Liverpool Transfer News: Felipe Melo, Simon Kjaer Discuss Potential Reds Switch

Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo and Lille defender Simon Kjaer have suggested they would like to sign for Liverpool.

Melo was linked to the Reds in 2011, before he joined Galatasaray from Italian side Juventus. He has become something of a fan-favourite in Turkey, where his hard-hitting tackles and battle-ready nature have helped the club win two Super Lig titles. But he still has the desire to play in the Premier League, according to Sambafoot (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Express).

Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo quoted part of Melo's Sambafoot interview, in which he praised the Merseyside club's support: "I have been approached by English clubs when I played at Juve," said Melo. "I do not close the door. If an offer arrives and it is good for me and Galatasaray, why not? I appreciate Liverpool because they have great fans."

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At 31 years old, Melo could act as a short-term replacement for outgoing captain Steven Gerrard. He certainly has the physicality and tenacity to offer quality in the Premier League.

The defensive midfielder averages 3.8 tackles, three interceptions and a pass accuracy of 87.2 percent across all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com. He could plug a gap with his experience and would have fellow Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva to help him settle on Merseyside.

Melo's entertaining style of play can be seen below:

There's no doubt signing Melo is more likely than the club's rumoured £25 million pursuit of Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, reported by Guy.

Elsewhere, Kjaer has also spoken of a potential move to Anfield amid rumours Juventus aren't willing to pay his £7.5 million valuation. The Danish centre-back has an emotional tie to the club, reported by David Wright of the Express:

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It's not a secret that my family are Liverpool fans, and a move to Liverpool would make my family happy. But they support me more than they support anything else, so they are happy where ever I go—as long as I am happy.

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Kjaer is part of a Lille team who are struggling in Ligue 1. He is a busybody, averaging 1.8 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 8.5 clearances each match, recorded by WhoScored. The 25-year-old isn't much of a ballplayer, however, averaging a pass success rate of 78.2 percent. He may struggle to impress with Liverpool if Brendan Rodgers wishes to continue with the side's 3-4-2-1 formation.

Both signings could help improve Rodgers' squad, which came up short during the club's Champions League run this season. B/R UK's Alex Dimond suggests Liverpool should have opened business during the January transfer window, though:

Rodgers' primary task will be to retain a Champions League place, a goal Liverpool moved closer to after their 3-2 win against Tottenham on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman needs to bring in a handful of quality players to strengthen the club's depth across the board if Liverpool are to consistently challenge for silverware and a top-four place.

Individuals such as Melo and Kjaer could certainly bolster the squad. Rodgers will no doubt be exploring numerous options heading into a summer that could signal another Liverpool rebuild.