Liverpool’s hopes of signing Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka on the seocnd attempt have suffered a blow as the Ukrainian club’s President was quoted saying he would rather sell the winger to Tottenham.
Reports from the Ukrainian press say Igor Kolomoisky is currently in negotions with Tottenham over the potential signing of the highly rated winger, whom they tried to sign last January. Kolomoisky has also urged the 24 year old to consider a move to London over Liverpool as a preferable place to live.
‘I certainly understand that the big clubs like Liverpool try to do everything on the last day [of the transfer window],’ he is reported to have said. ‘But this time it did not work. That is we ran into technical problems, and Liverpool failed with their bid.
‘I talked with Konoplyanka. Of course, he had regrets, but [the move to Liverpool] failed purely due to technical reasons.
‘Not criticising Liverpool but if I’m interested in a player, like they were in final days, I’d do it on or two weeks before [the window closes].
‘I’m talking with Tottenham president [Daniel Levy]. He wants Konoplyanka. We’re negotiating and we may even be close to signing a contract if Yevhen agrees.
‘If I was in Konoplyanka’s place I’d choose Tottenham. London, not Liverpool. Football is 90 minutes on the field, maybe two matches per week, but the rest of a footballer’s time should be living somewhere nice. London city life is preferable to Liverpool.
‘Negotiations with the Tottenham are on an entirely different level [to Liverpool’s] approach. Overall it’s all grown-up with an understanding of the interests of the player and the club
‘Two different worlds, two different lifestyles, although one country and one Premier League.’
By Phil Wellbrook
