Transfer talk: Verbal agreements are in place for two of Liverpool’s top targets

Some much-needed positive news is on the way from Liverpool.

With a departing captain, an atrocious final game and a stubborn, young winger, Reds fans are desperate for a bit of respite from the doom and gloom. And they could have that in the form of two deals that are close to completion for Brendan Rodgers' side. The Telegraph reports that a verbal agreement is in place with long-time target James Milner and the Manchester City winger is keen on getting the deal signed. The England international has turned down a new contract at the Etihad after becoming frustrated at his failure to nail down a starting place under Manuel Pellegrini. Another verbal agreement which, if Rodgers had anything to do with it, will have been filled with talk of "character," "focus," and "objective," is in place with Burnley striker Danny Ings. The England U21 forward has made it very clear that Liverpool is his preferred destination amid strong interest from Spurs. A tribunal will decide on the transfer fee for the 22-year-old which the Reds will be hoping to be around the €7 million mark. Rafael Benitez won't bloody believe the welcome gift he could be getting when he's finally confirmed as Real Madrid manager. Spanish outlet AS report that Real president Florentino Perez is planning on bringing in Man City's Sergio Aguero in an attempt to bring silverware back to the Bernabeu. The front page of the paper reads: "Kun Aguero: Drama of the summer," and claims that Perez is keen on putting together a front three to match that of perpetual rivals Barcelona. Speaking of Premier League strikers potentially moving Spainward, Diego Costa is seemingly unhappy with life in England and wants to return to La Liga. Marca claim that the Chelsea forward is "homesick" and would consider taking a pay-cut if it meant he could return to Atletico Madrid. After an incredible debut season, we wouldn't have guessed that the aggro striker was at all unsettled but apparently he has struggled to get accustomed to the English weather, language and food. In terms of players moving the other way, it's understood that Manchester United have emerged as hot favourites to land Barcelona right back Dani Alves. The Guardian report that the Red Devils believe they are in "pole position" to seal the Brazilian's signature if he does decide to leave the Camp Nou this summer. It was pegged as a two-horse race between PSG and United but the Premier League side firmly believe that the full-back does not want to move to the Ligue 1 spenders. Alves is a free agent this summer so his future will become a lot clearer after Saturday's Champions League final but don't be at all surprised to see him hacking men down on the right flank of Old Trafford come August.