The prospect of landing a cultured young midfielder on a free transfer could cause a transfer tug-of-war between
Liverpool and Chelsea, as they could be set to battle it out over Sporting Lisbon player Diogo Rosado. With the attacker keen to make a move to the Premier League, talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more info on the player...
Name: Diego Jorge Rosado
Date of birth: 21 February 1990
Birthplace: Peniche, Portugal
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Sporting Lisbon
International appearances: Three appearances for Portugal U21
What's the latest?
Rosado impressed during a loan spell at Portuguese first division side Feirense this year and both Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be keen on the player. With his Sporting Lisbon contract now up, either of the two clubs could grab him on a free transfer and it's thought he's desperate for a move to the Premier League. Both English sides will have to compete with Benfica however, who are also interested in signing the midfielder.
Did you know?
1) Rosado is a product of Sporting Lisbon's youth academy, joining the Portuguese giants as a 10-year-old. The attacker was considered one of the most promising stars in the Sporting youth ranks.
2) The player was loaned out to third division side Real Sport Clube, where he made his professional debut in 2009. In his first season as a pro he managed 15 appearances and one goal.
3) Rosado made his Portuguese top-flight debut during a loan spell with Feirense in 2011. The midfielder impressed in his 17 appearances, scoring two goals. His second of the season was an equaliser during the final game of the 2011/12 campaign against Gil Vicente. Gil responded with two more goals however, and Feirense were sent down a division.
4) Speculation suggested that Italian side Genoa had signed the midfielder to a pre-contract agreement due to activate in July, but sources close to the player have denied the deal.
5) Rosado has a strong record for the Portuguese national team at youth level. Between 2007 and 2009 he was a permanent feature of the Under 17 team, playing 27 games and scoring five. The midfielder became part of Portugal's Under 21 side in 2011, making his debut in a 2013 UEFA European Under 21 Championship qualifier against Moldova
Read more at
http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/120730/portuguese-midfielder-who-could-spark-transfer-war-between-liverpool-and-177614#LzS51QJvFqCZBHCc.99