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Friday Kickoff: Aquilani, Kuyt could leave Liverpool, Besiktas closes in on Robinho and more

Aquilani (Getty)

By TRAVIS CLARK

A pair of Liverpool midfielders could be on their way out of Anfield before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

Alberto Aquilani was a £20 million signing a year ago, and is now a surplus to requirements under new manager Roy Hodgson. Such is a year in the life of Aquilani, who is on the verge of leaving Liverpool on loan in exchange for first-team action back in his native Italy. Hodgson hasn't guaranteed the 26-year-old a spot in the starting lineup as reports suggest he could be on his way to Juventus.

Meanwhile, Dutch attacker Dirk Kuyt is reported to be weighing an offer to join up with old coach Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan. Benitez brought Kuyt to Liverpool back in 2006 for a £9 million fee.

Here are a few other stories for Friday morning:

ROBINHO TO JOIN TURKISH CLUB

Manchester City striker is drawing close to a move to Turkish club Besiktas, aiming to end his two-year stint in the Eastlands. City is hoping to gain back at least half of the £32.5 million they splashed out for the Brazilian striker, in a move with a reported fee of £16 million that could reach as high as £26 million, depending on his performance. If Robinho were to seal the move, he would be reunited with his old coach at Real Madrid, Bernd Schuster.

NEYMAR EXTENDS SANTOS DEAL

The Newymar-to-Chelsea story can be put to bed, at least for the time being. The latest Brazilian prodigy had been in a tug-of-war between his current club Santos and Chelsea, who were aiming to sign the 18-year-old attacker. However, the striker has rejected the move, and signed a new five-year deal that will keep him in Brazil for the time being.

REMY LANDS IN MARSEILLE

Another elongated transfer saga ended Thursday, as Marseille officially confirmed the acquisition of Nice striker Loic Remy. The deal took the 23-year-old French international to the defending Ligue 1 champions for a reported €15.5 million.

Remy will aim to jump-start Marseille's struggling Ligue 1 campaign, as the club has lost their first two games of the season. This assuming the transfer isn't halted by a heart condition uncovered during Remy's physical.

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What do you think of the Liverpool transfer rumors? Is Robinho the biggest bust ever? Will Neymar ever end up in Europe? Will Remy succeed with Marseille?

Share your thoughts below.

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