The season’s not even over yet, but the transfer speculation is hotting up nicely and Liverpool have been linked with several big name players to bolster both their first team and squad options.

The Daily Mail claims the Reds are favourites to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing, who could be available at a reduced price if the Teeside club are to be relegated this Sunday.

The 24-year-old has made 23 appearances for England and handed a transfer request in to Boro during the January transfer window earlier this season.

Meanwhile Liverpool are one of several clubs being linked with a move to sign Argentine striker Carlos Tevez (unfortunately pictured), whose loan deal at Manchester United runs out this summer.

Tevez was absent from United’s club awards party on Sunday, with his future at Old Trafford looking in doubt after falling down the pecking order to Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

Several online football rumour websites have linked Tevez with a move to Anfield this summer and Rafa Benitez has refused to rule out a move for him, but the Reds could be priced out with price tags such as £26million being mentioned.

In the current poll on This Is Anfield, 78% of Liverpool fans would be happy to see Tevez move to Anfield this summer. Click here to see the latest results and vote for yourself.

The Daily Mail says Ryan Babel is looking likely to be heading for the Anfield exit this summer, whilst the sale of Jermaine Pennant, who has been on loan at Portsmouth this season, is just a formality.

And it looks as if Liverpool’s 20-year-old winger Paul Anderson is set to leave on a permanent basis. The Reds have accepted a bid from Swansea, where he spent the 2008/09 campaign on loan.