Liverpool Transfer News: Dries Mertens Blow, Latest Mario Suarez Rumours

Napoli star Dries Mertens is reportedly ready to commit his future to the club, despite previously being linked with a move to Liverpool.

According to reports in Italy (h/t talkSPORT) the player’s representatives are set to open negotiations over a new deal, potentially scuppering interest from the Reds and Southampton, who have previously said to be interested in the Belgian international. It’s suggested in the piece that both teams made “tentative enquiries" about a possible transfer.

Here's a look at what the 28-year-old winger would be able to add to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side in January:

It’s little surprise the Partenopei are so keen to keep Mertens at the San Paolo. The Belgian is an exciting footballer at his best, capable of operating on either flank and off the centre-forward. In 2014-15, he was one of Napoli’s star performers, chipping in with six goals and seven assists in Serie A.

Admittedly, this season hasn’t been the best for the former PSV Eindhoven man, starting just two top-flight games. Even when things have been going well, Mertens has looked frustrated when out on the field too, per 101 Great Goals:

So reports suggesting he’s to sign a new deal will come as a shock to some. At the age he’s currently at, Mertens will want to be playing regular football. And at the moment, Napoli aren’t offering him guaranteed minutes. Perhaps that’s something that will come more frequently after committing his future to the club.

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Liverpool could certainly do with a player who has such an incisive playing style, especially given the scarcity of genuine wingers in the current squad. Any chance of bringing Mertens in looks as though it’s passed them by, though.

Mario Suarez Wants Liverpool Move

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Spain international midfielder Mario Suarez is reportedly ready to force through a move to Liverpool in the midseason window, as he struggles for playing time at Fiorentina, according to reports in Italy (h/t talkSPORT).

The destructive midfielder signed with La Viola from Atletico Madrid during the summer window. While Paulo Sousa’s side have started the campaign with a swagger, it’s a rich vein of form that the 28-year-old has only really played a small part in. Indeed, he’s only made two starts in Serie A this season.

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The base of the midfield is definitely an area that the Reds need to improve, and with Suarez becoming increasingly marginalised, he could make for an excellent addition. Nooruddean Choudry of Joe.co.uk thinks it’s a facet of the squad Klopp will look to strengthen quickly:

Indeed, while Lucas Leiva has been impressive since the German took over, the Reds could definitely do with an upgrade in this area of the field. Emre Can, James Milner, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson are all players capable of operating in a defensive-midfield role, but none of them are natural fits for the position.

As we can see here, courtesy of WhoScored.com, Lucas plays a vital role for the Reds, despite his inconsistencies when it comes to form and fitness:

Suarez has all the tools to thrive in English football. At Atletico, he was a vital part of Diego Simeone’s squad, showcasing physicality, defensive acumen and sharp passing in the centre of a hugely intense side. Fiorentina seemed to have picked up a major coup when they landed him in the summer, but they’ve yet to see in earnest what the midfielder is capable of doing.

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Of course, it does often take players time to settle into a new division, new playing style and a new culture, meaning we shouldn’t write off Suarez’s Fiorentina career quite yet. However, should things fail to improve for the former Atletico man closer to the January window, rumours about a possible exit will carry much more sway.