Jose Enrique could head the outgoings list at Liverpool this winter, with the Spaniard in talks to re-join former club Newcastle United.
UPDATE: Within an hour of these reports emerging, it’s been reported that Enrique has, surprise, surprise, failed to agree terms with his former club.
Sounds like Liverpool's Jose Enrique wanted a longer deal than Newcastle United were prepared to offer so that one off.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) February 1, 2016
Original report:
Enrique has struggled to secure game time over the past two years, with the arrival of Jurgen Klopp doing little to improve his chances of a first-team role.
So far this season the left-back has made just three appearances for the Reds, all coming in the FA Cup – two as a makeshift centre-back due to injuries.
His last contribution came in Saturday’s 0-0 fourth-round draw at home to West Ham United, sending a free-kick straight into the wall to kick off a Hammers counter after being brought on in the closing stages.
It may prove a fitting epitaph for the 30-year-old, who has endured a shocking fall from grace on Merseyside, with former club Newcastle preparing a move this deadline day.
According to widespread reports this afternoon, the Magpies are looking to finalise a free-transfer deal before the close of the winter transfer window.
This would see Liverpool settle Enrique’s existing contract, with the former Villarreal defender in the last five months on his £65,000-a-week deal.
Liverpool certainly won’t stand in his way, with Alberto Moreno, Brad Smith and likely Jon Flanagan ahead of him in the pecking order at left-back.
But with Enrique having rejected a move to West Bromwich Albion in the summer, this may not be a straightforward negotiation.
This came with Enrique exiled from first-team training by Brendan Rodgers.
But having spent the majority of the season playing for Michael Beale’s Under 21s, the hope is that Enrique will now take the hint.
A move to Newcastle would suit Enrique, with Steve McClaren in need of another left-back this month, and returning to familiar surroundings could even reignite his stuttering career.
Stranger things have happened.
