Top ten players who could help the Anfield side back into the top four next season.
10. Burak Yilmaz (Galatasaray)
The Turkish striker has really caught the eye this season with 28 goals in all competitions, 8 coming on the Champions League stage. A player who would prove very useful in taking the goal burden off star player Luis Suarez at Anfield. Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested, but this would be a great coup for the Reds if they can pull it off.
9. Michel Vorm (Swansea City)
The highly-rated Swansea shot stopper is on the radar of a number of top clubs now, including Barcelona. However, with Barca also considering Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, the Reds could pounce for the Dutchman who would be keen to reunite with former boss Brendan Rodgers.
8. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle)
The French playmaker would add a bit of extra quality to Liverpool’s midfield, with his passing and shooting ability. The former Lille man has impressed in his time at Newcastle, but with the club facing a relegation battle, he could be tempted to move on to bigger things. The 27-year-old has also been linked with Manchester United.
7. Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid)
The skillful Turkish winger is said to be on the lookout for a move this summer, and Liverpool could certainly do with more end product from their wingers. Stewart Downing still looks like a poor signing since joining from Aston Villa, and urgently needs replacing. Turan has 4 goals and 8 assists this season and could do even better with a fresh start in English football.
6. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea)
The talented young striker has spent the season on loan at West Brom this year, and despite his displays he could still struggle to break into the Chelsea first team. Liverpool and Chelsea have done a surprising amount of transfer business in recent years, and the Reds would be wise to look to Stamford Bridge again for a fast and strong forward who could give them a whole new dimension upfront next season.
5. Cristian Tello (Barcelona)
Linked with Liverpool several times now, Barcelona youngster Cristian Tello could leave the club for as little as £8million this summer due to a clause in his contract. Barca hope to keep hold of their young talent, but he is understood to be keen on getting more first-team football. This technically gifted forward is really one who could flourish under Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
4. Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
With the legendary Jamie Carragher retiring, Liverpool need a signing at centre-back and are widely tipped to raid Brendan Rodgers’ old club Swansea for Ashley Williams. The Welshman has led his team to glory in the Capital One Cup this season and would be a good addition at most top four clubs. The 28-year-old is also a target for Arsenal.
3. Michael Essien (Chelsea)
Another gamble, but Liverpool should definitely enquire about the availability of Michael Essien. The tough-tackling midfielder has had a difficult time with injuries at Stamford Bridge, but has also enjoyed a decent spell on loan with Real Madrid this season. The Ghanian still has plenty to offer, and would provide a bit more grit to Liverpool’s occasionally lightweight midfield.
2. Scott Sinclair (Manchester City)
Scott Sinclair has had a torrid time since joining Manchester City, due to being given next to no chances by manager Roberto Mancini. However, the 24-year-old really shone under Brendan Rodgers at Swansea, and could be a useful addition to Liverpool with his ability to play out wide or upfront. He will surely be available on the cheap due to City wanting to sell him, and could be a real bargain buy for the Reds.
1. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
A return for fan-favourite Xabi Alonso would go down very well at Anfield, though the Spaniard recently played down speculation linking him with a move away from Real Madrid. Liverpool should still try for the 31-year-old, who was very successful in his first spell at the club, and who still possesses the quality in his passing to give the Reds’ midfield a bit more cutting edge. Also wanted by Chelsea.