Liverpool have reportedly hijacked Arsenal’s bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin on loan.
Both Arsenal and Liverpool, along with Manchester United, have shown interest in the Turkey international for some time, and he had been told earlier this month that he could leave the Bernabeu on a season-long loan deal as his chances of first-team football in the Spanish capital are limited.
A deal between the Gunners and the Spanish giants was agreed earlier this week, leaving Sahin to make a decision on whether he wants to move to Emirates Stadium.
But according to the Daily Mail, the 23-year-old’s agent, Reza Fazeli, has travelled to England to meet the Liverpool hierarchy and try to work out a deal.
Liverpool were hoping to complete a deal for Sahin last week, before Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger stepped up his interest in the former Borussia Dortmund player as a result of Alex Song leaving the club to join Barcelona in a £15million deal.
The Merseysiders are understood to have offered Madrid better financial terms, although it was believed the player was in favour of a move to north London as he is keen on playing Champions League football this season.
Jose Mourinho on Wednesday had said he believes a move to the Premier League will benefit Sahin and had suggested that as well as Arsenal and Liverpool, Tottenham were also a potential option.
“The Premier League is a good place for players to pick up certain characteristics which he does not have,” the former Chelsea boss said.
“It is all the same to me though which club he goes to. I just hope that it happens soon for him, as it is best for him. Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs, I have no preference.”
