Mersey Insider: Everton close in on takeover, Klopp eyes spending spree and Liverpool Ladies star receives richly-deserved honour

What’s been happening in the world of football on Merseyside this week? Jennifer Jewell gives us the scoop…

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New Year Takeover?

Once again rumours of a big takeover are making the rounds amongst the Goodison Park faithful. This time it’s a group of American buyers, led by John Jay Moores, who are showing interest in the £200 million takeover. They have been granted access to Everton’s finances and will soon decide whether they will make an offer.

Evertonians are well aware that for the club to progress further then a big money takeover is vital, especially if they are can afford a much-needed new stadium. Bill Kenwright and co are extremely wary of handing the club over to the wrong buyers, much to the frustration of some Evertonians at times, so any takeover will be carefully thought through. Surely it will happen eventually…

Klopp’s Keepers

Jürgen Klopp will be relishing the opportunity to put his own stamp on Liverpool’s squad during the January transfer window. And first up on his list of targets… three goalkeepers! Yes, rumour has it that three goalkeepers are apparently on Klopp’s radar: AC Milan’s Diego Lopez, Galatasaray’s Fernando Muslera and Marseille’s Steve Mandanda. Simon Mignolet will certainly be feeling the pressure.

Also believed to be of interest to the Liverpool boss are ex-Manchester United man Giuseppe Rossi and Real Madrid forward Jesé Rodriguez. Liverpudlians are understandably very excited to see the improvements Klopp will make.

Bye Bye Naisy

Steven Naismith has spent three and a half seasons with the Blues, but it appears his time is coming to an end, to no surprise of the fans. Naismith has been completely out of favour with boss Roberto Martinez this season – partly due to the form of star man Romelu Lukaku – but the 29-year-old’s patience seems to have run out. With a rumoured £8 million move to Norwich already agreed, it looks like the 29-year-old will be moving on.

Despite the imminent departure, Martinez wants the Scotsman to keep focus on his Everton career for the next couple of weeks: “We speak constantly, but in terms of Naisy’s future, it will be discussed over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a really busy period now and we need to make sure we go through those games. Mid-January will be a perfect moment to have a calmer look at it.”

Congratulations Fara!

Liverpool Ladies midfielder Fara Williams has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for her fantastic contribution to women’s football and charity work. The 31-year-old is England’s most capped player, with 148 appearances for her country, and she also played a vital role at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last summer as the Lionesses united the nation.

Having spent eight years with Everton Ladies before making the move to rivals Liverpool, Merseyside is extremely proud of Fara’s commitment to her sport and the fantastic charity work she does for the Homeless FA, coaching homeless girls and women on a weekly basis. A thoroughly deserved award for Fara!

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