Liverpool Transfer News: Memphis Depay Obstacle Cleared, Paulinho Rumours Emerge

All the pieces seem to be falling into place regarding Liverpool’s apparent pursuit of Memphis Depay, with reports claiming the Reds are now in the box seat to land the Dutch prodigy.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express) Paris Saint-Germain have dropped out of the race to sign the PSV Eindhoven star because of concerns regarding financial fair play. In another boost for the Reds, according to The Sun (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror), the Merseysiders are in “pole position” to sign Depay.

Here’s a reminder of what the 21-year-old would add to Liverpool’s cause:

According to the latter of the two aforementioned pieces, Manchester United are “dragging their heels” in their chase of the young star, paving the way for a switch to Anfield.

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Depay would be a brilliant acquisition in the summer for Liverpool. While he’s by no means the finished article, the young Dutch star has all the requisite attributes to go on and become a world-class player. For the Reds, who look unlikely to make it into this season’s Champions League, this is the template for players they should be targeting.

As noted by sports journalist Rafael Hernandez, if United are stalling this move based on the availability of other targets, Depay has a simple decision to make:

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has a decent record working with young players who possess malleable talents. While his dealings in the transfer window have often left much to be desired, his astute coaching skills have expedited the progression of previously raw players like Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling into refined stars.

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You suspect he could do the same with Depay too, who has the pace, power and fundamental footballing instincts to go a long way in the game.

Will he immediately transform Liverpool into title challengers? Probably not. Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe took a look at the quality of player that would be required in order for that to happen:

However, Depay is the kind of star that would not only add a refreshed edge to Liverpool’s offensive bursts, but he could get the Anfield crowd excited. In a season of hugely oscillating levels of performance, the capricious skill set of someone like the Dutchman would do plenty to help abate the malaise that has engulfed the Merseysiders this season and help the Reds push on.

Paulinho Deal Imminent For Reds

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Liverpool are poised to confirm their first summer signing, with reports suggesting a deal for Portuguese starlet Paulinho is close to completion.

According to Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror, the 17-year-old—who plays for third-tier Portuguese team A.D. Sanjoanense—is on Merseyside to finalise a deal. News of the deal’s imminent completion has also been confirmed by Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen:

As you might expect, very little is known about this emerging talent, who joined Sanjoanense from Porto’s academy last summer. But according to Malyon’s piece, Paulinho is set to play a key role in the Reds' youth setup, which has assisted in the development of fellow Portuguese prospect Joao Teixeira.

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It’s a move that illustrates emphatically how wide-ranging the feelers of these top clubs are in the modern game. For Liverpool to be able to isolate a player from a league of little reputation is truly remarkable; now it’s up to the youngster to ensure this amazing opportunity doesn’t pass him by.