Reds to hijack McCarthy deal.
Liverpool are preparing to hijack any Arsenal move for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy and are watching his contract talks intently, The Mirror reports.
The Anfield side have been interested in the Glasgow-born youngster since his days at Hamilton, the club he played at before his signing for the Latics back in 2009. McCarthy opted then for the regular first team chances Wigan would reward him, but at the age of 20, the Irishman feels that he is approaching the time where he needs to move to a bigger side to maximise his potential.
Reds manager Kenny Dalglish is watching McCarthy’s contract talks, which have been going for a month, and the Liverpool boss is preparing a bid to try and test the resolve of Wigan chairman Dave Whelan. Whelan has already lost star midfielder Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa this summer and will place a £15m valuation on the Irish midfielder in an attempt to warn off any potential clubs interested.
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Brazilian midfielder link.
Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas is the target of bids from both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to talkSPORT.
Reports in Brazil suggest that the 18-year-old could move to the Premier League after breaking through into the Sao Paulo side last season. He has already made four appearances for the Brazilian national side and that has alerted a whole host of top European sides, including Milan rivals AC and Internazionale.
Lucas himself has insisted that there is no rush to decide his future, but Reds boss Kenny Dalglish will be looking towards the South American contingent of his side, and Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva especially, to try and convince the 18 year old of a move to Merseyside. The Sao Paulo midfielder is concentrating on life in Brazil and following recent comments, it would be difficult for Liverpool to bring him to Anfield.
‘I read that I have decided to go to Italy, but that isn’t true. At the moment, my thinking is to continue and improve at Sao Paulo because I am young and need more experience before making the leap to Europe, but I haven’t yet decided where I will go’, Lucas told a Brazilian newspaper.
Lawrenson backs Adam.
The former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes that the Reds are in for a big season next year and Liverpool fans have plenty to look forward to, The Liverpool Echo reports.
Lawrenson’s confidence stems from the belief that old teammate and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has made astute signings in the transfer market this season. The Reds have signed Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, as well as a move for veteran Brazilian goalkeeper Doni, and the Match of the Day pundit believes that the Reds are making great strides, especially with the signing of Adam.
Speaking about the Scottish midfielder, Lawrenson said: ‘Liverpool have never replaced Xabi Alonso. Now don’t get me wrong, Charlie Adam isn’t Xabi Alonso, but what he’s very good at is passing the ball from deep. I saw him play half a dozen times live last season and his passing is outstanding. I think signing him is a big bonus.’
In a seven year career at Anfield in the 1980’s, Lawrenson won the title five times and also picked up a European Cup medal with the Reds. He is optimistic over the chances of the Reds getting back to the Champions League this season and is preparing the fans for more glory.
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