Liverpool Transfer News: Mauro Icardi, Ezequiel Lavezzi Rumours Hit Snag
Inter Milan sporting directorย Piero Ausilio has stated that the club are looking to "lock" up Mauro Icardi's long-term future amid rumours the Argentina striker could be heading to the Premier League.
Liverpool are believed to be among the clubs who scouted Icardi during his recent two-goal performance in a 3-0 win over Palermo, reported by Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard. The Reds are "long-term admirers," according to the Daily Star's Jonathan Green, who also believes Chelsea "have stepped up their interest" in the 21-year-old.
Ausilio, however, has revealed that there is "no rush" to give Icardi a new contract,ย reported by David Amoyal, who writes on behalf of Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.
Johnsonย suggested Inter are only willing to up Icardi's wages to ยฃ28,000 per week, failing to match the ยฃ43,000 he allegedly wants, butย Ausilio remains relaxed on the striker'sย future, reported by Amoyal:
"We don't consider Icardi's situation a problem, maybe someone thinks he deserves more but he's serene. He has a five-year contract, and that's an important reality, maybe it was a lot of money when we signed him, if today it isn't enough there isn't an urgent deadline, if not we would see him more often. We want to lock him up long term, we'll do it at [the] right time and in a way that works for everyone. There is no rush.
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Icardi has netted 15 goals in 26 appearances across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. He is a potential candidate to lead Brendan Rodgers' 3-4-2-1 formation and can offer clinical quality in the box. He's a natural finisher, which is highlighted below:
It seems the Reds may also come up short in the hunt for Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi, a player who was heavily linked with Liverpool during the January transfer window, reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star), Lavezzi is now a target for Inter boss Roberto Mancini, who remains "underwhelmed" by Lukas Podolski's performances. The on-loan Arsenal forward is yet to net since moving at the beginning of the recently closed transfer window and could head back to north London in search of a permanent move elsewhere.
Andersonย reports thatย Mancini "will opt to sign" Lavezzi instead of the German. B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently analysed whether Lavezzi would be a smart purchase for Liverpool, who already possess a number of similar players:
Lavezzi has suffered a poor season both on and off the pitch. He was recently accused of showing a "total lack of respect" by PSG boss Laurent Blanc after returning to the French capital late from the Christmas break, reported by the Press Association (h/t ESPN FC).
The 29-year-old has just three goals in 21 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com, making him a likely candidate to be chopped in the summer. He would fit in well with Rodgers' styleโhe's direct, quick and can be pushed to work hardโbut it seems Mancini will put up a major fight to secure his signature.
Liverpool are getting stronger all the time and have a real possibility of making next season's Champions League.
Rodgers' men haven't lost inside 90 minutes for 15 matches and are looking to build on Tuesday's terrific 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Quality players are needed to take the team forward in the summer, but with Icardi and Lavezzi reportedly generating major interest, Rodgers may need to look elsewhere.
