Liverpool rumours: Former AC Milan duo to arrive at Anfield?
Published:
Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | November 8, 2015
Liverpool’s winter window spending is the subject of considerable speculation in the foreign press this weekend, with the Anfield outfit linked with Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato and Italian midfielder Riccardo Saponara.
These ex-AC Milan players could both be in line for switches to Merseyside, should gossip that an agreement in principle to sign Corinthians-owned frontman Pato is in place and rumours Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wants to sign in-form 23-year-old Empoli man Saponara prove true.
Unbeaten in six outings under Klopp across all competitions, Liverpool are 11/8 chances with Coral for a top four finish, but once again linked with attack-minded players when defensive reinforcements are perceived by many to be a priority.
Duck to rock the Kop?
Pato is on loan at Corinthians’ local rivals Sao Paulo where he has averaged a goal every three games in the Brazilian Serie A. Robero de Andrade, president of his parent club, is quoted as saying a January transfer appears to be on the cards.
“There is an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer in the coming weeks,” he said. “Pato had long expressed a desire to return to Europe. Liverpool await, there are a few missing details, but Klopp will have a new reinforcement and for Pato the Premier League will be a new springboard.”
Nicknamed ‘the Duck’ because of his waddling gait, Pato has previously been linked with Tottenham and West Ham United, who have both been short on striking options previously.
Should he sign with the Reds, Pato will link up with compatriot trio Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva. A Premier League move could also help to revive the 26-year-old’s international career, with Samba Boys boss Dunga clearly short by calling up veteran Santos striker Ricardo Oliveira as backup to Neymar and Hulk.
Saponara swoop
Goalscoring midfielder Saponara, 23, meanwhile, saw his move to Milan from Empoli fail to work out, so returned to his old club in January and has scored 11 goals since.
Netting four in eight Serie A outings this term, as well as making three assists, Saponara could be in line for a call-up to Italy’s senior squad with PSG playmaker Marco Verratti injured.
Reports in Italy claim that Klopp is prepared to storm a march on Juventus by moving for €20m rated Saponara in the winter, despite previous Azzurri talent Alberto Aquilani and Andrea Dossena struggling in England.
Related
Check out our other Liverpool stories.
