Liverpool are eyeing up Real Madrid utility man Hamit Altintop as a possible replacement for Dirk Kuyt, as manager Kenny Dalglish looks to reshuffle his squad this summer.
Reds boss Dalglish is targeting up to five new signings when the transfer window opens at the end of the season, but wants to maximize his budget by moving on several of the club's under-performing high earners, including Dutch forward Kuyt, who has only managed two goals in 26 Premier League appearances this season.
Bundesliga outfit Hamburg has already made tentative enquiries over the 31-year-old, but Liverpool baulked at their £1million offer, and has told them to triple it before talks will continue.
Kuyt, who is poised to play a key role for Holland at Euro 2012, is a clear favourite on Merseyside - noted for his versatility and strong work ethics - but Dalglish has already lined up a suitable replacement, in the form of Real Madrid's Altintop.
The Turkey star is ready to quit the Spanish champions at the end of the season, having only played five times following his free transfer move from Bayern Munich last summer.
Altintop had enjoyed eight successful years in German football before that, turning out for the likes of Wattenscheid, Schalke and then Munich, operating in a number of different positions, including right back, holding midfield and on the wing.
Liverpool are now keen to benefit from that experience and versatility, with rumours in Spain that a bid of £2 million would be enough to tempt Madrid into parting with the 29-year-old, who's current contract runs until 2015.
Hamit is not the first Altintop to be linked with the Reds, after twin brother Halil was reported to be close to a switch to Anfield two seasons ago, only for talks to break down.
No comments:
Post a Comment