Manchester City star and Liverpool target Stevan Jovetic is getting closer to a move to Inter Milan after the two clubs held talks over a transfer, reports the Daily Star.
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Liverpool are also supposed to be interested in the 25-year-old, but could miss out on his signature. This will be a major blow for manager Brendan Rodgers, who continues to search for a player to solve their goalscoring problems. Those issues were part of why the Northern Irishman’s side was only able to finish sixth last season, dropping out of the Champions League places.
The Reds have struggled to net freely since the departure of Luis Suarez, and injuries to Daniel Sturridge haven’t helped either. Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli were signed, and Fabio Borini returned from a loan at Sunderland last summer in efforts to replace the Uruguayan, but the trio managed a paltry eight goals between them in the subsequent campaign.
Even so, the Merseyside outfit are willing to offer £16m for the Montenegro international, say the Star, but still seem to be behind the Nerazzurri in proceedings. Should they miss out it may mean that the Anfield side have to pay more than double that price to sign Aston Villa ace Christian Benteke. The Daily Express have reported that manager Brendan Rodgers is ready to trigger the Belgian’s £32.5m release clause.
However, the 24-year-old may be worth the extra cash, having proved that he can be relied on for goals in the Premier League. In three years with the Villans he has scored 42 times in the top flight, which is very favourable when compared to Jovetic’s eight in 28 matches for the Sky Blues. The former Fiorentina man has struggled to make an impact in English football, and a return to Italy may be best for him.