Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Must Fight to Keep Daniel Agger at Anfield

The only way for Liverpool to make a serious push back toward the top four is building around the talent already on the squad. The Reds can't afford to let players in their prime, like Daniel Agger, exit Anfield over the summer.

Agger was thrust into the spotlight over the past few days after French outlet L'Equipe reported big-spending Monaco were closing in on a deal for the defender, as passed along by Sky Sports.

Monaco are preparing for their move back to Ligue 1 with a spending spree of massive proportions. The biggest move to date was landing striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract to bolster their attack.

Now, the club has apparently shifted its focus to other areas and Agger is in the mix. The L'Equipe report can't sit well with Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool brass.

It sounds like Liverpool are prepared to fend off the interest, though. Andy Hunter of The Guardian states the club would not welcome an approach for the centre-back and plan on him remaining at Anfield ahead of next season.

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Liverpool are confident Daniel Agger will remain a key part of Brendan Rodgers' defence next season despite claims that the Denmark international is the latest target for Monaco's lavish spending spree.

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Mike Whalley of ESPN received similar information.

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Liverpool will oppose any attempt by Monaco to prise away central defender Daniel Agger, ESPN understands.

L'Equipe suggests that Claudio Ranieri’s side, bankrolled by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, want to sign up Agger, 28, and Manchester United winger Nani.

However, ESPN has been told Liverpool have not had an approach from Monaco, and want to keep Agger, who was targeted by Manchester City last summer before signing a four-year deal to stay at Anfield.

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Liverpool must continue to hold that stance when it comes to Agger, whether it's Monaco or another club showing interest. He's too important to the Reds' back line to consider moving him after the club's defense showed signs of progress in the latter stages.

The 28-year-old Danish international was a key reason for that progression. He made 35 Premier League starts, eight more than any other season during his Liverpool stay. Having a player of his caliber on the pitch nearly every week is an advantage for any club.

The biggest problem with losing Agger at this stage would be the struggle to replace him. After all, it's not like there are many talented centre-backs in the midst of their prime available on the transfer market. Rodgers would have his work cut out for him.

Liverpool are coming off a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Premier League, one spot behind rival Everton and 12 points short of the top four. They can't allow any further setbacks. Watching Agger leave Anfield would certainly qualify as one.

Rodgers must stand his ground and do everything in his power to ensure the defender remains a part of the Reds defense moving forward.

Keeping players like Agger is the lone path back up the table for Liverpool.