Liverpool hope to beat Spurs to Diarra deal
Liverpool boss Roy Hogdson has reportedly made an approach for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. Hogdson, who recently lost key man Javier Mascherano to Barcelona, has earmarked Diarra as a potential replacement. Having already signed central midfielders Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen this summer, Hogdson clearly feels further quality in that area is needed.
However, the Merseyside club face competition from Tottenham, who haven’t been shy in disclosing their interest in the player. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has history with the player too, as he signed the Frenchman from Arsenal when at Portsmouth. Diarra went on to have a hugely impressive year on the south coast following his £5m move, and was rewarded with a lucrative deal to Spanish giants Real Madrid. But now, with new boss Jose Mourinho at the helm in Madrid, Diarra is apparently surplus to requirements, alerting numerous Premier League clubs.
Diarra is very much in the same midfield enforcer mould as Mascherano, with his energy and tenacity huge assets to any side. Still only 25, he also represents an excellent investment at the £9m which has been bandied about. Especially, seeing as both clubs have shown interest in West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, for whom they’d have to pay around £14m for, and who is four years older than Diarra.
It’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top in the race for the midfielder’s signature, with both having plenty to offer. Spurs can offer Champions League football, for one thing, plus the incentive of linking up with former boss Redknapp. Meanwhile, the lure of Liverpool has proved enough in itself to bring in big names before, so despite rocky times at Anfield, their enticement shouldn’t be discounted. Whoever wins the race, Diarra would represent a major coup.
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