Liverpool Transfer News: Major Dani Alves, Pedro and Jordan Henderson Rumours

Liverpool are stepping up moves for the Barcelona duo of Dani Alves and Pedro, according to the latest rumours, while a former Red claims a major European team is taking a hard look at stealing Jordan Henderson.

According to the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson, Alves is being eyed as a potential replacement for impending free agent Glen Johnson, with Brendan Rodgers ready to battle Arsenal and Manchester United for his signature. According to the player's agent, the right-back is already closing on a deal with a new club:

"

Man Utd are considered favourites to land the 31-year-old with talks at the 'advanced' stages.

Such claims have been supported by his agent Dinorah Santana, however no club has been specified - giving Liverpool a glimmer of hope.

Santana said: "We are close to signing with another club, we are in advanced conversations."

"

The 31-year-old has manned Barcelona's right flank for years but is yet to be handed a new contract, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Much speculation has arisen over the future of the Brazil international, with Catalan source Weloba claiming he certainly won't be moving back to Brazil, via Barcastuff:

"

Barcelona right back Dani Alves has rejected an offer from a Brazilian club. The player doesn't plan to return to Brazil. [weloba]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) March 7, 2015"

The Blaugrana could still retain the veteran, but with every passing day, a move abroad seems more likely. Alves is an excellent fit for Liverpool's possession-based system, where he can use his pace and attacking instincts to penetrate deeply into the opposing half.

He has never been the greatest defender, relying on his blinding speed to make up for lapses in concentration, and while he's still a very serviceable option out wide, his age is slowly starting to show. As a free agent he would offer tremendous value, although it will be interesting what kind of wages he will demand once he hits the open market.

His Barcelona team-mate Pedro looks likely to follow him through the exit door, and according to Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer), the Reds are favourites to land him, having already tabled an £18 million offer.

The 27-year-old forward has hardly started for Barcelona since the arrival of Luis Suarez, and after Sunday's 6-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, he openly admitted he's struggling for playing time with the Catalans and will have to think about his future. Via AS, he said:

"

It's obvious that it's difficult to nail down a place in the team. I have had few opportunities this season but I have to wait and when they do come, take advantage of them.

I'm going through a difficult moment in the team. I'll evaluate my future at the end of the season and I'll speak to the club, but right now I'm centred on the team and with enthusiasm to play and to do well when I do.

"

Pedro has one more year left on his contract but plays in a position of strength for the Blaugrana, with young starlet Munir El Haddadi set to take on a bigger role next season and Adama Traore close to joining the senior side on a full-time basis.

Barcelona's transfer embargo complicates a potential move, but if the club feels confident the youngsters are ready to step up, an £18 million offer seems reasonable for a veteran, proven contributor.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar claims star midfielder Henderson is being "tapped up" by a major European club, as reported by talkSPORT. During an interview with Extra Time, he said: “Jordan Henderson has grown massively as a player. I have heard though that he’s been tapped by one of the big Europeans clubs.”

The 24-year-old has developed into a key figure in Liverpool's midfield, and he is in line to take over the captain's armband from Steven Gerrard when he leaves the club at the end of the season.

There have reportedly been issues during contract extension talks, however, and writing for Bleacher Report UK, This is Anfield is adamant those need to get sorted as soon as possible:

Interest—and potential tapping up—would explain why Henderson turned down a previous offer from the club, as reported by the Daily Mirror, although it bears mention that as of right now, a potential move away from Anfield is nothing but speculation.

With Gerrard set to retire, one has to assume Rodgers will do whatever it takes to sign Henderson to a long-term deal, and while the England international is having a fine campaign, it's difficult to imagine a "big European club" outbidding the Reds for a still relatively unproven player.

Liverpool should definitely keep an eye on the situation, but for now, fans shouldn't start worrying about the star midfielder leaving the club just yet.

Follow @ReverschPass