London: Liverpool are pressing ahead with a loan bid for Paris St-Germain striker Kevin Gameiro, despite the imminent arrival of Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea.
Manager Brendan Rodgers had originally lined up the Frenchman as an alternative to Sturridge in case the deal for the England striker faltered. But he is now keen to add even more striking power to his ranks and hopes to sign Gameiro as well.
The 25-year-old would be a versatile addition to the squad, able to play in a variety of forward roles. His age also fits the profile of the club’s American owners, who do not want to sanction expensive deals for players in their late 20s or 30s.
Gameiro was one of the most highly sought-after attackers in French football when he moved to PSG for £9 million (Dh56 million) in the summer of 2011. The France international scored 14 goals last season, but the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last summer has limited his opportunities this campaign.
Sturridge’s signing will be confirmed this week, but it will be too soon for the £12m purchase to make his debut against Sunderland on Wednesday. He has already completed a medical and agreed personal terms, but he will not be registered in time.
Negotiations for Blackpool midfielder Thomas Ince have temporarily stalled after fraught discussions with the Championship club. Liverpool’s valuation of around £4m — for a player who left Anfield for £500,000 — was considered too low. There is no prospect of Liverpool bidding any higher since Ince will be out of contract in the summer.
Rodgers is also looking at 21-year-old French defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin from Valenciennes. Liverpool have rejected a potential swap deal involving Joe Cole and Lille’s Salomon Kalou.
