Jan 09, 2013 01:33 AM EST
Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Close in on Deals for Ince and Diakite

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Modibo Diakite of Lazio, while there has been progress in talks over a move for Thomas Ince from Blackpool.

The Reds have already brought in Daniel Strurridge from Chelsea, with the forward immediately making an impact by scoring on his debut in the FA Cup third round match against Mansfield Town.

Ince was thought to be the next man in, but talks over a move had stalled with Liverpool not ready to match the £6 million ($9.6 million) asking price, instead offering a little over £4 million ($6.4 million).

However, now it is believed, the Reds have come down from their stance and are ready to seal the deal for the player they let go in the summer of 2011.

Another player who could be on his way to Anfield soon is Diakite, with the big central defender in talks with Liverpool over a move. The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer, meaning Liverpool are free to talk to the Lazio man and come to a pre-contract agreement.

According to reports in the Italian press, an initial round of talks earlier in the month did not go too well, with the player and the club unable to come to an agreement on wages as well as the length of the contract.

However, things are now looking up, with a second round of negotiations pointing towards an agreement being made. If Liverpool were to agree a deal for the player who can also play in midfield, it would be another coup for Brendan Rodgers as he tries to build a team capable of competing for honors.

Meanwhile, Sturridge has claimed Liverpool are still the biggest team in England, while thanking Rodgers for having the faith in him to pay £12 million ($19 million) for his services. "It is the biggest club I have ever played for," Sturridge told the club's official website. "In the Premier League, there is no bigger club than Liverpool.

"I thank the boss for giving me an opportunity to play for a club like this and I thank God for making it possible. It's amazing for the manager to put such faith in me. The only way I can repay him is by doing a job on the football field.

"For him to pay money for me and to have faith in me and show everybody around the world that he is prepared to take a chance on me, I don't think I'll ever be able to repay him for that.

"As a young player, when you play for big clubs you can sometimes get caught up in it and you never get another opportunity to play for another big club.

"So I'm grateful the manager has given me this chance and that he believes in me. I'm just glad to be here."

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