Liverpool Transfer News: Potential Targets After Missing out on Wesley Sneijder

Where does Liverpool turn after missing out on Wesley Sneijder?

After Inter Milan benched the Dutch midfielder amidst a contract dispute, the Reds became very interested in his services. Disappointingly, Sneijder spurned Liverpool, instead deciding to sign with to the Turkish club Galatasaray.

That leaves Liverpool wanting for a midfielder and searching for other options. With the January transfer window closing soon, the Reds will have to act fast if they want to bring in some reinforcements.

Philippe Coutinho

It makes total sense for Liverpool to go after Philippe Coutinho, another Inter midfielder. Whether or not they are going to get him depends on who you believe.

There are conflicting reports on Liverpool's negotiations with Inter and Coutinho's feelings about a transfer.

According to Metro, Coutinho is interested in joining the Reds, who are confident they can complete a deal after increasing their offer from £5 million to £8 million.

However, Goal.com reports that Inter is still not interested in the improved offer. The site also quotes Coutinho as saying "I hope to stay at Inter. I feel the coach and the club trust me."

Only time will tell in this situation. If there is any chance Inter Milan and the talented young midfielder are amenable to a transfer, the Reds should remain vigilant.

Mohamed Diame

According to ESPN's Miguel Delaney, West Ham manager Sam Allardyce claims that the Reds very nearly acquired Mohamed Diame in the summer of 2012.

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"It just made me feel so much better when I signed him that, when you speak to Kenny [Dalglish] and he says, 'yeah, we were going to take him', it gives you that little bit more [comfort]," Allardyce said.

"These days signing players is a huge task in terms of what you have go through and then, when you've done it, you've got somebody of Kenny's experience backing up what your judgement is."

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The deal fell through after Kenny Dalglish got sacked. Now, Brendan Rodgers is Liverpool's boss, but the need for a midfielder remains.

Fortunately, Diame is still available. With Dalglish gone, it might take some finessing to convince Diame to sign, but he is certainly an asset worth pursuing.

Victor Wanyama

When Victor Wanyama turned down an improved contract from Celtic, per Yahoo! Sports, his move to the Premier League became inevitable.

Rob Moore, Wanyama's agent, issued a bitter comment in response to the contract offer.

"But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that he lost great earning potential in the summer (by not moving to England)," Moore said, referring to 2012 overtures Wanyama received from EPL teams, Liverpool among them.

Once again, the Reds have a chance to nab a target they'd missed out on once before. Only this time, there is no lingering drama between the two parties.