Football transfer news

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has denied reports that he demanded £80,000-a-week plus a guaranteed starting slot to move to Liverpool.

The England forward was widely linked with Brendan Rodgers’ side in the summer transfer window, with some reports claiming that excessive demands from the 23-year-old dissuaded the Reds from closing the deal.

But on Wednesday, the agency Octagon, who represent the Chelsea player, released a statement denying such claims.

“Daniel Sturridge does not conduct his business in public,” the statement read.

“He also does not make demands in any negotiation, with regards to salary or his playing position.

“Any contract between a club and a player has to be based on mutual agreement.”

EXCLUSIVE
By Romeo Agresti

Juventus are ready to step up their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski and have made the Poland international their primary target in the transfer market, Goal.com understands.

The Serie A champions have long been chasing a new striker, and have previously been linked with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Stevan Jovetic and Fernando Llorente.

However, they have now earmarked the 24-year-old as the perfect addition to their attack, and are planning a move for the prolific striker at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Lewandowski’s contract with Dortmund is due to expire in the summer of 2014, and BVB’s attempts to convince the striker to sign a new and improved deal have so far been unsuccessful.

The German champions could opt to cash in on the player at the end of the season in order to prevent him from leaving on a Bosman free once his deal expires.

BVB have set a €35 million asking price on Lewandowski, but Juve are hopeful than an offer in the region of €25m will be enough to lure him away from his current club.

The 24-year-old has also caught the attention of clubs such as Manchester United and Manchester City.

EXCLUSIVE
By Maximilian Bensinger

Borussia Dortmund attacker Kevin Grosskreutz has revealed he is still eager to make a “dream” move to the Premier League amidst rumoured interest from Liverpool.

The 24-year-old scored seven goals in 26 league starts last term as Jurgen Klopp’s men lifted the Bundesliga title ahead of Bayern Munich.

But, having seen his first-team action restricted this term due to the form of Jakub Blaszczykowski, Grosskreutz has conceded he is restless at his hometown club.

He told Goal.com: “Of course I’m not happy. Whoever is happy when he doesn’t play is in the wrong business. I’m totally unhappy. I want to play, that’s all that counts for me.”

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool could be set to offer Grosskreutz a January lifeline, but the midfielder remains relaxed about a move he admits he has been eyeing for some time.

“I have one-and-a-half year left. I’m taking it easy. We will see,” he added.

“The dream was there three, four years ago – it was always my dream. But I do have a contract with Borussia Dortmund. Everything’s possible in football but Dortmund are the first club to talk to.”

EXCLUSIVE
By Elia Raimondo

Ricardo Alvarez could be on his way out of Inter in the January transfer window, with Catania and Chievo both showing an interest in signing the attacking midfielder, Goal.com can reveal.

The 24-year-old joined Inter from Velez Sarsfield in the summer of 2011, but has been unable to live up to expectations at the Giuseppe Meazza side.

Therefore, the Nerazzurri are ready to cash in on the Argentine come January, with both Catania and Chievo keen to snap up the creative midfielder.

Inter have long been interested in the Sicilians’ attacker Alejandro Gomez, and they could include 50 per cent of Alvarez’s rights in order to convince the Sicilians to let go of their star player.

Chievo, meanwhile, may opt for a player-exchange deal involving Marco Andreolli, who has caught the attention of Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

Andreolli came through the ranks of the Inter youth academy, but left the club for Roma in 2007.

Nevertheless, both clubs face stiff competition in the race for Alvarez’s signature as River Plate are keen to sign the midfielder, too.

Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen insists he must emulate the consistency of Tottenham defender and former team-mate Jan Vertonghen before leaving the Eredivisie.

As Goal.com exclusively revealed on Sunday, Spurs have made an enquiry about the Dane’s availability with a view to a summer move for his services.

However, the 20-year-old says he will only be worthy of such a transfer after he has learnt everything he can in Netherlands.

“Jan Vertonghen is a good example for me. Last season he played a few bad matches before Christmas as well, but after the winter break he was extremely good every game,” he told De Telegraaf.

“I have to show every week that I’m the best. Only when you don’t have anything to learn in Netherlands, you have to think about a transfer.”

The Middelfart-born attacker went on to concede that he has been unhappy with his performances in fixtures not deemed “big”.

“I’m not satisfied yet. Maybe it’s usual with young guys like me, but it’s not good that I only played well in big games,” he continued.

“That would be too easy, because everybody can charge himself for these matches. But it’s a good thing that I reach a higher level each time I play these matches.

“Matches against smaller clubs have to be fun as well. It’s also about having fun on the pitch. Motivation doesn’t come from atmosphere or importance, I have to get this from myself. I have to switch the button.”