Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Gary Medel Rumours, Javier Manquillo Agrees Exit
July 25, 2015Latest speculation insists Inter anchor Gary Medel could make a Premier League return with Liverpool this summer, while the Reds are poised to cut ties with right-back Javier Manquillo.
According to Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Inter will allow Medel to leave the San Siro if they're able to complete a deal for Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo:
Eurosport cites Turkish website Galatasaray Gazetesi as reporting Melo has already agreed a two-year deal with the Nerazzurri in principle, but the two clubs are yet to meet on a transfer fee.
Speaking to Chilean newspaper El Mercurio (via Football Italia) earlier in the week, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio left no room for interpretation regarding the club's transfer stance on Medel:
Medel is not for sale. He’s a very important player for Inter. We’re very happy with what he did in the Copa America. Medel is not for sale. There have been no negotiations with Liverpool, or any club. He doesn’t have a precise asking price, because he’s not for sale.
The fact Ausilio mentioned Liverpool directly shows Inter officials are at least aware of the Reds' alleged interest, with Brendan Rodgers having already recruited James Milner in midfield this summer.
Medel has risen to become a reliable engine-room conduit in the Italian top flight, too, with OptaPaolo pointing out that no other Serie A player boasted a superior passing percentage last season:
The Chile international is known as an aggressor in his field, but he is more than a mere bulldog, having proven to show more nuanced aspects of his game during his stay at Cardiff City.
Should Melo's move to Milan go through as expected, it may loosen Inter's grip on Medel, who would bring a fierier temper to the Reds changing room than any midfielder they possess at present.
Manquillo Agrees Marseille Loan Deal
Following Glen Johnson's release from the club earlier this summer, Liverpool will see another right-back leave their ranks in the coming days, as Manquillo edges closer to Marseille.
The Atletico Madrid defender failed to thrive in the first half of a two-year loan spell at Liverpool, and Goal's Matthew Rogerson confirmed he's set for another temporary deal with Les Olympiens.
Having seen his loan at Anfield terminated early, Manquillo heads for Ligue 1 due to having "not enjoyed all the desirable minutes for his growth in football."
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson reveals Marseille will have the option to buy Manquillo as part of his move to the Stade Velodrome:
Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa needs reinforcements in defence following the releases of Rod Fanni and Jeremy Morel, who have joined Al-Arabi and Lyon, respectively.
Manquillo made just 10 Premier League appearances for the Reds last season and was a peripheral figure under Rodgers despite some initial promise in his development.
Liverpool will be hoping new arrival Nathaniel Clyne can make the right-back spot his own for years to come, while Manquillo's stint on Merseyside draws to a close.