Liverpool Transfers: Calling Fact or Fiction on the Latest Rumours

Transfer rumour season is well and truly upon us now, as some of the top Premier League sides begin to make waves in the summer window—and Liverpool are set to join them with some impending signings—but how do you know which rumours to believe?

The Reds are likely to be active in the transfer market this summer with both comings and goings, as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to put his stamp on the squad.

Rodgers set pulses racing when he announced in a press conference that Liverpool hoped to have the first of their summer signings tied up this week, ahead of the club's preseason trip to North America.

Here are all the latest rumours linking Liverpool with transfer activity—as we call fact or fiction on them.

Fabio Borini

Italian hotshot Fabio Borini is reported to be Brendan Rodgers' top target this summer with Liverpool seemingly set to spend up to £12million to land the striker.

Other outlets are reporting the fee to be more in the £8 million region.

Borini scored nine times last season for Roma, who paid a little under £4 million last week to claim the other 50 percent of his registration from fellow co-owners Parma.

They could now be ready to double their outlay by letting the forward join Rodgers' revolution at Anfield for twice the amount.

Verdict: FACT

Sporting director of Roma Walter Sabatini has alluded to Liverpool's interest in Borini and it seems he could be a Red within a week.

Andy Carroll

Brendan Rodgers' refusal to give a guarantee of a first team place to Andy Carroll has led some to claim that a move away from Anfield is imminent for the big striker.

After a largely dismal 12 months at the club, following his record move from Newcastle United, Carroll improved immeasurably in the second half of the season. He finished the campaign with form good enough to score FA Cup semifinal and final goals, winning himself a place in the Euro 2012 squad for England.

Even so, with Liverpool almost certain to bring another striker in, plenty have been quick to link Carroll with a move away—possibly by way of a loan move—rather than continue his progression at the club.

Verdict: FICTION

It's a tough one to call and some might have a point if they suggest Carroll has had long enough to show his best form, but he was showing huge improvements from March onwards.

The best guess might be that this is a call to arms for Carroll by Rodgers, challenging his striker to show his real worth and win his place by merit.

Gaston Ramirez

Gaston Ramirez has been the top name linked with a move to Liverpool since Brendan Rodgers was appointed. Indeed, the links with him go back even to the January transfer window.

Some media outlets were reporting the club to have agreed terms with Bologna for the creative midfielder, but now, in a 180-degree turn, others are reporting that Liverpool will miss out as Napoli and other teams step up their own interest.

Which rumour you believe might simply depend on which website or newspaper you read.

Verdict: FICTION

Brendan Rodgers definitely has attacking midfield targets in mind for this summer, but as Ramirez is available and no move has been made by the Reds, it looks like this move is not on the cards.

Joleon Lescott

Title-winning, first choice Manchester City central defender Joleon Lescott—who starred with England in the European Championships this summer—has been linked with a move to Liverpool.

They ended last season in eighth place in the Premier League, leaving them without a place in the Champions League for a third consecutive season.

Seems legit.

Verdict: UTTER TOSH

Clint Dempsey

Back on planet Earth, Liverpool have this week also been linked with Fulham schemer Clint Dempsey.

Having notched over 20 goals last season, in all competitions he comfortably outstripped Liverpool's highest scorers and would add a real goal presence to the attacking midfield lines of the Reds.

Dempsey has but a single season left on his current contract with the Cottagers and has openly stated he wants to play Champions League football whilst still in his prime.

Liverpool can't offer him that this season, but they likely will offer him regular game time, Europa League football and a very real chance to compete in the elite continental tournament next season.

Verdict: FACT

There will be other interested parties, but the price will suit Liverpool and he brings a creativity and a presence in the final third the Reds sorely lack at times.

Esteban Granero

Real Madrid squad player Esteban Granero has been the subject of an official bid from Liverpool, which was rejected according to certain outlets; despite Brendan Rodgers saying they have only enquired about a small selection of players so far.

Enquired about, not bid for.

Granero is a fine passer of the ball, can play either from the right or the centre and is something of an easy transfer target due to not being first choice at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Verdict: FICTION

Lazy, repetitive journalism without foundation. Granero has neither the athleticism nor the final third threat to be a viable, interesting option for Liverpool. Has nothing to offer the club that they don't already possess and brings nothing new to the table.

Daniel Agger

Another outgoing "transfer" now, with centre-back Daniel Agger being targeted by Real Madrid.

The Reds defender is almost picture-perfect for the style of play Brendan Rodgers wants to implement at Liverpool, starting from the back, and is a sure-fire first pick when fit.

The £16 million fee being quoted would perhaps buy half of Agger, but Liverpool would be unlikely to sell the Dane in installments and are instead hoping to renew and lengthen his contract.

As for the reported "good relationship between Mourinho and Rodgers" being used to prise the Dane away, upon first reactions it seems that the Northern Irishman might actually be intent on improving the team and achieving his objectives rather than placating acquaintances within the game.

Verdict: FICTION

Agger is one of the first names on Liverpool's team sheet and should renew his contract this summer. With a well-deserved bump in pay included.

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