Rumour reel: Liverpool still interested in van Dijk
Published:
Klopp backed to sign in-demand defender
Liverpool were warned off Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, and say they have now ended their interest, but our traders don’t believe a word of it. We check in on the latest summer transfer stories, and how the betting is shaping up.
Reds favourites for Saints star
Liverpool were keen on signing Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, but instead of making a bid, they had to submit an apology to his current employers after being accused by Southampton of making an illegal approach for the player. Bosses at Anfield did the right thing, telling fans their interest in the 25-year-old centre back was now over, but they remain favourites to sign him with Coral.
Our football guys have Liverpool as short as 5/4 to be van Dijk’s next club, while Man City lead the chasing pack at 2/1, Chelsea at 9/2. It’s now obvious that any rival wanting to tempt the star must go through the proper channels, and pay a hefty fee too, with £70m being thrown around by the press.
Mahrez keeps his options open
Another thought to be moving clubs this summer is Leicester playmaker Riyad Mahrez. We told you earlier this week that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen on employing the 26-year-old Algerian, but he’s not the only one with an interest. Barcelona are said to be keeping an eye on the situation, and it’s no surprise Mahrez told reporters that the Camp Nou would be his preferred destination.
It’s shaping up to be a bit of a stare-off between the leading names, but Coral have Monaco as 6/4 favourites to get their man, with Arsenal at 2/1. The Barca story appears to be nothing more than gossip, 6/1 the current price on him going to the La Liga giants.
Home is where the Hart is
Joe Hart was dropped from the England number one slot for Tuesday’s friendly with France in Paris, and the goalkeeper’s future remains up in the air. One thing that’s certain, Man City don’t see a place for him back at the Etihad, but there’s been no rush to bag the experienced shot-stopper either.
At 30 years old, there’s still plenty of good football in Hart, and the player himself says he doesn’t think Man City will price him out of a move elsewhere. Having spent last season on loan at Torino, our traders have Everton as 2/1 favourites to be his next club, however the Toffees are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Sunderland stopper Jordan Pickford for £30m. Merseyside rivals Liverpool are currently priced at 5/1, with West Ham holding a keen interest at 6/1. This market could change soon though, if Pickford’s proposed move to Everton transpires.
