Another day, another attempt at prizing a new striker to Anfield.
It seems this time though, Liverpool may have got their man with Brendan Rodgers reportedly looking to splash upwards of £20m on Saido Berahino. As Mario Balotelli drafts his next automated public apology, the Merseyside club have been more proactive in finding goals and West Brom's alleged hit man has now topped the January wishlist. It seems that last year's league runners-up face stiff challenge from Tottenham Hotspur for Berahino's signature though - the Londoners obviously suitably unimpressed with Harry Kane's contribution to date. (Independent)
Swansea forward, Wilfried Bony, has sparked more rumours all around Liverpool by hinting that he may look for a transfer after the Africa Cup of Nations. The Ivorian has reportedly told Garry Monk that he's interesting in a move to a Champions League club. Can you imagine Brendan Rodgers' disappointment? (Daily Telegraph)
Louis van Gaal looks to have edged closer to completing his first bit of business in the January window with news that Manchester United have had a bid accepted for Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels Ilkay Gundogan. The German has fueled speculation of late with contract stalls and now it seems that the Old Trafford boys have their foot in the door with a £16m bid. (The Express)
The mayhem following Lionel Messi's Instagram antics at the start of the week hasn't died down a jot. His beloved Chelsea (what? He follows them) have wasted no time in springing to action with The Sun suggesting that Roman Abramovich's club are edging closer to a deal. Jose Mourinho is humming and hawing though as he questions Messi's ability to track back. Unless the Barcelona forward can do a job at defensive midfield when Matic is injured, the Blues boss just can't see where he fits in.
Apparently Tottenham Hotspur are set to test Aston Villa's resolve with a £3m bid for their star midfielder Fabian Delph. What resolve is that? Whether or not they will punch them in the face after a bid as insulting? (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea's move for Leo Messi ultimately depends on whether or not they can complete the signing of Micah Richards. If Mourinho can seal the acquisition of the Man City defender on loan at Fiorentina, he sees no reason to bring the Argentine to Stamford Bridge. Reports suggest that City could 'lose' Richards to Chelsea. Manuel Pellegrini asks 'who' as he lights up a cigar with Frank. (The Guardian)
Liverpool's fleeting interest in rapid Bayern attacker Xherdan Shaqiri looks to have ended with news that Inter Milan have beaten them to the signature of the 23-year-old (TalkSPORT). Rodgers has assured us that the Swiss wasn't technically proficient enough anyway. That he didn't press with enough intensity or fluidity or really possess the Liverpool way of philosophizing the game of football as a proper technician. It's all under control: the 'Pool boss knows exactly what he's looking for...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jqMvMnok8o
