Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
No early return for Divock Origi
Liverpool striker Divock Origi, currently on loan with French side Lille, has taken to Twitter to pledge his commitment to completing his season-long deal.
Reports in the Daily Mirror explain that the striker has been tipped for a winter switch back to Merseyside to solve Liverpool’s striker crisis, but his intent on returning to Anfield at the end of the season.
Italian duo rival Liverpool for Saido Berahino
The Reds face competition from Italian sides Inter Milan and Juventus for West Brom’s Saido Berahino. The Baggies striker has enjoyed a stunning season and has recently been rewarded with a spot in the England squad.
Reports in the Daily Mail state that with Liverpool misfiring in front of goal, Brendan Rodgers was said to be weighing up a January swoop but he will face a battle with the Serie A duo.
Arsenal and Tottenham have both been linked with Berahino in recent times – although he is set to hold talks over a new deal at the Hawthorns.
Reds ready to launch £25m Chelsea bid
According to the Daily Express, Liverpool are prepared to rival Tottenham by launching a £25 bid for Andre Schurrle in January.
The World Cup winner has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot at Chelsea and has failed to impress when given an opportunity.
He wasn’t involved in the matchday squad for last weekend’s clash at Anfield with Jose Mourinho said to be running out of patience.
Heskey: Sterling set for greatness
Ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has backed Raheem Sterling to go right to the top. The winger has enjoyed a stunning 12 months for club and country, leading to talk of interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
And Heskey sees no reason why the England man cannot achieve anything he wants in the game. He told Liverpool’s official website: “He has got great pace and his athletic ability is outstanding. He can be the best if he wants to be.
“He has got the ability to be – his dribbling ability and awareness as well, at such a young age, he has got already. He’s had a little bit of an up-and-down season so far.”
Uruguay defender Maxi Pereira on the radar
Liverpool could make a move for Uruguay defender Maxi Pereira in January. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, discussions over a new deal with current club Benfica have stalled and show no sign of being resolved.
It is claimed Pereira wants to pen an extension but his agent is pushing for better terms and neither party show any sign of budging.
The 30-year-old was linked with a move to Anfield in the summer and the Reds could revive their interest, should they be able to land him on the cheap.