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Liverpool Transfer News: Eduardo Salvio Eyeing Spurs Switch, Dani Alves Rumours

Tom Sunderland@@TomSunderland_X.com LogoFeatured ColumnistFebruary 22, 2015

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 15: A dejected Eduardo Salvio of Benfica looks on during the UEFA Europa League Final between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Amsterdam Arena on May 15, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Transfer rumours circulating Anfield insist that Liverpool will need to convince Benfica star Eduardo Salvio to snub Tottenham Hotspur interest before he makes a Merseyside move, while Dani Alves edges closer to Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Spanish website Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's Tom Olver), Salvio is interested in moving to White Hart Lane this summer, with both Spurs and Liverpool alleged to be looking at cutting an initial loan deal.

Francisco Seco/Associated Press

Salvio has scored seven goals in 20 Primeira Liga appearances this season, per Transfermarkt, and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers would be looking to add the versatile playmaker with a view to strengthening his options out wide.

Jan Hagen of Metro cites Portuguese newspaper Record in reporting that Benfica are hoping to extend Salvio's deal in Lisbon before they see him depart their borders:

Jan Hagen @PortuBall

Following the big interest in Eduardo Salvio, Benfica and the player will sit down to discuss a renewal next week. [Record]

Attack was a big area of concern for Rodgers in recent months, but the Reds have recently shown improvement in all areas.

Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling were both on target in Sunday's 2-0 win over Southampton, but the form of Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic may be a slightly bigger concern for the Northern Irishman.

Salvio is a similar asset to the likes of Sterling and Coutinho in that he provides a significant threat on goal as well as being a substantial playmaking figure, having also made six assists in the league this term.

The 24-year-old's preference to cut inside and stage a more direct threat himself is a style that may make for an easy transition, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will look to convince his Argentine compatriot to move to north London instead.

Liverpool's hopes of signing Barcelona's Alves also look dim after the Daily Star reported the Brazilian is honing in on a move to PSG, with his agent and ex-wife, Deborah Santana, quoted as recently saying:

"We are listening to offers. Many clubs are interested. Until now Barcelona have not spoken with us about a new deal."

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21:  Dani Alves of FC Barcelona reacts during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Malaga CF at Camp Nou on February 21, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
David Ramos/Getty Images

Alves is out of contract in the summer and Rodgers may look to the 31-year-old as a replacement for Glen Johnson, also out of contract at the end of this season.

Barca's right-back showed his years on Saturday when giving Claudio Bravo a dreadful back-pass from which Malaga forward Juanmi would score the game's only goal.

However, Blaugrana chief Luis Enrique isn't looking to blame Alves for the defeat and ensured that any loss is a result of Barca's shortcomings as a squad, per Spanish newspaper Sport:

This is a game of mistakes and successes. It is the fault of the whole team. When we do well, it's all of us, and when we fall, it's all of us as well. Never individualise.The future will tell. Defeats, when they happen, are painful and difficult to overcome. We have a great challenge in three days and we will try to overcome it.

At 31 years of age, Alves wouldn't be the most valuable of long-term investments, and some may even see it as a fruitless expenditure for the Reds to chase, even if arriving on a free transfer.

Alves showed his own mental fortitude following the 1-0 disappointment against Malaga, per Barcastuff, insisting his spirits are high:

Rodgers still has Javier Manquillo among his ranks, the Atletico Madrid youngster not even halfway through a two-year loan at Anfield, while Andre Wisdom will return this summer from a season-long loan at West Brom.

However, it's plausible the manager may be seeking a more senior figure to replace Johnson should the England international leave as expected, but cash-rich PSG pose a difficult competitor to overcome.