The Chronicle: Rafa Benitez pursuing deal for Liverpool duo - one appears highly unlikely
The Chronicle have confirmed today that Rafa Benitez is still pursuing deals for Liverpool strikers Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings - however moves for both appear to be proving difficult, with the former's wages likely to be a sticking point.
A strike seems to be Rafa's priority this month, however he look to be restricted to loan deals after doubts STILL exist over the budget at Benitez's disposal.
Starting with Sturridge, the report confirms we have 'looked into' the loan signing of the England international, but admit that Benitez's hopes of him have been 'dented due to the striker’s wage demand' - with him currently picking up £120,000 a week at Liverpoos.
Ings looks the more realistic target, but interest in Ings may be shelved until later in the month, with Lee Ryder revealing that he is keen to fight for his place at Anfield.
https://twitter.com/DeanJonesBR/status/951042741546487809
As the above suggests, only one will leave, but that won't affect NUFC as teams are unable to sign two players on loan from a single Premier League side.
Potential good signings for NUFC?
Potentially, yes. However both have had major injury issues in recent years. If they were fit and firing they'd be as good as anyone NUFC are capable of signing this month (especially Sturridge), but it's a massive IF.
That being said, given our desperate situation and the lack of optimism in the transfer market, I'd be more than happy with either at this stage.
Likely to happen?
No deal seems like a simple one for NUFC right now, so I'm not holding my breath for either - especially Sturridge who could be a non-starter based on wage demands.
He may want to fight for his place, but I still expect Ings to leave Liverpool on loan this month. We'd be in with a shout, but there'd be plenty interest from fellow Premier League sides - and that so often means we miss out given our incompetence in the market.
Hopefully the powers that be pull their fingers out and deliver the striker Bentiez and NUFC badly need.
