Liverpool Transfer News: Aly Cissokho Would Be Solid Summer Addition for Reds

It's no secret that the seeds for future success have been planted at Liverpool. The team is currently seventh in the Premier League table, but has shown the potential to battle for a Champions League spot next year in Brendan Rodgers' second season at the helm.

It's also no secret that the team could seriously use an upgrade on the back line.

As it turns out, a player the team has been rumored to be interested in adding over the summer—Valencia's Aly Cissokho—is just as interested in making the move to Anfield. 

From ESPN:

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Cissokho, 25, was linked with a switch to Anfield while at Lyon, and though he joined Valencia last summer, his name continues to be mentioned as a potential addition to Brendan Rodgers' squad.

"I've never hidden the fact that the English league is the one that attracts me the most. It's pleasing to see my name linked to Liverpool," he told Le Parisien newspaper. "They're a great club, and not just anyone can wear that shirt. But it's still just an article in a newspaper." 

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So Cissokho didn't exactly stand atop a mountain and shout toward the heavens, "Give me Liverpool or give me death!" He didn't dismiss his interest in the club or deny that he wants to make the move to the English Premier League as soon as next season, either.

Liverpool's goal differential (plus-19) is fifth in the EPL and the 34 goals they've allowed is tied for seventh-best, so it isn't as though the squad is leaking goals left and right. 

Still, it's obvious enough watching Liverpool play that the attack is ahead of the defense at this point in the team's development. Plus, Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher is retiring after the season, providing one more hole in the defense. 

The question is whether Cissokho would offer a significant upgrade to current left-back Jose Enrique.

The answer is no—at least not substantially. However, Cissokho would offer depth at the position and you would hope the two would battle one another for playing time, raising each other's level of play.

If nothing else, Enrique has been erratic at times this year. A bit of healthy competition would go a long way.

Liverpool should look to make bigger splashes at center-back and perhaps add a defensive midfielder. Adding Cissokho would be all about adding depth, and not completely breaking the bank to do so.

It wouldn't be the sexiest move, but it would be a smart one. Cissokho and the Reds feel like the right fit, and neither side seems inclined to deny it at this point.