Liverpool Transfers: 5 Latest Names Linked to the Reds

It's time for another roundup of the latest names linked with a move to Premier League side Liverpool, with the Reds certain to spend in the summer once the transfer window opens.

Brendan Rodgers is still hopeful of a strong finish to the present season, but regardless of whether Liverpool end the campaign in fifth, sixth or seventh position, he knows he is going to have to strengthen the squad in July and August. With memories of last summer's scramble for names still rather fresh in the memory, the Reds are getting their targets lined up nice and early this time if the rumour mills are anything to go by.

Central defensive reinforcements are seemingly paramount for the Anfield club, but as usual there is no shortage of attacking options on show as well.

Toby Alderweireld

The Reds have been linked with a move for talented defender Toby Alderweireld, who represents Ajax at club level and Belgium in internationals.

Usually a centre-back for the Dutch side, Alderweireld is a technical defender who loves to play the ball out from the back and can step into midfield with ease. He also plays at full-back on the right side of defence for his international team.

According to the Express, Alderweireld will cost around £8 million, but he has just one year left on his contract this summer, meaning the Reds could yet snap him up for a lower fee.

Dede

A move for another central defender appears a possibility too, with Brendan Rodgers said to be seriously considering a move for Brazilian centre-back Dede.

Dede is highly regarded as a powerful and rapid central player who can provide a fine foil for the ball-playing skills of Daniel Agger. The Liverpool Echo claim interest has been confirmed by the player's own agent.

AC Milan, among other sides, are also said to be interested in the £15 million defender, who is likely to be a part of Brazil's World Cup squad in 2014.

Jay Rodriguez

A complete turnaround in target profiles sees Liverpool also targeting a Premier League-based English striker, Jay Rodriguez of Southampton.

The former Burnley forward has had a mixed campaign in the top flight, being an impact sub and squad option early on before impressing hugely over the past couple of months. In particular, he made a big impression during the match against Liverpool themselves, where he scored the final goal in a 3-1 win for his side.

Mirror Football report that the Reds are interested in taking him after just one season at St. Mary's, following a £7 million move last summer. Rodriguez is now 23 years old and has scored six goals and claimed five assists from 29 league games this season, with 19 of those appearances being starts.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Attacking midfield seems to be an area of potential improvement for the Reds this summer too, with Liverpool linked with a number of candidates.

One of the latest—and biggest—name is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Shakhtar Donetsk attacker who has had such a stellar season. InsideFutbol.com claim that he will be the subject of a bid of up to €30 million this summer from the Reds.

Following another goal at the weekend, Mkhitaryan has hit 21 strikes in 22 league games this season for his side from an attacking midfield position. The Armenian has two years left on his contract after this season.

Dennis Aogo

We finish our latest Liverpool transfers roundup with a new rumoured target for the left-back role, which will almost certainly require attention in the summer.

TalkSport claim that the Reds are looking at German wing-back Dennis Aogo, who currently plays at Hamburger SV. The 26-year-old has managed to secure six assists this season from his wide role, and has been capped 10 times by his national team.

No rumoured fee has been mentioned for Aogo, who has a reported transfer value of around £6 million.

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Player data from Transfermarkt.co.uk