After getting linked to virtually every single player in the world, who is remotely associated with the left side of the defence, Liverpool are now eyeing a move for Uruguayan full-back Alvaro Pereira.
The catastrophic failure of Hodgson signing Paul Konchesky and the recurring injuries to Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger have led Dalglish and Co. to realise the importance of a first-choice experienced left-back. Kenny is keen to part with the Reds’ Achilles heel and is willing to splash out a massive €20m (£17.5m) to land the classy Porto left-back. The Reds need to plug this defensive flaw in their team setup after having tried as many as five players in that position last season, ranging from Paul Konchesky (now at Leicester City) to Fabio Aurelio, Jack Robinson, Glen Johnson and Danny Wilson.
The 25-year-old – who is in the classic wing-back mould – has been one of Uruguay’s stars of the Copa America so far, scoring twice during the competition. Pereira’s defensive stature coupled with his keen eye for goals has helped his nation into Copa America’s final. Pereira is widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs in the world and he played a vital role in Porto’s treble last season.
After failing to land Gael Clichy and with Jose Enrique holding out for a move to Arsenal, it seems that the vastly experienced 25-year old Uruguayan may be the final piece in the puzzle for the Merseysiders. Kenny is a shrewd man and knows the importance of getting the squad together as soon as possible. But, he may have to trim the size of his squad and get rid of some deadwood before he invests again.
Serbian winger Milan Jovanovic seems certain to leave the fields of Anfield Road and is reportedly in discussions with Belgian club Anderlecht to end his cameo in England. Argentinean defender Emiliano Insua also appears set to leave Liverpool while midfielder Joe Cole has also been linked with a move away to either Tottenham or newly promoted QPR.
With Liverpool having already shown tremendous resolve to land their summer targets, the pursuit of Alvaro Pereira may reach fruition, eventually. Liverpool’s new owners FSG have backed Kenny and Comolli tremendously, both financially and mentally this summer, and will not hesitate in funding yet another big money move.
Whether Kenny will be able to land Pereira or lure the German international Jansen to Anfield in a bargain deal remains to be seen, but the only thing constant is the positivity surrounding Anfield.