Like the majority of us, it looks like Liverpool have well and truly taken notice of Xherdan Shaqiri’s exploits at the World Cup. The stocky Swiss attacker made a slow start to the tournament, but since his opening performance he has really risen to the occasion. After impressing in the defeat to France he smashed in a stunning hat-trick against lowly Honduras last night to ensure that his nation will be in the tournament’s last 16 – something England cannot boast.
Reports today suggest that the 22-year-old has agreed a £95,000-per-week contract at Anfield after growing frustrated with a lack of playing time at Bayern Munich and that a fee of around £15m-£20m is likely to quickly settled for his services.
The potential move may well spell the end of Liverpool’s interest in Adam Lallana, but it is by no means a statement that the Merseysiders’ doors are now closed for the summer. Brendan Rodgers is known to be chasing a number of players to bolster his side for Champions League football, and here are six that might follow Shaqiri in the next few months…
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON SHAQIRI TO REVEAL THE SIX
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Alberto Moreno
Like the Adam Lallana saga, Moreno’s move to Liverpool appears to be on the rocks due to a disagreement over a fee. A matter of weeks ago the Spaniard was said to have had his bags packed ready to travel to Merseyside for a medical ahead of a £16m move, but this talk was quickly dismissed as Sevilla announced their £20m+ demands.
Since then the trail has gone a little cold, but there are still suggestions that Rodgers has his heart set on the 21-year-old as he looks to address his left-back concerns once and for all.
The stats show, Moreno was impressive last season as Sevilla ran to Europa League success, maintaining a good pass success rate while notching three goals.
Toby Alderweireld
Liverpool chased the silky Alderweireld last year but ultimately lost out to Atletico Madrid. Yet just 12 months on the Belgian is said to be back on the market, with reports indicating that the Reds are discussing a £7m move.
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After conceding a whopping 50 goals in the Premier League – only three fewer than promoted Hull City – it’s clear that something has to be done to plug the holes in the Anfielders’ backline, and Alderweireld could be just the man to help. The classy defender can operate at either left-back or right-back but is most comfortable in the centre of the defence and has been praised for his reading of the game and composure in the tackle. An upgrade on Daniel Agger? Looks like it.
Alexis Sanchez
It looks like Liverpool’s dream summer signing is Alexis Sanchez, with club idol Phil Thompson having suggested that a deal is almost done for the Chilean. This move could hinge on Suarez’s fate, but should the spikey striker head to Barcelona or Real Madrid the 25-year-old could well be the ideal man to replace him.
Tricky, nimble and electric quick, Sanchez is being chased by a host of clubs and could form a fearsome front three with Shaqiri and Sturridge. Life after Luis? Maybe…
BOOM!
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Guillermo Ochoa
With Brad Jones well out of the picture at Liverpool and Pepe Reina likely to be shipped out permanently, Simon Mignolet could be short of back up next season. Rodgers has faith in the Belgian, but an able challenger could be needed, and Ochoa looks about as able as they come.
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The Mexican has been starring at the World Cup lately and after being released by Ajaccio he is available for free. FREE. Arsenal are also keen, so Rodgers may have a job convincing the Central American to sit on the bench at Anfield, but it may well happen.
Yevhen Konoplyanka
A botched move for Konoplyanka’s signature in January doesn’t look to have deterred Liverpool from chasing the Ukrainian star as they look to add yet more goals to their ranks. Dnipro held form over the winter to keep their star man, but this time around a £12m release clause is likely to leave them powerless.
‘Kono’ is understood to have agreed terms with the Reds almost six months ago, which would suggest that a deal could be tied up quickly this time around. Manchester United are also circling, but Champions League football at Anfield may be a decider.
Watch the wing wizard twist Kyle Walker in circles!
Divock Origi
19-years-old, World Cup goal and comes from a nation responsible for producing some of European football’s top players in recent years. Things indeed look bright for Divock Origi. Since he helped Belgium make the last 16 in Brazil with a late effort against Russia the teenager has found his name aligned with some of the Premier League’s top sides, including Liverpool.
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Although by no means a like-for-like replacement, Origi has been mooted as a potential arrival if Luis Suarez leaves thanks to his eye for goal and potential. As this video shows, he really knows how to find the back of the net.
