Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has apparently already begun his preparations for the summer transfer window. The Anfield chief has even started discussing a deal for his prime target: Borussia Dortmund's talented but erratic forward, Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Rodgers surprisingly sees Mkhitaryan as a possible replacement for outgoing Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. That's according to German publication Bild (h/t Metro reporter Simon Osborn).

Osborn stated Rodgers has maintained an interest in a player he's coveted since 2013. Now Dortmund are ready to sell amid the Armenia international's stuttering form.

He's bagged just two goals in 20 appearances in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. That's a dismal figure for a forward-thinking player possessing tremendous pace and quick-breaking instincts.

Yet the poor goal tally still isn't a major surprise. If there's one obvious fault in the former Shakhtar Donetsk star's game it's inconsistency in front of goal.

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Few attackers in European football are as quick across the ground or time their runs as well to put themselves into dangerous positions. Yet the 26-year-old can rarely be trusted when one-on-one with a goalkeeper.

That's what makes the comparison to Gerrard so interesting. At his best, Mkhitaryan hovers in that grey area between being an attacking midfielder and a true No. 10.

But he doesn't have Gerrard's creative or scoring efficiency. He's also never possessed the 34-year-old's drive and tenacity in deeper areas.

It certainly seems a stretch to suggest Mkhitaryan could adequately replace the player set to join MLS side LA Galaxy this summer. The Armenian actually seems more suited to playing a wide role in the type of fluid, fast-paced front three Rodgers often opts for in attack.

Reinforcements in that area could become more pressing than replacing Gerrard. Young star Raheem Sterling has yet to agree a new contract, despite Rodgers revealing the Merseyside club has offered the 20-year-old an "incredible deal," per BBC Sport.

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Sterling's uncertain future makes more sense of interest in Mkhitaryan. The latter will opt for pastures new this summer, according to his agent Mino Raiola, per Daily Star reporter Jamie Anderson.

Dortmund should be willing sellers as they attempt to agree a new contract with fellow forward Marco Reus. The Germany international is apparently "desperate" to sign a new deal, per German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten (h/t MailOnline reporter David Wood).

However, journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft remains dubious about these latest claims:

Perhaps Dortmund will look to raise money for Reus' new deal, or even his replacement, by offloading the unhappy and under-performing Mkhitaryan.

Considering Dortmund would likely want to recoup some of the £24 million they originally paid for Mkhitaryan, per Osborn, Liverpool ought to be sure exactly where he'd fit best before continuing transfer talks.