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As if the nervousness and anxiety about tomorrow wasn't enough--it is Stoke, after all, and even more concerning, it's Liverpool--we've now got a number of reliable outlets reporting that the club are close to sealing a deal for Anzhi's Willian, who's emerged as the must-have transfer target once the Russian club's financial troubles came to light. There's no talk of a deal being done, but The Times (paywall), Guardian, and Daily Mail (I know I know, but it's Dominic King, who's fairly reliable-ish) all have Liverpool willing to finance a £30m move for the talented Brazilian.
Earlier in the day there was the Twitter sleuthing in regards to Instagram likes and Twitter follows, which is fun enough, but this is something concrete-seeming, and if it proves fruitful, it will be a massive boost as part of an end to the week that's been roundly positive. Missing out on Guilherme Siqueira may very well prove to be the only downside as part of a few days that's seen Luis Suarez back in the squad and ostensibly committed, a deal done for Aly Cissokho to address the ongoing struggles for depth at left-back, and now, the possible signing of a major transfer target.
Spurs and Manchester United are also in the running and can obviously offer European football, which has been Liverpool's biggest struggle in attracting top talent. There's hope that Liverpool can sell Willian on playing time and a push for the top four, as well as whatever sort of sentiment might exist for a player who's seen different permutations of quotes about admiring the club twisted and turned to fit an already delusional narrative. But I mean come on, it's the transfer window.
I don't think there's any need to rehash how big this signing could be for Liverpool if it gets done--proven quality, albeit at a great cost, but a buy that would immediately improve the starting eleven. An attacking contingent with Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Iago Aspas, Daniel Sturridge, and, if he stays around, a post-suspension Luis Suarez should be among the more creative and dangerous in the league.
No expectations, though.