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While we were focused on the futures of Tiago Ilori and José Enrique on deadline day, Liverpool were making clandestine moves for a new youngster. If reports are to be believed, a last-ditch move was made for Anderlecht youngster Samuel Bastien.
Bastien is a talented player with considerable calm on the ball for his age and possesses a rare mental toughness that has propelled him to being one of Europe's hottest properties. I know absolutely nothing about him and never even knew he existed until this rumour. In fact, I can't even remember him from Football Manager. Still, Liverpool were linked with the 18-year-old.
The midfielder made a late loan move to Avellino, a Serie B side that we all know so well for their exploits that one time. Avellino's president Walter Taccone said that Bastien chose to ply his trade in Italy's second tier instead of taking up more prestigious offers from far bigger European sides, including Liverpool.
Bastien has signed for Avellino...despite the lure of clubs such as Barcelona, Seville and Liverpool. There was contact with these clubs, but he decided to come to Avellino.
The Daily Star produced a typically mature reaction to the news with the headline "Liverpool suffer transfer embarrassment as Italian minnows claim they beat Reds to signing" with commendable restraint. If you visit the article concerned, take a look to the right to see a headline concerning Edinson Cavani and Arsenal that underlines the paper's impeccable credibility.
Did Liverpool make the move or not? It doesn't really matter at this stage, but do not be surprised if Ian Ayre was sneaking around trying to pick up a player or two. Clubs make moves for young players all the time who have to consider the merits of moving to a grand European club compared with opting for a smaller outfit with the greater likelihood of regular football. The bigger clubs win out most of the time, but sometimes there's a player who will choose regular football at a somewhat competitive level before making a step up later.
