Friday, February 15, 2013

Liverpool Join Battle For Sampdoria Starlet

Liverpool are the latest Premier League club to be linked with a move for Sampdoria starlet Mauro Icardi.

The Daily Mail claims Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has enquired about the player’s availability, as the 19-year-old continues to impress during his first season in Serie ‘A’.

Icardi was on loan from Barcelona at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris last term, as the Blucerchiati gained promotion through the play-offs from Serie ‘B’.

And, with eight goals in 18 Italian top-flight games, domestic rivals Napoli and Inter Milan have shown an interest.

However, both Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to bring the player to England, with the paper claiming both clubs have scouted the Argentine U20 international this season.

Indeed, Citizens chief Roberto Mancini made a personal check on the player during the recent 3-1 win against Roma, and was full of praise for his efforts in the match.

“He scored a great goal and moved very well and I must say I liked him,” said the Manchester City manager, fuelling speculation over a move from the Etihad Stadium outfit.

Spurs, meanwhile, are short of options in attack, with Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor the only senior players available to manager Andre Villas-Boas in the position.

And, whilst the Tottenham Hotspur chief is unable to strengthen for the remainder of the season, Icardi would certainly be one for the future whilst adding some immediate depth to the forward-line at White Hart Lane this summer.

Both clubs now face the challenge of Liverpool though, with the Merseysiders another team short of options in attack.

Daniel Sturridge moved to Anfield in January, but the England international joins Luis Suarez as the only threat through the middle for the Reds. Andy Carroll's return at the end of the season is also far from certain.

Icardi would again offer something more, whilst also continuing the Liverpool manager’s policy of spending on young talent.

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