Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Jordan Henderson and William Carvalho Rumours

Liverpool could face a “major struggle” to keep Jordan Henderson at Anfield, with reports suggesting the midfielder has turned down the offer of a new deal.

According to Sunday Mirror Sport, Henderson has shunned the chance to sign a bumper contract worth £80,000-a-week, something that will be a worry to those of a red persuasion given his current deal expires at the end of next season. The piece suggests that no further talks are planned at the moment, prompting potential interest from both Manchester City and Arsenal.

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The former Sunderland star has turned in a string of exemplary performances at the heart of the Reds midfield this season, helping to abate fears surrounding the imminent departure of club legend Steven Gerrard, per Sky Sports News HQ:

As noted by the piece, Henderson is not the only key player currently stalling on committing his future to the Reds. Raheem Sterling has also been reluctant to pen a new deal despite offers from the club, sparking rumours he could be on his way out of Anfield.

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But any concerns about Henderson leaving Merseyside shouldn’t be too major. He seems like a player fulfilled at Anfield at the moment and is relishing his talismanic status in this team. To move clubs now while his development is on a sharp incline would represent a peculiar career choice and the piece notes he is willing to stay with his current employers despite his contract situation.

As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, the captain-elect has really taken on responsibility since the turn of the year:

While the worries should only be minor at this juncture, the longer this situation rumbles on the worse things will be for the Reds. Losing one outstanding leader is bad enough for this team, so they could definitely do without rumours regarding another potentially walking away. As such, expect this matter to be resolved sooner rather than later.

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Indeed, this is a team that should be looking to making additions to push on and one area of the squad that could do with some replenishment is finding a quality, consistent central midfield partner for Henderson. According to reports, that man could be William Carvalho.

Rob Shepherd of the MailOnline claims that both Liverpool and Manchester United will go head-to-head for the 22-year-old star in a deal that could potentially cost upwards of £35 million for either side.

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Here’s a look at what he would potentially add to the heart of the Reds’ midfield:

Liverpool could definitely do with a player in Carvalho’s mould. Rodgers boasts a surfeit of energetic talent in this area of the pitch, but he doesn’t have a player with brute physicality and defensive instincts comparable to the Sporting man.

As noted by Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen, after an erratic start to the season the Portugal international has rediscovered his very best form as of late too:

In addition to those defensive qualities, Carvalho has a bit of culture to his play as well. His work with the ball is pretty understated and given time in possession he has the class to pick out clever short passes or raking diagonal balls. For a manager like Rodgers, these traits will only serve to make Carvalho an even more enticing transfer target.

But for all his qualities, the Sporting man remains a little rash and can occasionally be erratic with the ball too. There’s indisputable potential there when it comes to this young midfielder, but it’d be a major surprise for the Reds to splash £35 million—a sum that would surely make up the bulk of their summer transfer kitty—on him.