Liverpool Transfer News: Ignazio Abate or Joel Ward Eyed to Replace Glen Johnson

Liverpool are "keeping tabs" on AC Milan full-back Ignazio Abate, according to reports.

Ed Malyon of the Mirror suggested Brendan Rodgers may aim to snap up the Italian as a replacement for Glen Johnson, "who is looking to pastures new." Johnson is "ready to try his luck abroad," according to Simon Mullock of the same publication.

Crystal Palace's Joel Ward is also touted for a move to Anfield, per Malyon. Both are different types of full-back, providing Rodgers with potential options heading into the January transfer window.

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Abate often chooses to bomb up field to support attacks, leaving his defence exposed. The Italian international possesses tremendous pace and is a fine deliverer of the ball, but his positioning isn't disciplined.

WhoScored.com highlighted Abate's offensive efficiency this season:

The 27-year-old suffers from similar problems to Barcelona's Dani Alves, in that he places so much emphasis on supporting Milan's output in the opponent's half that he often loses concentration on the way back to goal.

You can see Abate's attacking skill below:

Ward is certainly the more defensively stable, as noted in the table below:

	Glen Johnson	Ignazio Abate	Joel Ward
League Apps.	3 (1)	7	8
Goals	0	0	0
Assists	0	4	0
Yellow Cards	1	0	0
Red Cards	0	0	0
Averages per Game
Pass Completion	82.5%	73.9%	75%
Tackles	0.8	1.4	2.5
Interceptions	0.8	2.7	1.9
Clearances	1.8	2.4	3.8
Dribbles Completed	0.8	0.7	0.9
Dispossessed	0	0.6	0.6
Key Passes	0	1.6	1
Fouls	0.8	1	0.6

The Palace defender can also play on either side of defence and has proven himself capable of dealing with the physical side of the Premier League. He does like to move forward, albeit not at the risk of leaving his team-mates exposed, and he enjoyed a fantastic run of form under Tony Pulis last season.

Ward could become the more likely signing due to Abate's unwillingness to move. The Milan defender recently confirmed his desire to remain at the San Siro, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sky Sports' feed on Fox Sports' website:

"

My priority is Milan. I will stay here as long as I can. This is my home, although I know in football you can always be moved. I want to stay here and finish my career. I couldn't see myself in another jersey, at least not in Italy.

"

Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images

Liverpool's poor start to the season has seen the side concede 12 in eight matches, per WhoScored. This is far too much for a side who have only scored one more. That said, Rodgers' squad is crammed with full-back options.

Alongside Johnson, the ambitious boss has Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan, Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno at his disposal. All four are capable of holding down a first-team place and have the capability to improve if given a consistent run in the first team. One has to question whether money would be better spent elsewhere.

The Reds could use a goalkeeping reinforcement to challenge Simon Mignolet, or indeed, a fast-paced centre-back. A powerful, yet agile, midfield acquisition could shore up the middle and aid Jordan Henderson's energetic efforts. Most supporters, however, are likely to pinpoint the side's lack of out-and-out goalscorers as a weakness.

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In particular, it has been suggested Mario Balotelli is running out of time to prove himself after a poor run of form. Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher would "be surprised to see him here next season," as reported by Sky Sports. Rodgers may wish to find an alternative target with this in mind.

The Liverpool boss undoubtedly needs to scrutinise his squad further before making a decision. January's transfer window is fast-approaching, so plenty of under-performing players need to prove themselves a long-term fit for the club.

Liverpool's defence needs tightening up, but the club shouldn't welcome those who have the potential to stretch the back four even further.