Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Join Race For Roberto Soldado
Daily Star. Spurs had an initial £17 million bid for the Valencia forward rejected last week, but made an improved, £20 million offer. However, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to hijack Spurs's attempts to sign the Spain international, with the Anfield club weighing up a £22 million bid. Soldado is reportedly aware of the interest from Liverpool and is set for key talks with Valencia president Amadeo Salvo when he returns from holiday later today. The 28-year-old marksman has a release clause to the tune of £30 million built into his current contract at the Mestalla, and his club are willing to offer him an increase in wages to convince him to stay. But the financially-stricken Spanish club's sporting director Braulio Ortiz admits they could be forced into a sale if the right offer comes in, because they are not in the Champions League next season. Ortiz said:
We are sounding out the market because its necessary to have a Plan B in this situation.Soldado enjoyed an impressive La Liga campaign last season and scored 24 goals, a goal-haul which has also attracted Liverpool's interest, who may be in the market for another striker if Luis Suarez quits. The Valencia striker is now their top target after Christian Benteke performed a shock U-Turn on his desire to quit Aston Villa and David Villa snubbed them in favour of a move to Atletico Madrid. And that's bad news where Spurs are concerned.