Sturridge ready to force Liverpool exit
Daniel Sturridge is prepared to leave Liverpool in January in order to save his World Cup dream, reports the Mirror.
The Reds were initially against a loan deal, after enquiries from Paris Saint-Germain last January, but may be open to such a deal after Jurgen Klopp failed to use the England striker in the 3-0 victory against Southampton this weekend.
The player is hopeful that Liverpool will put a realistic price tag on him to attract interest, with a late run of games likely to make Gareth Southgate consider him once again for his final tournament squad.
After being overlooked for the Three Lions' friendlies with Germany and Brazil, Sturridge now feels that just eight Premier League appearances, including two goals, will not be enough game time to remain in contention.
Barcelona are considering a shock deal for Mesut Ozil and the Daily Star details how Arsenal could receive Andre Gomes in part exchange.
The German playmaker, fresh from shining in the north London derby, could be a more affordable option for the Blaugrana than Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.
The report claims Ozil could cost around £20 million, or less if Portuguese Midfielder Gomes is factored in, while the Reds have demanded well in excess of £100m for any potential sale.
The Gunners may be open to acquiring a player in return due to Ozil's expiring contract making the likelihood of recouping their original outlay remote. Ernesto Valverde has failed to offer Gomes more opportunities than Luis Enrique since his move from Valencia.
Man Utd Handed Huge Boost As Barca Hesitate Over €100m Move
Manchester United have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of an Atletico Madrid star as one of their rivals is debating pulling out.
According to recent reports, Barcelona are locked in talks with Antoine Griezmann over a potential move to the Camp Nou.
The Frenchman has a €100million release clause that Barcelona will need to trigger in order to land him, as Atleti won’t sell their star for a lower fee.
This has left Barcelona executives scratching their heads as to whether to match the player’s price-tag in the summer, according to Don Balon.
City join Liverpool in fight for Van Dijk
Liverpool will be joined by Manchester City in the hunt for Virgil Van Dijk, according to the Mirror, who claim the Blues are now pushing for a new centre-back after John Stones picked up an injury this weekend.
The England international will be out for four-to-six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury against Leicester and now interest in the Southampton defender could be intensified with a £60m move in the works.
The Reds' approach for the Netherlands international was too strong last summer, with Saints filing a complaint over a tapping up approach.
And while the 26-year-old is thought to have always preferred linking up with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, the opportunity to join Pep Guardiola's relentless pursuit of the Premier League title could be too much to resist.
PSG Midfielder Opens Up About Future Amid Chelsea, Liverpool Links
Reported Chelsea and Liverpool target Javier Pastore has spoken out about his future amid reports he could leave PSG.
Pastore has been repeatedly linked with an exit from France since the summer, with both Milan clubs also reportedly chasing the 28-year-old.
The midfielder has admitted that he needs to play more regularly if he is to stake a claim for Argentina’s World Cup squad.
“I think it’s normal that I player wants to play all the time, but it’s the coach’s decision,” he told reporters.
“If I can play as I did [against Nantes] then I’ll be fine. I also need to try not to have any more injuries.
“I want to go to the World Cup, but if the boss sees I’m not playing then it’ll be difficult for him to pick me.
“But I’m not thinking about a transfer. I want to give my best for the club.”
Recent reports have linked La Liga club Sevilla with a move for Pastore, however the player himself did suggest a Serie A return is more likely.
Others
Manchester City will compete with Liverpool for Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk, 26, in the January transfer window. (Daily Mirror)
City are also looking bring in 22-year-old Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has also caught the attention of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham's England striker Harry Kane, 24, says he plans to spend his entire career at Spurs. (London Evening Standard)
Daniel Sturridge, 28, is ready to leave Liverpool in order to find first-team football and recapture his place in the England squad. (Daily Mirror)
Barcelona are considering a January move for Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, 29, and could offer Andre Gomes in part exchange. (Don Balon via Daily Star)
Paris St-Germain captain Thiago Silva admits he is in regular contact with Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, 25, and hopes his fellow Brazilian will "work with us". (Telefoot via Sky Sports)
Manchester City could move for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez, 26, after Lionel Messi objected to the Algeria international joining Barcelona. (Don Balon via Daily Star)
Liverpool and Tottenham are watching Sheffield United's 20-year-old Wales midfielder David Brooks. (Daily Express)
Bournemouth are preparing a January bid for Reading's 19-year-old full-back Omar Richards. (Sun)
This post first appeared on Wolexis Sports Blog | Nigeria's Online Sports Mag, please read the originial post: here
