Liverpool and Chelsea both need a good left-back in the summer. Last season, Cesar Azpilicueta (a natural right-back) performed well for the Blues in the left-back role but it was certain that the Spaniard was never going to play forever in that role for Chelsea. The need for a left-back is now the order of the day after the departure of Ashley Cole, who left the club following the expiry of his contract.
Likewise, Liverpool are also in the hunt of a solid left-back. Jon Flanagan, who is primarily a right-back was used as left-back last season in absence of Jose Enrique, who missed almost the whole season through injury.
The Reds have been heavily linked with Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno, but it seems the deal has hit a snag, as both the clubs are far apart in their valuation of the Spaniard. Liverpool haven’t given up on him yet, but are searching for options elsewhere, with the likes of Ryan Bertrand and Marcos Rojo are considered as potential targets.
Portuguese media reported extensively in the last few months that Liverpool scouts had watched Rojo on several occasions and were highly impressed with what they saw. Recently, O Jogo reported that Liverpool are willing to pay up to €20m for the Argentine defender, but Sporting are keen to wait until after the World Cup.
Chelsea are thought to be interested in Atletico Madrid’s highly rated Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis. Recent reports from Spain suggest that Atletico are unwilling to sell him unless his €24m buy-out clause is met, which Chelsea are unwilling to pay at the moment.
Today Portuguese newspaper A Bola claims that Chelsea have also joined the race to sign Marcos Rojo, who has impressed heavily during the World Cup. Sporting only own 25% of the player’s economic rights though, so they’re not willing to let him go on cheap.
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