Liverpool Transfer News: Dele Alli Failure Revealed, Latest Reds Rumours

It’s been revealed Liverpool missed out on signing Tottenham Hotspur starlet Dele Alli, as the club’s maligned transfer committee overruled former manager Brendan Rodgers.

Alli has been in superb form for Spurs this season and set pulses racing during his first start for England on Tuesday evening, slamming in a stunning opening goal in a 2-0 win over France. Tottenham fans rejoiced as a result, but it could have been the Reds supporters watching on in admiration, according to James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

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Brendan Rodgers monitored his progress closely and had him watched throughout the 2013/14 campaign. Rodgers received regular updates from MK Dons boss Karl Robinson, who had previously coached at Liverpool’s Kirkby Academy. …

The reviews were repeatedly glowing, with former Reds scout Mel Johnson pushing for a deal to be done. But when in the summer of 2014 Liverpool began to talk terms over a possible transfer, the fee kept on rising, as did the add-ons.

Rodgers was keen to get him on board but others members of the transfer committee weren’t convinced that Alli represented value for money. There was a feeling that he would need another 12 to 18 months to be ready for the demands of Premier League football.

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Despite those concerns, Alli, who Pearce revealed is a boyhood Liverpool supporter, has excelled in the top flight of English football. The former MK Dons man has a poise and composure on the ball that belies his tender years. In addition, as was evident for England in the clash against France at Wembley, he’s a tenacious footballer too.

As noted by football journalist Ian Watson, the stunning goal that Alli scored was made possible thanks to a tremendous tackle:

The transfer committee at Liverpool has been the source of much frustration among the club's supporters, and while it’s early days in his career yet, Alli is a player the Reds may watch on for years to come, lamenting their decision not to sign him. 

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At the moment, central midfield is not an area in which Liverpool are light. But having a boyhood fan bossing matches from the middle of the park in the iconic all-red strip would have stirred memories of Steven Gerrard. With that in mind, it seems as though this is a transfer the Reds will come to regret.

Liverpool Linked With Nicolas Nkoulou

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According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Joe Rimmer of the Liverpool Echo), Liverpool see Marseille man Nicolas Nkoulou as an option to bolster their defensive ranks. It’s suggested that the Cameroon international would cost around £8.5 million to bring in and is also said to be a target for both Chelsea and Lazio.

It’s an area of the field that has long been a concern for Liverpool. In addition, the team’s best defender, Mamadou Sakho, is currently out injured, meaning the Reds may have to call upon the much-maligned Dejan Lovren.

With that in mind, Nkoulou would be a sensible target for the Reds. Here’s a look at what he could potentially offer at Anfield:

Since joining Marseille in 2011, Nkoulou has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s premier defenders. Not only is he a physical centre-back who relishes battles with centre-forwards, he’s also a player who reads the game well and someone who would add vital depth.

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Klopp will be acutely aware of how important it is to sort out this Liverpool defence. While a lot of his principles are geared around exciting attacking play, it’s vital the German has sturdy foundations upon which to build a high-pressing side. Therefore, Nkoulou would definitely be a step in the right direction.