LIVERPOOL FC manager Kenny Dalglish’s dogged pursuit of midfielder Charlie Adam finally paid off after a new bid was accepted by Blackpool.
The LFC manager twice tried to sign the Scotland international in January only to have an offer of £6.5million rejected as the Seasiders successfully held on to their prized asset.
It was hoped keeping Adam would help safeguard their Premier League future but when relegation came in May the 25-year-old, with only 12 months left on his contract, told the club Anfield was his preferred destination this summer.
After several weeks of negotiations both parties have settled on an acceptable valuation – Blackpool were reportedly holding out for £9million – and the player just has to pass his medical.
Having already expressed his preference for Liverpool, personal terms are unlikely to be a stumbling block on the deal.
As part of the agreement Blackpool are likely to receive at least one fringe player from Anfield.
Adam will be Dalglish’s second signing of the summer to strengthen an area of the squad – central midfield – which was already overcrowded following Jordan Henderson’s £16million move from Sunderland.
The likes of Alberto Aquilani, who spent last season on loan at Juventus only for the Serie A club to reject the option of signing him permanently, and Christian Poulsen, a fringe figure since Dalglish took charge in January, appear the most vulnerable in any squad cull with forward Milan Jovanovic also on his way out after a disappointing debut season.
With captain Steven Gerrard set to return for the new season after a groin operation, Lucas and Jay Spearing both having signed long-term contracts in the last few months and last summer’s arrival Raul Meireles impressing in spells there is ample competition in Liverpool’s engine room.
Where Dalglish needs to strengthen now is down the left-hand side, in particular, with Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing now a primary target, although LIverpool will have to improve on the £15m they have offered for the England man as Villa hold out for a higher fee.
Sources: Liverpool Daily Post
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