Another linked with the reds is Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross. He marshalls Stoke‘s defense incredibly well, and steered them well clear of the drop last season. Like Dann, he is good on the floor, and strong in the air. He is a good honest player, and you know exactly what you will get with him. He has good Premier League experience, which is what you are looking for in a centre back. The stumbling block could be over his fee, with Stoke demanding a high price in this inflated market.
A cheaper option could come from the continent in Werder Bremen defensive rock Per Mertesacker. He has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Bundesliga, he is vastly experienced, and is a German international. He has one year left on his contract so could leave for a reasonable offer. The only problem potentially is his lack of pace, but the rest of his game more than makes up for that.
The final centre back Liverpool have been linked with is Bolton‘s Gary Cahill, and after his performance against QPR on the weekend, his price tag has probably jumped up again. He is an exceptionally talented player, calm and composed on the ball, and willing to get forward. He is attracting a higher price tag than the rest, but a cash plus David Ngog deal, would suit Liverpool.
So who should be Liverpools final summer signing, or do they even need one? They have options they can rotate in defense, but with worries over Carragher’s age and Agger’s fitness, as well as the relative youth and inexperience of Kelly and Wilson at this level, it is probably best for the reds to get in a quality centre back for the long term. Dann and Mertesacker are likely to come cheaper, and would both provide solid options at the back. Cahill and Shawcross are arguably more talented and would be more expensive. If Liverpool do decide to sign one of the above mentioned players, they will know exactly what they are getting, a quality centre back, with plenty of experience, someone who is comfortable on the ball, and will be confident and calm to lead the Liverpool back line in the years ahead.
The article was written by Lauren Rutter for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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I think we need a right winger
I think the quip about Comolli and LFC’s last signing was more interpretation (and assumption) than fact.
Comolli: “…In terms of players coming in, it’s difficult to say. I think we are going to sit down, look at the situation, see where we are, see who might leave and then we will reassess later. But we have done most of what we wanted to do…” (http://goo.gl/0iSJc)
Not sure the above means we’re through buying yet. I still think we need another quality striker, (possibly another specialist right winger) and a CB. Any of the following, in increasing order of age, Shawcross, Dann and Cahill, would be more than alright for our backline.
The other thing about all Kenny’s british signing, they have all come from team north of the Watford Gap, could there be a reason.
Players from London not wanting to leave the big smoke?
No London team has won the Euro/CL cup?
Or just he know they can handle the conditions on a cold wet/frozen January night?
lol what r u on about m8?
I felt, we wasted 16mn on Henderson. We badly need a CB & RW. A quality RW like Affaley, Payet or Turan can release Kyut for a forward load to cover up the 35mn Jhon Carew
why not offer bolton n’gog + cash and wilson on loan for cahill because hes definitely. I think coyle would do wonders for danny and it would mean he could get premier league experiance at the same time.