Liverpool transfer news: Balotelli finally leaves for free

Liverpool transfer news: Shock Thomas Vermaelen move, new Joao Mario bid

5 August

If a week is a long time in politics it's a veritable lifetime in football transfers with the future of Thomas Vermaelen a case in point. It was only a couple of days ago that Arsenal were linked with a move for the player who left the Emirates two years ago. But now the Daily Express says Liverpool have "made an offer for the Barcelona defender".

With Mamadou Sakho, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all injured, Reds gaffer Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need of defensive back-up before the season starts and it seems the Belgian blocker fits the bill. Spanish rag AS has claimed that Liverpool made their move for the veteran defender after learning of Roma's interest in Vermaelen, says the Express.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

The end game is approaching as far as Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joan Mario is concerned with Portuguese paper A Bola reporting that both Liverpool and Inter Milan are poised to launch fresh bids for the 23-year-old.

In relaying the claims made in the paper, Italian outlet Gazzettaworld says that the two "clubs have already seen substantial bids for the player refused". Sporting president Bruno De Carvalho has a reputation for no-nonsense negotiations and he's allegedly brushed away Inter's £30m bid and the £36m offered by Liverpool.

But both clubs are undeterred and ready to come back with new and improved offers for Mario, who started six out of seven games on Portugal’s route to Euro 2016 glory. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also circling the player and could yet table a bid of their own that will persuade De Carvalho to part with the player.

Liverpool transfer news: Reds chase Brazil striker Luan Vieira

04 August

Liverpool have come up short in their bid to sign Brazilian striker Luan Vieira, according to the Spanish media.

The 23-year-old frontman was a standout performer for Gremio last season, scoring 17 goals and earning a reputation as one of the coolest customers in front of goal. The Daily Star, taking Catalan newspaper Sport as its source, says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was "keen" on Vieira and tabled a bid recently.

But it was rebuffed by Gremio who are stubbornly refusing to contemplate any offers despite growing speculation in Spain that Barcelona are now circling and are ready to offer £18.5 for the young sharpshooter's services.

Liverpool's failure to land Vieira is the latest setback for Klopp, says the Star, with the paper noting that he has also missed out on Mario Gotze, Piotr Zielinski, Ben Chilwell, Lucas Digne and Mahmoud Dahoud this summer.

Talking of strikers, the Daily Express reports that Christian Benteke is close to securing a loan move from Anfield to either Sunderland or Everton.

The Belgian is desperate to leave Liverpool, where he's flopped since arriving from Aston Villa 12 months ago, but the Express says the Reds "have so far refused to budge on the 25-year-old's £30m valuation". That leaves a loan move looking the most likely option with Black Cats boss David Moyes the frontrunner to sign Benteke on a short-term deal before the new season starts.

Liverpool transfer news: No De Sciglio, Reds turn to Jonas Hector

03 August

Liverpool have drawn what is known in Italy as 'uno blanco' in their attempt to sign AC Milan defender Mattia de Sciglio.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Milan were ready to sell the 23-year-old in order to raise some much-needed cash and the Reds were going head-to-head with Napoli for De Sciglio's hand. But while Liverpool submitted an offer for De Sciglio, he's rejected the £14m bid and is determined to remain with Milan even though the club is in financial limbo following their sale to a Chinese consortium.

Perhaps the Reds' failure to land De Sciglio is why the Daily Express is linking them with a move for Cologne defender Jonas Hector. With Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Roma on Monday emphasising their defensive frailties, manager Jurgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen the rearguard before their campaign opens against Arsenal on Sunday week.

The Express says that the "£20m-rated Hector tops his wishlist" although the German gaffer will have to work hard to prise Hector from Cologne as the club is "determined" to keep him.

Liverpool transfer news: PSG join battle for £20m Jese Rodriguez

02 August

The future of Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez is once more the subject of fevered speculation on the football grapevine with Talksport reporting that Paris Saint-Germain are "ready to battle" Liverpool for the hand of the 23-year-old.

The Spanish wideman has one year to run on his current deal at the Bernabeu but according to Talksport Jese is expected to leave this summer.

Liverpool, who lost 2-1 to Roma on a Monday night friendly in the USA, are tailing the youngster and "have reportedly held preliminary talks with Real Madrid" but if French sports daily L'Equipe isn't whistling in the wind then it seems that PSG have now muscled in on the act. But whoever wants to land Jese will have to meet Real's asking price of £20m.

Meanwhile the International Business Times reports that the agent of Mamadou Sakho has rubbished suggestions that his client could leave Anfield after being sent home in disgrace from the Reds pre-season tour of the United States last month because of poor timekeeping.

The French centre-back has been linked in the Italian press with a loan move to Roma, but the IBT carries the comments of agent Niakate Housseyni, who told website LaRoma24 that he had no contact from the Serie A club.

Denying rumours of a rift between Sakho and Reds gaffer Jurgen Klopp, Housseyni was asked if the Frenchman would stay at Anfield: "Yes,he's a Liverpool player," he replied. "I don't think Roma have that opportunity right now."

Liverpool transfer news: Mario Balotelli escapes to Besiktas

28 July

The Reds may finally be about to get rid of Mario Balotelli, reports Sky Sports, which says comments from Besiktas president Fikret Orman appear to suggest a deal is on the cards.

The Italian sharpshooter who's proved he is anything but since signing for LIverpool was linked to Sampdoria earlier in the month but it seems the Turkish club are close to agreeing a deal for the 25-year-old Balotelli, who did not travel with the Reds for their tour of the USA.

Asked why Besiktas were willing to take a risk with the notoriously temperamental frontman, Orman replied: "Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with. I'm pretty sure he would attract great attention."

Though he acknowledged the Italian's reputation as a "trouble-maker", the president declared: "We can show some effort and create solutions for Balotelli's infamous troubles. I think he can change with the attention and care he'll receive in Turkey. In short, we want Mario Balotelli and he wants us too."

Another player that Liverpool don't want is full-back Brad Smith and that's why Bournemouth have announced on their official website that the 22-year-old, a Reds academy graduate, has signed a four-year deal with the Cherries for an undisclosed fee.

Smith joins former Liverpool teammate Jordon Ibe on the south coast and the Aussie is quoted telling The Independent: “It all happened quite quickly. I knew there was a bit of interest and then they put the bid in, Liverpool accepted and we went from there really... I’m really looking forward to the opportunity here."

Liverpool transfer news: £33.5m Joao Mario bid rejected by Sporting Lisbon

27 July

Liverpool are finding the going tough in their attempts to lure Euro 2016 winner Joao Mario to Anfield. According to the Daily Star, Sporting Lisbon have turned down a bid from the Reds for the Portugal international.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been linked with a big-money move to Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan, has been approached by the Reds with Mario's father telling Portuguese paper Diario de Noticias."I was informed that the club said no to £30m plus £8m in bonuses from Inter and to £33.5m from Liverpool."

Asked if he was disappointed at Sporting's decision, Mario senior replied: "My son is a professional and knows he has a contract with Sporting."

Elsewhere and fans may be disappointed by the news that the Reds have no interest in signing PSV Eindhoven defender Jetro Willems. The Daily Express says that, despite reports in the last week indicating that Liverpool were keen on bringing the 22-year-old to Anfield, no move has been made.

Despite his youth, Willems has 20 caps for the national team and the fact he's in the final year of his contract has set tongues wagging in Holland.

Liverpool are known to be on the lookout for defenders with the future of left-back Alberto Moreno still undecided, but the Express is adamant that Jurgen Klopp won't make a move for Willems. But if the German gaffer hopes he can lure Ben Chilwell from Leicester he may be disappointed because the young defender is "close to agreeing a new deal with the Foxes".

Liverpool transfer news: Joe Allen out, Moussa Sissoko in?

26 July

Stoke have signed Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen on a five-year deal that will net the Reds £13m.

The Welshman, outstanding for his country in the recent European Championships, arrived at Anfield from Swansea four years ago and although Allen had his moments on Merseyside The Independent reports that the 26-year-old "struggled for playing time under Jurgen Klopp" and has decided a fresh challenge is in order.

The Swans were linked with a move for their former star earlier in the summer but Stoke have nipped in ahead of their Premier League rivals and Allen will fly out today to join his new teammates in the States.

"It's been a whirlwind 48 hours for me, but I am delighted to have finally been able to put pen to paper," said Allen. "I was really excited as soon as I heard of the club's interest and it wasn't a difficult decision for me to make. I am incredibly excited about my future here."

Meanwhile the Daily Express claims that Liverpool have made a move for Moussa Sissoko, the French midfielder who has made no secret of his wish to leave Newcastle after their relegation to the Championship. Mining French reports for their story, the Express says that Liverpool "have made a formal approach" for Sissoko although it's not known if they're prepared to meet the Magpies £35m asking price.

Liverpool transfer news: Wijnaldum to sign, Brozovic and Medel next

19 July

Liverpool could make a double raid on Inter Milan as Jurgen Klopp continues to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.

According to reports on the continent, the Italian side are prepared to offload Marcelo Brozovic and Gary Medel to fund a spending spree and Liverpool are keen on both players.

"Croatia international Brozovic was one of the standout performers for his country at Euro 2016 and Liverpool are believed to be long-term admirers," says the Daily Mirror.

The paper adds that Chilean Medel is also available and was watched by Klopp during the Copa America earlier this summer.

Liverpool fans may also remember the defensive midfielder from his stint with Cardiff City during their brief stay in the Premier League three seasons ago, says the Liverpool Echo.

Meanwhile, the Reds hope to have Netherlands Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on board this week and "are confident of landing their man for £20m", says the Daily Express.

The Magpies reportedly want £27m for the player, but may be forced to accept less.

A medical has been arranged and the deal could be done and dusted today. "Liverpool embark on their pre-season tour of the United States on Thursday but are hopeful of wrapping up a deal for Wijnaldum before then," says the Express.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour goalkeeper Adam Bogdan is set to sign for Wigan. "The Hungary international, 28, was deemed surplus to requirements after the arrival of Mainz stopper Loris Karius," reports the Daily Star. "And Wigan are set to capitalise on his lacklustre spell by bringing Bogdan to the DW Stadium."

Liverpool transfer news: Three-way fight for £25m Wijnaldum

18 July

Liverpool are preparing a £25m swoop for Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as Jurgen Klopp rebuilds his Reds side ready for a tilt at the title.

It is a story carried by many of the national newspapers and The Sun says Liverpool's interest will spark a three-way tug of war for the Dutch star, involving Everton and Spurs.

Wijnaldum impressed as Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season, scoring 11 goals, and was on target again in the Toon's friendly win against Bohemians at the weekend.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will open talks with Wijnaldum, 25, in the next few days but is likely to face competition from Everton and Spurs.

The Daily Express claim Reds are favourites to sign Wijnaldum although Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will want one of Liverpool's youngsters on loan as part of the agreement.

The Express also reports Liverpool are about to sign Augsburg defender Ragnar Klavan. The 30-year-old Estonia international will cost £4m and is expected to sign in the next 48 hours as Klopp moves to replace Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel who have left Anfield during the summer.

It is also a story covered by many of the nationals and the Daily Mirror says Klavan, who has more than 100 caps for his country, will sign an initial two-year deal with an option of a third as Klopp seeks cover for Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez who are both injured.

Liverpool transfer news: Joe Allen in talks after Euro 2016

15 July

Jurgen Klopp intends to have a chinwag with Welsh wizard Joe Allen in the coming weeks to sort out his future at Anfield.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Merseyside club despite impressing during Wales's Euro 2016 campaign and Talksport reports that the Reds gaffer is anxious to keep hold of the 26-year-old.

Prior to the Euros, Allen was rumoured to be considering a move to Swansea but he might have bigger aspirations after being included this week in Uefa's team of the tournament. Asked what Allen's contract situation was at Liverpool, Klopp struck a bullish note, saying: "We will find a solution, but it's not done... we have to make decisions, we have to find solutions. We have to talk to the player, ask the player and think about our situation. That's how it works."

The Daily Express reported earlier in the month that Liverpool had slapped a £14m price tag on Allen but Talksport believes the Reds will look to tie down the Welshman to the club.

One player not staying at Anfield is Martin Skrtel, who on Thursday made his move to Turkish outfit Fenerbache official. In reporting the news, the Liverpool website thanked the Slovakian defender "for his committed service to the club" and wished him the "best of luck" at his new team. Although precise details on the transfer are scarce, The Guardian reports that the "Istanbul club paid Liverpool £5m for the 31-year-old."

Liverpool transfer news: Exits for Skrtel, Ibe and Balotelli

14 July

It's the end of era at Anfield with Talksport reporting that long-serving centre-back Martin Skrtel has "inched closer" to a transfer to Fenerbahce.

The Slovakian stopper passed his medical with the Turkish club on Wednesday having arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday evening to finalise a move that will earn the Reds around £5m. The 31-year-old defender is putting the finishing touches to personal terms and it's expected he'll be officially unveiled as a Fenerbahce man in the coming days.

Skrtel made over 300 appearances for Liverpool but slipped down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp with a niggling hamstring injury playing its part.

And Skrtel won't be the only player leaving Merseyside this summer. Sky Sports reports that Jordon Ibe has "agreed personal terms and passed a medical as his £15m move" with Bournemouth and the deal will be formally announced today. Ibe will then fly off to the USA and join up with Bournemouth's pre-season training camp in Illinois. The 20-year-old Ibe, who has played four times for England Under-21s, struggled for game time under Klopp but is sure to be a regular for the Cherries on the south coast this season.

And if anyone was unsure of Mario Balotelli's future at Liverpool, Klopp has helpfully clarified that the Italian waster should look elsewhere for his football. "It's clear we need a solution," said the German when asked about the former AC Milan striker. "There will be a club around who would be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about that.”

Liverpool transfer news: Reds woo 1990s Arsenal legend Manninger

12 July

How's this for a blast from the past? According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds "are considering handing former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger a one-year contract".

The geriatric gloveman was a member of the Gunners squad that won the 1998 Double and since then has gone through more clubs than Rory McIlroy. Espanyol, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Red Bull Salzburg, Udinese, Juventus and Augsburg have all had the pleasure of the 39-year-old's company, but since being released on a free by Augsburg at the end of the last season Manninger has been without gainful employment. But the Echo says that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is going to give the keeper a trial and if the Austrian impresses will "earn himself a permanent deal".

Perhaps it is a coincidence, but the Daily Star reports that another goalkeeper, bungling Adam Bogdan who served as understudy to the unreliable Simon Mignolet last year, is eager to escape Anfield and is close to agreeing a move to Wigan.

Meanwhile the Evening Standard reports that Christian Benteke is not looking to leave Liverpool, at least not any time soon. The rumour mill has been grinding of late with news that the Belgian international was set to sign for Crystal Palace, but the player's agent has rubbished suggestions of a move. Kismet Eris said that Benteke, one year into a five-year deal at Liverpool, wants to stay on Merseyside and there is "nothing in" talk of a transfer to the capital.

If he does stay Benteke can look forward to forming a frightening strike partnership with Mario Balotelli for the Reds reserve team.

Liverpool transfer news: Sampdoria woo Mario Balotelli

06 July

Mario Balotelli has been offered what The Sun describes as a "lifeline" by Sampdoria, with the Italian club apparently ready to take on the troublesome frontman.

Balotelli reported back to Anfield for training on Monday, but it's no secret he and the club have little to say to each other. But with no other team ready to take a punt on the striker, it appeared the Reds were stuck with him.

Now the Sun quotes Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero as saying: "He could relaunch his career at a passionate club like ours, but he's still a bit confused. I've tried to tell him to come to Samp because he's a great talent."

Unsure of whether the former Manchester City and AC Milan striker will accept his offer, Ferrero said: "Balotelli is Balotelli's worst enemy."