Liverpool Transfer News: Major Memphis Depay and Juan Iturbe Rumours

Pace, promise and productivity link Memphis Depay and Juan Iturbe, two players Liverpool are said to be courting.

A report by Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro) indicates the Reds are in "pole position" to sign Depay from PSV Eindhoven. A bid "in excess of £18 million" has already been made, according to Sanderson, who suggests Liverpool will offer up to £23.7 million for the prolific Dutchman.

The Anfield club is said to be considering spending similar money on Roma's Iturbe after comments made by his agent, Gustavo Mascardi.

Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press

Although the player's representative believes Iturbe will remain in Serie A next season, he suggests two English clubs—thought to be Liverpool and Arsenal—are willing to help Roma recoup the fee spent on him in 2014, as the agent told Radio Crc (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express). 

"I think he'll stay at Roma next year," Mascardi said. "(But) there are two teams in England who want him and would be willing to pay the fee that Roma did for him."

Both Depay and Iturbe could be outlined as potential replacements for Raheem Sterling, who is yet to commit his future to the club. The Englishman has reportedly turned down a contract worth £100,000 per week and recently soured his reputation by holding an interview with the BBC that was unsolicited by the club.

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Sterling underlined the best and worst of his game on Monday night. He scored a terrific opener in the 2-0 win over Newcastle but was guilty of missing two simple chances in the second half. Although Joe Allen eventually struck a fine half-volley to confirm the win, Sterling's lack of composure in front of goal underlined why £100,000 per week is an extremely generous offer.

Depay is currently the Eredivisie's top goalscorer with 19 strikes this season, per Sky Sports. Manchester United are expected to offer more money for his services, reported by Simon Mullock of the Mirror, and can call on the player's close relationship with manager Louis van Gaal to complete the deal.

Van Gaal provided Depay with huge responsibility in his Netherlands lineup at the 2014 World Cup. The duo's relationship was previously described by football writer Elko Born:

Having struggled with injury since joining Roma, Iturbe is the more underwhelming signing right now.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Speculation continues to place Sterling and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott together in a swap deal, something ex-Gunners star Paul Merson believes would be fantastic for Liverpool.

He told Sky Sports (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star), "If Theo Walcott goes to Liverpool, Raheem Sterling goes to Arsenal and Liverpool get some money, I think Liverpool have had the best deal ever."

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed how such a deal could go ahead:

While Rodgers will be hoping Sterling decides to commit, both Depay and Iturbe would be welcomed with open arms. Much like Sterling, they are exciting players who have plenty to prove.

Sterling's decision over his tenure will dictate the likelihood of these players making an appearance on Merseyside, as Rodgers moves toward a pivotal summer in his Liverpool timeline.