In the Press: 20th August

While most newspapers have been reporting on Saturday’s disastrous defeat against West Brom, there are still several headlines about potential transfers both in and out of Anfield.

One of the first reports is from the Liverpool Echo and involves talented midfielder Jay Spearing. According to the local newspaper, Bolton have made an approach to Brendan Rodgers in an attempt to take the 23-year-old on loan for the remainder of the season. While there were hopes that Spearing could break into the Reds’ team this year, the fact he was not included in the 18-man squad for the West Brom game has reportedly brought other clubs to his attention. With Trotters manager Owen Coyle possessing a good track record with loan players over the years, Bolton could also be in a positive negotiating position for the switch.

The Echo also touched upon stories relating to Nuri Sahin and Cristian Tello. Various media outlets including the BBC and The Telegraph have reported that the former is closing in on a move to Arsenal, even though speculation last week suggested that Anfield was the expected destination. The situation regarding Tello has apparently completely changed as well, with the Barcelona winger apparently now in the first team plans of the Nou Camp outfit. This comes after he started Barca’s first game of the season against Real Sociedad and made a good impact as the team romped to a 5-1 victory.

In other news, the Daily Mail is reporting that Charlie Adam could be on the radar of top flight rivals Stoke. According to the newspaper, Tony Pulis is attempting to mastermind moves for three players and Adam is one of them. Whether or not there is any truth in the story is another matter though, as it was only last week that some sources were tipping Everton to make a move for the Scottish midfielder. Furthermore, with Adam telling the press at the weekend that he has no intention of leaving Anfield, it might prove extremely difficult to move the former Blackpool man out of Liverpool.

Finally, the Mirror are running a story that claims the Reds are set to offer Daniel Agger a new £80,000 a week contract in order to keep him at the club. Even though he was sent off and cost the club dearly in the defeat at the weekend, Rodgers is still a massive admirer of the 27-year-old and is desperate to tie him to a long-term contract. While Manchester City and Barcelona have expressed an interest in the player, the Mirror claims that Agger is very close to agreeing this new bumper deal.