Liverpool transfer window 2015: now Rodgers must deliver results

Liverpool transfer news: Reds reject Sterling bid and eye Falcao

12 June

Liverpool are at war with Manchester after turning down an offer from City for wantaway winger Raheem Sterling and planning some summer business that could put Louis van Gaal's nose out of joint.

The Sterling saga has taken another twist with The Times reporting that Liverpool have "rejected a projected £30m offer from Manchester City" for the unsettled England forward.

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Apparently the Sky Blues made their offer at the start of the week, tabling a bid comprising a guaranteed payment of £25m, plus £5m in potential extras linked to results. But the Reds believe that the 20-year-old Sterling is worth closer to £50m and "maintain that they will not consider selling for less than that sum". The Times says Liverpool are still hopeful that Sterling may decide to remain loyal to them despite recent noises from the player's agent, Aidy Ward, that he wouldn't extend his stay on Merseyside "even if they offered him £900,000 a week".

If he does stay, could Sterling find himself lining up alongside Man United flop Radamel Falcao? The Daily Star thinks so and reports that "Liverpool are considering a swoop for the Colombian frontman, who is also wanted by Chelsea".

Blues boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear he admires the Colombian striker but the paper says Falcao may prefer a move to Anfield as he is likely to get more game time on Merseyside.

The Reds are also keen on Man Utd midfield target Radja Nainggolan, claims Metro. The 27-year-old Belgian international is currently under contract at Roma "but has been heavily linked to a summer move" to the Premier League. Man United were the favourites to sign him, but it seems that Liverpool are also keen.

The Reds have finished one piece of business with Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan joining from Bolton on a free transfer. The 27-year-old Hungarian will provide competition for first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet after the Reds released Brad Jones, reports the BBC.

Liverpool transfer news: Tevez and Kovacic heading to Anfield?

8 June

What is it about Liverpool and temperamental strikers? Having signed Luiz Suarez and Mario Balotelli in recent seasons, the Reds are now reportedly zeroing in on another of football's so-called 'bad boys' – Carlos Tevez.

Metro reports that the 31-year-old Argentina frontman "is edging closer to a transfer to Liverpool" as Juventus start the process of lining up his replacement. Apparently the defeated Champions League finalists have identified Atletico Madrid's Mario Mandzukic and Edinson Cavani of Paris Saint Germain as their marquee signings this summer, and Tevez will be sold to finance those deals.

Metro says Livepool are in "pole position" to sign Tevez though it gives no indication of price for the man who famously went on strike at Manchester City three seasons ago.

The news is not so good with regards one of Liverpool's other forward targets, with The Sun claiming that Spurs have entered the race to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke.

The search for Steven Gerrard's replacement could be near and end, however, as the Express reports that Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic has set his heart on a move to a move to Anfield, even though Inter Milan have yet to agree a price.

Brendan Rodgers is said to have made an offer of £15m for the player, but the Italian club is holding out for something closer to £20m, reports the paper. However, it adds: "Kovacic is so confident a deal will be struck that he has already agreed personal terms on Merseyside.

Liverpool transfer news: £14m for Cheryshev, Milner signs on

04 June

With Brendan Rodgers's Anfield future secure for now after Tuesday's talks with Liverpool's owners, the Reds are said to be closing in on Real Madrid marksman Denis Cheryshev, who is being lined up as a replacement for wantaway contract rebel Raheem Sterling.

Talksport, taking its cue from Spanish rag AS, says Liverpool are readying a £14m bid for 24-year-old Cheryshev, as they prepare for life without the disruptive influence of Sterling and his agent Aidy Ward.

The 20-year-old England international is determined to leave Anfield this summer and Talksport says Rodgers has identified Cheryshev as the man to take on his goalscoring duties. The Russian joined Real Madrid as a teenage apprentice a decade ago but has struggled to nail down a spot in the starting XI of late. Farmed out to Sevilla and Villarreal for the last two seasons, Cheryshev is likely to be sold this summer and Liverpool are in pole position.

But the Reds have suffered an embarrassing knockback in their pursuit of Yehven Konoplyanka with Metro reporting that the Ukraine international winger has agreed terms with Stoke, the team that thrashed Liverpool 6-1 on the final day of the season.

Tottenham were also in the hunt for the 25-year-old Konoplyanka but Metro says that he will leave current club Dnipro at the end of the month to join Stoke. Apparently the Potters have offered him a lucrative deal after months of negotiations that will see him take home more £100,000-a-week.

Meanwhile the Daily Mail is just one of several papers to report the news widely carried by the weekend papers that James Milner is now a Liverpool player. The Manchester City midfielder will become a free agent this summer and has "agreed personal terms" at Anfield. The 29-year-old Milner, once linked with Arsenal, turned down a deal worth £165,000-a-week at City and has "penned a deal worth a basic wage of around £110,000 a week at Anfield".

Liverpool transfer news: Real Madrid plan £45m Sterling raid

02 June

Real Madrid are reportedly edging closer to a big money swoop for Raheem Sterling with The Sun claiming the Spanish giants "will open talks over a £45m move" for the Liverpool frontman in the next fortnight.

Apparently Liverpool officials will be in Spain on 14 June for a friendly game between Real and Reds legends, and they will take the opportunity to "thrash out a deal in face-to-face talks". The Sun says Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre will lead the Reds' delegation while Real Madrid will be represented by Director General Jose Angel Sanchez.

A Liverpool insider is quoted in the Sun saying: "A deal for Sterling is possible. He is definitely on the agenda and a deal could happen very soon if Liverpool want to do business."

Arsenal and Manchester City have both been linked with the 20-year-old Sterling, but neither is willing to meet Liverpool's asking price of £60m. Real will reportedly try and negotiate a lower fee, one that includes add-ons staggered over time.

Meanwhile BBC Sport reports that Liverpool are "set to hold talks with Manchester City's James Milner this week". The 29-year-old England midfielder is now out of contract and a free agent, and though he has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, the BBC says Liverpool have made the first move. Apparently Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is "increasingly confident of reaching an agreement" with Milner and expects to unveil him officially as a Red on 1 July.

Liverpool transfer talk: Chelsea and Real Madrid chase Sterling

01 June

Chelsea are back in the hunt for wantaway Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling after the news that Bayern Munich have aborted talks with the England international.

German daily Bild broke the news, which was soon picked up by the British press. According to the Daily Express Sterling's agent, Aidy Ward, concluded "that a move to the Bundesliga champions would not be suitable for either party".

It's been an open secret for weeks that the 20-year-old Sterling wants away from Anfield and Chelsea are known to be keen on signing the youngster. But the Express says that the English champions "may still have to battle with Spanish giants Real Madrid" for his hand if, as expected, former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez becomes the next manager at the Bernabeu. Benitez is in line to replace Carlo Ancelotti – who was sacked last week – and it's believed Benitez's first act will be to make a move for Sterling.

The Reds could be about to land a new striker, says the Liverpool Echo, as Burnley forward Danny Ings opens talks with the Anfield club. The England Under-21 striker is out of contract this summer at Turf Moor, but because he is a Burnley youth team product, Liverpool would still have to pay compensation for him.

"Despite reported interest from Tottenham, the 22-year-old is understood to favour a move to Anfield, and is expected to begin talks with the Reds in the next few days," says the paper.

Liverpool transfer news: Reds must pay £32.5m for Benteke

29 May

Liverpool will have to stump up £32.5m if they want to force Aston Villa's hand in the battle over the future of striker Christian Benteke, after it emerged that there is a buy-out clause in the striker's contract.

It is believed that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has placed the 24-year-old Belgian at the top of his summer shopping list after he scored 13 goals in 14 games since Tim Sherwood took over as manager at Villa Park in February.

However, Villa are desperate to keep hold of their prize asset this summer and if forced to sell will not do it on the cheap, reports The Guardian.

When asked about Benteke's future on the eve of Villa's FA Cup clash with Arsenal, Sherwood replied: "We are happy with him here and we hope he is here for many years to come."

But Sherwood did hint that were a big enough offer to land on his desk, he would give it due consideration. "We have no offers for Christian and it's not worth talking about until we do."

There is more encouraging news for Liverpool, with the Daily Star reporting that Manchester United "have pulled out of the race to land Burnley striker Danny Ings", leaving the field open for Liverpool to sign the young hitman.

Although Tottenham have also expressed an interest in signing the 24-year-old Ings with an offer of £12m being mentioned, the Star says Liverpool remain "frontrunners" to win the race for one of the hottest talents in English football.

Liverpool transfer news: Balotelli to stay, Benitez wants Sterling

28 May

Just one goal in 16 Premier League appearances since joining Liverpool in a £16m deal from AC Milan last summer, but Mario Balotelli is staying put at Anfield. So said the player's agent, Mino Raiola, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, designed to quash speculation that the Italian striker might be heading for the Anfield exit in the coming weeks.

Balotelli has been a bit-part player in Liverpool's disappointing season and the former Manchester City frontman has been linked with a move away from Merseyside in recent weeks. But in a defiant interview with Sky Sports, Raiola declared: "We had talks with Liverpool and he will definitely stay."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has made no secret during the season that he and Balotelli haven't always been on the same wavelength, but Raiola said he believes the striker has adapted more to the Liverpool style since Christmas.

"I think Mario did (adapt)," Raiola said. "I can't talk about Brendan Rodgers, obviously that is something for Brendan, but I think Mario did." Adding that he was in regular contact with Liverpool over Balotelli's performance and attitude, Raiola said: "Obviously we have to improve the performance but I am really confident that will happen this year."

However, Liverpool want rid of the Italian hitman and "are prepared to take a substantial financial hit to offload Balotelli", reports The Guardian. "Sampdoria have an interest in taking Balotelli back to Serie A," says the paper, which also notes that Liverpool are "determined to overhaul a strike force that scored only eight league goals last season".

Another misfiring Liverpool forward Rickie Lambert, is also heading for the exit. The London Evening Standard says QPR are looking at Lambert as a "cut-price replacement" for Charlie Austin, who is expected to leave the relegated London club this summer.

With former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez set to take over at Real Madrid, the Daily Mirror claims that he could mastermind a raid on Anfield for revolting winger Raheem Sterling. "Benitez was in charge at Anfield and played a key role in persuading Sterling to move to Merseyside in 2010," says the paper.

"Real Madrid are already one of the clubs closely watching Sterling's contract stand-off at Liverpool and will make a move given any encouragement," it adds.

Liverpool transfer news: talks over Benteke and Lacazette

27 May

As Liverpool come to terms with the disappointment of missing out on Champions League football next season, the club has at least been able to report that a couple of players have agreed to stay loyal in the hope of turning things around next season. Goal.com is one of several media outlets to report that Kolo Toure has agreed a one-year extension while fellow defender Andre Wisdom has also pledged his loyalty to the Reds after a loan spell with West Brom.

The 34-year-old Toure arrived from Manchester City on a two-year deal in 2013 and his 12-month extension will likely see him end his career on Merseyside. Wisdom, on the other hand, has reportedly signed on until 2019.

There may be more good news in the pipeline for Reds' fans with the Daily Star reporting that Liverpool "have opened talks with Aston Villa about signing Christian Benteke".

Manager Brendan Rodgers has long been an admirer of the Belgian sharpshooter and apparently Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have started negotiations with Villa about a deal for the striker, who has scored 12 goals in his last 12 games. It's believed that Liverpool are poised to table a £20m bid for the 24-year-old although reports suggest Villa "could demand as much as £40m".

But according to the Daily Express, Liverpool's frontman target is Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette. The paper says the Reds are "closing in" on the French firecracker, as well as Benfica right winger Eduardo Salvio, with Lacazette nearing a £35m switch to Anfield. Salvio, also valued at a cool £35m, is reportedly Liverpool bound after the Merseysiders "submitted an official offer for his signature at the start of the week".

Liverpool transfer news: Bayern Munich join Sterling hunt

20 May

It looks like Manchester City have a fight on their hands to land wantaway Liverpool star Raheem Sterling after German rag Bild reported that Bayern Munich "are interested in signing " the 20-year-old winger.

As we reported yesterday, Man City are believed to be positioning themselves for a mammoth bid for the England winger, who is set for a showdown with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers on Friday. In the meantime Sterling has been left in no doubt about how he's regarded by sections of the club when, according to Sky Sports, he was "booed at Liverpool's end-of-season awards ceremony on Tuesday" by some of the 3,000 fans present.

But his departure may now be inevitable and Talksport reports that Bild have revealed that the "Bundesliga giants have made contact with Sterling's representatives over a possible move". Manager Pep Guardiola's brother, Pere is an agent (football, not secret) and he has reportedly touched base with Sterling and his people "to make them aware of Bayern's pursuit for his signature".

Though no transfer fee has been mentioned by either Bild or Talksport it would need to be in excess of the £35m which City are thought to be ready to offer.

Liverpool transfer news: crisis talks as Sterling 'asks to leave'

19 May

Raheem Sterling's Liverpool future will be decided on Friday amid claims he has already told manager Brendan Rodgers he wants out.

Even the BBC says D-day is looming for the Reds. It says that the 20-year-old frontman will sit down with manager Brendan Rodgers and Reds chief executive Ian Ayre and "tell them he wants to be sold".

Speculation has been mounting that Sterling wants to leave the Merseyside club ever since he turned down a new £100,000-a-week contract last month, and BBC Sport says the Anfield endgame is nearing. Sterling is allegedly unhappy with life at Liverpool and particularly the prospect of a season without Champions League football.

Manchester City "remain the frontrunners for his signature" but Arsenal are also in with a shout and there are reports of interest from overseas, it adds.

Although Liverpool have always dismissed suggestions they could be ready to sell their England star, the BBC claims that "their resolve may be tested by an offer in the region of £35m".

The Daily Mail, which also carries the story, adds that Sterling "made it clear he does not want to stay at Anfield" before the Reds recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea but he has nonetheless agreed to one final discussion to hear what Liverpool have to offer.

The Sun, which claims its story is an exclusive, says Sterling "believes he is being short-changed", and is also "furious" that details of his contract negotiations have been made public.

"England's big four of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal are all watching developments as are Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus," says the paper, which notes that any of those clubs would pay Sterling more than Liverpool are offering.

Liverpool transfer news: Real Madrid midfielder lined up

18 May

With Steven Gerrard no longer to be seen at Anfield, Liverpool are planning for a new era and the Sunday People claims that one name on their summer shopping list is Real Madrid defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

The paper says Real have "officially put him up for sale" less than two years since his move from Real Sociedad and Brendan Rodgers is near the front of the queue to sign the 25-year-old. Apparently Rodgers has been monitoring Illarramendi for a while and the Reds "are ready to back up their interest with an offer of around £8.5m". The Spanish giants, however, are holding out for £10m plus add-ons, and if Liverpool don't up their offer they could miss out because of "other interested clubs.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will also have to rebuild his strike force this summer and has identified Man City misfit Stevan Jovetic as a target, says the Daily Mirror.

With forward line flops Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert expected to leave this summer, the paper explains that Rodgers needs new blood in attack and Jovetic would "represent a major signing as he could play alongside Daniel Sturridge... and also offer competition and back-up". Even better news is that the 25-year-old Montenegro international will be allowed to leave the Etihad this summer and could be available for as little as £12m.

Danny Ings is also likely to arrive at Anfield in the summer, says the Mirror, after his contract with Burnley runs out at the end of the season.

Liverpool transfer news: Gerrard warms Sterling but will Ibe quit?

14 May

With Raheem Sterling's Anfield future still undecided Steven Gerrard has urged the winger not to walk away from Liverpool. Speaking at his farewell press conference ahead of his final game in front of the Kop on Saturday he sent a clear message to the 20-year-old England star.

"He should sign a new deal here," said Gerrard. "Brendan is a fantastic man-manager and puts a lot of time and effort into the development of an individual. The danger for these young players is they want it all too soon and they go chasing it. Then they go to another club and just become a number."

But Sterling has rejected a new offer of £100,000-a-week from the Reds and although he has two years left on his contract his future "remains in serious doubt", says The Guardian.

Will hot prospect Jordon Ibe follow Raheem Sterling out of Anfield this summer? That's what Talksport says as it claims the 19-year-old winger is playing "contract hardball" with the Reds.

Describing Ibe as a "revelation" this season, Talksport says he is refusing to signing a new contract with the Reds in the light of their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League. According to the Daily Star this has put Arsenal and Chelsea on alert with the two London clubs willing and able to afford his wage demand – said to be £50,000-a-week, a relatively modest amount by modern standards, but twice what Liverpool are believed to have offered.

The Daily Telegraph sees it differently and reports that Liverpool have agreed a five-year contract with the player, "which will be signed next week".

The paper says Liverpool are confident of a deal "because Ibe is represented by his stepfather rather than an agent".