With Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson approaching the final year of his contract at Anfield, he is yet to put pen to paper on an extension, sparking speculation that he could leave Merseyside this summer.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of England forward Raheem Sterling is already problematic for last season’s Premier League runners-up, and the prospect of losing rejuvenated midfield-man Henderson is another issue for boss Brendan Rodgers and the hierarchy to mull over.
Here are five possible replacements for the ex-Sunderland man if he does depart…
5) William Carvalho
The Sporting Lisbon and Portugal holding midfielder is one of the hottest properties in European football, with Premier League scouts monitoring his progress for several seasons. At 22 years of age he fits the Liverpool criteria of moulding a team of young, hungry players.
He is also versatile – another buzzword for Rodgers. Carvalho, just like Liverpool’s Emre Can, is capable of filling in at the heart of the defence if called upon.
4) Victor Wanyama
Kenya star Wanyama has been a revelation since joining Southampton from Glasgow Celtic two summers ago. This season in particular he has been a leading light in Ronald Koeman’s engine room, making 33 appearances in all competitions.
His ability to break up play and get forward makes him a strong candidate to fill Henderson’s considerable boots.
3) Morgan Schneiderlin
The Frenchman has been pivotal alongside Wanyama in the middle of the park for the Saints, providing vital protection for the meanest defence in the Premier League. Koeman’s men have conceded only 22 goals in 31 top-flight outings and, while the defence has been superb, Schneiderlin’s role cannot be underestimated.
He came close to leaving last summer and could be easier to lure away from St Mary’s than his team-mate.
2) Fabian Delph
More than a few eyebrows were raised earlier in the season when Delph committed his future to Aston Villa by penning a fresh contract extension in the midst of a relegation battle. However, money talks and the ex-Leeds man’s stock has never been higher, having finally broken into the senior England set-up.
The acquisition of Delph would continue Rodgers’ tradition of building an English backbone.
1) Kevin Strootman
Roma star Strootman would be a classy addition to the Reds set-up, with a proven Champions League pedigree and international experience with Holland. However, two major stumbling blocks make it a hard deal to get over the line.
The 25-year-old has not kicked a ball in anger since January and knee surgery has kept him sidelined since then. Roma are also nailed on to qualify for the Champions League – something Liverpool look unlikely to achieve.