Sahin close to Liverpool switch as Rodgers eyes more signings
Liverpool are closing to signing Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin after beating off competition from Arsenal the Guardian understands.
The Turkey international is available on a season-long loan after a disastrous debut campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu as Jose Mourinho looks to make room for Luka Modric.
He managed just 10 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish champions following his switch from Borussia Dortmund last summer and is thought to be keen on a temporary move elsewhere.
Sahin is now expected to become Brendan Rodgers’ third signing since taking over the Anfield reins from Kenny Dalglish after welcoming Fabio Borini and Joe Allen to the club.
He faces fierce competition for the 23-year-old’s signature from the Gunners with Arsene Wenger able to offer him a regular starting spot and Champions League football.
However, Rodgers’ past relationship with Mourinho sees him holds significant advantage over his North London counterpart that could prove a deciding factor in where Sahin plays his football next season.
It’s also thought that Madrid are reluctant to let the player join a club that is also in the Champions League with Liverpool’s willingness to pay a significant proportion of his wages giving them the edge.
Rodgers is also hoping to strike a similar loan deal for Barcelona’s Cristian Tello after admitting he is still looking make some more signings before the transfer window closes.
“There has been contact and communication with the clubs. The team of people behind myself are working very, very hard in relation to those targets.
“We hope that within the next number of weeks those will bear fruit.
“The work has been continual right the way through to try and get in players that fit the profile of Liverpool and the team. Like I say, I would hope there would be a couple more signings before the end of August.”
