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Rodgers defends Ayre over Konoplyanka

ESPN staff
February 2, 2014
Liverpool ran out of time in negotiating a deal for Konoplyanka © Getty Images
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Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted managing director Ian Ayre should not be blamed for their failure to sign Yevhen Konoplyanka on Friday.

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Sam Allardyce had the last laugh against Chelsea © Getty Images
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Rodgers said Liverpool did "everything possible" to complete a deal for the £15 million-rated winger and rebutted claims from Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk that the deal fell through because the Reds could not deliver the fee before the transfer deadline closed.

The Liverpool boss, speaking after his side's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion, stated the Ukraine international was "desperate" to join Liverpool and might return with a new offer for him at the end of the season.

He said: "The only thing I will say is the football club done everything possible to get the player in, in every aspect: finance, we had the doctor out there, the chief scout, everyone.

"Categorically, Ian Ayre did a brilliant job negotiating. The money wasn't the problem. I feel really sorry for the player. He was desperate to come to one of the biggest clubs in the world. It just wasn't to be."

Rodgers is adamant Liverpool's difficulties negotiating with the Ukrainian club will not prevent them attempting to sign Konoplyanka again.

He added: "It wouldn't stop us if we feel the player can improve us. We will review it again in the summer."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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