Monday, December 06, 2010

Liverpool Move For £10 Million New Torres Partner Given Go Ahead

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has admitted he would not stand in Johan Elamander’s way, should he wish to leave the club in January.

Elmander is Bolton's record-signing after joining the club from Toulouse for around £10 million in 2008, and the 29-year-old has been in magnificent goalscoring form of late – which has seen him linked heavily with a move to Liverpool.

The Sweden international could be available on a free transfer in the summer, but Bolton are reportedly prepared to cash-in come the New Year should one of his suitors meet their valuation.

And Coyle now admits that he would completely understand if Elmander decided to progress his career elsewhere.

"Ultimately, if and when - it's hypothetical at the moment - something came out and he said, 'I'd like to try that', I wouldn't have any problem with it," Coyle revealed, according to Sport.co.uk.

"He has been fantastic for me. The relationship I have got with him is great, it is very upfront and we are quite open with each other. If in January a top club, a Champions League club, came in for Johan, it would only be natural that he would turn his head at that.

"It's never going to faze me, I'm not going to get upset about it. Ultimately, Johan has to do the right thing for him and his family."

Elmander’s recent performances have led to Bolton launching a surprise assault on the Champions League places and have also reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.

Hodgson has made no secret of his desire to add more potency to his Anfield attack after admitting that Liverpool rely too heavily on Kop heroes Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.

And, with Torres' chequered injury history, Hodgson is keen to strengthen his striking ranks and is thought to be interested in bringing Elmander to Liverpool.

Should Liverpool decide to move for Elmander, they will reportedly have to fight off interest from Stoke and Newcastle.

Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo and Japan sensation Keisuke Honda have also been linked with January moves to Anfield as Liverpool look to bolster their attacking options.

No comments: