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Liverpool Transfer News: Havard Nordtveit Announcement Expected, Latest Rumours
February 17, 2016
Liverpool target Havard Nordtveit has announced he's ready to make a decision on his Borussia Monchengladbach future in the coming weeks. Plus, Anderlecht's Dennis Praet is also being lined up for a summer switch to Merseyside.
Nordtveit is out of contract at the end of this season, and the versatile 25-year-old was quoted by the Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer, where he confirmed his future will be resolved soon: "I really meant (my future will be sorted in) weeks, not a week. Now my adviser is already currently on holiday, then we'll see. There is no new update."
The holding midfielder-cum-centre-back is the latest Bundesliga asset to reportedly draw the eye of former Borussia Dortmund chief Jurgen Klopp, who will also snatch Schalke's Joel Matip on a free this summer, it's been confirmed.
However, the Foals are still hoping Nordtveit will extend his stay at Borussia-Park, and Rimmer provided quotes from Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl, who told German newspaper Bild: "We made him a very, very good offer and I am still optimistic that we can keep Howie. When it comes to the money, (against Premier League teams) we have no chance."
Thanks to Nordtveit's contract situation, the Reds can perhaps afford to divert funds to the wages they're willing to offer the Norway international and tempt him toward the lucrative climate of the English top flight.
The 6'2" totem has featured in central defence for Borussia Monchengladbach this season, but his more prominent role has come in central midfield, and BT Sport recently showcased his attacking value:
Klopp is currently relying on the likes of Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and captain Jordan Henderson in the holding roles this season, but a cut-price move for Nordtveit would offer Liverpool another useful option in that area.
Nordtveit left Arsenal in 2010 without making a senior appearance for the Gunners. He has since gone on to make almost 200 appearances for Gladbach, and he now has a chance to show the north Londoners what they're missing.
Meanwhile, Anderlecht wonderkid Praet is also reportedly attracting attention from Anfield, and the Mirror reported the Reds are among the clubs "keeping tabs" on his progress (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson).
Kristof Terreur of Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws alleged Klopp has been monitoring the attacking midfielder since his days at Signal Iduna Park but added he's been shopped around Europe's top clubs:
According to Sanderson's report, Anderlecht have placed a £22.5 million price tag on their player, a substantial fee considering he's yet to be tested outside his native Belgium.
That being said, Praet has scored two goals in 18 total UEFA Champions League appearances, featuring for Anderlecht more than 150 times, and Liverpool may be wise to invest in his talents before they're beaten to the punch.