Liverpool's 2015 Summer shopping list

23 May 2015 11:20

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Liverpool will again have the chance to strengthen their squad. Last season’s summer spending spree proved costly with little reward; only Emre Can and Adam Lallana could be seen as real successes. Steven Gerrard has called upon Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, to back Brendan Rodgers in the upcoming transfer window whilst some supporters feel that the Northern Irishman should not be given another chance in a crucial transfer window.

With the Raheem Sterling transfer saga set to dominate the headlines over the summer, we assess who Liverpool could look to bring in to help challenge the top four next campaign.

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Luciano Vietto – Villarreal – Argentina

Liverpool failed to replace Luis Suarez and have sorely missed Daniel Sturridge this season which has resulted in a huge lack of firepower. Sterling has filled to the central striker role at times this season but despite a few good performances, he is better suited to the wide role. The gamble of Mario Balotelli has ultimately failed despite giving the Italian limited game time to prove himself. Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini are just not good enough and a new striker or two are needed.

Luciano Vietto has hit 20 goals in 47 appearances since joining Villarreal and is quickly becoming one of Europe’s hottest prospects. The 21 year old has attracted interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal after an excellent first season in La Liga.

The Metro reported that the Argentine is high on Rodgers’ wish list and hope to beat Barcelona to the signing of the striker. Barca’s transfer ban could give Liverpool the advantage in the race for his signature as the Reds look to bolster their forward line.

Vietto is only 21 years of age and has recorded some sensational performances for the Yellow Submarine in La Liga this season and could be the clinical striker to play ahead of player of the season Phillippe Coutinho.

Dubbed the ‘new Aguero’, Vietto could be available for as little as £14m due to a release clause in his contract and the youngster’s agent Jorge Cyterszpiler has admitted that his client could leave Villarreal in the summer.

Alex Song – Barcelona – Cameroon

Lucas Leiva’s future at Anfield is uncertain with reported interest from Inter Milan which would leave a defensive role needing to be filled at Anfield. With Gerrard departing for LA Galaxy in the summer, Liverpool have struggled when the 34 year old was deployed in a defensive role this season. If Lucas departs the club, a defensive midfielder to partner Jordan Henderson will be vital.

Alex Song joined West Ham on loan from Barcelona and after a decent season since returning to English football has prompted interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea in the summer despite West Ham being keen to make his loan move permanent.

Barcelona are willing to let the Cameroonian midfielder leave in the summer either on loan or permanently and the 27 year old has a vast amount of Premier League experience during his spell with the Hammers and Arsenal.

Despite his reported £80,000 per week wages, Song also has home-grown status which will no doubt appeal to Premier League clubs and Liverpool are stepping up their interest in the midfielder dynamo. Song will add much needed power in the Liverpool midfield and allow their attacking talents such as Coutinho and Lallana to flourish. The Cameroon international will also provide some much needed protection for Liverpool’s back-line which have again leaked goals this season.

James Milner – Manchester City – England

Another major contract debate in the Premier League this season is the uncertainty regarding Manchester City’s James Milner. Milner would be available on a free in the summer if a contract is not agreed at the Etihad in the coming weeks.

Liverpool would face stiff competition for his signature as Arsenal are also extremely interested in the former Aston Villa man. Milner’s tactical flexibility will be attractive to Liverpool and Rodgers who has been one of Manchester City’s most consistent performers this season. The 29 year old can play in a number of positions including right-back.

Milner has completed the full 90 minutes under Manuel Pellegrini a handful of times this season yet has covered more ground than any of his team-mates in every one of those games. Milner has scored six goals for City this season but has also shown his defensive qualities for City this season.

Pellegrini paid testament to Milner in March, a possible attempt to convince the midfielder to stay in Manchester, describing that his respect, commitment and performance level are 10/10. Rodgers is prepared to allow Lucas to leave in facilitate the arrival of Milner on a bosman deal.

Danny Ings – Burnley – England

Danny Ings is another player set to leave his current club when his contract expires this summer. Due to his age, Liverpool would have to pay Burnley a fee to bring him to Anfield. Burnley manager Sean Dyche has admitted that Ings will depart the club after their relegation to the Championship.

Ings has scored 10 goals for the relegated side and has attracted interest from Tottenham, Manchester United and Real Sociedad after some assured performances for the Clarets. Rodgers is confident that the Reds will land his signature as they hope to bolster their attacking options.

The 22 year old would no doubt improve Liverpool’s attacking options but the Reds should also aim to bring in a truly world class striker with a proven goal-scoring record if they are to challenge next season. However, Ings would offer more to the club than the likes of Lambert and Borini.

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Source: DSG