Liverpool Transfer News: Antonio Candreva Fee Quoted, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly been told to stump up £25 million if they’re to sign Lazio man Antonio Candreva.

According to Italian outlet Il Messaggero (h/t Aaron Flanagan of the Daily Mirror) the Reds and Barcelona have both shown interest in the 28-year-old winger. However, it’s noted by Flanagan that this valuation is an attempt to “fend off” any potential bids, as they are keen to keep their star man at the club for a while yet.

Here’s a look at why the Biancocelesti will be desperate to keep Candreva at the club, even in spite of a potential big offer from elsewhere:

The Italy international is certainly a unique player. Although he may not be the most prolific attacker, he is a menace to defenders going forward, always looking to commit opponents, surge down the outside and get dangerous balls into the box.

What sets Candreva apart from a lot of wingers is his reliable end product. Typically, he’s not involved in the final moments of a move, but when he gets time on the ball in advanced areas, he can pick out incisive passes. The Lazio man is also a major threat when shooting from distance and an expert in set-piece situations.

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Liverpool could certainly do with a player who offers such an array of quality in wide positions. Currently, Jordon Ibe is the only natural winger in the squad, and as noted by Fox Sports’ Keith Costigan, he remains a work in progress:

Candreva, a man who is in the peak years of his career, would bring a refreshed attacking impetus to the Liverpool team, not to mention qualities that could potentially get the best out of a forward such as Christian Benteke. However, Lazio’s reluctance to sell is likely to prevent any deal coming to fruition.

Reds Linked with William Carvalho

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Liverpool reportedly remain in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho, along with a host of European football’s other elite names.

That’s according to Italian publication Tutto Mercato (h/t Flanagan) who suggested that as well as the Anfield outfit, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Roma, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are all intent on landing the Portugal international. It’s noted in the piece that Carvalho has been offered a new contract by the Lisbon side that could see his release clause set at €60 million (£46 million).

For some, that’d be a price worth paying for this exceptional young footballer. Here’s a look at why he’s rated as one of the top prospects on the continent:

Carvalho has all the qualities you’d expect of quality holding midfield player. On the ball he has both composure and quality, while off it he can nudge opponents out of possession with his imposing somatotype, win aerial challenges and put in fierce tackles when required. 

As noted by Portuguese football journalist Jan Hagen, the 23-year-old has been in brilliant form recently, too:

Liverpool could certainly do with a player in this mould. Although manager Jurgen Klopp has plenty of midfield men to call upon, only Lucas Leiva is a natural sitting player. Given the Brazilian’s inconsistencies this campaign, the Reds need a more assured, dynamic and reliable presence pinning the team together.

But so do a lot of other top sides on the continent, and you suspect that when Carvalho does become available for purchase, there will be no shortage of potential suitors. If Liverpool aren’t in the UEFA Champions League next season, then wriggling their way to the front of that queue will be exceptionally difficult.