Adam edges closer to Reds move

CHARLIE ADAM'S protracted transfer to Liverpool looks closer than ever after the midfielder told Blackpool he was desperate to seal a move to Anfield.

The 25-year-old has long been linked with a switch to Merseyside, while Kenny Dalglish was keen to sign the Scottish international back in January, but was priced out of a move.

Blackpool's initial valuation of Adam was around the £14m mark, but with the Tangerines having been relegated from the Premier League last month, and Adam's current deal having just one year left to run, they are now resigned to losing their prized asset for as little as £8m this summer.

Manager Ian Holloway confirmed that the club had made an improved contract offer to Adam, who scored 13 goals in 36 appearances last season, while chairman Karl Oyston insisted no official bids had been received.

But the player has this week told bosses as Bloomfield Road that he wishes to leave, and that Liverpool is his preferred destination. Blackpool yesterday signed Serbian-born midfielder Bojan Djordjic, paving the way for Adam's departure.

Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest, but Liverpool are in pole position, and may be able to offer as many as three players on loan, in order to sweeten any deal.

Holloway is keen to take midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, while Danny Wilson and Stephen Darby could also be potential makeweights.

Shelvey and Wilson were both signed last summer from Charlton and Rangers respectively. Both have futures at Anfield, and a loan to Blackpool would be seen as helpful to their long-term development.

Darby, meanwhile, spent the bulk of last season on loan at Notts County, having enjoyed a similar spell at Swindon the previous year.

Meanwhile, one player who won't be at Anfield next season is striker Connor Wickham, who has joined Sunderland from Ipswich Town.

Liverpool had been interested in the 18-year-old striker, but were unwilling to match the Black Cats' offer, which sees the England under-21 man move to the Stadium of Light for a fee of £8m, rising to £12m based on appearances. He has signed a four-year deal, and could make his debut against Liverpool on the opening day of the new Premier League season.

Wickham's move could also place David Ngog's proposed switch to Sunderland in doubt. The 22-year-old had been widely expected to join Steve Bruce's side, with Liverpool giving him permission to speak to the Wearsiders earlier this month.

But Sunderland have so far been unable to agree personal terms with the former Paris St-Germain man and, having landed Wickham, may choose to shelve the deal.

Elsewhere, young Anfield starlets Jack Robinson and Andre Widsom have both been named in England's squad for the U20 World Cup, which begins in Colombia next month.

Source: Liverpool Daily Post

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.