Transfer deadline day blog: Liverpool and Everton updates as Blues sign Salomon Rondon
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Not long left now. Here’s what’s happening, and what’s not.
Transfer deadline day live blog: Liverpool and Everton latest updates
A lifeline for Everton?
Ainsley Maitland-Niles may not arrive to Everton on loan from Arsenal.
But a permanent switch? It may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
Why Milan turned down James
It appeared yesterday that AC Milan could hand Everton’s James Rodriguez a lifeline.
But the out-of-favour Colombian appears like he will be staying at Goodison as things stand, despite not being in Rafa Benitez’s plans.
Milan pulled out of the deal for two reasons, according to l Corriere dello Sport.
The first was that they were concerned about Rodriguez’s injury record and did not want to take a gamble.
In addition, the former Real Madrid playmaker’s wages - supposedly around £200,000 per week - do not fall in line with owners Elliott Management’s policy.
Everton in “pole position” for Rondon
Everton are hoping to add Salomon Rondon to their ranks before the deadline tonight - although West Ham are also keen.
Earlier today, journalist Tim Vickery told Sky Sports News that it’s the Blues who are in “pole position for the ex-Newcastle and West Brom striker.
He said: “He has a solid track record wherever he has been really. Spain, Russia, Premier League with Newcastle and West Brom, China and then back to Russia. And a real physical handful for opposing defenders.
“A back-up striker and a move back to the Premier League looks likely with Everton in pole position and West Ham also interested.”
Done deal!
Liverpool youngster Jake Cain has completed a loan move to League Two outfit Newport.
The 19-year-old has made once appearance for the Reds in the FA Cup.
He was also regularly on the bench for the Reds in the Champions League last season.
Who could have predicted this?!
Nat Phillips had been one of the players thought to potentially leave Liverpool on deadline day.
Instead, he’s become the latest player to commit his future.
Rondon edging closer
It looks like Everton will get their man before the transfer window closes.
According to Sky Sports, Salomon Rondon is set “very close” to joining the Blues from Chinese Super League club Dalian Professional.
Rondon will reunite with Rafa Benitez at Goodison, having scored 12 goals during his loan spell at Newcastle in the 2018-19 season.
Benitez also took the former West Brom centre-forward to China.
Rondon will provide cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
Williams heads to Wales
Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has joined Championship side Swansea City on a season-long loan straight after signing a new deal with the Reds.
The centre-back made 19 senior appearances for Liverpool last season and will continue his first-team education at the Liberty Stadium.
Academy graduate Williams spent 2019-20 on loan at Kidderminster Harriers.
As expected, Everton have allowed Niel Nkounkou to depart on loan.
The left-back has joined Belgian side Standard Liege for the season to garner experience.
It leaves Lucas Digne as the Toffees’ only left-sided defender.
It will be interesting if Everton now look to replace him.
Atletico no go for Reds
Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool over the past month but it looks like the Spaniard will be heading to Chelsea.
According to BBC Sport, Ethan Ampadu’s season-long loan to Venezia means there is now a free space in the Blues squad and ‘confidence is growing’ over a deal for Niguez.
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