Liverpool Close to Signing Two Defenders from Spanish Football

Liverpool are set to take their summer spending beyond the £100 million mark after reportedly getting close to signing two more defenders. Chief executive Ian Ayre is reportedly in discussions with Sevilla and Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Alberto Moreno and Javi Manquillo respectively.

Moreno was subjected to transfer interest from Liverpool a few months ago, but Sevilla confirmed in June that negotiations had stalled and there was no possibility of a revival. Keen to strengthen the defensive area, Liverpool appear to have revived this deal and are now looking to spend around €20 million on the Europa League winner. After playing second fiddle to JuanFran, Manquillo will be allowed to leave Atletico is the price is right.

Liverpool are set to bring the 20-year-old on a loan deal initially, but this could be converted into a permanent deal for £6 million if the Premier League giants are happy with his performances. 

Left back has been problematic position for Brendan Rodgers. The problems escalated after Jose Enrique suffered several injury complications in the second half of last season. Keen to address this issue ahead of what promises to be a packed campaign, Liverpool are ready to bring in these two players.

Liverpool recently took their summer spending beyond the £80 million after the £20 million signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton. Even though they have recouped most of the fees from the sale of Luis Suarez, the commitment towards strengthening the squad does not appear to have waned. Suarez was sold to Barcelona for £75 million.

The six new additions to the Liverpool squad provide Brendan Rodgers with enough options to rotate the squad without any substantial decrease in quality. This will be key in a campaign that sees the return of Champions League football and the associated midweek matches.

Culled from SWOL