Kucka flattered by Liverpool rumours; Henriquez enjoyed Wigan loan

Genoa midfielder Juraj Kucka has revealed he is flattered by recent speculation linking him with a summer move to Liverpool, Sky Sports understands.

The Reds are in need of squad reinforcements this summer due to a lack of depth and quality.

Players at every position are expected to be targeted by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, with Kucka one of many players currently being linked with a move to Anfield.

Despite his flattery, Kucka expects to return to Genoa next season.

In addition, the 26-year-old Slovakia international has not been in contact with compatriot Martin Skrtel, who has been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent weeks, since being linked with the Merseysiders.

“It’s good news,” Kucka told Dennik Sport. “I have read it on the internet.

“I have not called my compatriot Martin Skrtel and have no plans to do so. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.

“I am a Genoa player, so I have to think that I’ll play in Genoa the next season.

“But I can imagine what it would mean to wear the Liverpool shirt.”

Kucka, who joined Genoa on a four-year deal from Gambrinus liga giants AC Sparta Prague, bagged three goals and three assists in 33 Serie A appearances for Genoa last season.

Henriquez enjoyed Wigan loan

Manchester United forward Angelo Henriquez has refused to rule out a second loan spell at the DW Stadium despite Wigan Athletic’s relegation to the Football League Championship, according to Sky Sports.

Henriquez, 19, joined Wigan on loan in January in anticipation of Arouna Koné leaving the club temporarily to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d’Ivoire.

The highly-rated 19-year-old was hoping a loan spell at Wigan would allow him to gain substantial experience in the English Premier League.

Despite finding the back of the net on his Premier League debut, Henriquez was kept out of the side by Callum McManaman, Franco Di Santo and the aforementioned Koné upon his return from international duty.

However, the Chilean ace is willing to return to Wigan for a second loan spell next season after admitting he enjoyed his time at the DW Stadium in 2012-13.

“I didn’t play a lot of football, which was obviously the target when I arrived in January,” Henriquez told the Wigan Evening Post.

“But just being involved with a Premier League team, living the experience of first team football and learning from other players and other teams has been very good.

“I have enjoyed my time here and I wouldn’t rule out coming here again if that is a possibility. Who knows?

“You always improve and pick up new things from new managers and new players. That was the point of the whole exercise, and I hope to show what I’ve learned when I return to Old Trafford.”

Henriquez, who also scored against Serbia on his international debut on 14 November 2012, netted one goal in eight appearances for Wigan last season.