Liverpool are currently mulling over a move for ex-Manchester United forward Memphis Depay.
As reported in The Express, Jurgen Klopp is willing to let Roberto Firmino go the other way, to ensure he gets Depay in January.
Depay’s contract expires at the end of this season, so any deal in January would also suit Barcelona, as they would rather get a fee than losing him for nothing next summer.
Depay moved to Barcelona at the start of the last season and performed to a decent level in what was a season of overall underachievement for the Spanish giants.
The Dutchman was reportedly a target for United in the summer transfer window in case Cristiano Ronaldo ended up leaving the club. United could offer him a potential return to Old Trafford at the end of his contract.
With the Red Devils not guaranteed Champions League football next season and having spent well over their budget this summer, a return for Depay makes sense with the club preferring to spend much less next year.
Depay struggled to fully make his mark in Manchester first time around after making a promising start. However, he has since rebuilt his reputation after impressing at Lyon and performing well for the Dutch national side as well.
Signed for United by Louis van Gaal, Depay was tipped to set Old Trafford alight, yet found himself shackled due to Van Gaal’s tactical set-up.
Jose Mourinho also failed to get the best out of the free-spirited winger and eventually moved Depay on to Lyon for half of the £30 million that United paid for him, just two years earlier.
No doubt Depay now offers more experience both on and off the pitch and would provide a decent option for any side, especially on a free transfer.
If Depay was to make the move to Anfield, he would become only the third player to play for both sides in the Premier League era, joining Paul Ince and Michael Owen.
Neither Owen or Ince are held in particularly high regard from either set of fans and this may have a bearing on Depay’s final destination.
