Liverpool line up move for British teenage sensation; Del Neri calls for January signings

Liverpool line up move for British teenage sensation

Roy Hodgson is set to receive the backing of Liverpool owners as he prepares to offer £10 million for Ipswich hotshot Connor Wickham.

With Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all priced out of the deal, Liverpool are ready to match Ipswich’s valuation of the player as Roy Hodgson looks to add more quality to his front line.

The fact Wickham is a Liverpool fan and that Fernando Torres is his favourite player proves the 17-year-old striker is keen on joining the Reds.

Hodgson watched Wickham during his time at Fulham and he is now set to move for a striker who is yet to score a goal this season.

Despite his fragile age, the Ipswich forward has already represented England at Under-21 level, but he obviously still has a lot to learn before he can be ready for the big stage.

Having failed to leave his mark at Ipswich, Wickham will need quite some time before he can be considered a first team player at Anfield, and with Liverpool still struggling to reach their potential, the Reds would be better off signing a player who can slot right into the side.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Del Neri calls for January signings

Despite last night’s victory at Massimino, one of the hottest grounds in Serie A, Juventus boss Luigi Del Neri is eager to reinforce the squad in January.

Juventus remained six points adrift of Serie A leaders Milan as the Bianconeri inflicted Catania the first home defeat of the season, but Del Neri insists new signings are a must if his team are to keep the rich vein of form.

“We are still missing so many players and this is why we need to complete the squad in January, so that we won’t be left without options if there are injuries,” Del Neri said.

“Alberto Aquilani is going through a tough time, but we knew that would happen, as up until now he has given a lot to the side. Clearly a player cannot be 100 per cent all the time.”

Juventus still need to tie down Aquilani and Quagliarella to permanent deals, but in order to fully focus on the January transfer window, the Bianconeri are set to leave that piece of business for the summer.

A quality striker and defensive reinforcements remain the priority for Luigi Del Neri.

[Source: Juventus]

Arsenal and Villa tracking future England number one

Aston Villa have joined Arsenal in the race for Middlesbrough keeper Jason Steele, who could be available for sale in January.

Gerard Houllier has received reports that Steele could go on to challenge Joe Hart as England’s number one in the future, with the Aston Villa boss set to make a bid for the Middlesbrough keeper in January.

Arsenal have been tracking the 20-year-old keeper for quite a while, but Houllier will try to outbid the Gunners as he hopes to take advantage of Boro’s financial problems.

The Frenchman is not satisfied with his current options in goal, with Bred Friedel close to hanging up his boots and Brad Guzan yet to realize his potential at Villa Park.

Houllier is also tracking Rangers goalie Allan McGregor, but that is unlikely to stop him from bidding for Jason Steele, who could be available for the fee of £5 million.

[Source: Daily Mirror]

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