Liverpool Transfer Deadline Rumours: 8 Big Deals That Could Still Happen

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The Premier League summer transfer window deadline is ticking towards is annual frenzied arrival, and with it bringing a whole host of rumours on players who could still swap teams for the coming season.

Liverpool have already shifted a fair amount of dead wood this summer with the likes of Emiliano Insua, Nabil El Zhar, Alberto Aquilani and Dani Ayala leaving the club on loan or permanently, and have strengthened their squad considerably by adding the likes of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson to their midfield.

There are, however, still several players left at the club who either would like to move on in search of first team football which they are unlikely to get at Anfield, or who need to be shifted by the club to continue with clearing some of the hefty wages being paid out to under-achieving so-called stars of the game.

In addition, at least one new arrival is still expected, while more could still be coming through the Anfield gates before the window closes.

Joe Cole Exits

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First on the list of possible exits is Joe Cole.

The former West Ham and Chelsea playmaker has really struggled to make an impression at Anfield.

He has yet to be named in a match-day squad this season, despite figuring heavily in pre-season.

Newly cash-rich Queens Park Rangers are reported to be amongst the interested parties, while Cole would surely jump at the chance to re-join former manager Harry Redknapp, now the boss of Spurs, who is a known admirer.

Cole is on massive wages at Liverpool and would probably be allowed to leave for a minimal fee having joined the club on a free transfer a year ago.

UPDATE: Joe Cole is rumoured to be close to joining French outfit Lille on loan.

David Ngog Exits

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David Ngog is reported to be involved in talks with a move to Bolton Wanderers on the cards, though it remains to be seen if a transfer happens after Ngog rejected the chance of a move to Sunderland earlier this season.

Ngog has been on the bench for Liverpool this season but has not been called upon.

With Luis Suarez, Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll ahead of him for the attacking positions it is unlikely Ngog, who has 19 Liverpool goals so far, will see much game time this season, especially if the Reds further strengthen that area before the transfer window closes.

Christian Poulsen Exits

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A move that every Kopite and their dog wants to see happen; Christian Poulsen is one of the few remaining icons of the Roy Hodgson (and G&H) era and is way down the pecking order for a midfield slot.

Only playing a dozen league games for the Reds after more than a year on Merseyside, Poulsen does not figure in Dalglish's thinking.

Poulsen is behind Lucas and Jay Spearing for a holding midfield role, and behind at least 5 other players for the other central midfield spot.

Espanyol are said to be interested in taking the Dane on loan, while FC Kobenhavn are always linked with the player each time he moves.

Craig Bellamy Arrives

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Rumours continue to circulate regarding a return to Anfield of former striker Craig Bellamy, who is essentially not going to play football this season if he does not secure a move away from present club Manchester City.

Bellamy's name popped up last week amid stories of a free transfer return to Liverpool, though some stories have also mentioned Spurs as an interested party.

Yossi Benayoun Returns

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Former treble-hattrick Liverpool hero Yossi Benayoun is another who has been linked with a return to his former home, with just last night Chelsea making an offer for Raul Meireles which included the scheming midfielder in the package.

Whether Yossi himself wants to return to Liverpool remains to be seen as he only left the club a year ago, but was unable to establish himself in the Chelsea team because of competition and injuries.

Lille and Arsenal are also said to be front runners for his signature.

Philipp Degen out

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Swiss full back Philipp Degen and his fat wage packet remain on the Anfield books despite barely featuring for Liverpool in the three years he has been at the club.

A season of injury followed by a season of injury and poor form followed by a season out on loan is the sad story of Degen's Liverpool career thus far.

The sooner he cuts his ties with the club the better for all concerned.

Raul Meireles Leaves

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Raul Meireles was the subject of a bid from Chelsea last night and, given the financial power of the London club, it would be folly to dismiss the chances of the Portuguese international leaving the Anfield side before the window closes.

While an initial £8 million-plus-player bid was rejected by the club, talk has long centred on a re-joining of two former Porto men in Meireles and Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Meireles has proved he still has a part to play at Liverpool; time will tell if he remains at the club or moves on after a single season on Merseyside.

Sebastian Coates Arrives!

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Though for some time it has seemed a near-sure thing that Sebastian Coates will be the next arrival at Anfield.

He has not yet rubber-stamped his move after a work permit was delayed because of the national holiday in England.

However, his move should go through shortly and Liverpool will be returned to the full compliment of four central defenders—and we can all look forward to seeing how another Uruguayan will fare at Anfield after the wonderful success of our current number 7.