Liverpool Transfer News: Alonso, Wanyama, Verratti And Reina Discussed In Latest Speculation

The 21-year-old has long been linked to Arsenal and Manchester United with both clubs having reportedly had the player watched several times in the past year. The Mail now asserts that Liverpool have also scouted Wanyama extensively and are set to make an offer this summer.

Wanyama, a Kenya international, has been a big success in Glasgow since signing for just £900,000 from Belgian side Beerschot in the summer of 2011. His stock has increased even further this season on the back of some fine performances in the Champions League, including in Celtic’s win over Barcelona.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon claimed earlier in the campaign that Wanyama is worth £25 million, although it is believed that he could be allowed to leave for a fee closer to £10 million.

Liverpool have again been linked with a move to bring back their former midfielder Xabi Alonso. The Daily Express reports that the Reds could be poised to launch a bid for the 31-year-old on the back of claims in Spain that he will not be extending his deal at Real Madrid.

Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol has said that Alonso has decided not to renew his current contract, which runs until the summer of 2014. It is also claimed, however, that Madrid will not push to sell the player, meaning he could leave on a free transfer next summer.

A report in French publication Le 10 Sport claims that Madrid have already lined up young Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti as a potential replacement for Alonso.

That news could impact Liverpool, with the Reds, along with Manchester United, also interested in the 20-year-old Italy international, according to TalkSport. Verratti only moved to the French capital from Pescara last summer, but quickly established himself as a regular for the Ligue 1 leaders.

Finally, Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has played down talk of a move to Barcelona. The 30-year-old, currently away with the Spain squad, had been linked as a replacement for his international colleague Victor Valdes. Having spent his entire career at Camp Nou, Valdes recently revealed that he will not be extending his current contract, which is set to expire in the summer of 2014.

"[A move to Barcelona] is not in my hands and the rumor mongering is part of that," Reina told Spanish publication AS. "They're such a great club, but I'm happy at Liverpool.""[Valdes] is a friend, I'm going to respect him in everything that he decides. He will have his reasons. He's not told me anything."