Reds want to sign star-midfielder in January
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp wants to go against Empoli’s orders by signing midfielder Riccardo Saponara in January, rather than waiting until the summer.
The Serie A side have made it clear in recent interviews that they don’t want to sell anyone halfway through the campaign, but Saponara is attracting interest from bigger clubs, including Liverpool and Juventus.
However, Empoli‘s sporting director Marcello Carli is adamant that the club won’t be selling anyone in January and will wait until the summer to make decisions regarding departures.
Hands-off Warning
“No-one will move in January,” Carli told Calciomercato. “We’ll keep all our players. Then in June we’ll evaluate any offers that come in, in line with club policy.
“We’re used to rumours about our players, it means we’re doing well. Saponara in particular is an important player for us, and his absence [through suspension] is weighing heavily.
“You have to see the positives in every situation though, and without Riccardo some interesting young players have had the chance to prove their quality.”
Despite the hands-off warning made by Carli, Jurgen Klopp is keen on signing the midfielder and could lodge a £14million bid in the New Year in the hope they can persuade the Italian outfit to sell.
Liverpool are desperate to get a deal done quickly so that they can beat Juve to the signing.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
