Liverpool Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Obstacle Emerges, Fresh Danilo Rumours

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is said to be a prominent name on Brendan Rodgers' transfer wish list but is reportedly looking to remain in Turin before heading back to Real Madrid.

The Liverpool Echo reports, via Spanish publication Fichajes.net, Rodgers has "decided to shape his transfer strategy around" Morata, a plan which could be scuppered by the player who is "keen to stay" in Italy. This adds further difficulty to a move which would likely be subject to Madrid exercising their £25 million buyback clause.

Juanma Lopez, Morata's agent, previously hinted even Los Blancos may struggle to convince Morata to leave Serie A: "I can only say that the player is happy at Juventus and is only thinking about Juventus, said Lopez, per AS. "Madrid are following him, but he is focused on Juve."

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Fichajes (h/t Will Giles of the Metro) reports Arsenal are also considering a move for the 22-year-old. Giles' report indicates Morata would be a "marquee" signing for Liverpool and vital reinforcement in case Daniel Sturridge succumbs to injury once more.

Morata has scored and assisted four in his last nine appearances for the Old Lady, per WhoScored.com. His output has considerably ramped up since the turn of the year, making him an increasingly important player in Massimiliano Allegri's plans.

With Fernando Llorente struggling—he scored his first goal in eight appearances during Friday's win over Atalanta—and Sebastian Giovinco no longer at the club, Morata's role is only destined to increase. If he becomes available, however, it seems the Spaniard will have plenty of suitors.

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Liverpool can also expect to face competition for Porto full-back Danilo. Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Giles) reports Manchester United have "entered the race" for the Brazilian who is out of contract next summer. It is suggested Danilo is resisting a new contract due to Porto wishing to insert a £36.6 million buyout clause, which could limit his chances of moving elsewhere.

United's interest may be influenced by their ability to sign Barcelona's Dani Alves, another marauding type the club are currently linked with, according to Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro). During an interview with Radiogaceta Sports on Spanish radio station RNE (h/t AS), Blaugrana president Josep Maria Bartomeu recently confirmed: "I don't know if he will stay." 

Rodgers continues to successfully deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, meaning Danilo would likely slot in as the right wing-back. Jordon Ibe has impressed ahead of the right-sided centre-back and is proving himself as a physical, confident youngster in his handful of appearances. It's likely he is destined for a more explicitly attacking role in the future, however.

Danilo's qualities can be viewed below:

Other options Glen Johnson and on-loan Javier Manquillo have failed to impress this season, with Rodgers preferring to employ those who can penetrate the opposition's defence while ensuring the Reds aren't exposed. Danilo has netted four this campaign, per WhoScored, including his recent penalty against Basel in the Champions League.

He is exactly the type of confident player who could thrive under Rodgers' guidance. Liverpool rip through teams at their best and, despite falling short of last year's brilliance, continue to look an immensely dangerous side.

This would be aided by Danilo's arrival, a player who could slot straight into the Anfield pack.