A potential January transfer masterstroke Liverpool shouldn’t be scared of

After experiencing a rather fragmented start to the 2015/16 campaign, now that Brendan Rodgers has finally been ousted at Anfield in favour of the charismatic figure of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Football Club seemingly have a great deal of re-building to carry out this term.

Although Klopp may not see fit to rid Merseyside of all the rather pointless additions his ill-fated predecessor brought to the club, the Reds will surely have to endure another busy transfer window this January in order to restore some undoubted quality back among the core of their starting XI.

The current season has seen a whole host of different names linked to Anfield, many of whom are likely to entice Liverpool fans ahead of what could be a very exciting period in their club’s upcoming history. However, although he certainly grabbed a few significant headlines whilst representing AC Milan in Serie A not so long ago, the potential signing of Alexandre Pato may not necessarily achieve quite the same effect…

As the Reds have certainly witnessed their fair share of transfer flops under the past succession of different managers at their club, would Pato really represent a bright move for Liverpool this winter, or should Jurgen Klopp ultimately look elsewhere to ensure a better deal for his new side?

Well, although this particular transfer story may seem somewhat like a non-starter on the surface, there could in-fact be something truly meaningful behind the Reds’ reported interest in the former Brazilian international. Pato remains just 26-years-old and he was once considered one of the standout strikers of his generation, so and if there’s still life in the current Sao Paulo man as we speak right in the here and now, Liverpool could potentially be on the end of a very shrewd move.

This is Jurgen Klopp we are talking about in charge of Liverpool nowadays of course, rather than the often lost looking figure of Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield dug-out. The former BVB manager is notorious for getting the very best out of his respective squad, especially among the flair players at his disposal. With a fit and firing Pato on board in 2015/16, Liverpool could well find themselves in much better shape indeed.

As the situation currently stands on Merseyside, the Reds somehow still look distinctly unable to score goals when they really need to. Christian Benteke remains a solid asset for Klopp, however, but he isn’t always fit to lead the front-line at Anfield. Danny Ings is another name to be struck with some frustrating injury woes this term and as for the now forgettable figure of Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool – well, the extent of his bizarre injury concerns seem to be growing more and more worrying by the week for the Anfield faithful.

Whilst Divock Origi also potentially represents a striker who could well impress under Jurgen Klopp one day, the up and coming Belgium international simply needs work at this stage in the proceedings.

Alexandre Pato could therefore embody a very smart move for Liverpool this winter, just as long as the club don’t spend way over the odds on the striker, as they have done with many previous transfer targets in the past. Lord knows when the South American front-man has performed to the very best of his ability very few top class strikers have come close to replicating his overall impact out on the pitch.

The 26-year-old star can prove a player every genuine football fan would honestly pay to watch. His level of technical ability inside the final third often works wonders for his team and the confidence displayed by Pato in one-on-one situations has been truly admirable to say the very least – so if the Brazilian striker somehow manages to rediscover his best form among the English top-flight this January, Liverpool fans could subsequently find themselves smiling rather heavily as a result.

That said, we all know that Pato isn’t exactly the most reliable and consistent asset in the modern era. He fell dramatically off the boil with AC Milan just a few short seasons ago, and as the Premier League will likely provide many more physical tests than any Serie A had to offer. Some sincere work on the training pitch must be carried out by the striker if he is to ever become a success in England.

As this deal could well represent a relatively low risk one for the Reds, however, Jurgen Klopp may as well cast his eye over the former Brazil international as he looks to improve the current options available to him at Liverpool across the January transfer window.

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New Aston Villa boss can save them from the relegation swordfight

It’s been a strange week if you’re a Villa fan. A manager sacked over a week ago, and only now hasÂa replacement actually beenÂnamed.

Yet the name of the man who will replace Tim Sherwood in the Villa dugout has been known the whole time. The problem, apparently, was the refusal of Monsieur Remi Garde’s former employers, Lyon, to release two of their current coaching staff, freeing them to join Villa and team up with Remi Garde again.

Fair enough, really. Who wants to lose their coaches in the middle of the season?

Now the question must be whether or not Remi Garde is actually the right man for the job. And given the situation Villa are in, maybe that’s not a silly question. After all, no wins since the opening day and some very poor performances, not to mention questionable tactical decisions.

Not everyone thinks Garde is the right man, though. Stan Collymore doesn’t. He thinks David Moyes should be brought in instead. Fair enough too. He’s entitled to an opinion.

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But very few people seem to be saying that Garde is the wrong man for Villa, or at least, very few seem to be saying that with an argument any more sophisticated than ‘he’s never managed under the scrutiny and pressure of the Premier League before.’

Well, no. He hasn’t. But it’s an odd argument.

Had Villa brought him into the club in June I don’t think the same argument would have been made.

After all, the club weren’t in the midst of a relegation battle back then, there was no need for fear and pessimism. So I’m not really sure why it’s needed now.

Remember that there are only ten games of the season gone. Tonight will be the Villains’ 11th game of the season. That means they still have 27 games left to save themselves. They have a lot of time left to sort it out, and a new manager with the right ideas should be able to do it.

Villa are four points from safety right now. Do Villa fans really think that their team isn’t good enough to finish the season four points above Bournemouth or five points above Norwich, for example? Because, frankly, if they aren’t good enough to do that then I’m not sure even Pep Guardiola can help.

Villa are much better than that. And in Remi Garde they’ll be getting a man who has worked under perhaps even more serious pressure than he’ll face at Villa. During his time at Lyon he had to sell his best players to make ends meet as the club were in dire financial straits following the 2008 financial meltdown.

Surely that’s a lot tougher than having 27 games to save a club that really and seriously shouldn’t be getting relegated anyway. He’ll have 27 games to make sure that a team that made it to the FA Cup final last season can gain four more points than at least three other teams in the league. Of course the situation facing Villa is serious, but it’s not critical just yet.

Others think Garde will be a good appointment, and like former Villa manager Paul Lambert, they think Garde will be a good appointment because he can get a grip on the French players already at the club, and help them to bed in.

It’s another easy argument to make, really, and it sounds a bit strange. Why can’t any other manager handle french players? Wasn’t Eric Cantona a great player when he played under Sir Alex Ferguson?

Yes, Garde will help the French guys bed in, yes he’ll help with the language, and yes he’ll be familiar with a core group of players from his time in Ligue 1. They’re all players who excelled in that league and who Garde should know quite well.

But the bigger question is, will he keep them up? And I think that he has enough quality in the team, that he has enough intelligence as a manager to make the tactical decisions that so hopelessly escaped Tim Sherwood (like bringing off Carles Gil when 2-0 up at Leicester even though he was the only player in the entire XI who seemed capable of holding onto the ball).

Villa can look forward to a more cohesive dressing room, and I think that means more cohesive play on the pitch. But what is more important is that they can look forward to smart tactical attacking football. And that’s what will get them far.

Under Garde, Villa can flourish. They don’t have a bad team, and if they can go out and play to their potential, they’re much better than a team who will only finish four points off Bournemouth. Relegation shouldn’t be an issue if they play well, and Remi Garde is a man who can make Villa play well.

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Is this former Newcastle favourite needed back at St. James’ Park?

Although no one quite expected Newcastle United to set the Premier League alight this season, the current campaign has certainly proven a tough one for the St. James’ Park faithful to endure so far.

The team look void of confidence across almost every area of the pitch for their manager, Steve McClaren himself arguably fails to represent a coach worthy of operating in the English top-flight – and although the Premier League plays host to several other significant strugglers near the bottom of the table, the Magpies could still find themselves in real trouble come the end of the season.

Although Sam Allardyce’s current Sunderland outfit have shown a fair interest in the player in question of late, could former Newcastle United captain and fan-favourite Kevin Nolan be needed down at St. James’ Park this winter?

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Whilst several voices throughout the Magpies support may indeed turn their noses up at such a proposition, maybe Kevin Nolan is an asset Steve McClaren should at least consider.

As the former Bolton and West Ham skipper currently goes down as an available free agent, Newcastle wouldn’t necessarily have to acquire his services throughout the January transfer window, leaving the club’s resources open for any other player that may take McClaren’s fancy this month.

Kevin Nolan isn’t exactly the most technically gifted player out there, however. He often fails to offer a great deal from a pure footballing perspective and arguably stops the more exciting flair based players from doing their thing.

The now 33-year-old obviously isn’t operating within the prime years of his career anymore, and as many West Ham fans grew increasingly frustrated with the midfielder’s presence throughout his playing days at Upton Park, maybe any potential move bringing the former Bolton man back to St. James’ Park would have to go down as a somewhat desperate one.

Yet, because the word ‘desperate’ seemingly arrives as a rather adequate description of Steve McClaren’s struggling outfit at the minute, perhaps Nolan could be seen as a viable option for the Magpies after all.

Although the Liverpool-born attacker sometimes disappoints with the ball at his feet, Kevin Nolan arguably represents one of the best out-and-out leaders to have made a case for themselves in the Premier League. His captaincy skills have always served to solidify whichever team he has played for in the Premier League, which could potentially make him a standout option for the Newcastle hierarchy.

He wouldn’t necessarily have to start every single match for McClaren’s side of course, but he could very well influence proceedings behind the scenes and in the St. James’ Park dressing room. As Nolan also experienced a strong relationship with the Newcastle fan-base during his spell in the North East, Steve McClaren could possibly win some supporters over with the 33-year-old back within the first team set-up.

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The Magpies are clearly lacking a strong sense of leadership all across the park this season. Although a selection of McClaren’s players do in-fact possess all the necessary technical skill to make it in the Premier League, the Tynesiders simply need a no-nonsense leader within their squad in order to guarantee survival.

Newcastle have ultimately come across as slight push-overs this term. They have lost certain matches that could have possibly been saved with a strong skipper out there, for although Fabricio Coloccini has been a great club servant on Tyneside, his overall ability as captain has often failed to bring about the desired impact.

So although the potential capture of 33-year-old Kevin Nolan wouldn’t exactly go down as a bright new signing for the future at St. James’ Park, the former Bolton and West Ham man could easily do a job for Newcastle this season.

With a further selection of fresh new players drafted in this January, Steve McClaren’s side could very well benefit from the subtle inclusion of their former leader throughout course of the current campaign.

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10 Tweets that prove this Southampton and England star is back and better than ever

Much has been made of Stoke City’s Jack Butland this season, who is slowly emerging as a genuine contender to Joe Hart’s previously undisputed position as England Number 1.

West Bromwich Albion’s Ben Foster has also began to stake a claim to be in Roy Hodgson’s after the former Man United stopper returned from injury.

However, another name who has just returned to action is surely pulling out all the stops (pun intended) (sorry for the intended pun) to earn a place in the Euro 2016.

Southampton’s Fraser Forster suffered a gruesome broken kneecap in March of last year and was ruled out for nine months as a result.

The former Celtic custodian risked missing out on the European Championships due to the excellent form shown by both Hart and Butland in recent months.

However, the 26-year old has since returned top level football without missing a beat.

Yet to be breached since he returned in mid-January, he earned a Man of the Match award with an excellent performance against Arsenal.

It’s like he’s never been anyway.

Here are 10 tweets that prove this England star is back and better than ever.

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Liverpool and Man United – A summer of overhaul ahead?

Players come and players go, as do the managers – we all know that.

However at Manchester United and Liverpool, this coming summer transfer window won’t be wide enough with the amount of comings and goings.

It will be interesting to say the least and a little un-nerving if you are a player at either of those clubs. To suggest that a major overhaul at Liverpool is due is probably an understatement. Klopp has had to work with what he was left with and ultimately, some of the players will possibly not be who he thinks he will need to mount a proper and concentrated assault on the Premier League next season.

Indeed, many of the Liverpool players, don’t look like Liverpool players. Klopp will look to re-shape his squad, but question marks might be asked over his January signing of Steven Caulker. Is this the type of player Klopp wants, and why if he’s going to play him out of position? Was it a knee-jerk reaction to the injury crisis and Anfield at the time?

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Klopp certainly knew his stuff in the Bundesliga and every Liverpool fan will be hoping that he translates that knack to their club for next season. It’s likely he’ll be given more cash and more importantly, he’ll be given time.

As to who goes and stays, it’s anyone’s guess, but nobody will be able to rest on their laurels or their name! One player not making his way to the Premier League will be Alex Teixeira.

He decided that China was far more suitable than playing at Anfield, possibly helped by the extra zero’s on the end of the cheque from the Chinese club. Apart from the Brazilian, Klopp may have lost Joel Matip and Valencia have snatched Denis Cheryshev.

There will be changes, although it appears that after what amounts to a frustrating January window, Klopp is keeping his money safe until July. Rumours are always good and there is always talk of who will come through the Anfield gates, but certainly Klopp has his eye on another goalkeeper in Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen. There is believed to be a massive £65m buy-out clause, but Klopp is adamant that he wants him.

Equally, the German has his eyes on former Manchester United man, Javier Hernandez and Real Madrid striker Jese Rodriquez. Other reports suggest Liverpool are readying a £10m bid for German defender Jonas Hector.

It will be a very different Liverpool side to this season. 2015/16 may well be a season to forget on Merseyside, but also the dawning of a new age.

Heading East, Manchester United will likely have a new manager by the summer transfer window. The fact their rivals Man City have announced the biggest managerial signing in Pep Guardiola means that United now need to do something equally as big in terms of the manager.

The fans are looking for a statement of intent from the club and it needs to be huge. Although Louis van Gaal has done his best, his style and man-management isn’t to the taste of the United players. £250m spent and they still cannot get into the top four or stay in the Champions League.

So who you gonna call? Well, Jose Mourinho, that’s who, and let’s face it, it’s another badly kept secret. If it is anyone other than Mourinho, many people will be astounded. His record of achievement stretches across Europe and it’s no secret that he really, really wants the job. He has his heart set on it.

Despite the fact there are as many reasons not to employ him, the man brings success and United desperately need success. United without a trophy is like a trifle without the jelly – something important is missing.

Like Liverpool, there will be an exit door held open in the summer breeze under Mourinho, as the new manager brings in his type of players. It’s interesting to note the lack of transfer activity in January at Old Trafford speaks volumes. The prospective arrival of Jose Mourinho, linked heavily with the United job in recent days, may afford some of the United first-team squad another opportunity to stake their claim for a first-team role.

Despite reported bids of £140m for Barcelona superstar Neymar, United are linked with Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, but as usual this type of player is subject to interest from many clubs. Plus the fact United used to be able to attract top names and now that has changed.

The name stands proud, but the lack of success is the anchor weighing down the club and that has knock-on effects. Will David De Gea stay or go, will a new manager shed the majority of the first team since the majority do not impress week in, week out? Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and Everton’s John Stones are three options in defence for United, but that is supposing it is Mourinho coming in and he wants those players. What if Pochettino comes in? Would he entice Harry Kane?

There are so many possibilities, so sit back and enjoy because this summer is going to be one of the hottest.

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The summer signing that could compliment this Man United flop

Unless you are a fan of Italian football or play FIFA regularly with Roma, then the name Alessandro Florenzi may not mean too much. But he is quickly being regarded as yet another great footballer to have come from Italy, and at the age of 25, is about to hit the peak of his career.

With big teams such as Manchester United reportedly circling round the Italian, is he good enough for a move away from Serie A?

With six goals and two assists in 26 games, he has had a really good season for Roma, who currently sit third in the Serie A table. It has been a good season in the Champions League too, with the team making it to the round of 16, only to lose to Real Madrid. Florenzi scored a spectacular goal against Barcelona in the group stages, announcing himself to the world.

In a team that contains great talent like Stephan El Shaaraway, Mohamed Salah and Miralem Pjanic, it is hard to get into the first team squad. However, Florenzi has the talent to be a mainstay within the first team. The first thing a manager would love about the Italian is his flexibility.

It’s this flexibility which has seen him preferred in the team to experienced right back Maicon. For a team like Manchester United, Florenzi would be welcomed with open arms, with wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young themselves being drafted in as wing backs.

But there is more to Florenzi’s game, with the player able to play anywhere across the midfield, whether that be behind the striker, on the wing or in the middle of the park. It is this kind of player that every manager craves in his team.

Though Serie A is often seen as an uncompetitive league, Florenzi has proven himself for Roma on the bigger stage. As mentioned earlier, the Italian excelled against Barcelona in September, grabbing the crucial goal which gave the Giallorossi a share of the points.

For his country he has been in and around the squad, making a start in midfield in the last game. Considering his fellow countryman Matteo Darmian has settled in so well at Old Trafford, a move to United would not be a completely odd move. United desperately crave a young blooded midfielder who can both create chances but defend at the same time.

Though the signing of Memphis Depay was meant to brighten up United’s play, he has struggled to settle in and instead Anthony Martial has ended up on the wing instead of upfront. The signing of Florenzi could benefit Depay, and if he links up well with Darmian, then fans could be in for an exciting time.

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Liverpool fans in shock as Klopp makes very controversial decision for Bournemouth game

Liverpool’s 4-3 comeback over Borussia Dortmund in midweek, sealing a 5-4 aggregate victory, was arguably the Reds’ greatest European night since their equally unforgettable and whimsical win in the 2005 Champions League final.

And the sheer highs the players felt on Thursday night appears to have strongly influenced Jurgen Klopp’s team selection for today’s Premier League visit to Bournemouth – kickoff at 1.30pm. Indeed, the official starting Xis hit Twitter around half an hour ago and the Anfield gaffer has felt compelled to make a whopping ten changes, as shown below:

Fans are always pleased to see academy players given a chance at first team level and after such an intense game in midweek, it’s understandable that Klopp has decided to essentially give his usual suspects the night off, but not everybody is quite on board with the Reds boss on this shock starting Xi. Here are some of the best responses from Twitter:

Five transfers Celtic can’t afford to miss out on this summer

Celtic are entering a key transfer window. With a change in manager often comes a heavy turnaround of players and reports have suggested that Brendan Rodgers could have up to £15m to spend.

With question marks over the depth of the Hoops’ striking department, fans’ dissatisfaction with the midfield’s performance over the last year and some experienced squad members rumoured to be on their way out, the new manager has a task on his hand to rebuild the squad into a Champions League calibre outfit.

We’ve picked out FIVE transfers that we think could have a massive impact on the Celtic first team…

Steven Fletcher

The Sunderland striker is on his way out of the Stadium of Light with his contract expiring this summer, which could finally trigger a Celtic move. He has been heavily linked with Celtic twice, back in 2009 before he left Hibernian and again in this year’s January transfer window.

He’s spent 2016 on loan at Marseille, chipping in with three goals and getting plenty of game time.

While not a prolific scorer in the mould of poacher Leigh Griffiths, the Scottish international could be a key foil for Griffiths at the tip of the Hoops’ attack. He would certainly add depth to the position with Celtic lacking options in the event that 40 goal Griffiths becomes unavailable.

Mohamed Elyounoussi

Celtic fans know all about Mohamed Elyounoussi. He scored twice against the Hoops in this season’s UEFA Europa League, both home and away, breaking green and white hearts.

The dynamic Molde attacker could be the man to revitalise a Celtic front four that has been frustrating to watch at times in the Scottish Premiership.

He was linked with the Hoops in the January transfer window in a reported £2m deal. That could be a bargain with the likes of Leicester City sniffing around the Norwegian international as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

Only 21 and with over 50 senior goals to his name already, this could be a player that the Bhoys rue missing out on if he moves elsewhere.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson is an experienced striker and could be a player that gives Celtic an edge in European competition.

The Icelandic international enjoyed five seasons in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar and Ajax before heading to Nantes last summer. Things haven’t been so rosy in France, but his scoring pedigree in seasons prior is enough to convince us he could make an impact at Celtic.

He was linked with a move to Glasgow in January for a reported £2.5m after falling out of favour at Nantes. That price could be a steal considering he’s a key member of the Iceland squad heading to EURO 2016 – a side who finished above Netherlands and Turkey in qualifying.

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Ivan Mocinic

With Stefan Johansen not reaching the heights of his Player Of The Year rated season of 2014/15 this time around and with captain Scott Brown not getting any younger, Celtic could do with some fresh blood in the heart of midfield.

Step forward Ivan Mocinic, a player who can add presence and leadership in the middle of the park. The 23 year old is captain of his club HNK Rijeka and made his debut for Croatia in November.

Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic seems to rate him. After speculation linking Mocinic to Celtic this season, compatriot Simunovic told reporters that the midfielder had all the qualities to be a success in Glasgow.

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Anthony Limbombe

Patrick Roberts has added much needed width to Celtic’s attack in recent months but with Anthony Limbombe on the other side, the Bhoys could be an even more formidable outfit.

The 21 year old is a star attraction for Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen and is reported to have been watched this season by scouts from Celtic, PSV, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.

Quick and direct, the winger could be a difference maker against packed defences in the Scottish Premiership. He knows how to find the net too, with 21 goals in two seasons.

Now could be the time to make a move before bigger clubs come calling.

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Three players Liverpool should cherry pick from Everton – agreed?

Liverpool have started pre-season well this summer and manager Jurgen Klopp is busy building his squad for the upcoming season.

It is the first time the German manager has had the chance to craft a squad to his liking since taking the reigns at Anfield and he hasn’t hesitated in bringing in new faces.

We’ve already seen Sadio Mane, Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan, and Joel Matip come in but we expect there to be more additions before the summer is up.

And one thing we can’t rule out at this stage is whether Jurgen is planning to raid Merseyside neighbours Everton, who endured an extremely turbulent season last time out.

Now playing under Ronald Koeman, the Toffees will expect big improvements from an side that widely underachieved last season- but could Liverpool move for some of these players that have undoubted quality, even when they’re not in fantastic form?

Sometimes, it’s not well-liked by supporters but if a player is doing a good job for your side, there is little you can do but get behind him as the season goes on.

So with that in mind, here’s THREE names Liverpool could cherry pick from Everton this summer…

Romelu Lukaku

A rather straight-forward one this in all honesty. If Liverpool are looking for a sure-fire replacement for exiled Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli, then there are few better than Romelu Lukaku.

Even with his Everton team-mates misfiring last season, the Belgian international still weighed in with 25 goals- his biggest career haul yet.

But his future is riddled with uncertainty- he actively exclaimed he was looking for a move away from Goodison Park when Roberto Martinez was at the helm, but could Koeman persuade him to stay?

If not, then expect some top sides to start prowling- and one could be Liverpool. Their supporters are looking for a big-name signing to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Lukaku seriously fits the bill.

Tom Davies

A name not all will be familiar with, but Everton youngster Tom Davies is one of the hottest young midfielders in England, and he would be a real coup if Liverpool could tempt him away from Goodison.

Whilst he’s only appeared once for the Everton first-team, Davies has excelled in the clubs’ youth teams, where he was promoted to the U21s last season.

Good performances will no doubt have caught the eye, and the 18-year-old has already been included in the senior pre-season training squad.

One for the future.

John Stones

Stones endured a pretty tough end to last season as some Evertonians began to question his true quality in the heart of the defence.

Some jittery performances did little to settle the nerves of some supporters, and the England international quickly lost his place in the side, despite being linked with a move to Barcelona.

However, with age comes maturity and it is essential to remember that Stones is only 22-years-old, and has his whole career ahead of him.

Whilst a move to Liverpool may be seen as unlikely, some feel Jurgen Klopp needs to make a real statement in the transfer market at some point this summer.

The fans want to see healthy competition with the leagues’ other strong sides, and a move for Stones would no-doubt appease some nerves held by Reds’ supporters.

Five players Liverpool simply must replace this summer

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution keeps rolling on.

The German manager has brought in a host of new talent this summer as he looks to build his Liverpool side in his own image, and as he looks to bring his side back up to the pinnacle of the Premier League.

Some top players have already been signed, Sadio Mane and Joel Matip to name just a few, and the Liverpool first team will no doubt bring a new era of talent and freshness to the Premier League next year.

However, in order to make room for these new players – current Liverpool stars must be sold. Either through lack of form or simply as a result of circumstance; a host of Liverpool players will be facing the Anfield exit door this summer.

With that, here are FIVE players that Liverpool MUST replace this summer.

Alberto Moreno

This is an easy one.

Last season was a calamitous campaign for Moreno. In a position that demands reliability and solidity; Moreno was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Always prone to a mistake, and rarely offering much defensively; Moreno must be replaced by someone that is more adept to solidifying the left hand side of the Liverpool defence.

Simon Mignolet

A similar story here; Simon Mignolet is simply too error prone to play a role for Liverpool going forward.

New keeper Loris Karius has been brought in, but his quality remains uncertain; and even so it seems unlikely that Mignolet will be happy to play second fiddle to Liverpool’s new number 1.

As a back up keeper you want someone reliable and content to play second fiddle; Mignolet is neither of those things.

Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke has been linked with a move abroad for months; and it is imperative that Liverpool make it happen.

£32million was paid for his services, alongside a healthy wage packet; and Benteke has done very little to prove his worth. He has been inconsistent and injury prone during his spell, and Liverpool need to cut their losses and move on.

Liverpool’s strike force is easily the weakest part of the first team, and with Daniel Sturbridge often prone to injuries; the club need someone reliable to back him up. Benteke is not that guy.

Mario Balotelli

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A similar situation with Mario Balotelli.

Jurgen Klopp has already told the Italian forward that he has no future at Anfield, and that he will be sold as soon as possible.

It is important that Liverpool look to replace the forgotten forward, with the team in desperate need of attacking firepower.

Both Balotelli and Benteke are risks that haven’t paid off; the club need to replace them both and invest in reliable firepower.

Lucas Leiva

Lucas Leiva has been an excellent servant for Liverpool over the last few years; but his time at the club must come to an end soon.

In recent years he has found himself playing less than less, and though he did well playing out of position towards the end of last year; Liverpool’s new arrivals likely mean there will be no space in the first team going forward.

He should look to finish his career at a stable club where he will feel valued as a first team performer.

Liverpool should look to bulk out their midfield in place of Leiva.

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