Liverpool Transfer News: Memphis Depay Rumours Emerge, Lucas Alario Boost

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to swoop for Manchester United flop Memphis Depay following reports the Red Devils are ready to sell the Netherlands forward just a year after bringing him to Old Trafford. Plus, the Merseysiders are interested in signing River Plate striker Lucas Alario.

Depay signed for United from PSV Eindhoven last summer for a fee of £25 million, and it's reported the Premier League giants are now ready to cut ties with the flop, according to the Mirror (h/t Daily Star's Jack Wilson).

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Liverpool are named in the report as one of the clubs interested in making a cut-price swoop for Depay, who brought plenty of promise to the Premier League after netting 28 goals for PSV last season.

The Mirror reported United manager Louis van Gaal has already "lost faith" in his former Netherlands charge, and the emergence of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard looks to have sealed his fate (h/t Sun's Lee Astley).

Depay, 22, initially had plenty of promise ahead of him at Old Trafford, and despite the two youngsters playing in different positions, Sky Sports Statto juxtaposed his progress with that of in-form Rashford:

Rather than persevere with their big-money signing next season, it appears United will cut their losses and look to cash in on Depay, whom Liverpool still believe can be a hit in the English top flight.

Squawka's Greg Johnson recently emphasised his belief that Depay was the latest victim of being over-hyped before his time:

Another who might bear that burden in the not-too-distant future is River Plate's Alario, who is a self-confessed fans of the Reds, it's emerged.

Argentinian website Infobae reported Liverpool are looking to cut a deal for the River Plate star, who spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca and said he already owns a Liverpool jersey (h/t Daily Star's Jonathan Green): "Yes, I have a shirt from them. I do career mode with that team [on the PlayStation]. I really like the colour red, I admit."

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Liverpool have reportedly offered £5.6 million for the 23-year-old, but River are thought to want closer to £8.5 million. Green provides further quotes from the attacker, who urged Liverpool to "contact" him when speaking to Argentinian broadcaster TyC Sports, saying "I'd like to play for Liverpool."

Alario has scored seven goals in 16 appearances this season, but a move may depend on who remains at Anfield this summer, with their squad already packed with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke.