Liverpool and Man Utd interests clash in pursuit of Sevilla ace
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Liverpool and Manchester United both have vacancies for new strikers ahead of the 2015/16 season, which could set the bitter rivals on a collision course over the same player’s signature.
That man is Sevilla and Colombia star Carlos Bacca, whose stock has risen steeply in recent seasons.
Since making the switch to La Liga, following a short but prolific stint at Club Brugge, the 28-year-old’s exploits in front of goal have been integral to Sevilla lifting back-to-back Europa League titles.
In conjunction with his European successes, league tallies of 14 and 20 over his two seasons at the Andalusia-based club have pricked the ears of the continent’s leading clubs, with the Reds already reported to have held talks.
Liverpool’s capture of attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino could see their appetite to sign another big-name forward diminish, however, the Brazilian international is not recognised as a striker per say.
Much could depend on the finances available to Brendan Rodgers, though proposed sales of Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert and possibly Mario Balotelli could recoup a portion of the mooted £21m needed to activate Bacca’s release clause.
Money won’t be an object for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United, whose decision to offload costly loanee Radamel Falcao and quite possibly Robin van Persie this summer, makes recruitment up front essential.
Reports vary over who tops LVG’s wishlist, though Karim Benzema and Harry Kane are certainly among them.
Prising either of those players away from their current clubs this summer looks a tough ask, whereas Bacca is thought to be actively seeking a new challenge despite Sevilla qualifying for the Champions League.
The Premier League clubs are not alone in courting the Colombian though, with a string of interested parties thought to be monitoring the situation, and will have to crank up the ante as the transfer window winds on to land him.
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