da dobrowin: It’s quite the odd situation at Liverpool right now, with, despite the fact that the transfer window has not yet officially opened, Nathaniel Clyne’s imminent arrival set to be the sixth of the summer. SIXTH! The England right-back shone with Southampton last season, helping the Saints to register the second best defensive record in the Premier League last term – only Champions Chelsea conceded fewer goals – making him a seemingly ideal successor to Glen Johnson, who has been released.
da roleta: Even with Clyne added to the quartet of Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez, James Milner and Danny Ings, Brendan Rodgers is likely to want more signings, particularly with Raheem Sterling’s future up in the air, and here are FIVE more potentially Anfield-bound stars…
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Mateo Kovacic
Even though the logic behind speculation of a move for Kovacic is a little questionable following the arrival of James Milner, links between the Reds and the young Croatian persist. Amid the Roberto Firmino completion talk, reports still insisted that the 21-year-old remains on Rodgers’ radar, with his neat passing and sheer potential standout factors.
Inter Milan are, however, seemingly reluctant to do business, which could be a factor contributing to the dragging of this one. The lack of English credibility to this deal is also something worth considering, but the sheer persistence of the rumour lends it some credibility.
Christian Benteke
With the ever-reliable Liverpool Echo now claiming that Benteke is the top target at Anfield once again, there’s every chance this rumour could drag on for a little while. Opinion between Reds fans appears to divided in regard to the big Belgian, whose goalscoring ability and proven Premier League record cannot quite make up for his apparent lack of suitability to a Rodgers team.
Aston Villa are desperate to keep their man following his heroic end to the season – he notched 12 in 13 games – and are holding out for £32.5m, which is an issue for Liverpool.
Javier Hernandez
One of the more bizarre links out there involves Hernandez. The Mexican is certainly an able hit-man, but the bitter rivalry between Liverpool and Man United would suggest that a deal will be tough, if not impossible, to sort out. A lack of future at Old Trafford for ‘Chicharito’ may open the door, so there is a chance that the Central American could be rocking up on Merseyside…
Although not truly effective as a lone striker, Hernandez could offer Rodgers an intriguing option alongside Daniel Sturridge, when fit, or Danny Ings, with the service of Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho seemingly ideal for the ex-Chivas Guadalajara ace’s movement.
Denis Cheryshev
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Reading into the abundant rumours of Raheem Sterling’s move to Manchester City and suggestions that Roberto Firmino’s purchase was in no way influenced by the aforementioned Englishman, Chershev looks to be a possible replacement. The Russia international is now back at Real Madrid following a decent loan spell with Villarreal, but with no senior Los Blancos appearances to his name at the age of 24 and competition fierce, his future looks bleak.
It’s claimed that Liverpool are attempting to push a £15m deal for his signature, which, albeit slightly risky, would hand Rodgers yet another attacking threat with his pace and direct running tailor-made to succeeding Sterling.
Salomon Rondon
Should Christian Benteke prove to be too expensive, the Venezuelan could be pursued… well, according to reports. 13 goals as Zenit Saint-Petersburg ran to the league title is a positive return, but his 6ft. 3” frame makes him a little similar to Mario Balotelli in terms of stature and raises the same worries being broadcast by many fans in regard to Benteke.
Rondon does, however, appear to be in hot form after following his Zenit heroics with Venezuela’s winner against Colombia in the Copa America – albeit they still finished bottom of Group C and were eliminated.