Metro: Battle ahead for Konoplyanka

Liverpool and Tottenham are to set to contest a deadline-day battle for Yehven Konoplyanka after the Ukraine winger turned down Roma in favour of a Premier League move.

The Dnipro star came close to joining Liverpool in February last year, but the deal fell through despite the club meeting his £15 million release clause.

Spurs were also linked with the 25-year-old during that period, and the Premier League duo are now set to go head-to-head once more for his signature.

According to reports in Italy, the Ukraine international had been close to joining Italian side Roma, but he took to Youtube to both reveal why he'd rejected the Serie A title contenders and give his Premier League suitors renewed hope of signing him.

'Yes, Roma were interested in me, but I refused them,' he said.

'Perhaps they will be disappointed but that's life and that's football.

'Last time with Liverpool was different. I wanted to go there but the clubs could not agree terms.

'My goal as a child was to play in England. The leagues are stronger and I still want to try my hand there.'

Konoplyanka is also set to become a free agent at the end of the season, leaving Liverpool and Spurs with the option of attempting to beat each other and the transfer deadline with a late bid, or tying him to down to a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move.

Source: Metro