Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers plans £30m bid for Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder Willian
Brendan Rodgers is ready to capitalise on Anzhi Makhachkala's financial problems after renewing his interest in Willian, the Brazilian international. Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has targeted the midfielder for a potential £30 million move and has made an enquiry to the Russian club ahead of a possible bid before the transfer window closes.
Willian only moved to Anzhi in January from Shakhtar Donetsk but he has been put up for sale, together with all of his team-mates, due to a major financial restructuring that has been introduced to drastically cut costs.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has been a long-term admirer of the playmaker and will also consider making an offer, while Rodgers has turned his attentions to Willian as he attempts to make one significant signing this summer.
Liverpool have experienced frustration in their bids to sign Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa over the last two months but Willian has emerged as a genuine target for the Merseyside club.
Rodgers has spent around £24 million this summer but has been assured of further funds to make one marquee signing, regardless of whether Luis Suarez does depart Anfield, with the £5 million sale of Stewart Downing to West Ham United only serving to enhance his spending power.
Downing completed his move to London on Tuesday and has agreed a four-year contract, linking up with former Liverpool team-mates Andy Carroll and Joe Cole.
He said: "It's a great opportunity for me being here, it's a great club and I'm really excited to get going.
"I'm ready and I'm fit for the first game against Cardiff City (on Saturday). I've played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front."
The Telegraph I dont like to repeat myself, but in light of all the Willian hysteria i have to do it - there's NO guarantee he'll leave Anzhi this year
Which largely rests on the shoulders of Eto'o and Traore moves. If they go, he stays. So dont get your hopes up. Yet
IF Willian goes, then that wont be for 35m as some are thinking. Their owner lost half-a-billion euro in 2 days. why would he be greedy?
that is after investing quarter-of-a-billion in just 2 years. Do you think this "fire-sale" is just a rich man's play? Nope, he's in trouble
Liverpool are interested in Willian (who is keen to move to the Prem League). Whether they get him is another matter but they do want him.