Liverpool Round-Up: Failed move for Madrid striker; midfielder deal was nearly agreed; Spanish goalkeeper targeted

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Liverpool may have had a very quiet January transfer window, but AS report that the Reds had a loan approach for striker Mariano turned down by Real Madrid. The forward is expected to leave in the summer despite averaging a goal every 45 minutes this campaign.

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The 23-year-old Dominican Republic international would prefer to figure from the bench at the Bernabéu in the hope that it will increase his value ahead of the summer when an exit from Madrid is more likely.

The bigger signing though would have been a move for Paris Saint-German attacker Julian Draxler. The Mirror say that the German and Jurgen Klopp were keen on a deal which was progressing well until PSG’s interest gave the former Schalke man the opportunity to ramp up his wage demands, scuppering a potential switch.

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The winger would have been a very good addition to the Anfield front line, but the club were clearly not prepared to be held to ransom and pay wages above what they were willing to pay even for a player of his quality, meaning a star signing now looks to be delayed until the summer.

Another possible signing in the summer could be Real Betis goalkeeper and former Real Madrid man Antonio Adan. Marca claim that the 29-year-old has a £6.8 million release clause which is attracting interest from the Reds and French club Marseille.

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Whilst neither Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius have been particularly convincing or impressive this season, with the German failing to nail down a first team place, it is hard to see how Adan would represent an improvement on either. If one is allowed to leave then the Spaniard could be an option as back-up, but it’s hard to see the former Jose Mourinho favourite at the Bernabéu becoming Liverpool’s first choice.

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