Reds close in on Coates.
Liverpool are set to make an £8m bid for Uruguayan international Sebastian Coates as the Reds look to bolster their defensive options, Liverpool Daily Post reports.
The 20 year old Nacional defender has attracted interest from a number of clubs after being awarded Best Young Player at the Copa America this summer. The Reds have jumped to replace Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos and are expected to land the Uruguayan. Nacional vice-president Hector Olmos believes that the Reds will secure the transfer and Coates could be in Liverpool at the end of next week.
Olmos said: ‘The offer is very good. Coates will surely go to Liverpool’. Coates himself said: ‘This week, I will talk about offers and decide whether to go or stay here’.
Liverpool have been interested in Birmingham City defender Scott Dann and Bolton defender Gary Cahill this summer, but the price-tags on the two players are considerably higher than the price tag for Coates and the 20 year old seems to be a distinct possibility.
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Cole eyes Spurs.
Joe Cole is desperate to escape his Anfield nightmare and is fancying a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Mirror.
The former England midfielder has failed to establish himself as a Reds regular since joining on a free from Chelsea last summer. Cole has been overlooked by Reds manager Kenny Dalglish and is keen on a move away from Anfield. The 29 year old has seen interest from former club West Ham, but is not happy on dropping down to the Championship.
Cole’s dream move would be under former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane and if Luka Modric’s transfer to Chelsea goes ahead, Cole could be a viable option for Spurs. QPR’s interest in Cole is also firm and the newly promoted side can now afford the wages of the midfielder since the takeover of Tony Fernandes at Loftus Road.
Exeter test.
Tonight’s Carling Cup second round sees Liverpool travel to Exeter City and Kenny Dalglish is not prepared to take any chances with squad selection, liverpoolfc.tv reports.
Some changes will be made by the Reds manager, but Dalglish is keen to avoid a repeat of last season’s shock exit at the hands of Northampton Town. Martin Skrtel, John Flanagan, Raul Meireles, Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing are all pressing for a start against Exeter and Dalglish is expected to put out a strong outfit to continue the momentum following Saturday’s league win against Arsenal.
The Liverpool boss said: ‘We’ll give people an opportunity to play. The training has been superb, as has their attitude and commitment, so they deserve a game. But it’s not a game we just want to go through the motions for and fulfil our obligations in playing the fixture – we want to make sure we have a chance’.
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