Liverpool Transfer News: Gerard Deulofeu Targeted, Gonzalo Higuain Rumours

Liverpool are "lining up a shock deal" to bring Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu to Anfield, according to Jamie Sanderson of Metro.

Sanderson cites Spanish reports for information on what would be an exciting deal for all involved. 

Deulofeu has impressed on loan at Sevilla this season, having previously shown his quality during a temporary spell under Roberto Martinez at Everton. Sanderson believes he "is set to be sold in the summer" and that Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is "keen" to take advantage of Barcelona's willingness to let him go.

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The 21-year-old is still working toward fulfilling his potential. He is extremely talented and possesses attributes that would make him thrive at Liverpool. He has explosive pace, is confident with the ball at his feet and is learning to bring team-mates into games with greater effect.

While Deulofeu was capable of dominating in a more selfish role at youth level, he needs to continue working on his use of the ball. A pass accuracy of 72.8 per cent in La Liga this season, per WhoScored.com, shows this. He also remains slight and unable to provide a significant defensive contribution, something Rodgers often demands from his attackers, particularly now Liverpool play 3-4-2-1.

With that said, the Northern Irishman would be the perfect manager to help Deulofeu deliver on his talent. The rise of Raheem Sterling has been aided by Rodgers' willingness to give the youngster responsibility and significant playing time. Sterling isn't allowed to shy away from his duties and recently underlined his growing versatility with a quick stint in a full-back role against Manchester United.

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Liverpool are said to be "infuriated" with Sterling's decision to speak to the BBC about his ongoing contract negotiations with the club, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail. Neil Henderson of the BBC posted a roundup of headlines surrounding Sterling's current situation:

It's possible Deulofeu could be a replacement to Sterling, but Rodgers will no doubt be intent on keeping his main attraction at Anfield.

Liverpool's lack of an imposing central striker has hindered their progress throughout the season. A replacement for Luis Suarez was never going to be found at the first attempt, but rumours suggesting the club are "keeping tabs" on Napoli hitman Gonzalo Higuain may perk supporters up.

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Marco Giordano of Goal believes Liverpool "have been keeping a close eye on proceedings and are expected to head up the queue should the former Real Madrid striker become available." He suggests contract negotiations between the player's father and Napoli officials will go ahead at the "end of the month" when the side's Champions League prospects are easier to judge.

Napoli, like Liverpool, are currently five points off a place in Europe's elite competition. Rodgers will know such a signing most likely rests on his club's ability to close this gap. Victory over Arsenal on Saturday would be huge, as discussed by B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Andy Brassell:

A proven goalscorer at all levels, Higuain would be an excellent addition at Anfield. His ability to make smart runs and gobble up chances inside the box could add exactly what the club have been missing for large parts of the season: a clinical goalscorer.