Football Transfer Update: Diego Forlan to Liverpool, while the club struggles to retain Torres and sign on Ashley Young
With the expected departure of Spanish striker Fernando Torres in the January transfer window, one cannot blame Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson to be looking for replacements. It has been reported that Hodgson has lined up a bid for Diego Forlan, the Atletico
Madrid striker.
The Uruguayan international made quite an impression during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and since then has been on every top manager’s list. He did not make a move in the summer, but now with the uncertain future of Torres, he may likely end up at
Anfield if the deal goes through.
The Atletico Madrid striker has been having issues with Quique Flores, the Atletico Madrid coach and seems to be looking for a way out, preferably to England. Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool’s arch rivals Everton are also reported to be interested in acquiring
his services.
They may very well beat Liverpool to the deal, since the new Liverpool owners have promised to do everything to retain Fernando Torres at the club. They have met with the striker and have assured him that the club’s ambitions would match his own.
However, at this point in time, Liverpool are at the bottom half of the table in the relegation zone. The Reds have had an unexpectedly bad start to the season and unless they step up and improve their form, they will not only lose Torres but will probably
not get Forlan’s signature on a contract.
Liverpool are also looking to sign the 25 year old Aston Villa winger, Ashley Young. Hodgson was alerted after reports that the Villa player turned down the opportunity to sign a new deal with his current club. This refusal to renew his contract possibly
indicates a demand for higher wages or a potential move.
Newly appointed Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will be disappointed, since taking over he has been unable to get Villa to winning ways and now there is talk of players leaving. Young claims that he will discuss a new contract in the summer, but that is
not very convincing.
With the new owners taking over, it is reported that Hodgson will have a budge of £30million to spend, out of which he plans to bring in five new players, two of who will be Englishmen. An inside source revealed that Hodgson is prepared to meet the £14million
price tag Villa have placed on Young.
Tags: