Transfers: Liverpool to beat Manchester United to Brazil forward and clear out deadwood

Liverpool, this could be your year.

A ball hasn't been kicked, but you're making a killing in the transfer market. James Milner, Danny Ings and, er, Adam Bogdan are already on board for next season, and just the warm-up act if these transfers come off. According to Brazilian media outlet Globoesporte, the club have agreed a fee worth €25 million for Roberto Firmino. The Hoffenheim forward is a reported target for Manchester United, but Liverpool have seemingly jumped the queue. The forward, currently on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America, is expected to sign a five year deal at Anfield. Firmino scored seven goals in 33 games in the Bundesliga last season, and now looks to be on his way to Anfield. It's get better though Liverpool fans, much better. What's the one thing sweeter than beating fierce rivals to a highly rated player? That's right, convincing someone to take Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini off your hands. According to The Mirror, the least feared Italian strike-duo in football history are top of the Brendan Rodgers' Anfield clear out list. The Liverpool manager has identified up to eight players who no longer feature in his plans. Sebastian Coates, Jose Enrique and Javier Manquillo are the others most likely to leave, while Lucas, Andre Wisdom and Lazar Markovic are available at the right price. Coates could join Sunderland for €7 million, Borini is wanted by both Fiorentina and Lazio, and would cost €14 million, while Balotelli is available, even for a loan deal. Liverpool are desperate to get rid of the striker, and Sampdoria is a possible destination. If Liverpool can get rid of their transfer flops, and beat Manchester United to a striker, then we an safely say this will be their year. Manchester United see Liverpool's spectacular transfer dealing, and raise them €210 million. According to The Mirror, Louis van Gaal is getting ready to spend big, and have identified four players to help the club bring trophies back to Old Trafford. Real Madrid pair Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen are all wanted by United. While Javier Hernandez could be among those cleared out of the club, with Atletico Madrid interested. This sounds like a lot of business to get done before the start of the new season, but don't worry United fans, Ed Woodward is on the case. Finally, in non-Liverpool or Manchester United transfer news, Newcastle United are prepared to pay €15 million for Charlie Austin, and know exactly how to convince the striker his future is in England's north-east. According to The Daily Star, the QPR striker will be given the famous number nine shirt at St James Park, the number worn by Magpies' legends Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and, er, Obafemi Martins. Because that's the deal-breaker for a professional footballer when deciding the most important transfer of his career: whether or not he'll be given Papiss Cisse's shirt number.