Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Rumours Before FA Cup Action

Liverpool's search for a striker appears to have hit a snag, but manager Brendan Rodgers' attempts to recruit a classy playmaker may have received a boost.

Potential target Danny Ings is apparently set to begin talks regarding a summer transfer to La Liga side Real Sociedad.

According to The Sun (h/t Daily Star reporter Marc Williams), Sociedad gaffer David Moyes is a "huge fan" of prolific Burnley forward Ings.

Now it seems the former Everton and Manchester United boss will try to push through a deal for the rapidly rising 22-year-old. If Moyes is successful, Liverpool would certainly be left disappointed and not just by missing out to a man who's managed their two fiercest rivals.

The Anfield club needs more firepower up front. Summer signing Mario Balotelli has been a flop, even though he recently netted the winner in a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

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Meanwhile, fellow new arrival, veteran Rickie Lambert, has hardly made the grade either. Their problems have left Rodgers overly reliant on winger-turned-striker Raheem Sterling.

The Reds have at least been able to welcome back Daniel Sturridge recently. The England international can provide a major boost thanks to his electric pace and keen eye for a finish.

But eventually adding an attacker of Ings' quickness and quality would also create a significant lift. He's been in brilliant form for the newly promoted Clarets this term.

Ings has netted nine Premier League goals and supplied four assists, per WhoScored.com. He's been in particularly prolific mood since the turn of the year, per the official Who Scored Twitter account:

Ings is exactly the kind of fleet-footed and creative-minded forward player Rodgers relies on to make his brand of fluid and expansive attacking football work.

It's no wonder Liverpool have been so strongly linked with the budding star in recent months. In fact, Daily Mirror reporter David Anderson even tweeted Rodgers' club were favourites for the player's signature:

The latest reports appear to contradict Anderson's claim. However, Rodgers should do all he can to convince Ings he can still further his development in the Premier League.

While he's doing that, Rodgers must also stay focused on securing a free-transfer deal for Marseille schemer Andre Ayew. It would surely be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window.

According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Squawka writer Ibrahim Akkas), Liverpool's chances are strong. The reports claim the Ghana star wants to move to Anfield at the end of this season.

That must be music to Rodgers' ears. The Reds chief is apparently keen on playing Ayew on the left of his 3-4-3 formation, according to Daily Express reporter Anthony Chapman.

Although he seems to have been around forever, Ayew is still only 25. He's lost none of his creative flair and technical guile.

He possesses excellent vision and expertly times his forward runs to get into scoring positions. Snapping up a player this experienced and skilled would represent a massive coup for Rodgers.

It's typical of his forward-thinking philosophy that Rodgers remains intent on tinkering with Liverpool's attack. Both Ings and Ayew represent excellent targets the Anfield manager must go all out for this summer.