The season may be over, but that doesn’t stop the constant transfer speculation. We take a look at which players have been linked with a move to Anfield over the last seven days, and how they might fit into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.
ALBERTO MORENO
The Liverpool Echo report that Moreno is Liverpool’s top left-back target for this summer.
The 21-year-old Sevilla star, who won the Europa League with them on Wednesday evening, is one of the hottest properties in Spanish football, and has been named in La Roja‘s 30-man preliminary squad for this summer’s World Cup.
With left-back clearly an area Brendan Rodgers needs to strengthen ahead of next season, Moreno would be a superb addition. He is young, has attacking prowess, is solid defensively and will only get better.
It is claimed he would cost the Reds around £15m and they would face competition from a host of other clubs for his signature.
JAVIER MASCHERANO
Although the Mirror reported that that 29-year-old former Red could make a return to Anfield this summer, the Echo says there is no truth in the rumours.
The Argentinian, who was one of Liverpool’s key men between 2007 and 2010, is expected to leave Barcelona this summer, and it seems likely he will join Rafa Benitez at Napoli rather than return to Anfield.
Defensive midfield is an are Rodgers needs to add strength to, with Lucas’ future up in the air and Steven Gerrard not getting any younger. Again, as is the Reds manager’s philosophy, it is likely he will look for a younger player to bring into that role instead.
ASHLEY COLE
Like Mascherano, rumours of Cole moving to Liverpool have been played down by the Echo, after the Independent said they were in pole position to land the 33-year-old.
The former England star will leave Chelsea this summer, and there are plenty of suitors for his signature. Although left-back is an area that definitely needs to be improved on at Anfield, the more youthful Moreno is clearly a more genuine target.
His experience of Champions League football and defensive brilliance would benefit Liverpool greatly if a deal did ever go though, but it appears unlikely.
THOMAS MULLER
http://youtu.be/RyROWdN8Rw4
Muller’s future at Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola is slightly up in the air, and according the Express the Reds are interested in signing the Germany international, along with Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 24-year-old might not be the most naturally gifted attacking player around, but he is hugely effective and can play either out wide, in a number 10 role or as a striker. He has scored 25 goals in 50 appearances for the German giants this season.
A good work-rate and great versatility are something that clearly appeal to Rodgers, and Muller ticks both boxes. Whether he is willing to leave Bayern, however, or whether another club comes in with a bigger offer, remains to be seen.
WILLIAM CARVALHO
The Daily Star is reporting that the highly-rated Sporting midfielder is now favourite to join Liverpool ahead of United.
The 22-year-old is a very strong defensive midfielder who would add presence and power to the Reds side. Having shipped a disappointing 50 goals in the Premier League this season, Rodgers will certainly be looking for defence-minded players to bring in.
Carvalho, who will represent Portugal at this summers World Cup, has a buy-out clause of £37m, but realistically he would have to cost a fair amount less for Liverpool’s interest to remain strong.
CANER ERKIN
http://youtu.be/JnpcMuLT20Q
Liverpool are in a battle with Chelsea to acquire the signature of the Turkey midfielder, according to the Mirror.
The 25-year-old Fenerbahce star’s agent, Batur Altiparmak, confirmed that the two Premier League heavyweights are both interested: “I don’t usually like giving names but it is great for the players confidence that clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea are showing an interest,” he said.
Erkin plays predominantly as a left winger, and is blessed with pace and creativity. He would add great depth to the Reds’ attacking options, and add pace still lacking in wide areas, barring Raheem Sterling. He has won 26 caps for the Turkish national team since his debut in 2006, scoring once.
Which of these would you most like to see at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
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