Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Speculation Surrounding Brendan Rodgers' Reds

Liverpool already look like a team in need of a boost after losing three Premier League games to start the new season. However, that boost may not come from the transfer market as manager Brendan Rodgers faces competition for long-term target Yevhen Konoplyanka.

The talented winger has been in Rodgers' thoughts for some time, thanks to his pace, trickery and shooting power. But the coveted 24-year-old is also reportedly drawing strong interest from Italy.

That's according to Express reporter Charles Perrin:

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Liverpool came close to securing a deal on deadline day in January, but Dnipro pulled the plug in the last minute.

Reports suggest Inter are ready to meet the asking price, which is just shy of £18million.

Moreover, it is thought Konoplyanka has rejected a contract extension, which would pave the way for a move.

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Perhaps the real question shouldn't be whether or not interest from Milan is a blow for Liverpool. Maybe the real question ought to be why would Rodgers want to revisit the idea of buying Konoplyanka?

After all, the Anfield boss is not short of pacy attacking players in both wide and central areas. Strikers Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli are dangerous through the middle, as is playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

On the flanks, Raheem Sterling can be counted on to torment defenders. Rodgers also enlisted gifted former Benfica star Lazar Markovic this summer.

Yet even with those options at his disposal, the attack-minded strategist can't seem to stay away from forward players as possible transfer targets.

Aside from Konoplyanka, Rodgers has also been linked with a move for Real Madrid's advanced schemer Isco and FC Barcelona flyer Pedro, according to Express writer Anthony Chapman:

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Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger are both big fans of the versatile playmaker [Isco], but were instead keen on making a move for Barcelona's out-of-favour winger Pedro.

Rodgers and Wenger are still keeping tabs on Pedro's situation, but will now focus on landing Isco, who is understood to be keen to test himself in the Premier League.

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But rather than weigh up bids for every touted winger who might be available, Rodgers would be better served recruiting more defensive reinforcements. That's an idea wisely suggested by Perrin.

It makes sense given Liverpool's current woes at the back. The Reds have conceded in all but one of their Premier League matches this season, surrendering eight goals in five games.

The problems are most evident in the middle. New signing Dejan Lovren is competent, but the same cannot be said for Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Following the Merseyside club's recent 3-1 away defeat against West Ham United, the latter pair's performances were panned by Mail Online reporter Sami Mokbel:

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MARTIN SKRTEL - Looked uncomfortable dealing with West Ham's excellent front three. Not the Slovakian's best day. 5

MAMADOU SAKHO (for Manquillo 22) - Thrown into action early after Liverpool's calamitous start to the game—but didn't look comfortable. 5

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Replacing this hapless duo with a quality defender should be Rodgers' main aim in the winter transfer market.

The quick passing game he preaches, along with the club's ample attacking talents, will always help Liverpool create chances. Rodgers doesn't need Konoplyanka, Isco or Pedro to help.

But he does need a dominant focal point for a defence that is fast becoming a liability.