Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Wednesday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Rickie Lambert determined to pursue Liverpool success
Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert turned down a £5m deadline day move to Aston Villa after deciding to remain at Anfield and fight for his place, reports the Daily Mirror.
Hull City, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion also enquired over the availability of the England international but were left disappointed by the player’s decision.
Lambert has found it difficult to hold down a regular first-team spot so far this season, while his chances are likely to become even more restricted following the return from injury of Daniel Sturridge.
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Danny Ings speculation continues, with supposed transfer loophole
The Daily Mail believes that Liverpool could exploit a ‘transfer loophole’ to sign Burnley striker Danny Ings, despite missing out on the forward during the January transfer window.
Media reports last week claimed that we would pay £4m for Ings and then loan him back to Burnley for the rest of the season. However, this is against Premier League regulations – with a player unable to be loaned to another top flight club in the same transfer window that he has been bought.
Despite the initial knock-back, Liverpool are still able to do business. Rule U8 states that the Reds could sign a pre-contract deal with the player which allows him to remain with his current employers until the end of the campaign.
Brendan Rodgers keeping tabs on Ignacio Camacho
Liverpool are also thought to be keeping tabs on Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho. Reports in the Daily Star claim that the holding midfielder could challenge Lucas for a role in next season’s team.
The 24-year-old remained with the club throughout the winter window despite plenty of interest from across Europe. He is valued at around £10m and has reportedly suggested that he wants to leave the club.
Camacho, formerly of Atletico Madrid, has played 111 league games for Malaga, scoring ten goals. He made his first appearance for Spain last year, featuring in the 1-0 loss to Germany.
Liverpool to return for Jackson Martinez in the summer
The Daily Star is also claiming that Liverpool are among three Premier League teams chasing Jackson Martinez, with Manchester United and Arsenal also interested in making a summer bid.
Liverpool were heavily linked with the Colombian forward during the summer transfer window, shortly after the player enjoyed a successful World Cup campaign.
However, our interest appeared to fade as the player committed himself to Porto. Martinez has been in fine form so far this season, scoring 20 goals in 24 games.
Saido Berahino expects to leave West Brom at the end of the season
Saido Berahino has admitted that he wants to leave West Brom this summer, alerting Liverpool and Tottenham, who have both shown an interest in the striker in the past.
“I’m taking care of my short-term right now and if I keep scoring the goals and if I keep doing well for West Bromwich Albion, I know the future will be bright for me and I know that I’ll go a long way,” Berahino told Sky Sports.
“I need to stay focused on what I’m doing right now which is scoring the goals and keeping West Bromwich in the Premier League. If I can keep them in the Premier League and score as many goals as I can, I’m pretty sure the fans wouldn’t mind me pushing on and moving on to bigger things.”
