Liverpool Linked With Valencia Youngster Pedro Chirivella

With no transfer strategy seemingly in place last summer--and no scouts to identify talent or form that strategy--Liverpool were left scrambling, and while they eventually got one of their men in Daniel Sturridge, it was clear that this summer would be the one in which Brendan Rodgers and his staff would try to make their mark.

Bringing Kolo Toure in on a free doesn't really have anything to do with that; it's a free and he's experienced, and while the wages are still a concern for many, it's a signing for depth and nothing more. Liverpool's other activity, though, signals that the emphasis on building for the future with a mix of promising talent and others ready to challenge for a first-team spot now wasn't just lip service, and the emerging link to midfielder Pedro Chirivella seems to be another step in that direction.

I'd say I know next to nothing about Chirivella, but that'd be a lie, as I know absolutely nothing about him other than that he's been captain of the U16 Spanish side and is viewed as one of the better prospects in the Valencia youth setup. Apparently Barcelona and Manchester City have been among the sides trying to shoulder their way in to bring him aboard, but Liverpool are widely reported to be in top position to bring him in.

As with the interest back in May in Barca youngster Sergi Canos (who either has or hasn't signed for Liverpool), it remains to be seen what comes of a link that could turn out to be tenuous and/or not even really a thing. But to see the club vying for a talented youngster's signature--on the continent, no less--is encouraging enough, showing that they're willing to look elsewhere to strengthen the youth ranks and prepare themselves for the future.

That's not enough for this window, of course, and Liverpool still have plenty of work to do. Chirivella may yet be the next Sergio Busquets, but that's not good enough to cover for Lucas now, and there are still a handful of needs the club needs to meet before we can fully enjoy any of the foundations being laid right now.