a medical at Liverpool on Monday before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

Clyne, 24, will return from holiday to complete the formalities of a deal which will be worth an initial £12.5million with additional payments, based on certain conditions, to add up to a total of £15million.

Clyne moved to St Mary's from Crystal Palace in 2012 and made 41 appearances for Ronald Koeman’s team last season, earning his first England cap in November.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 European qualifying victory over Slovenia this month, and has gone on to make four international appearances.

Liverpool have been swift in their transfer dealings so far in the current window, landing striker Danny Ings, midfielder James Milner and goalkeeper Adam Bogdan on free transfers as well as young Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for £21.3million and defender Joe Gomez, for £3.5million, from Charlton.

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Emre Can shamed by his role in Germany U21s' rout by Portugal

Emre Can: The Liverpool star was disappointed with his performance.

Liverpool star Emre Can called Germany Under-21s' heaviest-ever defeat a "dark day" for the entire country.

The Germans were routed 5-0 by Portugal as Rui Jorge's side booked their place in Tuesday’s final against Sweden in emphatic fashion.

Germany head coach Horst Hrubesch revealed his relief afterwards that the goals stopped there and Can admitted his own performance left a lot to be desired.

"I talked a lot this tournament, big talk even," he told www.uefa.com. "I wanted to win the title.

"I don't know why, but for some reason, I didn't show my best out there. If I am honest, it is just shameful.

"From the first minute onward we failed to find our rhythm. Our mentality also wasn't there - we just had everything missing tonight, but excuses and apologies are no help now."

Can’s Liverpool teammate Tiago Ilori is confident Portugal can go one better than the golden generation of Luis Figo and Rui Costa – who lost the 1994 final – by winning the country’s first Under-21 European Championship.

Ilori, a starter in all three Group B games, was reduced to a watching brief for the Germany encounter due to a thigh complaint, but the Reds defender's frustration was outweighed by his delight at the performance.

"It was great," Ilori said. "I couldn't have asked for better. We're going to do everything we can and of course we're confident - we've always been confident.

"But we are humble enough that every team in the group we were in was good and the other group.

"All the teams in the competitions are good teams, so we're going to give it our best but we're always going to respect the other team."

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Roberto Firmino disappoints as Brazil knocked out of Copa America by Paraguay

Brazil forward Roberto Firmino struggled against Paraguay

Liverpool new boy Roberto Firmino delivered an ineffective performance before being subbed off as Brazil crashed out of the Copa America on Saturday.

The Reds’ £21.3m signing from Hoffenheim started up front against Paraguay but ended up watching their penalty shootout defeat from the bench after he was replaced by Diego Tardelli on 69 minutes.

Firmino’s display will have done little to convince Liverpool fans he can be the one to reinvigorate their mis-firing attack – the forward didn’t get a shot away during his time on the field and only one of his passes led to a team-mate taking a crack at goal.

The closest he got to contributing to Robinho’s opener was a flailing attempted-flick at Dani Alves’ cross. Fortunately for Brazil, Firmino didn’t get a touch and the former Man City forward was able to convert from close range.

The 23-year-old had fewer touches (39) and a poorer pass completion rate (60 per cent) than any other Brazilian who started the game.

He did demonstrate his ability to contribute at the other end of the field, completing two tackles, one interception and one clearance but it was a less than inspiring performance from Liverpool’s big-money signing.

As he packs his bags to leave Chile, Firmino will at least be able to reflect on his winner against Venezuela in the first knockout round – but, in all, as for Brazil as a team, the 2015 Copa America has proved to be a frustrating and disappointing tournament for the forward. 

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Liverpool and Man United 'target' Carlos Bacca agrees AC Milan transfer

Carlos Bacca: Reported to have agreed five-year deal with Milan

Liverpool and Man United's hopes of signing Carlos Bacca appear to be over after the Colombian's agent claimed he has agreed to join AC Milan.

Both Premier League clubs had been considering moves for the highly-rated Sevilla frontman, who has a buy-out fee of £21.5million.

However, the Colombian now appears set to move to Italy after his agent claimed a 30million euros fee had been agreed between Milan and Sevilla, with Bacca set to sign a five-year deal.

"I can confirm that Milan and the player reached an agreement," his agent Sergio Barila told MilanNews.it.

"Carlos chose what is best for his future, so it’s only natural he is happy."

Milan's chief executive Adriano Galliani has been in talks with Sevilla director of sport Monchi over the past 24 hours to thrash out the terms of the transfer. Bacca is now expected to fly to Italy for a medical next week following Colombia's Copa America exit on penalties to Argentina at the quarter-finals stage.

It is believed Bacca has agreed a five-year contract at 2.5m euros per season, rising to over 3m euros with bonuses.

Roma were also understood to be keen on Bacca, who has scored 34 goals in 71 appearances since joining the La Liga side two years ago from Club Brugge.

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Sunderland agree £4m deal with Liverpool to sign Sebastian Coates

Sebastian Coates (r): Set for permanent move to Sunderland

Sunderland have reportedly agreed a £4million deal with Liverpool to sign Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates.

The centre-half, 24, spent the entire 2014/15 season on loan at the Stadium of Light, and despite an injury-hit campaign, made a big impression late on as Dick Advocaat's side avoided the drop.

Coates has been with Uruguay at the Copa America, but will reportedly complete a permanent move to Wearside next week following his country's elimination at the quarter-finals stage to hosts Chile.

The defender joined the Merseysiders in 2011 from Club Nacional, but failed to make an impact and made just 24 appearances during his time at Anfield. Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure are all ahead of him in the central defensive pecking order at Brendan Rodgers' side.

And the Liverpool Echo claim Coates' exit will be the first of many this summer. Fabio Borini, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert are all said to be on the list of potential departures after the trio failed to meet expectations last campaign.

The Uruguayan international will become Liverpool's sixth summer departure after Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Brad Jones and Iago Aspas were allowed to leave on a permanent basis, while Danny Ward has moved to Aberdeen on a season's loan.

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Coutinho: Firmino can make difference

Firmino: Will link up with Coutinho at Liverpool

Philippe Coutinho has revealed his excitement at linking up with new Liverpool signing Firmino and has backed his Brazil team-mate to help the Reds challenge for trophies.

The former Hoffenheim forward became the Anfield club's fifth signing of the summer on Wednesday and Coutinho feels that the acquisition of his fellow Brazilian is something for the supporters to be excited about.

"I think it is great news," he told the club's website. "Firmino is a great player and obviously I know him from the Brazilian national team. He is a great character and person.

"He is strong physically, he is fast, agile, very skilful on the ball and he scores a lot of goals - he is a great forward. I am sure he will be of great help to us next season.

"After hearing the news, I said to him 'welcome to Liverpool' and I have told him that he will be coming into a club that is like a family - I made sure to tell him that.

"I have also wished him a great and very successful first season at Liverpool."

With Firmino added to the ranks along with James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez already this summer, the former Inter Milan man expects the reinforcements to boost Liverpool's pursuit of silverware. 

"I'm very much looking forward to playing and starting the new season alongside Firmino at Liverpool. I am looking forward to not only playing for Liverpool again, but trying to help us get into a position to win trophies," the Brazilian added.

"As I said, I am very happy he has signed for Liverpool - but not only him, all of the other signings we've made recently as well. I'm sure all of these new players are coming in to make our team even stronger for the new season.

"I can't wait to start the Premier League season. I am very hopeful things will go well for us on the pitch this season."

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Gossip: City to trigger Delph deal

Fabian Delph: Signed a new deal in January

Man City are set to trigger the £10m release clause in Fabian Delph's contract and Liverpool have made a bid to sign Atalanta right-back Davide Zappacosta.

CITY MOVE FOR BARGAIN DELPH

In a story in the Daily Mirror, and an exclusive to boot, they report that Fabian Delph has a buy-out clause of just £10m in his Aston Villa deal.

The England man signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park in January and the release clause was reportedly placed in that deal then.

Now Man City have got wind of that release fee and are preparing a bid for the 25-year-old as they look to add to their homegrown quota.

LIVERPOOL MOVE FOR ZAPPACOSTA

Liverpool have made a bid to sign Atalanta right-back Davide Zappacosta, according to the Express via the Gazzeta dello Sport.

The Italian website does like to publish its fair share of speculation, but Liverpool are believed to be looking for some back-up at right-back and the Italy Under-21 man may well be on the radar at Anfield.

The Reds are set to complete the £12m deal for Nathaniel Clyne next week, but Brendan Rodgers is looking for competition for the England full-back and 23-year-old Zappacosta may well fit the bill.

SPURS CHASE MIRALLAS

According to the Daily Mirror Tottenham are considering a £7m bid for Everton's Belgium winger Kevin Mirallas.

The 27-year-old has one year remaining on his deal at Goodison Park and Spurs look like they are testing the water with Mirallas available on a free next summer.

Everton signed the forward from Olympakios in the summer of 2012 for a fee of around £6m and a new long-term deal elsewhere might well appeal to Mirallas.

AND THE REST

Raheem Sterling has been warned he must join Liverpool's pre-season tour as Manchester City consider an improved bid (Mirror).

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Christian Benteke and will make an improved bid of £25million for the player (Mirror).

Yaya Toure wants to be Manchester City's 'Paolo Maldini' - and end his career at the Etihad (Manchester Evening News).

Everton are monitoring Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj during the transfer window with a view to taking the Belgium international on loan (Mirror).

Swansea are closing in on Portugal striker Eder (Mirror).

Galatasaray have confirmed their interest in out of favour Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski (Mirror).

Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany is back in training three weeks before his team-mates (Mirror).

Liverpool are interested in Carlos Bacca and the Colombian striker is keen on an Anfield switch, says the Sevilla star's agent (Mirror).

Borussia Dortmund have issues a 'hands off' warning over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Gabon striker was watched by Arsenal scouts (Mirror).

Morgan Schneiderlin is set to make £24million Manchester United move next week (Mirror).

Newcastle are lining up a £12million bid for Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic (Mirror).

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has intensified his bid to sign Idrissa Gueye and Jordy Clasie to replace Manchester United-bound Morgan Schneiderlin (Star & Mail).

Crystal Palace are rewarding James McCarthy with a new deal (Star).

Swansea are battling Torino for £5m-rated Atalanta midfielder Luca Cigarini (Star).

Manchester City believe they are close to winning the battle to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in a record £60million deal (Sun).

Robin van Persie is willing to leave Manchester United for regular football but admits his wife will have the final say (Sun)

Leeds wants Sheff Utd frontman Jamie Murphy (Sun)

Watford are ready to sign Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede for £9m (Sun)

Manchester United have demanded Real Madrid pay a £35million record fee for David de Gea (Express).

Angel Di Maria set to reject Barcelona and PSG to fight for Manchester United first-team place (Express).

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda (Express).

Manchester United target Sergio Ramos has opened fresh contract talks with Real Madrid (Express).

Sunderland will revive their £4million pursuit of Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates (Express).

Juventus have already sold Manchester United and Arsenal target Arturo Vidal to a 'top European club' (Express).

Arsenal are winning the race ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea to sign Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam (Express).

Watford's £7m move for Argentina winger Diego Perotti has been hijacked by Napoli (Express).

Napoli insist Gonzalo Higuain will not be sold for less than £67million (Mail).

West Ham will make either Charlie Austin or Loic Remy their top summer transfer target once they have completed a deal for Alex Song (Mail).

Sunderland have made an £8million offer for Dynamo Kiev forward Jeremain Lens (Mail).

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has stepped up his bid to sign midfielders Idrissa

Galatasaray have revealed they are currently in talks to sign Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski (Mail).

QPR's Matt Phillips is in talks with Crystal Palace, Sunderland and West Brom (Guardian & Telegraph).

Manchester City are closing in on Bursaspor's coveted striker Enes Unal (Guardian).

Sunderland are to step up their interest in West Ham midfielder Stewart Downing (Telegraph).

Manchester United are upbeat over a deal for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos despite the failure of a £32m bid (Independent).

Spurs have opened talks with midfielder Victor Moses, 25, who is expected to leave Chelsea this summer (Times).

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Tiago Ilori determined to be success at Liverpool

Tiago Ilori: In action for Liverpool's U21s against Sunderland

Tiago Ilori is desperate to break into Liverpool’s starting line-up, according to the player’s father.

Ilori joined Liverpool two years ago in a £7million deal from Sporting Lisbon, but has yet to make his debut for Brendan Rodgers’ side having been farmed out on loan to Granada and Bordeaux.

The 22-year-old has the likes of Matin Sktrel, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren ahead of him in the Liverpool pecking order, while the club have also signed youngster Joe Gomez from Charlton.

But the London-born centre-back, whose father Kola hails from Camden, is not yet prepared to abandon his dream of making the grade at Anfield.

"He is determined to make a success of it at Liverpool," Kola said. "You don't give up on it lightly.

"There's a long list of central defenders, as we well know, in front of him, but that's the way it goes in football."

Ilori, who moved to Portugal at the age of seven, is still eligible to represent England at full international level and is the sole British player left competing at the U21 European Championship.

But he could miss the mouth-watering semi-final against Germany through injury after staring all three of Portugal’s group games, including the 1-0 win over England.

A full international call-up for does not seem too far away for the youngster whose senior future appears to lie with Portugal.

“I think Tiago, if you ask him, his allegiance football-wise is definitely Portugal," his father said.

"It's where he has been. I think there's seven guys (in the current U21 squad) that came through the Sporting (Lisbon) ranks so he is pretty close to them."

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Aberdeen sign Liverpool keeper Danny Ward on season loan

Danny Ward - joining Aberdeen on season-long loan

Aberdeen have signed Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward on a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old Wales squad player trained with his new team-mates on Friday and will compete with last season's number one, Scott Brown, and long-serving Jamie Langfield for the goalkeeper's jersey.

The former Wrexham player joined Liverpool in 2012 and signed a long-term contract earlier this week after spending time on loan at Sky Bet League Two side Morecambe last season.

Dons boss Derek McInnes told the club's official website: "I am delighted to get Danny on board. He is a young goalkeeper we have been aware of for some time. We are thankful to Liverpool and Brendan (Rodgers) in particular for allowing this to happen.

"He is someone who is highly regarded at his club and they see the importance of getting him out on loan. Danny now has the task and challenge of playing football at a good level with us.

"We have real competition for places in all areas of the team, and we certainly now have that in the goalkeeping position.

"We believe Danny is going to have a good career as he goes forward and we are looking forward to the opportunity of working with him as part of his development.

"He can also help us to be successful."

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Roberto Firmino fee 'brutal' says former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel

Roberto Firmino - not a play-actor, says Markus Babbel

Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes a "brutal" £29m transfer fee puts new signing Roberto Firmino under huge pressure.

On Wednesday the Reds confirmed the arrival of the 23-year-old Hoffenheim forward in a deal which will see them pay £22million up front with the rest due in add-ons.

It makes the Brazil international the club's second most expensive signing after £35million flop Andy Carroll and Babbel believes that brings a certain degree of expectation.

"That is brutal," he told German newspaper Bild. "When I heard that I flinched, because even for Liverpool that is not chicken feed.

"He is under a certain pressure with this weight on his shoulders."

However, despite his concerns over the size of the fee, the former Germany international, who was at Anfield between 2000 and 2004, believes Firmino will be well-suited to the Premier League.

Babbel thinks spending his formative years playing four seasons in the Bundesliga has provided the idea platform for the Premier League.

"He is an atypical Brazilian, more German than many Germans. Roberto is disciplined, has enormous assertiveness," he added.

"Roberto does not complain when he is fouled. He is not an actor, he stands up again. That is beneficial in England, because that is what English fans like to see."

Firmino will hope to transfer his personal Bundesliga form as well as that of Emre Can, who after slow start to his first season following a move from Bayer Leverkusen, excelled playing out of position as a right-sided defender.

The Germany U21 international is expected to revert to his more familiar position in central midfield for the new campaign to fill a hole left by departed captain Steven Gerrard, who has moved to Los Angeles Galaxy.

However, he is keen to avoid comparisons with a player recently voted the club's greatest by fans.

"It would be presumptuous if I were to compare myself with Steven Gerrard," Can told Kicker.

"He's a great player who has achieved so much but I'll still take years. I want to go my own way and as Emre Can be perceived."

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Bacca agent confirms Liverpool interest

Carlos Bacca: Interesting Liverpool

Liverpool and one other Premier League club are "interested" in Sevilla frontman Carlos Bacca, according to the player's agent.

Sevilla have confirmed they have not received any offers for Bacca, who scored 34 goals in 71 appearances since joining the La Liga side two years ago from Club Brugge, but there is confirmed interest from the Anfield club.

“We have had lots of interest but so far there has been no official approach,” Bacca's agent Sergio Barila told The Guardian.

"I spoke with Carlos on Wednesday night and we agreed we need a real solution. Clubs are telling him not to sign anything until they have made an offer but we are still waiting

"Liverpool and another English club are among those that have shown an interest but there are also clubs in Italy. What is clear is that they must meet the release clause but at this stage nobody has.

"Sevilla are a good team who will play in the Champions League next season so it wouldn’t be a disaster to stay.

"Carlos has other options to earn a lot of money in places like China or the United Arab Emirates but that would not fit in with what he is looking for.

"We are really looking at three things - number one is to have a happy family situation for his wife and son because he had a bad experience in Belgium. The second is to find a good team with a good project. Before he went to Chile, we wrote down a list of clubs that fit that description and Liverpool was on that list.

"The third question is the contract. He has a good salary in Sevilla but we know how much clubs in England can pay.”

Manchester United, Roma and AC Milan are also reported to be interested in the 28-year-old Colombian, who is under contract with Sevilla for another three seasons and has a 35million euro buy-out clause.

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Gossip: Liverpool to step up Benteke chase

Christian Benteke: Reported to be Liverpool's next target

Christian Benteke to Liverpool, Paul Pogba to Man City, and Morgan Schneiderlin and Sergio Ramos to Man Utd are Friday's newspaper headlines.

LIVERPOOL TO TURN ATTENTION TO BENTEKE

Close to making Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne their sixth signing of the summer, Liverpool are now ready to turn their attention to Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, according to several newspapers.

The Reds have also been linked with Sevilla's Carlos Bacca, but The Times claims Benteke remains their number one strike target.

Villa, however, are so far refusing to consider offers below the Belgian's £32.5million release clause, which the newspaper adds has proven a deterrent to Liverpool so far.

CITY CLOSE ON £60M POGBA DEAL

Manchester City are close to winning the £60million battle for Paul Pogba, according to a Sun exclusive.

The Juventus midfielder has been linked with Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but City apparently believe they have fought off the competition and hope to complete the deal before making a final move for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

City will break the British transfer record to sign Pogba and will pay the French international over £200,000, The Sun adds.

SCHNEIDERLIN SET FOR UNITED SWITCH

Manchester United are close to signing Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, according to the Daily Mirror and Daily Star.

The latter newspaper claims Saints have accepted a bid of £20million rising to £25million from United for the Frenchman, while the Mirror suggests a £24million deal is close to being finalised.

"The talks are ongoing and should be completed soon," Schneiderlin said of his future.

United's pursuit of Sergio Ramos could also receive a boost in the coming days, it seems, with The Times, Telegraph and Independent all claiming they have asked the defender to state publicly his intention to leave Real Madrid this summer.

United's opening bid of £32million is said to have been rejected 'out of hand', but The Times says all three partise are keen for a swift resolution, while the Telegraph adds that the Red Devils have received 'sufficient encouragement' that their ambitious bid could be completed.

AND THE REST

- Manchester City are weighing up a cheeky move for Manchester United's next potential buy, Nicolas Otamendi (Daily Mirror)

- Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood wants to raid former club Tottenham for Andros Townsend, Emmanuel Adebayor and Tom Carroll (The Sun)

- Chelsea target Abdul Baba Rahman has concerns over a move to Stamford Bridge - because he fears he will not play regularly (Daily Mirror)

- Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah is demanding a pay rise to stay at Fiorentina (Daily Telegraph)

- West Ham are edging towards agreeing a deal with Barcelona to sign Alex Song on a permanent deal (Daily Telegraph/Daily Mail)

- French flier Florian Thauvin is set to become Newcastle manager Steve McClaren's first signing early next week (Daily Star)

- Glenn Murray is a top target for Premier League new-boys Bournemouth and Norwich (The Sun)

- Swansea are making a £6million move for Sporting Braga striker Eder (Daily Mail)

- Watford are after Manchester United rookie left-back Reece James (The Sun)

- Watford are leading the chase for Joey Barton (The Sun)

- Watford are confident of landing Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Daily Mail/Mirror)

- Dame N'Doye has told Crystal Palace, Swansea and Norwich he wants £50,000 a week to join them (Daily Mirror)

- Southampton are in talks with loanee Eljero Elia over a £2.5million permanent move (Daily Mirror/Daily Star)

- Middlesbrough are set to snap up Chelsea duo Tomas Kalas and Nathan Ake on season-long loans (The Sun/Daily Mail)

- Arsenal winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 17, will join Ipswich on loan next season (The Sun/Daily Mirror)

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Carragher: Ings is a squad player

Danny Ings: Signed for Liverpool

Jamie Carragher has labelled new Liverpool recruit Danny Ings a "squad player", but believes Nathaniel Clyne represents a "good signing".

Former Reds defender Carragher has praised Liverpool for getting ahead of the game in the transfer market with Clyne, 24, all set to sign on a five-year deal on his return from holiday in America.

There appears to have been a determined effort at Anfield to get signings done early this year with the arrival of Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, Manchester City midfielder James Milner, Charlton defender Joe Gomez, Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan and Burnley striker Ings already done.

And while Carragher is confident the likes Firmino, Milner and Clyne will improve the team, he thinks Bogdan and Ings, who could eventually cost anything over £5million, are destined for bit-part roles.

"The early deals were a couple of squad players (Ings and Bogdan) and also James Milner, who are all an improvement on what's currently in the squad," Carragher wrote on Kicca.

"I saw Nathaniel Clyne at St Mary's after a game last season and told him to sign for LFC - he took my advice!" 

"I think it's another good signing for the club to go along with the other business already done.

"The last week has seen the signings of Clyne & Firmino, which will improve the team more than the squad and that's what costs the big money.

"Credit to the club for getting these deals done early as every club wants to do that but few do. Another striker still needed though!"

The club are continuing their pursuit on that front with interest in Sevilla's Columbia centre-forward Carlos Bacca and Venezuela's Salomon Rondon, who have both been in action at the Copa America.

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Liverpool set to seal £12.5m Nathaniel Clyne deal

Nathaniel Clyne: Set to move from Southampton for Liverpool

Liverpool are close to reaching a £12.5m agreement to sign Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne, according to Sky sources.

Sky Sports reported earlier this month that the Reds had seen a £10m bid rejected by Saints, who want at least £15m for the highly-sought-after right-back.

It is believed the Merseyside club are in discussions over a structured deal that would take the fee up towards the £15m-mark based on certain conditions that would eventually be met by the player.

Clyne, 24, has just a year left on his Southampton deal and has been stalling over a new contract amid interest from the Reds and their north-west rivals Manchester United. Liverpool have been keen to make Clyne their new right-back after the release of Glen Johnson.

Clyne joined Southampton from Crystal Palace in 2012 and made 41 appearances for Ronald Koeman’s team last term, earning his first England cap in November.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 European qualifying victory over Slovenia, and has gone on to make four international appearances.

Liverpool have been swift in their transfer dealings so far in the current window, landing Danny Ings and James Milner on free transfers as well as young Brazilian attacker Roberto Firmino.

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Sevilla yet to receive Carlos Bacca offer

Carlos Bacca: Sevilla striker linked with Liverpool

Sevilla have received no offer for Carlos Bacca and have ruled out selling either him or Grzegorz Krychowiak unless their buy-out clauses are met.

Bacca, who has scored 34 goals in 71 appearances since joining Sevilla two years ago from Club Brugge, is a reported target of Liverpool, Manchester United, Roma and AC Milan.

However, no club has yet to make an official bid for the 28-year-old - who is under contract with Sevilla for another three seasons and has a 35million euro buy-out clause.

"We have not received an official offer for Bacca," Sevilla sporting director Monchi said on his club's official website. "We are not in negotiations for any important player.

"I'm no fortune-teller but top strikers in the market there aren't that many.

"Bacca has averaged 24.5 goals, 21 goals in his first season at the club and 28 in his second.

"I hope no one pays his buy-out clause.

"It's a risk we take but we can't do anything about that.

"We gave him a new contract 10 months ago and I believe he and his family are very happy here. But I cannot predict the future. "

Bacca was prolific in the Primera Division last season, scoring 20 goals in 37 appearances to help Sevilla finish fifth.

The former Atleico Junior player also scored seven goals in the Europa League, including two in last month's final that saw Sevilla beat Dnipro 3-2 to win the competition for a record fourth time.

Bacca is currently on international duty at the Copa America in Chile.

Monchi is also keen to keep Krychowiak at the club next season.

The Poland international is regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga and has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.

When asked about Krychowiak's future, Monchi said: "I think the president and our vice-president have been crystal clear that the players who we consider important, which is the case of Krychowiak, are not going to leave unless their buy-out clause is paid.

"Those clubs that are interested in the player don't have to call Sevilla, they just need to pay the buy-out clause directly."

Krychowiak joined Sevilla from Reims last summer in a 4.5million euro switch.

The 25-year-old is under contract with Sevilla until June 2018 and his buy-out clause is set at 30million euros.

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