Liverpool: Gabigol latest; Matip injury update; offer for defender accepted

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The Reds had been linked with a move for Brazilian winger Gabigol after he failed to settle in well at Inter Milan since a move from Santos in the summer. However, a move now seems unlikely after his agent Wagner Ribeiro said:

“He has a contract until 2021. The club have never spoken [to me] about loaning him out. Really, he has great potential. He only needs to be well focused because he is only 20. This may not be a problem and should be an advantage instead. Gabigol blends strength and talent. We hope that everything will work out better for him at Inter in 2017.”

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The Brazilian would have fit in well at Anfield given his goal tally and contribution from out wide, but it now seems that he won’t be on his way to Merseyside.

After a number of weeks on the sidelines, defensive lynchpin Joel Matip has provided a positive update as he revealed that he is hoping to return in time for the trip to Old Trafford next weekend, saying:

“It’s getting better and in a few days I hope I’ll be back in full training. That’s the plan but you never know how it will go. We are really positive and hope that this chapter is closed. It was my left ankle, a ligament was damaged. At the beginning it needed rest but after this I wanted to play too early… But now, I’m on a good way. I want to be fit and get on my way and be back but I don’t have a target to be in the squad. I want to be fitter and then the other things will come.”

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After a club versus country row, the Cameroonian will not play any role at the African Cup of Nations and is expected to be back in action for the Reds.

The news is of particular importance given that the club has accepted a bid worth £3.75 million for under 23 squad defender Tiago Ilori, say the Liverpool Echo. The Portuguese centre-back has only featured for Jurgen Klopp in cup games and has not played this season despite being tipped for greatness when signed by Brendan Rodgers in 2013 for £3.5 million.

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The 23-year-old has been out on loan at the likes of Granada, Bordeaux and Aston Villa but has failed to convince, with critics slamming his lack of concentration, but Ilori is still rated as an excellent defender who is good on the ball.

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