Liverpool round-up: Reds ready to sign Rog, Rodgers eyes Valdes

Posted Monday, September 28, 2015 by squawka.com

Liverpool’s under-fire manager Brendan Rodgers gave himself some breathing space on Saturday after his side beat Aston Villa in the Premier League, to claim their first three points in the top flight since August 17th.

Two goals from Daniel Sturridge and another from James Milner was enough to see off Tim Sherwood’s side and put to bed a bad week for the Merseyside club who limped to a unconvincing Captial One Cup victory over Carlisle United in the week.

The Northern Irish coach brought in a host of new faces during the summer transfer window, but none of them have really excelled on Merseyside yet, despite a few flashes of brilliance.

New players continue to be linked to the club whilst some other could be set for moves away. Without further ado here are the stories currently doing the rounds on Merseyside.

Barcelona are said to be interested in signing Liverpool’s key playmaker Philippe Coutinho. The Spanish giants have identified the Brazilian as a player that they would like to sign, but his value to the Reds would make him a tough target to sign for the European champions. (Sunday Times)

Liverpool could make a shock move for out-of-favour Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes as Rodgers searches for an experienced back-up for Simon Mignolet. The Spaniard fell out with Louis van Gaal over the summer after it was revealed that he had refused to play for the club’s under-21 side. (Express)

French champions Paris Saint-Germain have made a surprise enquiry about Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is currently sidelined with a broken foot. Laurent Blanc’s side are said to have requested information about the England international as they look to plunge into the English market in January. (Tutto Mercato Web)

However, a PSG player could be going in the other direction, as Ezequiel Lavezzi looks set to leave the club in the Winter transfer window with Liverpool said to be interested in the attacker. Valencia, Arsenal and Inter Milan are also looking at the striker who will apparently only move if he receives a big offer from a European club. (Express)

Former Inter Milan manager Walter Mazzarri is no longer believed to be in the running for the Liverpool manager’s job despite being linked with the role earlier this week. The 53-year-old coach has managed at Napoli and Sampdoria previously and was sacked by Inter in November 2014 after a series of bad results. (Calcio Mercato)

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marko Rog has emerged as a target for Liverpool in January and the Reds are ready to splash £8 million for the Croatia international. The 20-year-old recently starred in Zagreb’s shock Champions League victory over Arsenal and was previously linked with a move to Anfield. (Daily Star)