Analysing the transfer gossip – 23rd July: Part One

Liverpool are hopeful of closing a loan deal for Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho. The Reds would pay an initial loan fee of around £850,000 for the 25-year-old with an agreement to pay a further £3.5m to buy the player outright next summer.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Liverpool clearly feel they can upgrade on Jose Enrique even despite the presence of talented young left back Jack Robinson.

Does it make sense? Meh. Again, the question with Liverpool is, what are they building towards? Are they hoping to construct a team that can win the league in time or just to scrap for the top four? Cissokho is energetic and quick, both useful qualities for the modern full back but is he a massive upgrade?

Is the price right? It’s cheap enough yes, certainly compared to the fees they’ve paid for other players in recent years.

Will it happen? 9/10 – Seems to be inevitable now.