Rodgers has eyes for Atletico's Manquillo

Posted Wednesday, July 23, 2014 by Foxsports.com

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is interested in striking a deal to bring young Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo to Anfield.

The 20-year-old has played just six league matches in the last two seasons for the Primera Division champions as understudy to Spain international Juanfran.

Press Association Sport understands Rodgers is interested in taking the right-back on loan with a view to a permanent deal, although reports in Spain of an agreement already having been reached are premature.

Manquillo, who has also interested Arsenal, would provide competition for England international Glen Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract but has reached an impasse with the Reds over a new deal.

The club had wanted the defender to sign a contract on reduced terms considering the basis he turns 30 next month but Johnson does not want to accept that.

An £8.5million deal for QPR striker Loic Remy, who on Monday flew to the United States to join Liverpool's Boston training camp and have a medical, is likely to be concluded later in the week.

Belgium forward Divock Origi is also expected to join the Reds in America at some point with an agreement all-but completed with his French club Lille.

"The deal isn't done yet. Liverpool is still the most concrete option," the player's father Mike told Mediahuis back in their homeland.
"There's another team that shows interest. We want to take a decision soon.

"On Monday, Divock is expected back at for their first training session.

"We would like to have everything wrapped before that day."

Rodgers remained tight-lipped when quizzed on a possible move for Remy.

He said in a press conference shown on Sky Sports News: "Until they are signed and agreed to come in I will only talk about them then. I shall not talk about speculation on any player until they have signed."

The Liverpool manager was, however, more vocal about a player who has recently left Anfield - Luis Suarez.

When asked whether he or Liverpool felt let down by the Uruguay striker after they stood by him over the last two years, Rodgers said: "No, not at all. Luis, in my two years at the club, has been sensational in his game.

"Of course there's been issues which is well documented but it's in the past. He was a brilliant player for us, for me I'll always see him as a good man and a good friend.

"He gave everything to Liverpool and he left Liverpool after his time as a world-class talent. It's obviously a shame he is not here but Liverpool is a club that is bigger than any individual.

"He's a fantastic player but we will move forward and there's real excitement going into this season.

"We've qualified for the Champions League, we went close in the title. I'm really excited by the player's we've brought in - young players with great profile who play how we want to play and that will allow us to go on and hopefully continue to progress."