KOP News # 1408

Liverpool Transfer News: Reds' Bid for Esteban Granero Rejected by Real Madrid

By

Ian Hanford

(Featured Columnist) on July 9, 2012

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Liverpool's main priority this transfer season is improving the offense that scored 47 goals in 38 English Premier League games last season. It's necessary if they want to improve on their eighth-place finish in the EPL table.

The Reds attempted to do so by pulling one of Real Madrid's talented midfielders off of their La Liga squad, but according to The Daily Mail their bid for Esteban Granero has been rejected.

Liverpool are understood to have had a bid rejected for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero.

Granero wouldn't have been an end-all-be-all fix for Liverpool, but he would have been an improvement. He's much better than his 17 appearances last year would suggest, and he's struggled under Jose Mourinho's watch with the Bernebeu.

He's scored four goals in 67 appearances for his current squad. His potential hasn't been fully realized, and it won't be unless he's given a shot to play more often.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers could come back to Real Madrid with a larger bid if he covets Granero that much. He is desperate to make an impact on his new squad, and it's important to land a notable name. Last season was miserable in Anfield, and fans are desperate for some sort of excitement.

Granero, known as El Pirata (the pirate), would have provided insurance in Liverpool's central midfield. He plays box-to-box and can play as a central or attacking midfielder. At the least he would have provided high-quality depth, but he could have become a very good starter for the Reds.

Like I said, Rodgers can up his bid. He should unless something more exciting comes along. Real Madrid could be trying to squeeze the highest offer they can out of their 25-year-old midfielder since he obviously doesn't fit into Mourinho's plans for their side.

The initial bid was rejected, but this Liverpool offense needs some serious help. Rodgers may have to get creative, but he should be persistent in this case.