Nuri Sahin: Turkey International Midfielder Reportedly Will Sign with Liverpool

As reported by Ed Malyon of The Daily Mirror, the official word from the Spanish football press is that Nuri Sahin has recently decided against a switch to Arsenal and should finalize a deal with Liverpool soon.

UPDATE: Thursday, August 23 at 6:37 p.m. EDT by Tim Keeney

If you were to ask Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, this deal would pretty much be done (via skysports.com):

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Now Rodgers, who worked with Real boss Jose Mourinho atChelsea, believes a deal is imminent for Sahin to go on loan to Anfield instead.

"Hopefully in the next 24 hours we will get some confirmation on that," said the Liverpool manager after his side's Europa League win at Hearts.

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The 23-year-old Turkish international who has been playing top-league football since the age of 16 would be a huge addition for Liverpool, a squad that needs whatever help in the attack in can get.

Nonetheless, this has been an ever-changing story. Stay tuned until it's officially official. 

------End of Update-------

Malyon explains that Liverpool was hoping to officially announce the deal at some point August 23, but there's still too much contractually to iron out for that to happen.

The news of Sahin's indecision comes as a surprise to the football world. Earlier on Thursday, The Independent reported that a one-year loan deal had been agreed with Arsenal, according to reports in the German media.

Sahin's current coach Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid held a press conference recently, during which he discussed the rumors surrounding the player (via The Independent):

"The [English] Premier League is a good place for players to pick up certain characteristics which he does not have...I just hope that it happens soon for him, as it is best for him."

If the move to Liverpool is indeed finalized for Sahin, it will mark the third club he has played for since 2005.

The 23-year-old midfielder started his professional career in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund where he played for six seasons before joining Real Madrid just last year. He was also sent on loan to Dutch club Feyenoord in 2007.

A permanent move to the EPL would not only send Sahin to his third club, but to the fourth football league he has competed in during his seven-year career.