Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Villa, Turan, Sahin And Ince Involved In Latest Speculation

By Jason Le Miere | January 03 2013 3:47 PM

Liverpool’s need to make signings in January was clear for all to see and the club have acted early by already wrapping up a £12 million deal for Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea. Manager Brendan Rodgers, though, would doubtless like to further add to his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Reuters

Liverpool may have to wait until the summer to sign Barcelona's David Villa.

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One of the more ambitious moves Liverpool have been linked with is for Barcelona forward David Villa. Spanish publication Marca claim on Thursday that the 31-year-old is keen to leave the Camp Nou in January having found his playing opportunities limited since returning from a broken leg at the start of the season.

According to the story, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova believes that Villa has yet to display the same form as before his injury in December 2011. Despite that fact, Vilanova is eager to hang onto Villa until the end of the season and Barcelona will only sell him this month if they receive a sizable offer, reports Marca.

Given Liverpool’s eagerness to sign players at the younger end of the market and their attempts to reduce the wage bill, a move for Villa in January appears doubtful.

A transfer that appears more likely is for Blackpool winger Tom Ince. Yet, despite a move to Liverpool for the 20-year-old looking all-but agreed just a few weeks ago, Blackpool have claimed that the Reds have not been in contact since having an initial bid rejected.

“We have not heard anything since an initial Liverpool approach a couple of weeks ago,” said Blackpool manager Michael Appleton, according to the Daily Mail.

“As far as I am aware Thomas will have a day off tomorrow like everyone else and come back to prepare for the next game with us.”

Ince only left Liverpool for the Championship club 18 months ago for £250,000, but Blackpool are now holding out for a £7 million fee, reports the Daily Mail.

Liverpool may well have been eyeing up Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan as an alternative, with the Reds having been repeatedly linked to the Turkey international. However, Atletico have said that they intend to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

“First, I have not heard anything and I have seen it a lot,” Atletico manager Diego Simeone said, according to Sky Sports. “Everyone can comment on whatever you want.

"The important thing is what he shows on the field. Arda is one of the best players. He shows heart in every one of our matches.

"He has a contract with our club and he shows everyone what he has to offer."

One Turkey international who is currently on Liverpool’s books may not be for much longer if recent reports are to be believed. Just over four months after arriving on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, Nuri Sahin could be heading out of Anfield as the club seeks to move him off their wage bill, according to the Independent.

The 24-year-old has struggled to rediscover his best form in England and Liverpool are now believed to be hoping that Madrid will take him back early. Either Inter Milan or Sahin’s former club Borussia Dortmund could also step in and take Sahin for the rest of the campaign.

Dortmund chief executive Michael Zorc has said that the club is monitoring Sahin’s current predicament. Inter, meanwhile, are believed to be willing to take Sahin if Wesley Sneijder leaves the club.