Liverpool may have to start thinking about replacements if star player Raheem Sterling continues to stall on signing a new contract at Anfield.
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The England youngster has been linked with big names such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and it could be that he will follow Luis Suarez in quitting the Reds for a move to an elite European giant.
Still, there could be decent players to arrive in his place, with these five among some realistic targets for Brendan Rodgers’ side…
1) Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim)
Linked strongly with Arsenal at the moment, Hoffenheim attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino has also emerged as a target for Liverpool and looks a superb young talent who could fill a similar role to Sterling.
2) Douglas Costa (Shakhtar Donetsk)
A rumoured target for Chelsea, Liverpool could arguably do with Douglas Costa more than the Blues. The Brazilian winger looks a great player with a superb long range shot on him and he could surely be an adequate replacement for Sterling out wide.
3) Pedro (Barcelona)
A top class player frozen out at Barcelona this season, Pedro has been repeatedly linked with Liverpool in recent months and could be a superb signing, bringing experience and proven quality to this Reds squad.
4) Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
A wildcard option perhaps, but Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is a known Liverpool supporter and is currently stalling on signing a new contract as he no longer looks guaranteed a starting place at the Emirates Stadium. A pacey wide-man with an eye for goal, Walcott could be a great like-for-like replacement for Sterling on the cheap.
5) Nicolas Gaitan (Benfica)
Finally, another player linked several times with Liverpool and other bigger clubs, Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan is an exciting and skillful wide-man who could no doubt fill Sterling’s boots on either flank for Rodgers’ side.