Liverpool Transfer News: Missing Out on Mateo Kovacic Not a Blow for Reds

Liverpool's attempts to sign Mateo Kovacic are over before they had the chance to begin. But missing out on the Inter Milan playmaker is not a blow for a Reds squad already loaded with talented attacking midfielders.

Liverpool were linked with a potential £23 million bid for a schemer they've scouted in recent weeks, according to The Telegraph. But with those reports still fresh, Kovacic's agent has moved quickly to quash talk of a move from Serie A.

Nikky Vuksan told Vecernji list (h/t Goal.com writer Harry Sherlock) his client will stay in Milan:

"

It is not going to happen. Mateo extended his contract with Inter in January. Could it be that clubs are negotiating? No, that is not possible without Mateo and me knowing about it.

Also, I have a player at Liverpool, Dejan Lovren, so I would know about it. Both the English and Italian media speculate and find new clubs that want Kovacic every week. He’ll stay at Inter.

"

Despite Kovacic's talent for dictating play and creating chances, Liverpool should hardly rue Vuksan's words. After all, manager Brendan Rodgers' squad is already built around the mercurial brain of Philippe Coutinho.

His flair and creativity are the hub of Liverpool's forward play. The Brazilian is enjoying an exceptional season and certainly doesn't need to be replaced or upgraded.

He's fired in five goals and provided six assists for the Anfield club so far this season, per ESPN FC. But Coutinho isn't the only gifted maestro in Liverpool's midfield.

England international Adam Lallana is another intelligent schemer who can create chances and find the back of the net. Staying injury-free has been a problem for the 26-year-old this season, but his ability is beyond question.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

While Coutinho has taken a big step forward during this campaign, Rodgers may soon expect the same from Lazar Markovic. He's largely struggled since arriving in England's top flight for £20 million last summer.

But the 21-year-old Serbian is a hard worker and plays with excellent technique. An ex-Benfica star, Markovic certainly has the talent to become a key figure on Merseyside.

The picture is clear within the current Liverpool squad. Whatever else Rodgers' group needs to improve, another attack-minded playmaker shouldn't be a priority.

Instead, the Reds' transfer budget would be better spent recruiting another striker as an upgrade over the misfiring duo of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert. Rodgers also needs a pair of competent and athletic centre-backs to bolster a fragile rearguard.

Kovacic is certainly a rising star. But he's far from a player Liverpool should target to help put themselves back in the Premier League title picture next season.