Liverpool Linked With Atletico Defenders

Liverpool are being linked with a summer move for Atletico Madrid defenders Diego Godin and Alvaro Dominguez, according to reports from Spain.

Spanish radio station Cadena SER suggested on Friday that both Godin and Dominguez are being monitored by Liverpool although the report cast doubts on Atletico’s willingness to part with both players.

Uruguay international Godin has long been linked with a move away from the Vicente Calderon stadium although Chelsea have been seen as a more likely destination. The fact that he remains at Atletico, along with Chelsea’s defensive restructuring, suggests that the Blues’ interest has waned.

Godin has started in 14 of Atletico’s 20 La Liga games so far this season, though Cadena SER suggests that coach Diego Simeone may be ready to ring the changes this summer. The 25-year-old is rated at a minimum of £10million.

Dominguez has also been a mainstay of the Atletico defence with 11 starts and two substitute appearances for the side this season. He was part of Spain’s Under-21 squad that lifted the UEFA Under-21 crown last summer.

Bent Laughs Off Liverpool Link

Darren Bent has described as “laughable” speculation that he would leave Aston Villa for Liverpool during the January transfer window.

The Reds were linked with a £24million approach to Villa at the end of December after Bent was spotted out Christmas shopping earlier in the month as his side were playing a Premier League game – against Liverpool, ironically – at Villa Park. Bent was injured at the time but there were rumours that all was not well following the departure last summer of Stewart Downing to Liverpool and Ashley Young to Manchester United. However, Bent claims there was no chance of him leaving Villa Park.

“It was laughable,” said the England striker. “I always knew I was going to be at Villa. I have said before I would like to stay at Villa for years and really kick on in my career while playing for Villa.

“I always knew I was going to be here come February 1 and I am delighted to be here. You just laugh it off and get on with it.

“It is flattering. Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world to be linked with but it never crossed my mind once to leave.”

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