Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Decision on Balotelli future to be made at the end of the season
Liverpool are prepared to keep faith with controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli until the end of the season – according to reports in the Daily Mirror.
The struggling forward, who is yet to score in the Premier League this season and is currently sidelined through injury, was hit with an FA charge yesterday, after a post on social media website Instagram.
The prospect of a ban by the FA has already led to speculation that Balotelli could be dismissed as a gamble gone wrong and allowed to leave in the new year – but it appears as if that won’t be the case.
Gerrard will receive plenty of offers if he leaves Liverpool
Former Liverpool star Jan Molby has insisted that Steven Gerrard will have plenty of offers from abroad if he decides not to renew his contract at Anfield.
Molby, who was discussing the Reds captain in his Liverpool Echo column, explained that playing a bit-part on Merseyside won’t be enough for the ex-England skipper.
He said: “A cameo role won’t satisfy someone of his stature. What other opportunities are on the table will play a part in his decision. I couldn’t envisage him playing for another English club but he won’t be short of offers from abroad.”
Norwegian wonderkid trains with Reds first-team
Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard has trained with the Liverpool first-team for the first time. The 15-year-old starlet is chasing by a number of European giants, but it appears as if the Reds are in pole position.
Odegaard was invited to look around Anfield and Liverpool city centre this week, although his arrival coincided with the Reds’ rest day after their excursions at Leicester.
But Boss Brendan Rodgers was keen to discuss a move and invited him to train with the first-team squad on Thursday as the trip became something of a trial.
Jackson Martinez continues to interest Liverpool
Rumours of Liverpool’s potential move for Porto’s Colombian forward Jackson Martinez refuse to disappear, with agent Peppino Tirri claiming the Reds are preparing a £27.5m bid.
After claims from the Martinez camp in recent days that he was happy to stay at the Estadio Dragao until the end of the campaign, Tirri – an agent used by the Portuguese side when negotiating in Italy previously – is quoted as declaring that the Reds have made their move.
Tirri is quoted as saying: “Liverpool are in for Jackson. AC Milan? That’s unlikely. Porto won’t yield an inch from their €35million [£27.5m] release clause.”
Martin Montoya and Luca Antonelli targeted by Rodgers
It appears as if Europe’s best full-backs are lining up for a move to Anfield, with reports claiming Genoa captain Luca Antonelli dreams of playing for Liverpool.
The 27-year-old – who has seven caps for his country – told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “My dream is to one day play for Liverpool. Anfield is like the Luigi Ferraris, their stand is similar to the Gradinata Nord. But I am still young, there will be time to talk about this again.”
Liverpool could also sign a replacement for Glen Johnson in January, with top target Martin Montoya’s agent insisting that he will “100 per cent” leave Barcelona this winter.