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Konoplyanka: Liverpool deal collapse was for the best
Dnipro forward Yevhen Konoplyanka believes his failed move to Liverpool was 'for the best'.
Konoplyanka seemed set to make a move to Anfield with Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre spending three days in Ukraine to negotiate a deal in the January transfer window until a last-minute £15 million deal fell through at the final moment.
Dnipro's Europa League opponents Spurs were also reportedly interested in the 24-year-old's talents, and while Brendan Rodgers could move for the player again this summer, Konoplyanka insists the saga is now forgotten.
"Everything that happened is in the past," the Daily Express quotes Konoplyanka as saying. "There is a good saying 'everything is for the best' - all we have to do is concentrate on the game for tomorrow, that is all.
"It doesn't influence my game tomorrow and if the coach finds it possible to put me in the team I will do all I can - all I have to think about is that game. It is a good chance for any player to play against a team like that. It is a better motivation for us to play tomorrow and do our best."
Dnipro boss - and former Tottenham coach - Juande Ramos believes the failed move is simply part and parcel of football's transfer markets, and insists Konoplyanka is focused on performing.
"It is a normal situation when the market is open and there are rumours about the possible transfers. Some take place, some do not, they don't have the right to decide to move or not.
"He had a very successful training camp in Spain and he trains a lot, follows all of the directions, tries his best and I'm sure he will do his best in this competition and in this round and will help us succeed in this round.
"The fact is that players don't concentrate on their individual personalities, they have to bear in mind the success of the whole team and he will do his best to help his team succeed."