Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Berahino rumours continue to circle
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is pushing for a move to get West Brom hot-shot Saido Berahino in January – reports the Daily Mirror.
West Brom are determined to keep Berahino and are trying to tie him down to a new contract but are facing an increasing battle to keep him, with Tottenham and Man United also interested.
Berahino is valued in the £15m-plus class and West Brom have already insisted they will not do business with any of his many suitors in January. It seems Rodgers might have to look elsewhere.
Rodgers promises to succeed under pressure
Brendan Rodgers will not back away from what he describes as his biggest managerial challenge yet, with the Reds sitting a disappointing 11th in the table after last season’s success.
“I don’t like to whine or complain or make excuses,” he said. “We’ve had the whole integration of a lot of new players and obviously it’s not gone as well as we would have wanted, there’s no doubt about that. But we have to embrace that challenge.
“We are in an adverse moment but that can make you stronger when you come out the other side. So now we have to regroup.”
Pundits back Balotelli and Gerrard to improve
Michael Owen believes misfiring Mario Balotelli is the man to turn Liverpool’s season around, despite the Italian scoring just twice since his £16m move from AC Milan.
“The only obvious solution is for Brendan Rodgers to get the most out of Balotelli. He is more than capable and the upcoming fixtures are not the most daunting. It’s a big opportunity for Super Mario to do the business and I think he will.”
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak believes Steven Gerrard can still win the Premier League with Liverpool. He told the Daily Star: “I don’t think he’d still be playing if he thought last season was his last chance. I’m sure he believes he will get another chance.
Huge boost as Sterling promises to stay
Raheem Sterling has confirmed he is about to commit his long term future to Liverpool, after revealing that he wants to stay at Anfield “for many years to come”.
Real Madrid have already indicated they are closely monitoring the England star’s situation, but Sterling declared he is not interested in going anywhere any time soon.
“The club has spoken to my representatives and hopefully something can be done really soon,” the 19-year-old explained. “Hopefully I can achieve the goals I want to achieve here at Liverpool in years to come.”
Real Madrid with rival bid for Odegaard
But one man does look set to get away. Norwegian starlet Martin Odegaard has emerged as one of the hottest talents in world football, but the 15-year-old now looks bound for Real Madrid.
It was thought Liverpool were in pole position for Odegaard, a Reds fan, due to have a trial on Merseyside before Christmas, but according to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid now have the edge and are keen to shake on a pre-contract agreement.
Odegaard can pen a professional deal when he turns 16 next month and Real will give him the opportunity to sign for five years when he does so.