Kenny’s €18M Rated Versatile International Would Relieve Defensive Headaches

Since Jose Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid, defender Raul Albiol has found himself sparingly used by the Portuguese maestro.

Previously a regular for the Spanish giants, Mourinho has tended to prefer the centre-back pairing of Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho, and the Spaniard may soon find himself plying his trade in the Premier League.

Linked with a fair few clubs back in the summer, no clubs extended their interest beyond inquiry, and Albiol found himself staying at the Bernabeu. But with clubs around Europe already planning their January moves, talkSPORT have reported that both Chelsea and Liverpool are keen to bolster their defensive options with the Spanish international.

Andre Villas-Boas is eager to bring in another centre-back as an injury to one of John Terry, David Luiz or Alex will leave the Blues worryingly thin on the ground. Whilst for Kenny Dalglish, the need is even more urgent, with Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson already out with injuries, and the Scot sees Albiol’s versatility as a perfect solution to his defensive headaches.

Although there is reported interest from Malaga, currently managed by Manuel Pellegrini, the man who originally brought Albiol to Madrid, it is believed his preference is for a move to the Premier League, and January 1st could signal the beginning of a bidding war between Liverpool and Chelsea.