Reds Look To Complete Jigsaw

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has stressed that any new signings must 'fit the model' he is trying to install at Anfield.

The Reds are yet to sign anyone this summer and Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson turned them down this week in favour of a move to Tottenham.

But before pursuing other targets, Rodgers insists he will assess the attributes of the squad he inherited from Kenny Dalglish.

"I've got a bunch of wonderful players here," he told the club's official website. "I'm going to take time to have a look at that.

"I believe there's one or two areas that I'll need to improve on for sure, but overall the core of the group is strong.

"But like any manager, you want to add the other pieces that can complete your jigsaw and that's something that we're doing over a period of time.

"This window for the summer, you either had to get your business in early or it was going to run over towards the end of the window, just purely because of all the games and holidays and championships, and everything that was going on.

"We're doing a lot of work off the field in terms of potential players to come in, but it will only be a certain type of player that will fit the model here at Liverpool."

Rodgers felt Sigurdsson would fit that model after having him on loan at Swansea last season.

And having agreed terms over a permanent move to Wales before being appointed Liverpool boss, Rodgers was disappointed he couldn't lure him to Anfield.

Barnes Backing For Rodgers

Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes has urged the club's fans to put their faith in new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers was last month unveiled as the man chosen by Reds owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to take the Anfield outfit forward, succeeding the sacked Kenny Dalglish, under whom the team had finished the 2011-12 season in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League.

Liverpool also won the Carling Cup and was beaten FA Cup finalists last term, and despite their lowly final league position, Barnes feels the club were making progress with Dalglish at the helm.

That is something he is confident will continue next season with the new boss in charge, and Barnes is calling on Reds supporters to give Rodgers their full backing.

Asked what he thought should be expected of Liverpool under Rodgers in the forthcoming campaign, Barnes told Press Association Sport: "Improvement - we will finish better than eighth.

"If you look at the improvement Liverpool showed in the last months of the season - getting to the cup finals and the desire and resolve they showed on the field - I think there will be a natural progression of them improving, which would have happened either way.

"Brendan Rodgers is there now and I urge all the fans to get behind him, support him, believe in him and see where it takes us.

"I don't think we are necessarily strong enough to win the league but we should be looking to finish between fourth and sixth, and if we could get into fourth spot, that would be a great achievement."

Rodgers won plaudits for the work he did in his previous job as manager at Swansea, who in the two years of his tenure gained promotion to the Premier League for the first time and then secured an impressive 11th-placed top-flight finish last term - playing an eye-catching brand of flowing football all the while.

Tasked by FSG to bring the glory days back to Liverpool by employing a similar style, the 39-year-old Northern Irishman is yet to begin any major remodelling at Anfield and has made no signings yet.

Rodgers had appeared set to recruit Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson - who flourished during a loan spell under him at Swansea last season - for the Reds, but the Iceland international has since joined Tottenham.

Liverpool fans might be crossing their fingers for some big-name arrivals, but as far as Barnes is concerned, whoever the new manager does bring in, the most important thing is that they fit in with Rodgers' footballing vision.

"We have to be realistic and we have to trust the manager - know his philosophy and know he will bring in the players to suit that philosophy," Barnes, who played for the Merseyside club between 1987 and 1997, said.

"They might not be names we have heard of, like Gylfi Sigurdsson when he came in (at Swansea).

"No-one thought anything much of him, but you can see what he did.

"He is not coming to Liverpool, but if he (Rodgers) signs a player we have not heard of that he knows can fit into his philosophy and pattern, then we should support that, rather than saying 'unless we get big-name signings, we are not going to be optimistic'."

Rodgers Admits Liverpool Departures Possible

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident his vision for the club will persuade his star players to remain at Anfield.

Despite the Northern Irishman conceding that a lack of Champions League football could mean the Reds lose players, he felt that the future he had envisioned for the Merseysiders would be enough to soothe any doubts some may harbour.

“I am very confident in relation to the conversations I have had,” he told Sky Sports News.

“You can only sell the dream going forward. The reality is there is a lot of nostalgia about this club, and I have seen that in my early time here, but what is important is going forward.

“Of course, the club isn't in the Champions League and the top players want to play at that level, but hopefully in the next coming years we can strive to get towards that.

“If that is not enough for a player then they will go, it is as simple as that.”

The former Swansea City boss also shed some light on the situation around Gylfi Sigurdsson’s move to Tottenham Hotspur after it appeared he was close to a Liverpool switch.

The Iceland international was on loan at Swansea last season under Rodgers, and was impressive while scoring seven goals in 19 games for the Welsh side.

However, Rodgers admitted he was mistaken in thinking the guarantee of playing regular football would be persuade Sigurdsson to make the move to Anfield after pulling out of a switch to the Swans due to Rodgers’ departure.

The 39-year-old coach hinted that the price asked for the player by his former club Hoffenheim was increased once the move to Liverpool became a possibility, and Rodgers refused to pay over the figure previously agreed.

“Gylfi did fantastic for me at Swansea last season. He wasn't playing at Hoffenheim, I brought him to Swansea and he did very well for me there, scored seven goals in 19 games and was very, very good,” Rodgers told the official Liverpool website.

“He and I both sat and spoke and believed that playing football was going to be the most important aspect for him.

“But obviously it was important financially so we agreed a deal for him to go to Swansea and that was wrapped up.

“I then became the Liverpool manager, and that then wasn't something that was going to happen at Swansea. So he then had a choice of where he wanted to go. I knew what the market was and I wasn't prepared to pay anything over what I had known was agreed before.”

One player he is sure of keeping is star forward Luis Suarez, who has been linked with a move away from Merseyside.

Rodgers said the pair had spoken about the future and felt good about hanging on to the Uruguay international.

“I have spoken to him but focused very much on the future in terms of what I believe he can bring to how we are going to play,” he added on Sky Sports.

“He was fantastic, very open, and I think he was impressed with how we played last season.”

Hateley: Liverpool Striker Should Leave Anfield

Former AC Milan player Mark Hateley has urged Liverpool's Andy Carroll to consider quitting Anfield for a move abroad.

Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Rossoneri striker Hateley believes that Carroll would become a better all-round player if he switched leagues, following suggestions that Milan could well be interested in him.

“As a future target I’d like Andy Carroll," he said. “I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have Carroll at Milan."

It is rumoured that Milan are planning to move for Carroll, after the son of club owner Silvio Berlusconi admitted that they would be interested in the Liverpool striker.

Carroll appeared to struggle during his first full season with Liverpool following his £35 million transfer from Newcastle United in January 2011.

While the mammoth price tag was very much a factor in Fernando Torres' £50 million departure from the club, Carroll has seemed to be weighed down by the level of expectation placed on his young shoulders.

However, the 23 year-old finished the season strongly with Liverpool, and was subsequently picked for Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 England squad.

His goal against Sweden in England's 3-2 win the highlight of an impressive tournament for Carroll and now it seems as though Europe's biggest clubs have sat up and taken notice.

“At his age you’re still very young and very raw. You’re susceptible to taking on new projects and ideas,” Hateley continued.

“He’s got great strengths in his game already but he still has a lot of weaknesses. They [Milan] can deconstruct his game and build it back up again to the way a European centre-forward should be.”

Would Clint Dempsey Be The Perfect Signing For Liverpool?

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has now missed out on signing Glyfi Sigurdsson after the midfielder completed his switch to Tottenham, so should the club now turn their attention to Fulham's own goal-scoring midfielder Clint Dempsey?

There have been reports that Liverpool are preparing an offer in excess of £10million for the American who last season was the top scoring midfielder in the Premier League with 17 goals.

In fact Dempsey's return of 23 goals in all competitions was a phenomenal record for a player who has consistently improved season upon season since signing for Fulham from New England Revolution back in 2006.

If you look at the stats from last season then it is easy to see where Liverpool where let down. The Reds scored just 47 Premier League goals, that is one less than relegated Blackburn Rovers and 46 less than champions Manchester City.

Luis Suarez was the top scorer in the league with 11 goals, while the top scoring midfielder was Steven Gerrard who found the back of the net on five occasions, despite only starting 12 games. Andy Carroll scored just four, Craig Bellamy six, while Stewart Downing managed precisely zero.

Dempsey scored more than the combined efforts of Downing, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Carroll. It is clear to see where the problem lies.

Rodgers certainly needs to address this issue and Dempsey would almost guarantee goal. In his six seasons in England he has a return of 50 Premier League goals. An impressive return for any midfielder.

Rodgers Claims Sigurdsson Priced Himself Out Of Liverpool Move

Brendan Rodgers insists Gylfi Sigurdsson's wage demands scuppered his proposed move to Liverpool.

A deal had been struck with the Iceland international for him to return to Swansea, where he had spent the latter half of last season on loan, but when Rodgers moved to Anfield that move hit the rocks.

The Reds then appeared to be in pole position to secure his services because of the player's relationship with the manager, but when discussions began over finances, Rodgers discovered the 22-year-old was asking for more money than he had agreed at Swansea.

Rodgers did not feel that was justified and, as a result, Sigurdsson signed for Tottenham - with the midfielder claiming the London's club's ambition and quality squad persuaded him to move to London.

"He wasn't playing at Hoffenheim, I brought him to Swansea and he did very well for me there, scoring seven goals in 19 games and was very good," said Rodgers, who succeeded Kenny Dalglish just over a month ago.

"He and I both sat and spoke and believed that playing football was going to be the most important aspect for him.

"But obviously it was important financially so we agreed a deal for him to go to Swansea and that was wrapped up.

"I then became the Liverpool manager and that then wasn't something that was going to happen at Swansea so he then had a choice of where he wanted to go.

"I knew what the market was and I wasn't prepared to pay anything over what I had known was agreed before.

"Liverpool would have provided Gylfi with a wonderful opportunity to perform with a manager that he knows and at a club which is a real footballing institution.

"But he's decided to go to Tottenham, for whatever reason.

"I wish him the best, he's a good kid and there's no ill feeling. We've got other targets and we'll move on."

Lucas Eyes Start Of Season

Lucas Leiva hopes to be fit enough to return to action around the start of the new season.

Liverpool's combative midfielder suffered serious damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last November, undergoing surgery the following month.

Now back on Merseyside after a spell of rehab with former club Gremio in his native Brazil, the 25-year-old feels his long spell out of action is nearing the end.

"I think I am progressing very well in terms of the knee, strength and fitness-wise," he said.

"I am working every week and trying to improve every week and the main target is to be fit for the new season, if not for the start then after a few weeks."

The injury forced Lucas into the first long-term absence of his career, something he admits he found difficult to deal with.

He added: "It has been very hard for me because I have never been out for a month so you can imagine five months when I can't play and only watch the game.

"I just had to cope with the injury and the time. As soon as I got the injury I knew I would be out for many months and I started to think about other things.

"The most difficult period for me was when I was on crutches for two months, especially the first four weeks after the surgery when the knee was swollen.

"To be honest, for a few moments I thought I couldn't come back or even walk, because the way I looked at my knee I felt scared.

"But as soon as I started the rehab, it is unbelievable how your body reacts.

"My main target now is to be 100% recovered and be okay to play a part in next season."

Milan Vice-President Plays Down Carroll Rumours

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says the club will not make any further signings this summer, despite being linked to Liverpool's Andy Carroll.

Pier Silvio Berlusconi, son of club owner Silvio Berlusconi, had acknowledged that he would love to bring the 23-year-old to the San Siro - having seen him at Euro 2012.

"As a future target, I'd like Andy Carroll," Berlusconi said, according to Mediaset. "I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have Carroll at Milan."

Milan have allowed a number of players to leave the club this summer, including Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta and Filippo Inzaghi, and have already strengthened by signing midfielders Riccardo Montolivo, Kevin Constant and Bakaye Traore as well as defender Francesco Acerbi.

Mathieu Flamini was re-signed on a one-year deal despite Milan having indicated he would be released, and Galliani insists that the Rossoneri are not looking to strengthen any further.

"Milan's transfer market is closed," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "We have nine midfielders and our market is closed."

Milan secured a big boost this week when defender Thiago Silva signed a new contract until 2017. The Brazil international had been set to join Paris Saint-Germain in a €46 million deal until the intervention of Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi.

Galliani said: "We must thank Silvio Berlusconi for keeping Thiago at the club and, hence, resisting the temptation to sell him. With regards to those that will depart, only perhaps Mesbah will leave the club."

Aquilani Heading Back To Liverpool

Alberto Aquilani is set to make a return to Liverpool after failing to get a permanent move away from the club.

The midfielder has spent the last two seasons on loan in Serie A to try and get his injury ravaged career back on track following a £20m move from Roma in 2009.

But the neither Juventus nor more recently AC Milan wanted to turn season-long loan deals for the 27-year-old into anything longer.

"At the moment Aquilani is a Liverpool player and will certainly start pre-season training with them, then we'll see what happens," agent Franco Zavaglia told TMW.

"The new manager will decide whether to keep him or not. I don't think he's coming back to Italy and he hasn't expressed any particular preference, but this time I hope Liverpool can tell us in time if he's not part of their plans so we can find him the right club.

"Recently, apart from a slight ankle sprain, Aquilani has had no major fitness problems. The real problems were when he had ankle surgery at Liverpool."

Rodgers Wants Spanish Flair

Brendan Rodgers says he is planning to use the Spanish tactics that have taken the world by storm in recent years as a blueprint for future success at Liverpool.

The 39-year-old manager won many admirers for the way he built on the foundations of the current Wigan boss Roberto Martinez at Swansea that had the club likened to the reigning world and European champions.

He was brought in to replace Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool boss after a poor season in which they finished in a disappointing eighth place.

And Rodgers has vowed to bring the good times back to Anfield with his brand of possession football.

"Any football team, especially when you play possession football, has to limit the opposition to few chances," he told talkSPORT.

"Last year we (Swansea) used to defend with the ball and people in this country don't seem to understand that, they think you defend without the ball.

"But it is all about penetration and that is what I will look to bring here. Possession is no good on its own, it has to be with penetration."

The mixed performances last season may have cost the Kop favourite his job but Rodgers was quick to defend the record of Dalglish in his second spell in charge of the club.

Rodgers believes he laid strong foundations for future success at the club and because of that he is does not need to raid the transfer market if he is to challenge for silverware in his first season in charge of the famous old club.

"If you look at Liverpool's record last season Kenny was very unlucky because there were so many games they dominated but just failed to hit the back of the net," he added.

"Defensively they were reasonably strong so it is a case of improving on what has been happening over the last couple of years and giving the players confidence to go and win games."

Liverpool Show An Interest As Kalou Becomes Free Agent

Liverpool are believed to be interested in securing the services of Salomon Kalou after the attacker became a free agent on July 1.

Chelsea did not offer the forward a new contract and he was eventually allowed to leave the club as he looks for a new challenge after six successful years with the west London club.

Kalou won the Premier League, four FA Cups, the League Cup and the Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge and he certainly brings a wealth of experience at the highest level.

ESPN is reporting that Liverpool is one of several clubs that are hoping to persuade Kalou to join them. One problem for the Reds is that they will not be able to offer Champions League football, something that the Senegal international has grown accustomed to.

The 26-year-old previously played in Holland where he spent three years with Feyenoord, but much will now depend on whether he wants to test himself in another league, or if he would prefer to stay in England.

Liverpool are certainly looking to add some attacking options after their own former Feyenoord forward Dirk Kuyt left the club.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will have to hope that he can convince Kalou that he can take the club forward after a disappointing league campaign under Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool finished in eighth place.

Liverpool Have Until Late July To Sign Newcastle Forward

Newcastle United fans will be hoping that the month of July goes by quicker than normal as the end of the month marks the cut-off date in Demba Ba's release clause that could see him leave for just £7million.

The Senegal international was one of the form striker of last season, despite struggling after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations when he was asked to play in wide positions.

The arrival of Papiss Cisse saw Ba lose his central role but he still ended the season with an impressive return of 16 league goals.

There is concern on Tyneside that a club will make an offer and, according to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool could be one of the sides that decides to make an offer for the forward.

Brendan Rodgers is working had behind the scenes to try and identify targets and the paper believes that Ba could be one man that the new Liverpool boss attempts to bring to Anfield.

Liverpool certainly struggled in front of goal last season with Luis Suarez the only man to reach double figures as he ended the season with 11 league goals.

Should the Reds decide to move for Ba then they would have to bid £7million by July 31, as after that date, Newcastle could demand considerably more and would be under no pressure to sell.

Liverpool Want Bolton Midfielder

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has turned his attention to Bolton midfielder Mark Davies after seemingly missing out on Gylfi Sigurdsson who is on the verge of joining Tottenham.

Rodgers had hoped to be able to persuade Sigurdsson to choose a move to Anfield after enjoying a good relationship with the midfielder when they were together at Swansea.

However, it seems as though the Hoffenheim midfielder is now on the verge of completing a move to White Hart Lane after the German side accepted an offer from Tottenham.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Liverpool are prepared to offer as much as £6million for the midfielder who would be playing in the Championship is he decided to remain at Bolton Wanderers.

Davies, 24, was one of the stand out performers in a Bolton side that struggled throughout the season as he scored four goals and provided plenty of energy in the heart of midfield.

Liverpool particularly struggled in midfield last season as Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing all received criticism for their performances.

Rodgers is keen to freshen up his squad after the Reds suffered a disappointing league campaign and made the decision to part company with Kenny Dalglish.

Napoli Plot Swoop For Liverpool Star

Napoli have set their sights on Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.

The Slovakia international has been linked with Premier League champions Manchester City during the close season, and before that it was Russian big-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala.

He insists he wants to stay at Anfield under new manager Brendan Rodgers, but Napoli are hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding his future by making a move for the 27-year-old centre-back.

According to a report in Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Serie A are hoping their Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik can persuade his international team-mate to join him at the club.

Andy Carroll Targeted By AC Milan's Transfer Guru

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has been identified as a transfer target by the son of AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, who has urged his father to pull off the shock signing of the summer.

Italian media mogul Pier Silvio Berlusconi, who is the president of Mediaset, the holding company that owns AC Milan, has acted as a consultant on the Rossoneri's transfer business in recent years, as the club seek to replace their ageing stars with a new wave of young talent.

Milan have continued their squad overhaul this summer with the likes of Filippo Inzaghi, 38, Clarence Seedorf, 36, Mark van Bommel, 35, and Gennaro Gattuso, 34, all leaving the San Siro on free transfers.

However, while a selection of legendary stars have already left, Milan are yet to splash the cash on any big name replacements, instead favouring the likes of Riccardo Montolivo and Bakaye Traore, who have both arrived on free transfers.

Yet Berlusconi Jr. believes Milan should get the cheque book out this summer, and start with a deal for Liverpool's £35 million powerhouse Carroll, who impressed for England at Euro 2012.

'This is a new era for Milan. We will continue to get younger while maintaining the culture.

Milan still has its superstars. As a future target I'd like Andy Carroll,' Pier Silvio Berlusconi announced.

'I must admit that for his body build, and after seeing his header in the Euros, I would like to have ‪Carroll‬ at ‪Milan‬.'

The news is unlikely to win favour with many Milan fans, with Carroll's infamous, powerful, aggressive approach a far cry from the technical, stylish football the club love to play.

Juventus Remain In Hunt For Suarez

Juventus are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve with a bid for Luis Suarez.

The Italian champions are looking to bolster their forward line and have looked at Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Edin Dzeko of Manchester City.

But Juventus have held a long-standing interest in Suarez, who has been in discussion with Liverpool over extending his current contract.

However, Suarez – like defender Martin Skrtel, who is wanted by Manchester City and Russian side Anzi Makhachakla and Daniel Agger – is yet to sign a new deal.

It has been mooted in Italy that Juventus could try to prise the Uruguayan away by offering a player plus cash.

Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, though, have absolutely no intention of selling Suarez.

Rodgers Wants Suarez Deal

Brendan Rodgers hopes to secure a new contract for Luis Suarez after the Liverpool striker was again linked with a move to Juventus.

Suarez joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2011 and his impressive performances during his time at Anfield have seen the Uruguay international regularly linked with other major European clubs.

The 25-year-old brushed off reports at the end of last season that he could join Barcelona or Real Madrid, while Juventus have been long-term admirers of Suarez.

The latest reports have claimed that the Serie A champions are ready to test the Reds' resolve to hang on to Suarez by making a bid for the forward.

However, Rodgers does not want to lose Suarez after talking to the player and is hopeful that a new contract can be agreed.

"I've had a brilliant chat with Luis. He's really looking forward to being here," said Rodgers.

"We are obviously hoping we can get him on to another new contract. He's really looking forward to the new season."

Rodgers, who has replaced Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager, also revealed he plans to make a small number of quality signings before the new season.

He said: "I'm looking forward to bringing in three or four players that can really affect the group. The reality is there are very few players who can come and make a difference to Liverpool."

Gerrard Eyes Brazil 2014

Steven Gerrard feels he will still be good enough to make an impact for England at the next World Cup in Brazil 2014.

The Three Lions skipper produced arguably one of his best tournament displays at this summer's European Championships.

And now the 32-year-old Liverpool midfielder is ready for the long haul, just as long as he is managed properly.

He has also maintained his commitment to England manager Roy Hodgson.

"Since Roy has come in he's made it very clear he wants me around and wants me to be a help to the young players - and that my ability can still help the team.

"But I will speak to the manager in more detail and will find out what he wants my role to be.

"I'm sure he understands that with my age and my body, I need to be managed properly to have a big impact on this team and also Liverpool.

"The easy decision for me would be to walk away from all of this and say I want to prolong my Liverpool career. But the experiences I've had with this team over the last four games have been fantastic.

"I have enjoyed every minute of this tournament, except going out to Italy.

"And I still feel I'm good enough to have an impact at this level."

Liverpool Eye City Defender

Liverpool are reportedly lining up a move for Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott.

According to various English and European publications, new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers keen to broker a deal.

Despite forming part of a City rearguard that helped the club to their first Premier League crown, Lescott could be forced out of the club as Roberto Mancini looks to sign a new centre back.

Mancini is reportedly keen on Liverpool pair Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger with Fabricio Coloccini also on his radar.

While moves for Agger and Skrtel could prove difficult, Rodgers is hoping that the links with other defenders will unsettle Lescott and lead the way to a return to Merseyside.

Lescott joined City for £22 million pounds in 2009 and was one of the stars of England’s journey to the European Championship’s quarter finals.

The 29 year old, who has also played for Wolves, has been capped 20 times for England and scored his first goal for his country in the 1-1 draw with France in the Euro’s.

Reds Chase German International

With Bayer Leverkusen set for a pre-season friendly at Anfield could striker Andrea Schurrle find himself lining up for the home side as opposed to the visitors?

Well that's the feeling of Yahoo Sports at least who believe the Reds are interested in signing the striker for around £12m.

The 21-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea and boasts an impressive international record of 7 goals in 16 appearances (featuring twice for the German's at Euro 2012).

The former FSV Mainz 05 player only moved to the Bay Arena last summer but did not exactly set the Bundesliga alight with only 7 goals in 31 league starts during his first season at Leverkusen.

Striking reinforcements are thought to be high on new manager Brendan Rodgers' agenda following Liverpool's struggles in front of goal last season.

The club, under predecessor Kenny Dalglish, manager just 47 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures last term and their attacking options have since decreased with the departure of Dirk Kuyt to Fenerbahce.

The Dutchman's move leaves only Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and veteran Craig Bellamy as notable forward options and Schurrle could be the answer if the story is to be believed.

In addition to an orthodox striking role, Schurrle can also play out on the flank which may make him an even more attractive proposition.

The wide areas are another source of perceived weakness on Merseyside with big money signing Stewart Downing disappointing during his debut campaign after a £20m move from Aston Villa.

Youngster Raheem Sterling offers the only other natural width option currently and on many occasions the likes of Jordan Henderson and Bellamy have been forced to play out of position.

If Liverpool's interest is genuine then they will hope that the presence of former player Sami Hyppia as Leverkusen's manager will aid any negotiations.