Liverpool Transfer News: Ilkay Gundogan and Alberto Moreno Comment on Rumours

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has addressed rumours about his future, revealing admiration for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as he considers the next phase of his career.

The Germany international told Sport Bild (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star) he wants to help BVB back into the Champions League but that he will take his time about whether he decides to stay with the Westfalenstadion giants:

"

There are no new developments as of yet. I am feeling very well at BVB and I know what I have at this club.

I know that I will have to deal with the matter of my future at some point and that people expect me to make a decision. I want to deal with this situation in a respectful way and will sit down with the Dortmund management first and make a decision.

But I do not know when that moment will be yet.

"

Asked about Liverpool specifically, Gundogan replied: "Liverpool? They have a good team, a great coach."

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Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) reported Juventus want to acquire Gundogan's services, but Luke Gardener of the Daily Star said the Reds will also challenge for his signature with Barcelona as Klopp looks to sign one of his former BVB aces.

Klopp's impressive start to life in the Liverpool hot seat continued on Wednesday night, as his team thrashed Southampton 6-1 in their League Cup quarter-final at St Mary's Stadium. The game saw the return of Daniel Sturridge, who netted twice in a four-minute spell, and a hat-trick for Divock Origi.

The German has afforded himself time to mould the starting XI after proving very early on what he can achieve, and the addition of Gundogan would bring technicality and efficiency to Liverpool's core.

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Origi spoke to the club's official magazine (h/t Gardener) about training under the new boss and what Klopp brings to the table at Anfield: 

"

Every trainer has his own way of managing and his own methods.

The thing I like is that he's very direct and can show his plan and convince everybody with his ideas very quickly. 

That is the one thing that struck me from the start of his training sessions: he is very clear in his way of explaining and his vision.

"

Gundogan was one of the most prized midfielders in Europe before injury robbed him of 13 months of his career between 2013 and 2014, as noted by Sky Sports, and it took the player time to readjust to life in the Bundesliga.

No one knows the talented German better than Klopp, and he is once again one of BVB's most important operators.

Gundogan has featured 18 times for Dortmund in the Bundesliga and Europe combined this term, according to WhoScored.com, and his capture could take Liverpool to the next level as they attempt to finish in the top four. 

Klopp's presence at Liverpool will likely be key if the Reds make an approach for the 25-year-old, who could be one of the club's best signings in many years if he opts to head to the Premier League. 

Moreno Distances Himself From Madrid

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Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno has said he has no idea whether Real Madrid want him and that he has not been involved in dialogue about a return to La Liga.

Moreno told radio station Cadena Cope (h/t the Liverpool Echo's Kristian Walsh) he doesn't know whether rumours of Madrid's interest in him are true: “I have never had anything serious with them—not me, not my brothers or representatives. I have not found out about that [Real Madrid interest], I do not know whether that is true.”

However, the player's agent, Javier Moya, has said Moreno would be "happy" if the Galacticos made an approach, speaking to radio station 4G (h/t Walsh): 

"

If Real Madrid were to make an offer that would make him really happy, but Liverpool would have to take the first step.

If a team as important as Real Madrid were to speak with us and Liverpool were satisfied with the operation, we would talk.

Inquiring about an important player is logical, that is normal. Important teams from Spain and other places are asking. It’s difficult.

Everyone knows the importance of Real Madrid but Liverpool have five European Cups.

"

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Moreno's comments are noncommittal, but his agent appears to be inviting more concrete communication if former Reds boss Rafael Benitez wants the full-back at the Bernabeu.

The defender has had a renaissance since Klopp's arrival in October, and his ability to attack is a major plus point for the German coach as he teaches his new team to counterpunch. 

Moreno was rated as one of the best young full-backs in Europe when he arrived at Anfield, rivalling Manchester United's Luke Shaw, and the Premier League is waiting to see the very best from the Spaniard.

However, it appears impossible for Spanish players to resist the allure of their country's two biggest clubs, and when Real call for them, a transfer is usually the end result.