28 Sept 2015

Boss confirms: 'Tremendous' £65k-a-week Liverpool star is on our January 'transfer list'. Tapped-up?

Over the summer, Liverpool veteran Kolo Toure hinted that he'd quit Anfield unless he played more this season, but after almost two months of the new campaign, the ex-Arsenal star hasn't yet featured in the Premier League, with Brendan Rodgers restricting him to Europa League action. Given his prior comments, it's doubtful that Toure will be happy with that, and Turkish Super Liga side Antalyaspor may be about to try and capitalise on the Ivorian's lack of game time at Anfield.

In a recent interview with the Liverpool Echo, Toure noted:

"I am looking around and seeing what’s best for my family. It’s difficult when you don’t play a lot. I’m a competitor and I want to play more".

Speaking to African Football over the weekend, Antalyaspor Chairman Gultekin Gencer confirmed:

"Our transfer list is thick and includes the likes of Adebayor and Kolo Toure".

That's a rather brazen public admission from Gencer, and I doubt Liverpool will be impressed with such a shameless attempt to tap up one of the club's players.

It's doubtful that Liverpool will allow Toure to leave in January, though. With Dejan Lovren injured, and Tiago Ilori on loan, the Reds' central defensive options are a little thin on the ground, especially when it comes to experience.

That said, Can and Gomez are capable of playing as centre-halves, so if Toure - who reportedly earns £65k-a-week at Anfield - forces through a move, Liverpool will have cover, albeit significantly less experienced.

With Rodgers now reverting to three at the back, Toure will (in theory) have more chances to play, but it must be galling for the Ivorian to see Can repeatedly get the nod ahead of him.

I'd rather have Toure in the back three. Can made several glaring mistakes against Aston Villa (one of which led directly to a goal), and he's being played out of position, which seems silly when there's another dedicated centre-back in the squad.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge wants Toure to stay. In a recent column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldo hailed the defender as a 'humble man who loves Liverpool', adding:

"Wherever he [Toure] has been, the fans have loved him. Man City fans were singing his name at Anfield the other week. I’ve got the utmost respect for him. He’s a tremendous ambassador for the club".

Being an ambassador and a role model is one thing, but no footballer wants to rot away on the bench all season, and if Toure decides he wants to leave in January, who can blame him?

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Author: Jaimie K


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