Today’s Liverpool transfer news and gossip.
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Balotelli won’t sign in time for Man City debut
Liverpool look unlikely to complete a deal to sign AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli in time for him to make his debut against his old club Manchester City, according to BBC Sport.
The Italian international looks set to make a £16m move to Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, but he would need to sign by Friday to make his first Reds appearance in their next game against City.
Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, with Liverpool keen to have assurances over his behaviour and discipline, with a five-year contract ready for the 24-year-old.
SEE MORE: Balotelli transfer news.
Arsenal & Chelsea wanted Balotelli
Arsenal and Chelsea were also interested in signing Liverpool-bound Mario Balotelli this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The two London clubs have been targeting signings upfront for much of this transfer window, with the Gunners instead opting to sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, while the Blues have brought in Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.
Still, the Reds have done well to win the race for a top quality centre-forward after he attracted so much interest from big clubs around Europe.
Liverpool linked with Fulham youngster dubbed ‘new Messi’
Liverpool have been linked with a move for exciting Fulham youngster Patrick Roberts, who has been compared with Barcelona star Lionel Messi, according to London24.
The 17-year-old made two appearances for Fulham in the Premier League as they were relegated last season, and is now a regular for the side in the Championship.
However, Cottagers manager Felix Magath has ruled out selling the England prodigy, or any other of the team’s key players.
Reds also eyeing ‘new Ibrahimovic’
Liverpool have also been linked with another highly exciting youngster in the form of Anderlecht’s teenage striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Metro.
The Reds have been busy in the transfer market this summer, signing promising young players such as Alberto Moreno from Sevilla and Lazar Markovic from Benfica.
Mitrovic, 19, has been watched by Liverpool scouts in great detail in recent months and could be the next target on Brendan Rodgers’ list of players to come in.Liverpool target wanted by Atletico Madrid
Liverpool could be set to miss out on the signing of Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has been linked as a top target for Atletico Madrid, according to Marca.
The Spanish champions are the latest side to show an interest in the highly-rated Swiss international, who has struggled for regular first-team football since joining Bayern from FC Basel a couple of years ago.
Liverpool had been linked as potential suitors for him this summer, though their interest may have cooled with the additions of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic in the wide areas.
SEE ALSO: Top 20 best young footballers.