Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Marco Reus and Rickie Lambert Rumours
A mega-money move is reportedly in the works for Liverpool to sign Marco Reus following news that Borussia Dortmund are closing in on his replacement. Meanwhile, Leicester City are the latest side to enquire about Rickie Lambert.
Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen will snub interest from Manchester United and Arsenal to sign for the Black and Yellows, according to Dutch newspaper Elf Voetbal (h/t Adam Skinner of the Daily Express), allowing the Reds to make their move on Reus.
Skinner goes on to state that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers sees Reus as his replacement for Raheem Sterling, adding the Merseysiders have been "weighing up a sensational £46 million bid."
Norway international turned Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft isn't buying into the rumours, however, and insists Reus won't be moving to Anfield this summer:
Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel will look to salve any concerns his superstar may have about the new regime, with Jurgen Klopp's last season at the club's helm having been a pretty miserable one.
That being said, things appear to be improving for the German giants, who beat Juventus 2-0 in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with Eurosport providing a look at Reus' sublime individual effort:
In any case, it seems unlikely Klaassen would be viewed as a like-for-like Reus replacement. While his tally of six goals and nine assists in 30 Eredivisie appearances last term was impressive, he's hardly of the same offensive stature.
Tuchel will also be desperate to ensure that arguably his most valuable asset remains at Signal Iduna Park for his maiden campaign with Dortmund.
"Rolls Reus" sat out a large portion of the 2014-15 season with injury and was limited to just 20 Bundesliga appearances, but he still managed to score seven goals and draw Liverpool's gaze.
Rodgers has already recruited one Bundesliga ace this summer in Hoffenheim's Roberto Firmino, but the battle to attract Reus may be a futile one.
Leicester City in for Lambert
Competition in attack has increased considerably at Anfield this summer, and Leicester City are hoping to capitalise by making their move for fringe striker Lambert.
The former Southampton ace made just seven Premier League starts last term, and Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reported the Foxes have joined the queue for his services.
Lambert moved to Anfield 14 months ago for a fee of £4.5 million, a figure the Reds are hoping to recoup in full if they're to let the forward leave this summer.
As the Daily Mail's Matt Lawless has attested, West Brom have also been closely linked to Lambert, with Mario Balotelli another of the outsiders possibly poised to move on:
Firmino has arrived at Liverpool alongside Christian Benteke and Danny Ings this summer, while a fully fit Daniel Sturridge would still be expected to start under Rodgers.
Judging by that contest, Lambert's chances of first-team football look even slimmer than last term, but James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo insists there's no movement just yet:
Leicester finished the 2014-15 Premier League season in strong fashion to retain their top-flight status, but they are looking to furnish their squad with a more elite touch of class before starting afresh in a fortnight's time.
Despite his lack of prominence at Anfield, 33-year-old Lambert may still sit as a reliably staunch figure in attack, motivated to prove himself once again after falling out of favour with the Reds.
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