Liverpool Transfer News: Who Can Reds Get with Mohamed Salah off the Market?

Liverpool had a need for new midfielders heading into January. After Lucas Leiva recently injured his knee and received news that he would be out for at least two months, the need for a midfielder became desperate.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers likes having at least three midfielders on the field—now he only has four total on the team. If this position was lacking depth before, it is to an extreme now.

Rodgers doesn’t have all the money he would like to have to acquire the top-of-the-line players. However, he also isn’t doing himself favors by taking too much time trying to negotiate with players and get them for as cheap as he can. Other teams have a habit of swooping in and taking the players he wants, as was the case with Mohamed Salah, who appears set to join Chelsea according to BBC Sport.

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

One player the Reds could spend their money on is Lazio midfielder Hernanes. He is a constant attacking threat and had 40 goals in 154 appearances for the Serie A side. Lazio president Claudio Lotito told TMW (via talkSPORT), “I do not want to sell him, we will have to receive an indecent offer—£15m will not be enough.”

In other words, Rodgers and the Liverpool owners have to be able to pull out a large sum of money for Hernanes. They can’t be cheap if they want to acquire a strong midfielder.

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

The Reds could also now work on acquiring another Lazio player in Antonio Candreva, according to the Daily Express (via FoxSports.com). He is an Italian 26-year-old who typically plays in the center as a playmaker or right wing. Liverpool could use some creativity in midfield and Candreva might be the guy for the job.

He’s also known for his stamina and pace. After the injuries that have hit this team recently, a player with strong stamina might be something they should look for. They need a player who is unlikely to get injured, given their lack of depth at this time.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Liverpool may also be considering Yann M’Vila.

He plays midfield for Rubin Kazan in the Russian Premier League. For Rodgers, M’Vila has measured exceptionally and the manager has been told he can sign the player, according to Metro's Jamie Sanderson. The 23-year-old has received excellent scouting reports. This will be a work-in-progress to determine whether or not M’Vila will definitely want to switch leagues and play for Liverpool.

Each of these players are possible for Rodgers to get, but he has to act quickly—something he hasn’t been known to do much in the past. If Liverpool opens up their wallet a little bit more, there might be a few key players that will take this team where it needs to go for the remainder of the season