Liverpool Transfer News: Radja Nainggolan, Eduardo Salvio Leading Reds Rumours

Liverpool can expect major competition from Manchester United in their pursuit of Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, according to David Wright of the Express.

Wright, citing reports in Italy, suggests the Belgian "would favour a move to Old Trafford over Anfield if given the choice," an assertion that "comes as a blow" to Brendan Rodgers' chances of replacing Steven Gerrard. It is suggested £30 million would be needed to sign Nainggolan—an even split of which would go to Roma and Cagliari, his former employers—a fee which would likely price Liverpool out.

Nainggolan's rambunctious, all-action style makes him a key player for Rudi Garcia's club. The 26-year-old is a smart passer, strong in the tackle and can contribute across the breadth of midfield with his non-stop energy.

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He has scored three and assisted one in 20 Serie A displays this season, per WhoScored.com, averaging 2.8 tackles, 2.3 shots and a pass accuracy of 87.8 percent across each game. Rodgers will undoubtedly be looking for a gut-busting midfield player to fill Gerrard's chasm, someone who has the natural spring to support Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge's forays forward.

Van Gaal is reportedly on the brink of "giving up" on previous United targets Kevin Strootman and Arturo Vidal, according to Wright, so Rodgers may be forced to look elsewhere if the Red Devils begin to chuck hefty cash around. Nainggolan has the potential to be a Premier League star and is built to deal with the intensity of the English division.

Rodgers is likely to continue adding to his squad depth throughout the summer, particularly if Liverpool retain their place in the Champions League. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Sporting Witness, via Lewis Rudd of the Metro) recently reported the Anfield club's interest in Benfica winger Eduardo Salvio.

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Rudd indicates Liverpool are "keen admirers" of the 24-year-old who has scored seven goals in 18 Liga Sagres appearances this campaign, per WhoScored.com. Charles Perrin of the Express believes United are also in the running for his signature but confirmed that both clubs will have to work beyond current Premier League rules to make his capture legal:

"As things currently stand, players outside the EU have to meet strict criteria, which would jeopardise Salvio's chances of a move to the Premier League after only featuring in a handful of international games for Argentina," wrote Perrin.

B/R UK's Alex Dimond suggested Rodgers should have strengthened his team during January, a failure which could come back to haunt the Merseyside outfit:

Liverpool face Tottenham in a huge fixture along the path to Champions League qualification on Tuesday night. Failure to beat Spurs at home could see the Reds drop eight points behind fourth, an extremely difficult gap to close as we head toward the most important part of the season.

Rodgers is the type of manager who is always looking to make improvements. Nainggolan could prove to be an essential purchase when Gerrard joins LA Galaxy at the end of the season, while the squad is currently crammed with creative players like Salvio.

The Northern Irish boss may be better off utilising his funds elsewhere—perhaps on a goalkeeper, pacey centre-back and prolific forward—in an important summer for his future at the club.