Liverpool close in on Ghana ace as Chelsea's De Bruyne edges towards club exit

Posted Wednesday, January 01, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

LIVERPOOL want to sign Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu while their Premier League title rivals Chelsea look to be close to letting Kevin De Bruyne leave the club.

Chelsea misfit Kevin De Bruyne

Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers revealed the club were continuing to try and improve the squad this transfer window, and according to new reports are now interested in 23-year-old Udinese star.

Liverpool are said to be monitoring the situation surrounding the players after he reportedly made it clear he was interested in a move to the Premier League.

Badu, who has previously been scouted by Arsenal and Tottenham, is currently valued at around £7m and could also offer some much needed cover for the backline as well as in the middle of the park.

Rodgers confirmed his backroom staff were currently working on a list of targets, adding: "Obviously the recruitment team are busy putting things together in terms of the profile of players we need here to improve the team and the squad.

"The owners have invested millions upon millions into the team and every window we arrive in looking to improve where we can.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu is a transfer target for Liverpool

"This window will be no different."

De Bruyne is also thought to be close to joining a new club, with reports in Belgian claiming the youngster has attracted new interest from Spain.

Both Malaga and Atletico Madrid are understood to be in recruiting the 22-year-old, who has not made a Premier League appearance for Chelsea since the end of September.