Liverpool are ready to offer £17.1 million for Newcastle United star Moussa Sissoko, reports Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web.
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Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the 25-year-old, according to the Daily Express.
However, with a contract at St. James’ Park that runs until 2019, it could be difficult to prise the player away despite the added allure of European football at the trio of teams. The Gunners and the Pensioners may both beat the Reds to a move, as they are in the Champions League next season.
The Merseysiders are ready to make a move for the player though, and are hoping their bid will be enough to tempt the North East club into selling. This would be a major move after the midfielder’s great performances for the Toon in recent seasons.
During the last campaign the France international scored five goals in 38 games, playing in attacking midfield for the majority of the campaign.
Were the Merseyside club to sign Sissoko it is likely he would feature in a deeper role, perhaps as a replacement for the departing Steven Gerrard. The Anfield legend played 708 times for the team over the last 17 years, scoring 186 times and helping the club to various trophies. As such, it will take some doing to replace the midfielder, and Sissoko could be part of a larger plan from Brendan Rodgers rather than a straight swap.
The Gunners would likely also want to play the central midfielder further back, alongside Francis Coquelin. His fellow Frenchman has been a revelation for the North-London side since returning from a loan at Charlton Athletic, but could do with a partner in the middle of the park. Sissoko could add some attacking thrust to the defensive solidity the 24-year-old has brought.