Coral’s Rumour Reel: Klopp close to first Reds recruits
Matt Haynes | December 18, 2015
Off the Mark
Liverpool, 11/10 with Coral for a top four finish, are reportedly close to completing the transfer of 19-year-old midfielder Marko Grujic after chief executive Ian Ayre flew out to Serbia to negotiate a £5m deal for the Red Star Belgrade player, as the Reds look ahead to the second half of the Premier League campaign.
While he will officially sign in January, the Serbian starlet, who is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, will be loaned back to his current club until the summer.
“I’ll try to respect the club, the fans and the general public, but again I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions,” Grujic said.
“It is certain that I remain here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement. I’m still a Red Star player.”
The Reds are also understood to be tracking Schalke centre back Joel Matip with the 24-year-old talent likely to join on a free transfer in the summer.
Townsend tussle
Meanwhile, Tottenham winger Andros Townsend is thought to be at the heart of a bidding war between fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, with both clubs set to go toe-to-toe in order to secure the player’s signature in January.
Townsend has reportedly been told that he is free to leave Spurs and both Birmingham-based clubs have expressed an interest.
New Villa boss Remi Garde has been promised funds to strengthen the team in January in order to keep the club from relegation and has identified Townsend as an ideal target.
Emmanuel to Ade Watford
Finally, former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be set to make a return to the Premier League with Watford said to be interested in his services.
The Hornets have had a terrific season so far in the Premier League and are currently in seventh place, four points off a Champions League position.
Related
Check out our previous Rumour Reels and find out what else is trending in the Premier League.
