Next Game

Indonesia All Stars v Liverpool

Saturday, 20 July 2013, 14:30

Friendly Match

Anfield

Last Game

Liverpool 1 - 0 QPR

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Rodgers: Ince move unlikely

Brendan Rodgers confessed that Liverpool are unlikely to sign Blackpool forward Tom Ince in the January transfer window.

Last Updated: 31/01/13 at 08:24 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Tom Ince: Linked with both Liverpool and Reading

Tom Ince: Linked with both Liverpool and Reading

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

The Reds confirmed the capture of Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho on a long-term contract just before their 2-2 draw at Arsenal, after which Rodgers conceded a move for Blackpool winger Tom Ince is unlikely to happen before Thursday night's deadline.

The Northern Irishman has long been an admirer of the 20-year-old who Liverpool actually released to join Blackpool and has acknowledged what he would add to his squad.

That is not to say he is unhappy with what he already has at his disposal, though, with a number of players catching the eye at the Emirates on Wednesday night.

Luis Suarez was his usual industrial self, scoring yet another goal in a typically all-action display, while at the other end of the spectrum, veteran Jamie Carragher produced a performance akin to the majority of his 700 for the club.

It was midfielder Jordan Henderson who really shone, however, scoring the second after teeing up the first, offering further signs that he is starting to justify the £20million price tag that has been a millstone around his neck since he joined from Sunderland.

"Jordan is improving all the time and has a great appetite for the game," Rodgers said.

"I was talking to him afterwards... It's just that final ball, the final pass. Technically he is getting better all the time and he's got great athleticism. I believe he will be a great signing for Liverpool, it just takes time.

"Players used to come to Liverpool and go into the reserves for two years. These kids are having to go straight into the team."

Like Henderson, Ince is an England Under-21 international and, along with Wilfried Zaha, has been the standout player in the npower Championship this campaign.

Reading have also registered their interest in Paul Ince's son, but with Blackpool determined to keep hold of their prized asset, a move does not look like it is on the cards at the moment.

"We could still do the deal it but it looks like that one is a bit too complicated at this stage," said Rodgers.

"It's about affordability as well. If Tom stays at Blackpool it doesn't mean he won't join Liverpool at a later stage. Maybe in this window it might be a difficult one for us."

They can boast the signature of Coutinho, though, a player of some repute and one who Inter Milan did not want to sell.

He was linked with a number of clubs, including Southampton, whose manager, Mauricio Pochettino coached Coutinho at Espanyol, but Rodgers believes Liverpool's standing in the game won the day.

"There was a big interest from there (Southampton), but a club like Liverpool will always attract top players," he said.

"Even though we are not where we want to be, the history of this club will always get top players interested and once he found out Liverpool were interested he wanted to come. It was a real coup for us because Inter Milan didn't want to sell him."

Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Clichy shocked by Mancini exit

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy admits the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini came "as a bit of a shock".

Rodgers: Suarez is not for sale

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers fully expects star striker Luis Suarez to be at the club next season.

Lampard: Rafa spell a success

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes Rafa Benitez did all that could be expected of him during his difficult period in charge of the club.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved