Rumour Reel: Van Dijk to Liverpool, while Mourinho moves for Martins and Valencia offer Zaza exit
Published:
As part of Jurgen Klopp’s title tilt, it appears the Reds boss is planning a Southampton double deal, with Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool alongside Sam McQueen rumoured on today’s back pages.
The Anfield outfit possess a formidable forward line, but are susceptible to leaking goals at the back, with just one home league clean sheet this term. Van Dijk could be the answer to avoid repeating a similar fate to that of Brendan Rodgers’ 2014 title chasers.
Van Dijk to Liverpool?
Saints have got used to Liverpool pillaging their ranks in recent years, and this coming winter window may be no different.
The Reds have struggled defensively over recent years, and the addition Van Dijk would surely help the club’s fight for their first-ever Premier League era title.
Another on Klopp’s hit-list is McQueen, the left back may have only featured in three top-flight games, but the Anfield outfit are reportedly keen on a deal that could total around £40m including the youngster.
James Milner is being forced to play on the left defensive flank, but the addition McQueen, a graduate of Saints’ famed academy, would see Milner relinquished of his defensive duties.
Mourinho moves for Martins?
Sporting Lisbon winger Gelson Martins remains firmly on Manchester United’s radar, according to reports. The Portugal international has two goals and seven assists in only 10 Liga NOS outings and could add well needed creativity to the Old Trafford outfit.
Reports emerging out of Spain claim Mourinho has been trying to woo his compatriot for a number of months, however he is likely to face stiff competition for the winger’s signature. United scouts are also expected to be in attendance during Sporting’s Champions League clash with Real this week
Real Madrid are also interested, reports suggest, and tried to sign Martins or their academy when he was a teenager.
A mammoth sum of £51m is the rumoured fee that would see Martins leave Portugal.
Zaza Hammers exit?
Valencia are reportedly ready to offer Simone Zaza an escape route out of his West Ham United nightmare in the January transfer window.
The Italy forward has failed to net in eight outings, but the Spanish side supposedly remain keen to add him. The Bats are having strike problems of their own, as Munir El Haddadi has failed to settle on loan.
During Zaza’s most successful club spell, the finisher netted 21 in 69 games for Sassuolo in Serie A.
Related
Reds fans, what do you think of Van Dijk to Liverpool? Tell us in the comments below.
