Liverpool Transfer News: Jakub Blaszczykowski Reportedly Linked with Reds

After Stewart Downing failed to bag any goals or assists during the entire league campaign last season, Liverpool had to look to the market for at least one more out-and-out winger. The name that has most recently popped up is Jakub Blaszczykowski's.

The Polish international was involved in the recently concluded European Championship, captaining his national side. The 26 year old presently plays for Borussia Dortmund. According to transfermarkt.co.uk he is presently valued at $13.6 million.

Goal.com reports:

"

Liverpool have contacted Borussia Dortmund over the availability of Jakub Blaszczykowski, the midfielder's representative has confirmed.

The 26-year-old, who featured for Poland at Euro 2012 last month, netted six times during Dortmund's title-winning campaign last season.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted on Monday the club were close to completing a signing and hinted a deal for the unnamed player could be announced later this week.

Jerzy Brzeczek, the uncle and representative of Blaszczykowski, confirmed Liverpool are among the sides interested in the midfielder along with Inter, Lazio and two Russian clubs.

"Jakub has a contract with Borussia and is happy at the club, so he will not make any rash decisions. All important discussions regarding his future we conduct with Borussia," a statement read on Kubablaszczykowski.pl.

"

Despite Blaszczykowski having a decent last season with Dortmund he has actually been more prolific with his national side. If Liverpool sign Jakub, it would represent a significant improvement on Stewart Downing as his form from the recent Euros seem to suggest. 

Brendan Rodgers recently stated that Liverpool were close to signing a player that the supporters would absolutely love. If the aforementioned reports are to be believed, that player very well could be the one who arguably scored the goal of the Euros. 

Rodgers likes to have pacy wingers while employing his 4-3-3 formation. Jakub certainly fits that requirement. At Swansea Rodgers had Wayne Routledge, Nathan Dyers and Scott Sinclair to choose from for the wings.

Rodgers couldn't go back in pursuit of those players after taking over the manager's role at Liverpool since Huw Jenkins made an agreement that prohibited Liverpool from poaching players from the Welsh side for 12 months.

With a player like Blaszczykowski, Rodgers will have pace on the wings. The fact that the five feet nine inch Poland captain loves to dribble adds to the traits Rodgers sees in his potential wing men. At 26 he is at the prime of his career too and if Liverpool can secure this signing at the price mentioned above, it would be a welcome addition for the Kop to cheer on.