Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Fernando Torres and Raheem Sterling

Fernando Torres could be set for a return to Liverpool, with reports suggesting the Anfield club are willing to give the Spaniard a chance to reignite his toiling career.

That’s according to Rob Shepherd of the Mail Online, who claims that “El Nino” is a serious target for Brendan Rodgers’ side in January, but they will face stiff competition for his signature from Atletico Madrid. Torres is currently in the first season of a two-year loan at Milan from Chelsea, but reports have claimed the Rossoneri could cut the agreement short.

The Spaniard was once revered as one of the finest centre-forwards on the planet, but since trading Merseyside for London in a mega, money-spinning deal, his stock has dramatically deteriorated.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Subsequently, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher thinks that the Reds should avoid a reunion with their former No. 9, per Anton Stanley of talkSPORT:

"

I wouldn’t like to see [Fernando Torres return], if I’m being totally honest.

If Liverpool bring a striker in you want a young, fresh, and energetic young fellow who is looking to make a name for himself.

Fernando Torres has had an unbelievable career with the trophies that he has won but I think we saw the best of him at Anfield and that was quite a few years ago now.

"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

It’s difficult to argue with Carragher’s opinion. Torres was magnificent in front of the Kop and the fans loved him, but that was so long ago now. For the forward, it’s gone beyond the point where he’s out of form and, put bluntly, he’s completely lost all of the sparkle that made him such an engrossing, attacking talent.

Rodgers has typically brought in young players with potential to flourish in his Anfield career so far, and while some fans would hope a move back to Merseyside could spark Torres into life, he’s not the kind of player that fits into the manager’s blueprint going forward. 

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

One who will certainly be central to Liverpool’s future plans is Raheem Sterling. But the young forward has yet to commit his future to the club in the form of an extended contract, and rumours linking him with a move to European giants like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid continue to emerge, per Anthony Clavane of The Mirror.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Despite the stature of those giants of European football, Owen Hargreaves—who won the Champions League with the German club back in 2001—has said that at the moment, the best thing for Sterling’s development would be to stay at Anfield, per Tyrone Marshall of The Mirror.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

"I think he should stay at Liverpool for another four years,” said Hargreaves about a potential move to the German champions. “It will be good for his development. He is far too young mentally to make that move.”

Sterling has been outstanding this year, remaining bright and incisive while the Reds have endured a very difficult campaign. So impressive that the forward has had his excellent campaign recognised by winning the coveted Golden Boy award, something he was happy to show off on social media:

Former England international striker Gary Lineker also paid tribute to Sterling’s exploits:

There seems to be little concern on the part of Rodgers when it comes to the player’s potential new deal, but it’s becoming increasingly imperative that the Reds get Sterling tied down for the long term. He’s growing week by week at Anfield, and he will be at the heart of this Liverpool team if they’re to rediscover their swagger.

The lure of clubs like Bayern and Real is enough to turn the head of any player on the planet, but Sterling seems settled on Merseyside. If he went to either of the aforementioned teams, he would have to vie with some established world-class talent to get regular first-team football, and Anfield is a more ideal place for him to continue his footballing education.