Thursday’s transfer roundup brings us the latest news with updates on Mario Balotelli, Liverpool have rejected an £8 million bid for Joe Allen and is Jürgen Klopp keen on Luis Nani?
First things first, Liverpool have reportedly rejected an £8 million bid from Swansea City for Joe Allen. According to the Mirror, the Merseyside outfit are willing to let the Welshman go for £10 million.
Allen is currently in France with Wales at the European Championship. The 26-year old has been one of Chris Coleman’s standout players and has raised doubts about whether or not Liverpool should, or can afford to offload talented midfielders.
It is unlikely, if a deal is to be struck between Liverpool and Swansea, that it will be completed until Joe Allen returns from international duty. Considering the swagger and verve that Wales have been performing with it is unlikely that he will be returning home any time soon.
In contrast to this, Mario Balotelli may have found his latest club. It would seem as though Serie A club, Crotone are willing to give a second chance – or is his third or fourth?
I would feel inclined to feel sympathetic for Balotelli but he deserves where he is. The Italian has wasted all the opportunities he’s been given allowing his hugely inflated ego to get in the way of the talent many seem to believe he possesses. I’m not convinced he is as naturally gifted as most seem to think.
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The club president of Croton, Rafaele Vrenne has told La Gazzetta dello Sport the Serie A newbies would be suitable for Balotelli.
Vrenna said: “How did the idea of wanting Balotelli come about? Because we have revived many players who then went back to the highest levels.
“Just look at the the Euros where there are six players who use to play for Crotone. We could be a sort of clinic for help.
“Balotelli is a great champion and has a wealth of world football but in recent years he’s not done well.”
While I don’t think Balotelli’s ego could handle the insinuation that he requires some sort of rehabilitation, the idea is a good one. It would certainly suit Liverpool who is desperate to get rid of the maverick.
It would seem as though Luis Nani is on Klopp’s radar. It is being reported that the German intends to activate the Portuguese international’s £8.5 million release clause.
Turkisih outlet Fanatik are reporting the story and the implications are numerous. I doubt that many Liverpool fans would be ecstatic with the signing of an ex-Manchester United player. That being said, the Reds are in dire need of real quality on the flanks and Nani is both an experienced player and proven attacking outlet.
His signature would come a far cry cheaper than that of Sadio Mané’s while the Senegalese Southampton man is five years younger. Nani doesn’t suit the transfer model that FSG employ which involves buying young players cheaply and re-selling a few years later for a large sum.
I would much rather wait on any developments before making any real comment as I don’t see the likelihood of Liverpool signing a player who Jamie Carragher made cry just a few years ago.
We’ve been linked with Paul Pogba and Nani in the space of three days; who’s next? With that I bring today’s transfer roundup to a close. See you tomorrow at 14:30 with the latest concoctions.