Liverpool Transfer News: World-Class Names Lined Up in Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool have set their sights on Malaga midfielder Ignacio Camacho as they hunt for Steven Gerrard's replacement. 

Lewis Rudd of Metro says the Anfield club are "keeping tabs" on the highly rated prospect as they search for a player in the mould of their current club captain. 

Rudd writes Fichajes.net believes the Reds are now in pole position to grab the player's signature after he turned down a move to Napoli in January.

The 24-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade but can also operate at centre-back—a position that has been a constant thorn in Brendan Rodgers' side. 

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Rudd describes the Spanish international as in the "same ilk" as Gerrard, with the player's potential fee likely to be very expensive.

The former Atletico Madrid player has featured prominently this season for Malaga, appearing in 21 La Liga fixtures, per WhoScored.com, scoring twice. 

The midfielder reads the game with incredible precision and has excellent aerial ability—a strength which Rodgers would certainly appreciate in his defence. 

John Cross of the Mirror recently said Spanish reports believe Tottenham Hotspur are also chasing the player and will consider a £20 million approach in the near future, giving Rodgers serious food for thought. 

And talkSPORT recently cited Camacho speaking to the Area Malaguista programme about Napoli's January move for him and his immediate future:

"

There was an offer from Napoli but the club decided it was not the right time to sell me. 

I agreed with that and I've always said that if I do leave then I won't do it by the back door. The club has given me a lot and vice versa, and there is a mutual respect. If I had to go then it would all be made very easy.

"

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In other news, Liverpool are in the hunt for Palermo's talented Argentinian striker Paulo Dybala.

Sport Witness quotes Palermo supremo Maurizio Zamparini speaking to Italian press outlet Calciomercato about the attacker, who is one of the hottest properties in Italian football at present. 

The owner claimed the player will probably leave his club after a new deal could recently not be agreed: "With Dybala there are four teams, and he will not go for less than €40 million. A club could close in the next 15 days. We will surely aim for Europe, even without Dybala."

But Italian commentator Richard Whittle believes Dybala should stay in Serie A and join one of the elite clubs in Italy: 

The player would be a sensational capture for Liverpool with many of his characteristics matching those of Sergio Aguero.

Aguero has been a sensation since his transfer to the Premier League, and Dybala could walk in his compatriot's footsteps. 

Rodgers has already proved he can take young players to the next level with his impressive development of Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, and with Dybala, Liverpool could have a world-beater on their hands. 

But surely the diminutive player will go for more than the €40 million price. A strong finish to the campaign will see his value rocket even further, possibly knocking the Reds out of the race to sign him.