da mrbet： Whether Reds fans want to admit or not, Champions League football at Anfield next season is looking unlikely. Even with Manchester City wobbling, Liverpool need a minor miracle to overturn the four-point deficit with six games remaining and a more difficult run-in. Missing out on a spot at the big table will have financial repercussions and even with the Premier League’s TV deal now spewing out the sort of cash that makes one’s eyes water, the Merseysiders may have to do a little bargain hunting this summer.
da aposte e ganhe： There’s no shame in nabbing players for free, though, and this window is set to see a host of talented stars thrust into the wilderness. Some are, obviously, better than others, so here are FIVE club-less wonders that Liverpool could well pick up to boost their chances of another top four finish…
[interaction ]
Yevhen Konoplyanka
Is it January 2014 again? Liverpool are back in the running for Yevhen Konoplynaka, with his contract at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk set to run out in just a few months’ time. Brendan Rodgers’ side were thwarted in their attempts to land the winger by his Ukrainian club’s belligerence on transfer deadline day, so getting him for free this summer would be a giant two fingered salute towards the Eastern European giants.
Aside from that aspect, ‘Kono’ is actually a very good wide midfielder, mixing pace, an eye for goal and creativity, which could make him a useful tool for Rodgers next term, with depth likely to be needed to combat the Europa League…
James Milner
Reliable, hard-working and able to (as the above clip shows) contribute in the final third, Milner appears to be a major target for the Reds. The England international is likely to leave Manchester City when his current contract expires in just a few months’ time, with playing regularly his aim after being shifted to the bench frequently at the Etihad Stadium.
With Steven Gerrard leaving, a midfield slot is set to open up, which could be filled by Milner, while his ability to work from wide makes him an ideal wing-back in Rodgers’ 3-4-3 formation.
Norberto Neto
With Petr Cech – seemingly the goalkeeper of choice this summer – set to command a fee of around £10m, Liverpool may find themselves priced out of the market, especially with the financial rewards of Champions League qualification looking unlikely to hit their bank account. So netting a bargain may be desirable, with Neto an option. The Brazilian goalie was linked with the Merseysiders over the winter period, and Fiorentina have since revealed that he will be on his way this summer when his contract expires. Open door.
Neto may be a little suspect at commanding his area, but his shot-stopping and agility make him a worthy adversary for Simon Mignolet, who hasn’t had to do much to keep Brad Jones out of the XI since his arrival in 2013.
Danny Ings
Although he’ll be a free agent, Ings won’t technically be a freebie this summer, thanks to compensation rules. Burnley are entitled to up to £6m for their striker when his Turf Moor deal expires under official rules, thanks to the role they’ve played in his development, but even with this factored in, the 22-year-old looks to be a wise potential addition for the Reds.
Unlike Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, Ings is a willing runner and can press well from the front, which is vital to be a success in a Rodgers team. Nine goals in a largely Championship standard side in the Premier League (no disrespect, Clarets) is also impressive, so he could potentially leap on with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling feeding him.
Fabian Schar
Although a significant £20m fee was thrown at Dejan Lovren to repair Liverpool’s defensive issues – which ultimately cost them the Premier League title last term – little has changed at Anfield. Rodgers’ team possess the worst goals against record in the division’s current top six, and Lovren himself has made little impact – well, in a positive sense.
Emre Can is likely to move into midfield from his role in a back three, so perhaps another centre-back may be of use to the five-time European champions? Schar is certainly one to consider, with the 23-year-old looking likely to leave Basel when his current deal expires. Classy on the ball and mobile, the Switzerland international impressed at last year’s World Cup and also played a role in knocking Liverpool out of the Champions League this term.