Who will be the Ace up Rodgers’ sleeve?

AS reports continues to surface regarding the pending departure of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez to Real Madrid, Brendan Rodgers seems determined to continue in his efforts of building a Liverpool squad capable of challenging on all fronts with or without the star striker.

In anticipation of the upcoming transfer window, the media seems to be having a field day.

The number of players constantly being linked to Liverpool FC is mind boggling to say the least.

It has become a cliché to say you don’t trust the media and you may be correct not to do so.

However, regardless of the players linked to the club one thing is certain, it will be an extremely busy period in Brendan Rodgers life as Liverpool’s Boss.

And as we welcome the uncertainty that this period brings, I’ve attempted to dissect as best as possible the more realistic and likely transfers that may be brought in by Rodgers.

Goalkeeping

Pepe Reina looks set to continue between the sticks for the Reds, at least for another year. In fact his agent recently stated that the stopper has no intentions of leaving the club, however, reports continues to grow as to his possible departure to Barcelona, the signing of the Belgian international Simon Mignolet from Sunderland looks like a sensible move, let’s hope Brendan Rodgers can get this done.

Defence

Now this is an area that certainly is in need of reinforcements and regardless of the acquisition of Kolo Toure on a free transfer, the likely players to be on Rodgers’s short list are:

Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori, with Sky Sports recently reported that a £3 million initial offer was rejected by Sporting and a subsequent follow up bid is expected. At 21 years old and stand at approximately 6ft 3inches tall, the center back has good aerial ability, versatile and quick, a solid defender indeed, and at that price would be a bargain.
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Another player being linked is Greek international centre-back Kyriakos Papadopoulos. Indeed, reports are that Liverpool FC is ready to offer Schalke £12million for the 21 year old’s services. Papadopoulos would certainly be the steel in the centre of Liverpool’s defence that is lacking right now, and although priced a bit steep would be a decent investment.

There are also reports of ongoing talks between Reading’s Alex Pearce and Liverpool FC, but nothing concrete at the moment. However, Papa seems to be Brendan Rodgers top defensive target, and appears to be the best option of the three, let’s get him.

Midfield

There are an abundance of talented players in our midfield, and mostly youngsters. I wouldn’t take too much away from what we have at the moment. However, with Rodgers intended on lowering Liverpool’s wage bill, there are going to be casualties. Rodgers stated recently that he is looking to add 20 or so goals to the team. There are reports that FSG are ready to back Brendan in his attempt to secure £22 million rated Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

In addition, Rodgers has also identified Sevilla winger Luis Alberto as a potential signing and indications are that he has already agreed personal terms with the winger but is yet to finalise with Sevilla.

Forward

On the attacking front, the addition of Iago Aspas meant that Liverpool for the first time in a while will have a quartet of forwards and despite the financial backing of FSG, will not need to make any additions in this department. However, there will definitely be some shuffling if we lose Luis Suarez.

Should Suarez be allowed to leave here are two candidates who would fit well into that role of goalscorer; Christian Benteke and Mario Gomez.

Looking at the potential signings and identified targets thus far, there is no doubt that the Liverpool’s Squad will be a lot stronger. However, I still think that Brendan Rodgers has another Ace up his sleeves. (Hopefully).
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