Brendan Rodgers eyeing goalkeeper, defender and striker in summer spending spree.
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Liverpool will launch an audacious attempt to bring in three of the biggest names in Belgian football at the moment, with the triple signing of Simon Mignolet, Toby Alderweireld and Christian Benteke.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is confident of landing all three players, with a deal to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Mignolet reportedly close, though he will face stiff competition for the other two players.
Ajax defender Alderweireld has been linked strongly with a move to Anfield for much of the summer, though his agent has reported that positive talks have taken place with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen over a move. Rodgers is keen to land another defender this summer following the retirement of Jamie Carragher, and may see Kolo Toure, who joined on a free transfer from Manchester City, as more of a backup player than a regular starter.
And finally, Liverpool will go all out for in-demand Aston Villa striker Benteke. The 22-year-old has had a fantastic first season in English football, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the league to help Villa avoid relegation. His fine form has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, but Liverpool are desperate to sign a top striker to replace Real Madrid target Luis Suarez. He has reportedly refused to sign a new contract at Villa Park and would be open to offers to move a top side.
The Uruguayan star has also had something of a breakthrough season in the Premier League, and has expressed an interest in leaving for a move to a bigger club, as he is concerned by the lack of Champions League football and significant challenge for silverware at Anfield.
The 26-year-old’s sale could fetch the club around £50million, which could prove significant in the chase for Benteke, as they may have the financial advantage over other interested parties, with Villa said to be holding out for close to £30million for the former Genk forward. However, Liverpool could also look to sweeten the deal by offering former Villa winger Stewart Downing in return as part of a swap deal.
The signings of Mignolet, Alderweireld and Benteke would significantly strengthen Liverpool’s push for the top four next season, and show the kind of ambition that Reds fans expect from their manager.
These players are three of an army of talented Belgians currently playing in the Premier League, alongside the likes of Vincent Kompany, Eden Hazard, Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku.