Liverpool have been surrounded by lots of transfer and contract speculation over the past few months, from news about Raheem Sterling refusing to discuss a new contract to Mario Balotelli ruling himself out of their recent mauling at the hands of top four rivals Arsenal.
Brendan Rodgers has now come out in an angry outburst saying that his players are not playing for him. Things seem to be unravelling at the Merseyside club. After such a strong season last year it seemed Liverpool were on their way back to greatness, but this season has seen none of that.
So who does Brendan Rodgers need to sign during the summer months to make them title contenders in next season’s Premier League?
Here are five options that might just do the trick for Brendan…
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Douglas Costa
Douglas Costa, currently of Shakhtar Donetsk, is looking at a move to England.
The South American forward has been advised to move away from Ukraine due to the unrest in the country. Rodgers is keen to sign the star as a replacement for Mario Balotelli. This signing could prove to be a difficult one, though, with Chelsea also in the frame.
Liverpool would be able to offer him more gamete but a lack of Champions League football could push Costa towards Chelsea.
Juan Iturbe
Roma forward Juan Iturbe has been sighted as a possible target for Rodgers, who is looking to change his strike force this summer.
With it looking unlikely that Rahaeem Sterling and Mario Balotelli will remain at Anfield beyond the summer, Rodgers is looking at changing things round. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to England after he lost confidence due to Injury at Roma.
Liverpool could give him the game time he needs to grow and flourish as a player.
Danny Ings
Burnley will struggle to keep their star man Danny Ings if they are relegated in May.
He has had a superb season with the Clarets and many clubs are reportedly keen on keeping him in the Premier League should Burnley fail to escape the drop.
Liverpool look to be in pole position to sign him, but David Moyes’ Real Solciadad have also expressed an interest. Ings would make a good signing to partner Sterling – if he stays – the pair could be the perfect partnership, like Burnley have with Ings and Sam Vokes.
Ben Gibson
England U21 and Middlesborough star Ben Gibson is high on Rodgers’ wishlist, according to reports, and he could go head-to-head with Man City for his signature this summer.
Gibson can play at full back as well as in central defence and has been a key part of Middlesborough’s promotion campaign in the Championship. His excellent defending has been huge part of their success.
Jordan Henderson
It has been reported that Jordan Henderson has turned down a new contract offer with Liverpool, which will have some top Premier League clubs on high alert.
The midfielder was expected to be Steven Gerrard’s replacement as Anfield skipper and chief penalty taker. The lack of European football could be making him look elsewhere, though, but Liverpool need to do everything in their power to keep him, otherwise things may really start to unravel.
