Liverpool defender Tiago Illori has been once again a transfer target after joining the Reds from Sporting Lisbon this summer as the La Liga side Valencia are preparing a loan move to bring the centre-back to Spain in January.
The London born Portuguese defender has failed to fit into Brendan Rodgers’ plan for this season. The 20 year old is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this term and has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Daniel Agger, Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel in the central defending position.
The Daily Mail report claims the Spanish side are trying to take Illori’s lack of first team opportunities at Anfield as an opportunity to lure the Portuguese U21 international to join them on a loan move in the winter transfer window.
Valencia have allowed their defender and Arsenal target Adil Rami join the Serie A giants AC Milan on a loan move and the Spanish side would be looking for a stop-gap replacement to fill in Rami’s position in the squad.
Should Valencia manage to land Ilori on a loan move in January, he could be an ideal replacement for Rami till the end of the season in their back four. The move also could be an opportunity for the Portuguese centre-back to showcase his talent to make his way into Liverpool’s first team for the next season.
Earlier in September, Illori was confident to get playtime under the former Swansea manager for the Reds’ first team.
“I hope I can carry on winning at Anfield. Every player wants to play whether it’s in the first team or the reserves,” Ilori told Liverpool’s official website.
“I want to get as many minutes as I can. I didn’t have a proper pre-season due to injuring my hand but it’s good to be back fit now. I’m enjoying it here. Brendan Rodgers seems like a great guy and a great coach.”
“I will do my best for the club. This is the best league in the world and it has always been a dream of mine to come and play here,” the defender stressed.
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