Liverpool transfer news and rumours: Neven Subotic, Andrea Ranocchia, Joel Matip, Guillaume Hubert on the way in, Joe Allen on the way out?
Andrea Ranocchia in after rejecting Norwich; Neven Subotic loan talks; Joel Matip sooner rather than later; another young 'keeper in this winter; Wales international's contract talks stall
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Your support makes all the difference.With the queue outside Anfield’s treatment room lengthening by the day, the rumour mill is a-churning as to who could replace Jurgen Klopp’s convalescents.
One potential deal that at least makes sense in theory regards Inter centre-back Andrea Ranocchia, who has been told to look for a new club by head coach Roberto Mancini.
The 27-year-old, who captained the side last season, recently rejected a move to Norwich City and, according to Gazetta dello Sport, Liverpool are ready to offer €9million (£6.7million) for his services.
The name of Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has also, predictably, cropped up. According to the Mirror, Klopp has held negotiations with his former club with a view to taking the 27-year-old on loan before Friday’s FA Cup tie against Exeter City.
Tiago Ilori has returned following the cancellation of his loan at Aston Villa but, without the injured Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren and with doubts over the fitness of Kolo Toure, Liverpool remain one senior centre-back short.
Joel Matip is another option. The club were prepared to wait until the summer to pick up the Schalke 04 player on a free transfer, but the shortage of defensive cover may force their hand.
Speculation regarding the goalkeeping position at Anfield just won’t stop, either.
Even after yesterday’s signing of Poland youth international Kamil Grabara, the Daily Star say that Standard Liege’s Guillaume Hubert could be the next stopper to arrive at Anfield.
The 21-year-old has been monitored by the club’s scouts but they may face competition for his signature from Leicester City, who are also prepared to move for the £1million-rated player.
Joe Allen, meanwhile, has had his future thrown into doubt since talks regarding a new contract went quiet.
The Wales international, who has made just one Premier League start all season, looked likely to extend his stay at Anfield when negotiations opened last March under former manager Brendan Rodgers.
However, the 25-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2017, has revealed that little progress has been made in the months since and he is now concentrating on earning a regular starting berth.
“That is something which has gone very quiet so I am not too sure really,” he said of the talks.
“I have made only one league start this season and I want to play more, I think that is obvious for any player in that situation.
“From my point of view it is about knuckling down, doing my job and giving my best, which I always do.”
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