Here are six transfer rumours surrounding Liverpool, their players, and targets over the past seven days. Decide for yourselves which ones will stand up.
Incomings
The Spaniard Liverpool are most said to be keen on is Atletico Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia. The 25-year-old played on loan at Osasuna last season, making 30 starts scoring 11 goals. That is exactly the sort of goalscoring midfield contribution Liverpool lacked last season and could do with the next. Osasuna finished seventh with his help and even though he returns to Madrid, the Europa League winners are willing to sell at the right price according to InsideFutbol. He can play as an attacking midfielder, in the middle or even defensively and a £10-15 million bid could be great value.
Castaignos is only 19 and was hailed a year ago as Europe's next big striker but has failed to settle so far in Italy. Inter have suggested loaning him out but he is pushing for a permanent move and Brendan Rodgers is rumoured to be interested. West Ham were linked last week, and a return to Holland with Feyenoord has also been suggested. You'd think he might be wary of a move to a big club after his Inter disappointment, but he said that is exactly what he wants.
Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson is not a new name linked with a move to Anfield, but right now he is the closest to a sure-thing. A deal with Swansea City was all wrapped up before Rodgers quit, and he is likely to follow suit. The Liverpool Echo report that Liverpool have given him until the end of June to make up his mind. The goalscoring midfielder was excellent for Swansea last season and would be a shrewd addition to Liverpool's line-up.
Outgoings
Reports from Italy have indicated that AC Milan want to make Liverpool shot-stopper Pepe Reina their number one. Reina, 29, is happy at Anfield, but also ambitious, and if a serious offer comes in Rodgers will have to convince the Spaniard of his plans for the club. Replacing Reina would be a problem Liverpool could do without, even if they did demand a substantial fee for him. At Milan he would replace 35-year-old veteran Christian Abbiati.
Martin Skrtel is Liverpool's star defender and the last one they would want to lose. He is due to return to the club from holiday this week, a week which has seen him linked with a move away on more than one occasion. Rumours of his unhappiness have existed since the end of the season and Rodgers will hope like Reina he can convince him to stay. Barcelona were linked yesterday, and last night the Mirror stated that he is on Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's shortlist.
We were as surprised to hear this one as any body else, a report that French runners-up PSG are interested in a cut-price bid for Andy Carroll. They want to pay £12 million for him which is more like his true market value, compared to the £35 million Kenny Dalglish paid. The reports originated from France, and we think Big Andy would have his work cut out adjusting culturally to Paris, but hey who knows. His future is unclear, it would be wise for Rodgers to give him a chance especially after showing good signs for England and link up with Gerrard, but if a bid comes in Liverpool will have to consider it.
Which of these six is most likely to happen?
image: © froderamone
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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