Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Roberto Firmino, Geoffrey Kondogbia Rumours

According to rumours from Germany, reported Liverpool target Roberto Firmino will be joining an unnamed club during the summer after Hoffenheim agreed to a £21.7 million transfer for the Brazil international.

Sky Sports Germany (h/t Metro) made the claim:

The 23-year-old, who is currently representing Brazil at the 2015 Copa America, has been linked with both the Reds and rivals Manchester United, and many suspect the Mancunians will eventually win the battle for his services.

It's odd Sky Sports Germany refuse to name the Red Devils as the club that has reportedly emerged as winners in the race for his signature, however, and fans will be at the edge of their seats in the coming days to find out whether or not Firmino will in fact be moving to Old Trafford.

As shared by Bleacher Report's Clark Whitney, ESPN has already confirmed the attacking midfielder had his medical with the club, and official confirmation of the move appears close:

Firmino joined Hoffenheim in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the top young midfielders in the Bundesliga. He can play through the centre of the pitch, where he sits just behind the strikers, but he's just as comfortable out wide, where he favours playing on the left wing.

Like most of his compatriots, he plays with plenty of flair and has a keen eye for passing lanes, but he also has the athletic ability and finishing touch to be a force when penetrating the box. Squawka's Greg Johnson thinks he would be a dream signing for the Mancunians, but Liverpool could no doubt use a player of his caliber as well:

Firmino is an emerging star of Brazilian football and showed his ability to play alongside Reds star Philippe Coutinho during a recent friendly against Mexico. As soon as the Hoffenheim man came onto the pitch as a substitute, the two started combining well, putting tons of pressure on EL Tri's defence.

The two take up similar positions on the pitch, but against Mexico, they constantly switched places and had the entire defence confused. If Raheem Sterling is to depart Anfield, something Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes will happen, Firmino would be an excellent replacement:

The Reds may have missed their chance to sign him if these latest rumours turn out to be true, but then again, no club has been named as his destination. Until his signing is officially announced by United or another team, you have to assume Liverpool are still in the race.

AC Milan Favourites for Geoffrey Kondogbia

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AC Milan confirmed they have made an offer for AS Monaco's Geoffrey Kondogbia, and all signs point toward a transfer being completed in the near future for the highly rated midfielder, per Football Italia:

The 22-year-old is reported to be a transfer target for both the Reds and Arsenal, per the Daily Star's Jonathan Green, but he appears set to join Jackson Martinez in the Italian fashion capital, as the Rossoneri continue their efforts in the summer transfer window.

Milan finished the 2014-15 Serie A season well outside the top six and failed to qualify for any of the European competitions next season, and the club appears determined to climb back to the summit of Italian football. Brazilian football expert Zizouology thinks the Reds can learn a thing or two from the Rossoneri:

Kondogbia became a popular name on the transfer market after several impressive showings in the Champions League, most notably at the Emirates Stadium, and with AS Monaco facing financial fair play sanctions, all of their top players could be available during the summer window for the right price.

The France international has struggled with injuries in the past, but he's widely viewed as one of the best young defensive midfielders in Europe when he's healthy. As good as Lucas Leiva has been for Liverpool, there's little doubt Kondogbia would be an immediate upgrade, and he should fit well next to Jordan Henderson in the centre of the pitch.

He seems destined to join the Rossoneri, however, so Liverpool will have to look elsewhere to strengthen their midfield during the summer.

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