Liverpool Transfer News: Morata, Montoya, Kouyate And Milosevic Linked In Latest Rumors

Liverpool are thought to have become the latest club to join the hunt for Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. The Spain Under-21 international has been strongly linked to Arsenal in recent days with speculation claiming that they are keen to take him on loan until the rest of the season. However, Madrid-based sports daily Marca, has reported that Liverpool are keenly monitoring the situation.

It is likely to prove a fruitless chase for Liverpool, at least this month, with Carlo Ancelotti confirming in recent days that no players will be moving in or out of the Bernabeu in the January transfer window. It would likely take Morata, whose playing time has been further limited by the emergence of fellow youngster Jese in recent weeks, to try and force through a move for either a temporary or permanent deal to go through before the summer. And recent comments by the player suggest he is keeping his options open.

"Real has been my team since I was little and will be all my life, but I think the important thing is to have a relevant role in the team,” he told magazine Minuto 116, according to Marca.

“If I ever feel that's not the case, I would look at other options. In football, it's very difficult to stay at the top and even more so in a team like Real."

It is easy to see why Morata would appeal to Brendan Rodgers, with the 21-year-old being just the type of young, technically gifted player the Liverpool boss wants to build his squad around. Morata can also play as a wide forward as well as through the middle.

There has also been further discussion this week about another young Spaniard linked to the Reds. As talks over a new contract with Glen Johnson continuing to stall, a new right-back is believed to be in Rodgers’ thoughts. Barcelona ‘s Martin Montoya is said to feature high on the list of targets with the 22-year-old’s contract set to expire one year earlier than Johnson’s, this summer.

Montoya has been getting plenty of action recently in the absence through injury of Dani Alves, but has said that he remains relaxed about his situation.

“There is no hurry for me to sign a new deal," he said, according to Sky Sports. "Now I am at the best club in the world and I learn each day from Dani Alves. I believe that the negotiations are on the way but without pressure."

Despite appearing to be more than well stocked for in the center of their defense, Liverpool have also been linked to two center backs. Anderlecht’s Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate, who has also been deployed in midfield, has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League over the past 18 months and his agent has confirmed that there have been approaches from both Liverpool and Arsenal.

“I have been in talks with representatives from Liverpool and Arsenal over Cheikhou Kouyate,” Saffet Balkan was quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "Arsenal are very interested in Kouyate. It’s very likely that he’ll be joining a Premier League club soon."

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds have also been alerted by the news that Sweden international defender Alexander Milosevic is angling for a move to the Premier League. The 21-year-old’s contract at Swedish club AIK expires in the summer and he could be available for a cut-price deal this month.

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