Despite having five internationals already vying for places in central midfield, Liverpool are reportedly considering a January move for Lazio captain Lucas Biglia, who is also wanted by Real Madrid and Valencia.
The Reds have been linked with Biglia several times time the past, and reports in Italy today claim that Biglia is on Jurgen Klopp's transfer wish-list.
When asked recently about his long-term future, Biglia - nicknamed 'El Principito' - confirmed that he's keeping his options open:
"Will I definitely stay now that I have the armband? I don't know. It doesn't depend on me, but the captaincy represents a reward for me and I'm proud of it".
Some info bout Biglia:
* 29-year old defensive midfielder, whose current contract expires in 2018.
* Jurgen Klopp reportedly tried to sign Biglia for Dortmund in 2013.
* Anderlecht: 65 goals/assists in 287 games (Goal/assist every 4.4 games).
* Lazio: 17 goals/assists in 69 apps for Lazio (Goal/assist every 4 games).
* 34 appearances for the Argentina national team.
* Won 9 trophies with Anderlecht, including 4 league titles.
* Big fan of ex-Red Xabi Alonso. During the 2012-13 season, Biglia enthused: "I like Xabi Alonso. For me, he is what gives balance to Real Madrid and Spain. He is a role model."
* Jul 2015: Real Madrid made a £15m bid for Biglia, but Lazio are reportedly holding out for £20m.
* Sep 2015: Lazio boss Stefano Pioli's assessment: "Biglia is a special player in terms of tactics, technique, and presence on the field. He gives us something extra".
Last week, Klopp confirmed that defensive stability is his immediate priority at Anfield, so it makes sense to sign another dedicated DM.
Unfortunately, like so many other Liverpool transfer targets, Biglia regularly suffers injury problems:
* 9 separate injuries in the last two seasons, including a persistent calf muscle injury, and an adductor tear.
* 170 days on the sidelines (31 games missed). Biglia is currently out of action again with a hamstring injury.
Over the last two seasons, Biglia has made exactly the same number of appearances of Lucas Leiva(who is also increasingly injury prone), which suggests that in fitness terms, he's not a significant upgrade on the Brazilian.
On the attacking front, however, Biglia is a clear upgrade on Lucas, and a career average of a goal/assist every 4 games is excellent for a defensive midfielder.
I can't see FSG sanctioning £20m for a player who'll be 30 on his next birthday, and Lazio are living in fantasy land if they think they'll get anywhere near that amount.
Worth a bid?
Author: Jaimie K
The Reds have been linked with Biglia several times time the past, and reports in Italy today claim that Biglia is on Jurgen Klopp's transfer wish-list.
When asked recently about his long-term future, Biglia - nicknamed 'El Principito' - confirmed that he's keeping his options open:
"Will I definitely stay now that I have the armband? I don't know. It doesn't depend on me, but the captaincy represents a reward for me and I'm proud of it".
Some info bout Biglia:
* 29-year old defensive midfielder, whose current contract expires in 2018.
* Jurgen Klopp reportedly tried to sign Biglia for Dortmund in 2013.
* Anderlecht: 65 goals/assists in 287 games (Goal/assist every 4.4 games).
* Lazio: 17 goals/assists in 69 apps for Lazio (Goal/assist every 4 games).
* 34 appearances for the Argentina national team.
* Won 9 trophies with Anderlecht, including 4 league titles.
* Big fan of ex-Red Xabi Alonso. During the 2012-13 season, Biglia enthused: "I like Xabi Alonso. For me, he is what gives balance to Real Madrid and Spain. He is a role model."
* Jul 2015: Real Madrid made a £15m bid for Biglia, but Lazio are reportedly holding out for £20m.
* Sep 2015: Lazio boss Stefano Pioli's assessment: "Biglia is a special player in terms of tactics, technique, and presence on the field. He gives us something extra".
Last week, Klopp confirmed that defensive stability is his immediate priority at Anfield, so it makes sense to sign another dedicated DM.
Unfortunately, like so many other Liverpool transfer targets, Biglia regularly suffers injury problems:
* 9 separate injuries in the last two seasons, including a persistent calf muscle injury, and an adductor tear.
* 170 days on the sidelines (31 games missed). Biglia is currently out of action again with a hamstring injury.
Over the last two seasons, Biglia has made exactly the same number of appearances of Lucas Leiva(who is also increasingly injury prone), which suggests that in fitness terms, he's not a significant upgrade on the Brazilian.
On the attacking front, however, Biglia is a clear upgrade on Lucas, and a career average of a goal/assist every 4 games is excellent for a defensive midfielder.
I can't see FSG sanctioning £20m for a player who'll be 30 on his next birthday, and Lazio are living in fantasy land if they think they'll get anywhere near that amount.
Worth a bid?
Author: Jaimie K
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