It’s that time again: Monday morning during a transfer window and, as we near the end of this year’s summer window, things start to heat up.
Today, Mundo Deportivo are claiming that Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi is now clear to leave the club and his move to Liverpool is all but inevitable.
Prior to this weekend, these rumours have stemmed mainly from Rafa Benitez’s long-standing relationship with Liverpool. But now, it seems that the 25 year old will be pushed further down the pecking order by the arrival of another eternal LFC target Mateo Kovacic.
The Milan player had been a cert to sign for Liverpool all summer, according to rumours, but is now ‘just a signature away’ from signing for Rafa’s side. This, of course, means that Liverpool will only need to put in a bid and the Spanish international will be ours. Don’t know about you but, as attractive as the idea sounds, we won’t hold our breath.
Closer to home and reports on Sunday night claim that Brendan Rodgers has told Balotelli, Borini and Jose Enrique that they are not just surplus to requirements but that they will be training in isolation until they find themselves new clubs.
That is according to Paul Joyce in the Express at least, where he claims that Rodgers has let the three know that they either need to find themselves new clubs or face training alone all season.
For many, revelations (although they’re hardly surprising) about Balotelli’s behaviour come as no surprise – he’s seen his career cut short at many clubs for similar reasons. However, forcing players out in this way may rub many fans up the wrong way.
That said, football is primarily a results business and if Rodgers can turn things around after last season then it will be hard to question his decision to push anybody out of the club.
Should the Reds go for Illarramendi and how do you feel about reports that Rodgers is making players train alone? Let us know your thoughts on these stories below.
I smell like an onion says Liverpool target.
What a stupid comment. Illarramendi is absolute class and, if anything, is more redolent of water cress or possibly a fresh tomato. I should know, I am a greengrocer these days.
I said “Liverpool target” not Illarramendi. You may be a greengrocer Mr Zuma but I think I know my onions.