Liverpool consider Sahin loan

Posted Thursday, August 16, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin appears to be frustrated with the limited first-team opportunities and could join Liverpool on a season-long loan.

The Turkish midfielder joined Real last summer but found that manager Jose Mourinho had already settled on the partnership between defensive-minded Sami Khedira and passing maestro Xabi Alonso for the central midfield berths. The two featured prominently in Real's title-winning season with Mesut Ozil being utilised as a winger in key matches or as a playmaker against weaker sides.

Sahin will also have fierce competition from the likes of former Ballon d'Or winner Kaka, Esteban Granero and Lassana Diarra who will all be vying to impress the Portuguese manager.

According to a report in the Liverpool Echo, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers is said to be interested in securing the services of the Real midfielder on a season-long loan.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Northern Irishman told the Telegraph that he is not interested in paying above the odds but believes at the same time that the current squad lacks depth and needs reinforcements in order to cope with the demands of the Europa League, the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup.

"The reality is the club probably lacked depth last year," Rodgers told the newspaper.

"We need to make a few signings just to get back to those numbers. I believe we will do.

"But they are specific targets we are after and I believe when we get those players in they will make a difference for us."

The Liverpool Echo also stated in the report that Rodgers is interested in signing talented Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello on a similar season-long loan.