The spending looks set to continue at Anfield.
There is a tinge of the familiar to the names mentioned in today’s gossip columns.
Daily Express lead with news that Liverpool are ready to trigger the £32.5m release clause on Christian Benteke’s Aston Villa contract. The Reds are still in desperate need of a doughty striker and one that can score regularly.
We have already debated the merits of such a move and the reactions of Liverpool supporters to it. There will be more debate if the switch goes ahead.
One person who definitely is training at Melwood, this week, is Raheem Sterling. The want-away winger reported for pre-season training this morning but is still hopeful of a move away.
The Telegraph believe Manchester City still lead the chase for Sterling and report that the player would get a signing-on bonus of £4m if City were to match Liverpool’s £50m valuation.
David de Gea has also shown up for pre-season training, at Manchester United, but, Daily Mirror tell us, Louis van Gaal is lining up a move for Stoke’s Asmir Begovic as a back-up.
Former France coach Raymond Domenech, meanwhile, has urged Morgan Schneiderlin to move to Old Trafford. He told The Sun that any deal taking him to Manchester United could see him prosper on the world stage.
Arsenal have contacted Barcelona about their attacking midfielder, Pedro. Capped 51 times by Spain, the 27-year-old was forced to settle for a supporting role at Barca, last season, and The Independent believe he is open to a Premier League switch.
We were surprised to see QPR’s Charlie Austin linked to so few clubs. Newcastle seem to be his most likely destination but the tight-fisted Toon directors are not over-eager to pay out £12m for him.
Tottenham want Monaco striker Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, according to The Star, but will have to pat £18m to get hold of the 21-year-old.
Carrasco and Pedro, welcome to the merry-go-round.
