Liverpool FC: Downing, Honda and Perotti as Transfer Rumors Continue

With two of their biggest signings in years, Liverpool made a splash in the January transfer market. However, given that they are still languishing outside the top five and will be completely out of contention for European competition if Tottenham hold their margin, it has not been enough.

Lack of creativity has been the thorn in the side of Liverpool's past two seasons since the departure of Xabi Alonso. Even former Red Jermaine Pennant could be considered missed for his crosses at this point, as he has provided form and excellent service from the wide areas for Stoke City in a resurgent season for himself after leaving the Reds several years ago.

The transfer rumors and gossip continue to fly, and with that in mind, I thought once again to bring many of those rumors out and into the open for discussion. As Kenny Dalglish is looking more and more like he will be permanently installed once the summer rolls around, he and Damion Comolli will have to get their heads right to steer the club in the right direction under their very supportive new owners.

Stuart Downing

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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Stewart Downing of England (up) congratulates teammate Andy Carroll after he scores the opening goal during the international friendly match between England and Ghana at Wembley Stadium on March 29, 2011 in London, England.

The young Englishman has been a consistent threat down the wide area for several years now during his time at Middlesbrough and now Aston Villa. A product of one the most talent-producing youth systems at Middlesbrough, he has been ever present on many managerial want lists.

Recently all the hype has been placed on a Liverpool move for Ashley Young in the summer, but it has also been said in recent press that Dalglish favors a move for Downing instead.

With six goals and seven assists in 31 games for the Villans, Downing matches the haul of fellow winger Ashley Young, who also has six and seven.

That kind of production would be welcomed to Anfield as their two natural wingers in Maxi Rodriguez and Joe Cole have only produced four goals and one assist combined all season, as the Reds continue to be starved of talent in the wide areas.

Both Downing and Young have been in fine form for both club and country, but Downing might prove a little more affordable in the long run as he has not been the subject of as much hype as Young this season.

Keisuke Honda

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PORTO, PORTUGAL - MARCH 17: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN ALL JAPANESE MEDIA UNTIL 48 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow reacts during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg match between FC Porto and CSKA Moscow at Est

Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda has been a hot commodity across Europe since his performances in last season's Champions League and in Japan's four games at the 2010 World Cup, where he produced two goals and one assist.

He has been speculated to be moving to Liverpool and many other clubs during the past year. However, he has now reportedly decided to stay in Moscow, where he signed a four-year deal with the CSKA Moscow Army Men in 2010 from Dutch Eredivisie side VVV Venlo, according to NESN.

While he is valued around £9 million, the 24-year-old's agent could also just be playing the game in hopes of rising the stakes and the price for his client. With prices being constantly inflated in the last several seasons, it seems only logical for a team or agent to try and build as much value into their player or client as possible.

Speculation over Honda, however, continues and he would be a welcomed addition of creativity for Liverpool's wide area and might prove another affordable alternative. Although he has not put up the numbers as far as statistical categories, his flair and pace would be the key havoc-wreaking qualities that are so needed at Anfield Road these days.

Diego Perotti

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SEVILLE, SPAIN - AUGUST 14: Daniel Alves (L) of Barcelona is challenged by Diego Perotti of Sevilla during the Supercopa, first leg, match between Sevilla and Barcelona at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on August 14, 2010 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis D

The 22-year-old Argentine attacking wide man Diego Perotti has been in fine form for La Liga club Sevilla this season. He is amongst a group of highly talented youngsters including Jesus Navas, Ivan Rakitic and Diego Capel, who all have attracted interest from larger clubs throughout the last several seasons.

His great foot skills allow him to be effective from either flank, and Liverpool will look to him as a possible addition of attacking flair from the wings.

The youngster has been showing off his talents as of late with a goal in Sevilla's 3-1 victory over Real Zaragoza this past weekend, bring his total of goals and assists to three each.

Sevilla find themselves in nearly the same spot as Liverpool at the moment, sitting in sixth place in their league and being nine points away from fourth and a Champions League berth.

Although contracted until 2015, Sevilla could be willing to part with their £16 million valued up-and-coming star if the right offer comes in.

Liverpool's continued interest in Ashley Young and Wolves midfielder Matt Jarvis is legitimate. However, Perotti may also be an option should the talented winger decide to leave Spain at the end of the season, and his signing would also continue John W. Henry's philosophy of investing in youth.