Liverpool to challenge Man Utd for €70m striker?
Liverpool's hunt for a new striker to partner Fernando Torres may see them challenge Manchester United in the transfer market, as both Premier League clubs eye Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Inter Milan striker was once the subject of a €70m bid from Real Madrid, according to his agent, Mino Raiola.
The 27-year-old Sweden international joined Inter from Juventus for €12m in 2006, so that amount is a more realistic price for the hotshot.
Reds leading Suarez chase
Liverpool are leading the chase for one of European football’s brightest attacking talents, the Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. The talented frontman currently tops the Dutch scoring charts for his club Ajax and is one of the few plus points in a disappointing season for the Amsterdam giants.
Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. However, this season has been his best so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals have come via the penalty spot. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax are 12 points behind leaders AZ and four behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they will not qualify for the Champions League next season.
Ajax’s failure to qualify has led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He said, “It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It’s up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion.”
“I’m extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.
“Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level.”
Liverpool may well be the club that provides the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player’s versatility would also interest the Spaniard who is looking to strengthen his squad significantly this summer and Suarez’s comments suggest he may well be eyeing a move away from the Amsterdam Arena.
