Anfield side plot move for Goodison Park duo.
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Liverpool are preparing an audacious move to raid local rivals Everton with Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers being handed funds to make a significant bid for two Toffees stars.
CaughtOffside understands that Rodgers is ready to launch an opening offer of around £55m for young midfielder Ross Barkley and Republic of Ireland wing-back Seamus Coleman.
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Rodgers is keen to bring in a number of additions this summer as he seeks to push his side onwards and upwards after an excellent Premier League campaign, that could well lead to a long awaited domestic title.
England international Barkley is apparently seen by Rodgers as the ideal man to act as a long term replacement for 33 year old skipper Steven Gerrard and many sources have reported on an imminent bid for the 20 year old, with some suggesting an offer of around £38m is in the offing.
Such a bid would represent a club record fee for the Premier League table toppers and may prove tough for Goodison Park chairman Bill Kenwright to ignore.
Barkley has had an outstanding season this term, making 36 appearances in all competitions, and is an outside bet for a spot in Roy Hodgson’s 2014 World Cup finals squad.
Rodgers is also keen on bringing in another right-sided defensive option and is yet to offer first choice starter Glen Johnson a new deal, with his current contract running out in just over a year.
This has led to the Liverpool manager setting his sights on Coleman, who has been a consistent performer this term and a virtual ever present under Roberto Martinez.
Coleman has been solid in defence but perhaps even more importantly has also been a real threat in the final third and is a player said to be on both Arsenal and Man United’s summer wish-lists.
Brendan Rodgers will be all too aware of the contentious nature of a move to bring in players from across Stanley Park and the chances of pulling off such a deal will be greatly increased if Arsenal pip Everton to a fourth place finish with Champions League football then aiding Liverpool’s case.
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