Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Reds prepare £32m Mauro Icardi bid; Gonzalo Higuain 'not leaving' Napoli; Jordan Ibe returns

A look at the latest ins and outs at Anfield

Tom Sheen
Friday 16 January 2015 12:52 GMT
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(Getty Images)

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Liverpool are ready to do battle with Chelsea over £32million Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, according to the Daily Star.

The Argentine has 14 goals in 24 matches so far this season and while the Blues are the supposed favourites to sign him, despite spending more than £40m on strikers in the summer, Liverpool are ready to pounce. The deal is only likely to go through should Inter miss out on Champions League football.

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the club are in talks to bring Divock Origi back from his loan at Lille during this window. "There have been discussions," said the manager.

One player who has returned is Jordan Ibe from his loan spell at Derby County. The winger had been impressive at Pride Park, scoring five goals in 20 appearances for Steve McClaren's side who sit second in the Championship.

THE DEAL'S OFF...

Gonzalo Higuain is not leaving Napoli, according to his brother/agent, Nicolas.

"First of all, I have not spoken to any club because they have not contacted me and secondly, it would be disrespectful to Napoli... We're not thinking about leaving Napoli," he told Italian radio station Crc.

"I'm confident that the team can finish third (in Serie A to qualify for the Champions League), then we'll see about Gonzalo's future. I haven't spoken with any team."

Sam Allardyce is confident he can convince Alex Song to choose a permanent move to West Ham over rivals Liverpool. The Barcelona loanee has been fantastic for the Hammers this season and Brendan Rodgers is reported to have become interested in the midfielder.

Spanish newspaper El Confidencial report that Marco Reus has agreed a five-year deal to join Real Madrid in the summer.

West Ham are confident of signing Alex Song permanently
West Ham are confident of signing Alex Song permanently (Getty Images)

STAYING PUT...

Rodgers has also ruled out Lucas Leiva leaving for Inter Milan this month, saying "he is not one that we would want to lose in January."

Goal-shy striker Fabio Borini, who has been linked with a return to Italy, has told the Liverpool Echo he wants to stay at the club and prove his worth.

Borini, 23, is yet to score a goal in 13 matches in all competitions for the Reds, and has just two goals since a £10.5m from Roma. "This is really the season for me," he said. "I'm working hard every day to show the manager that I can help. I want to prove myself here."

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