19 May 2016

Anfield-bound? Liverpool Reps flying out to watch 'fantastic' €16m striker. Klopp wants swap deal

Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move for AC Milan star M’baye Niang, and reports this week suggest that Jurgen Klopp is actively pursuing a deal for €16m-rated attacker.

According to the Daily Mail this week:

"Liverpool and Tottenham will watch AC Milan striker M'Baye Niang in the Coppa Italia final at the weekend. Liverpool have suggested a swap involving Mario Balotelli".

Milan have rejected Liverpool's suggestion of a swap deal, which is hardly surprising given the Italian's rapidly plummeting value.

When asked last month about Niang's future at Milan, his agent told CalcioNews24:

"Now is not the time to talk about next season. The current one is not over yet, and he is also focused on getting back and scoring goals for Milan."

Some info about Niang:

* 21-year old striker, who can also player on the right or left wing. Current contract expires: 2019

* Milan: 16 goals/assists in 58 games (One every 172 mins). This Season: 13 goals/assists in 20 games (One every 105 mins).

* Dec 2012: Broke a long-standing record to become Milan's youngest ever goalscorer.

* Feb 2014: Given an 18-month suspended sentence for a hit and run incident in Montpellier.

* Jan 2016: Niang's agent told The Guardian: “Milan don’t want to sell M’Baye because they have a lot of confidence in him. It’s good for him that English clubs are taking an interest in his career.”

* Six injuries in the last two seasons, including a metatarsal fracture (308 days out/43 games missed)

* Nov 2015: "Milan Chief Adriano Galliani raved: "Niang was fantastic and he is just 20 years old. I brought Niang to the club at a young age and we now have an important player for the team."

With the similarly-aged Divock Origi in the squad, I personally don't see the point of signing Niang. Plus, if either Benteke or Sturridge leave, Liverpool need experienced, proven quality replacements, not another comparatively untested youngster who may or may not come good at some undetermined point in the future.

Additionally, after so many recent injuries (including an ankle injury sustained in a recent car crash), it (arguably) makes sense to wait and see if Niang can maintain his fitness over an entire season.


Author: Jaimie K


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