Liverpool not interested in Townsend

Despite stories breaking yesterday suggesting that Liverpool are set to make a move for Andros Townsend, The Liverpool Echo has poured cold water on the rumours, claiming that the Newcastle United winger is not being considered by the Anfield club.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was thought to be weighing up a move for the 11-cap England international, as he looks to add to his options in the wide attacking areas.

And the rumours were given weight by the recent discovery of a £10.5 million release clause written into Townsend's Newcastle contract.

But claims of Liverpool's interest appear to be wide of the mark, as The Liverpool Echo reports: "Reports suggested that Liverpool joined the list of Premier League clubs looking to take [Townsend] away from St James' Park following their relegation to the Championship.

"However, the ECHO understands that Townsend is not on Jurgen Klopp's list of summer targets."

Liverpool instead are pursuing Arsenal's Theo Walcott and Southampton's Sadio Mané.

Mané is thought to be the man currently topping Klopp's wish-list, but the former Borussia Dortmund manager may be put off by the south coast club's £40 million asking price.

As for Townsend, the former Tottenham Hotspur winger continues to be linked with moves to keep him in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham United all thought to be interested.