Reds could turn to Bayern Munich or Sevilla stars if Lallana proves too expensive…
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The Reds have been quoted £30m by Southampton for English international midfielder Adam Lallana, and the substantial fee might be enough for the Reds to look elsewhere for midfield improvements this summer.
Here’s five alternatives for the 26-year-old, who could arguably do just as good a job at Anfield.
5) Xherdan Shaqiri – Bayern Munich
Shaqiri doesn’t get the game time his talent deserves at the Allianz Arena. He can play in a number of attacking midfield positions, and can shoot powerfully from range. After playing at Bayern, he’s aware of the passing style required at Anfield, and has admitted he’s interested in the potential move.
4) Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla
The Croatian was so good for Sevilla last term that he was voted into La Liga’s Team of the Year, and he’s on the radar of Barcelona and Real Madrid as a result. The Reds have been sniffing around him all season though, and are impressed by his ability to provide a box-to-box presence, while contributing goals and assists as well.
3) Emre Can – Bayer Leverkusen
The German Under-21 midfielder currently plays at the base of midfield, but he has the technical ability and drive to eventually be pushed forward into a more creative role. The Reds are heavily interested in his services, after Can shone in the Bundesliga last term. Can prides himself on his passing with either foot, and his ability to surge past midfielders.
2) Cesc Fabregas – Barcelona
A host of Premier League clubs are chasing Fabregas, and Liverpool are one of them. The 27-year-old Spaniard, despite leaving the Premier League in 2011 to join Barcelona, has still played more through-balls than anyone in the English top flight over the past five years! He’s quite simply world-class, and is actually only one year older than Lallana.
1) Isco – Real Madrid
Back in February, Liverpool were linked with Real Madrid’s prodigal young Spaniard Isco. The playmaker is ludicrously talented, but missed out on Spain’s World Cup squad after struggling to get into Carlo Ancelotti’s first-team in the second half of last season. A move to get more game time could appeal to Isco, although Los Blancos will likely be keen to keep hold of the ludicrously talented 22-year-old.
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