By DAN KARELL
Few teams have been as busy this summer as Liverpool FC, and the Merseyside club are showing no signs of slowing down during the transfer window.
Liverpool are on the verge of signing Belgium National Team forward Divock Origi and Serbia and Benfica winger Lazar Markovic in deals that are estimated to cost around £35 million in transfer fees, according to reports in the English press. Origi has impressed in his first international tournament and Liverpool likely see the 19-year-old as a depth signing to play behind Daniel Sturridge.
Markovic meanwhile is coming off a strong year with Benfica and at age 20, is prime to move on to a bigger league and prove his talents in both the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool, who are expected to offload the mercurial striker Luis Suarez this summer, are also in talks to sign their third Southampton player of the summer, Dejan Lovren. Brendan Rodgers’ club have already wrapped up the signings of Ricky Lambert, Adam Lallana, and German youngster Emre Can.
Here are some more stories to start off your Monday:
REAL MADRID WEIGH SWAP FOR POGBA
In a move that looks oddly similar to trading of players in American sports, Real Madrid are willing to part with a prized asset if it means they can acquire Paul Pogba.
The French international is at the top of the list for many teams and Real Madrid are no exception. Juventus currently have the 21-year-old midfielder locked up until 2016 but manager Antonio Conte is an admirer of Angel Di Maria and would be willing to let Pogba leave in return for Di Maria and cash, according to reports in France.
Real Madrid are already reportedly bringing in another central midfielder in Toni Kroos this summer and are interested in acquiring James Rodriguez from Monaco, though the negotiations for that potential deal have not begun.
Di Maria suffered a thigh injury in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Belgium last Saturday and is more than likely going to miss the rest of the World Cup due to the injury. In addition to Juventus, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly highly interested in the Argentine star.
QUICK KICKS
Brazil have appealed Thiago Silva’s yellow card, though it looks very unlikely to be rescinded. (REPORT)
Galatasaray have appointed former Italy National Team head coach Cesare Prandelli as the Turkish club’s new head coach. (REPORT)
Former Arsenal and Chelsea left back Ashley Cole is on the verge of signing with AS Roma. (REPORT)
Young Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka has suffered a hamstring tear in a training match and will miss at least eight weeks of action. (REPORT)
Atletico Madrid are eying Zenit St. Petersburg midfielders Cristian Ansaldi and Axel Witsel. (REPORT)
Algeria National Team head coach Vahid Halilhodzic has resigned from his position, despite a plea from the president of the country. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Liverpool completing these deals? Do you expect to see Markovic and Origi play a lot during the season? How would Paul Pogba fit into Real Madrid’s squad if acquired?
Share your thoughts below.