MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 2, 2013: Manchester City's James Milner in action against Bayern Munich's Rafinha during the UEFA Champions League Group D match at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

LFC Transfer Rumour Roundup: Neto & Ings in? Lambert & Jones out?

The constant transfer speculation continues to gather pace as the summer approaches, and we look at the latest rumoured ins and outs at Liverpool.

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Another day, another host of transfer news affecting the Reds.

It is becoming more and more clear that Brendan Rodgers is trying to get some of his summer business done early, with numerous players being linked with imminent moves to Anfield.

Positive news arrives from one report which claims Rodgers is keen to recruit two new forwards this summer – although, the source being MailOnline makes this more likely to just be conjecture than any inside information.

Here are Tuesday’s rumours:

Neto & Brad Jones

According to the very reliable Paul Joyce of the Express, Liverpool have renewed their interest in Fiorentina’s highly-rated goalkeeper Neto.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move with Champions League semi-finalists Juventus, but is wary of just being an understudy to Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon.

That has reportedly seen Rodgers once again consider bringing in the former Brazil Under-23 star, as he looks to add more competition for Simon Mignolet.

Which brings us to Brad Jones. Joyce reports that the Australian will be released by the Reds when his current deal expires in the summer, bringing an end to his five years on Merseyside.

The 33-year-old is clearly not good enough for Liverpool, as shown by his woeful showing against Man United in December, and has never been an acceptable deputy to Mignolet.

Neto would undoubtedly make life tougher for the Belgian, which can only be a good thing.

James Milner & Danny Ings

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 14, 2013: Manchester City's James Milner in action against Arsenal during the Premiership match at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

That same report from Joyce also states that James Milner and Danny Ings both remain very much on Liverpool’s radar.

It would appear that Milner is looking like virtually a certainty to make the move from Manchester to Merseyside in the summer, with his contract at Man City expiring and the Reds therefore able to get him on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old may not be the most brilliantly gifted player around, and is certainly one who has his critics, but he would be a shrewd signing by the club.

The England international is an extremely versatile footballer, capable of playing in central midfield, out wide or even as a full-back, and is the kind of player teammates appreciate hugely.

Ings, meanwhile, is also looking like he may well be a Liverpool player next season, with the Reds “favourites” to sign the 22-year-old.

The young Englishman has enjoyed an impressive season in a struggling Burnley side, scoring nine goals and consistently looking his side’s most accomplished player.

He has plenty of potential, and would most certainly be a better back-up striker than the likes of Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini.

Rickie Lambert

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 17, 2015: Liverpool's Rickie Lambert celebrates scoring the second goal against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Villa Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With Ings looking quite likely to be at Anfield next season, the future of Lambert has unsurprisingly come into question.

The Mirror claim that the 33-year-old could be set for a shock move to champions Chelsea.

With 37-year-old Didier Drogba out of contract, and seemingly on his last legs, Jose Mourinho is looking for a replacement third-choice striker, with Lambert reportedly an option.

The former Southampton man has endured a difficult year with his boyhood club, scoring just three times in 33 appearances, and with all due respect, it would be a huge surprise were he to move to Stamford Bridge.

Kieran Trippier

According to the rather flaky Daily Star, Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier could be set to join Liverpool, with the Reds among a host of clubs interested in his signature.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign, despite his side’s precarious Premier League position, producing more crosses than any other player in the league and providing four assists for teammates.

With Glen Johnson surely on his way out of Anfield, and Jon Flanagan a long-term absentee, right-back is definitely an area that needs to be addressed.

Trippier may be more of a risky signing than someone like Martin Montoya, who has also been linked with the Reds, but his age and the fact he is English would both appeal to FSG’s transfer policy.

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