Liverpool Transfer News: Sami Khedira Deal Targeted, Danny Ings Rumours Grow

Reports in Germany suggest Liverpool are ready to up their interest in Real Madrid's Sami Khedira, while John Cross of the Mirror believes Burnley striker Danny Ings has "set his heart on a move" to Anfield.

Both may be part of a summer splurge that could see Brendan Rodgers further overhaul his squad. Khedira's career continues to be blighted with injury, but SportBild reports the Reds are "lining up" the midfielder "as a replacement for Steven Gerrard," according to Peter Guy of the Liverpool Echo.

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Khedira doesn't replicate the attacking authority of Gerrard in his pomp and isn't the type to drive his side forward, but he would bring proven quality to Liverpool's patrolling role in the centre. He has started just 15 La Liga games in the last two seasons, per WhoScored.com, and represents something of a risk on the injury front.

The 27-year-old played a key role for Germany during their summer World Cup triumph and can still be regarded a top-class competitor, highlighted below:

Rodgers is also rumoured to be closing in on Ings, a player who appears all but certain to leave Burnley at the end of the season.

Cross believes Ings has dismissed the opportunity to work with David Moyes at Real Sociedad in order "to join Liverpool this summer."

Burnley stand to make approximately £6 million in compensation if he switches to the Merseyside club upon the expiration of his contract, while Sociedad would only be forced to pay around £300,000 for his services.

The larger sum could be key to Sean Dyche's men establishing themselves as a comfortable Premier League outfit. If they are relegated this season, a move by Ings may aid a quick return from the Championship.

Ings has contributed to 52 percent of Burnley's 25 goals this campaign—netting nine and assisting four in 23 appearances, per WhoScored—but the Turf Moor club remain in the drop zone on goal difference.

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He is a pacey player, someone who can drop deep to collect the ball. Rodgers loves to deploy a rapid-fire attack and would likely utilise Ings as the spearhead of his transitional 3-4-2-1 formation. This becomes 3-4-3 when Liverpool get into the final third, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge able to move wide if a designated central striker is picked.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Andy Brassell suggest Mario Balotelli is likely to make way, perhaps making Ings' implementation easier:

At 22 years old, Ings is developing quickly. He struggled upon entering the Premier League with one goal in eight appearances but has now racked up five in his last seven, recorded by WhoScored. Dyche recently confirmed he doesn't expect ongoing speculation to ruin Ings' focus, per Pete Oliver of the Daily Express.

"I have no reason to doubt his thoughts about Burnley Football Club and what we’re doing," Dyche said. "You can tell that by his performances. There is no concern from me. I have said all along, his performances make it quite obvious he is enjoying his football."

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Liverpool are slowly climbing the Premier League table and reside just two points behind Manchester United in fourth. The Red Devils visit Anfield on March 22 and, having lost to Swansea last time out, are increasingly looking like they will fall short of the Champions League places.

Players such as Khedira and Ings would provide Rodgers with extra quality and additional strength in depth. This kind of investment is vital if Liverpool are to remain within the Premier League's top quartet for years to come.