Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will launch a £7 million bid for Kostas Mitroglou having sent scouts to watch the Olympiacos striker during World Cup qualifying, according to the Mirror. Mitroglou scored a vital goal against Romania to help fire his native Greece to the finals of the 2014 tournament as the Greeks won a tense play-off. And now, having been impressed by his performances, Rodgers is preparing to make a move for the in-demand 25-year-old star, who is also on the radar of Arsenal and Inter Milan. Head of Recruitment Dave Fallows and chief scout Barry Hunter travelled to Romania to watch the forward in action midweek and have returned a glowing report to the Anfield chief, whose interest in the player dates back to 2007. Mitroglou first came to Rodgers's attention six years ago when he was playing at the U19 European Championships, and burst onto the scene in Greece with 20 goals for Olympiacos. The northern Irishman is set to finally make his interest formal in a move that may surprise some, given Liverpool boast the devastating forward line of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, heralded as the Premier League's best. However, Rodgers is looking for back-up to cover any unexpected injuries to the pair, and sees Mitroglou as the perfect candidate, given his versatility. The Greece international can play as a traditional number nine or as a support striker, and even wide left of a front three, which would enhance Liverpool's attacking options in the New Year.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
