Liverpool could pip Spurs to Sahin as Rodgers' relationship with Mourinho may help seal loan deal for Madrid midfielder

Posted Wednesday, August 08, 2012 by Dailymail

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin.

And Brendan Rodgers’ close relationship with Jose Mourinho could give the Anfield club an edge over Arsenal and Tottenham in negotiations.

Spanish newspaper Marca says Liverpool want to take the Turkey international on a season-long loan, which could suit all parties.

Liverpool could pip Spurs to Sahin as Rodgers' relationship with Mourinho may help seal loan deal for Madrid midfielder
Reluctant: Nuri Sahin has shown his reluctance to join Tottenham and could be on his way to Liverpool

Sahin showed reluctance to join Spurs when Andre Villas-Boas wanted him as part of a proposed deal to sell Luka Modric to the Spanish champions.

It had been claimed that Arsenal were favourites to sign him in recent days, but Mourinho could convince the 23-year-old that a year with Rodgers would benefit his development.

Rodgers impressed the Portguese at Chelsea, where he worked as the youth team manager from 2004 before being promoted to look after the reserves in 2006.

Sahin struggled to make an impact at the Bernabeu after signing from Borussia Dortmund for £8million last year and the former Chelsea boss says he is prepared to let him leave.

He made just four league appearances - 10 in all competitions - and has asked for more first-team football.