Coral’s Rumour Reel: Klopp close to first Reds recruits

Matt Haynes | December 18, 2015

Off the Mark

Liverpool, 11/10 with Coral for a top four finish, are reportedly close to completing the transfer of 19-year-old midfielder Marko Grujic after chief executive Ian Ayre flew out to Serbia to negotiate a £5m deal for the Red Star Belgrade player, as the Reds look ahead to the second half of the Premier League campaign.

While he will officially sign in January, the Serbian starlet, who is one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, will be loaned back to his current club until the summer.

“I’ll try to respect the club, the fans and the general public, but again I think that for myself I have to choose the best environment where I get the chance to play and where I work with good coaches in good conditions,” Grujic said.

“It is certain that I remain here until the end of qualifying for the Champions League. I had a talk with Liverpool but I did not receive yet any agreement. I’m still a Red Star player.”

The Reds are also understood to be tracking Schalke centre back Joel Matip with the 24-year-old talent likely to join on a free transfer in the summer.

Townsend tussle

Meanwhile, Tottenham winger Andros Townsend is thought to be at the heart of a bidding war between fierce rivals West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, with both clubs set to go toe-to-toe in order to secure the player’s signature in January.