Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Buzz on Andre Ayew Chase, Rui Patricio Rumours

Liverpool may have an advantage in the hunt to sign Marseille man Andre Ayew this summer after the winger revealed he's seeking a move to England, while latest rumours suggest Rui Patricio is a major target for the Reds.

Ayew spoke to Sky Sports this week and said it would be an "honour" to move to the English top flight when his contract in France expires at the end of this season:

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I have had a lot of different offers from different countries, but I will have to discuss with Marseille. I will make a decision soon, and look at the offers that are coming in and decide what is best for my future. The Premier League is the best league in the world today, and it would be an honour play there.

I talk to a lot with my friends who have played there. Samuel Eto’o, Alex Song, Samir Nasri, Joey Barton have all given me great advice about the Premier League. I am still in contract with Marseille, so I cannot give names of clubs, but there has been contact.

"

Ayew goes on to say that Queens Park Rangers were interested in his services during the last winter transfer transfer window but says it was "not the right move" for him or Marseille.

The Ghana international may be favourable toward the Premier League, but there's no guarantee the feeling is mutual among the division's elite, with the Daily Mail's Adam Crafton suggesting Ayew wouldn't be fit for an Anfield switch:

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@PeteHall86 newcastle standard, spurs at a push

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) April 14, 2015"

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@PeteHall86 not for me.

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) April 14, 2015"

Having spent the last decade of his career with Ligue 1 giants Marseille, the trickster has a wealth of European experience to his name and has been capped for the Black Stars on 62 occasions.

With no extension in sight at the Stade Velodrome, Ayew could be a valuable acquisition to anyone able to secure his signature as a free transfer.

Claude Paris/Associated Press

The 25-year-old has started in 21 of his 22 Ligue 1 appearances this term, per WhoScored, scoring seven goals and making two assists in the process, despite operating largely from the left flank.

Liverpool will assuredly have competition for Ayew should they wish to contend for his services, too, with Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports reporting that Roma have already made contact:

Brendan Rodgers may not have need of another player boasting Ayew's credentials as Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic are already among those looking to make an Anfield impression.

However, Ayew's availability could make him an enticing prospect as the Reds come closer to summer and needing to spend wisely after investing so heavily in 2014.

Reds Race for Rui Patricio Heating Up

Markus Schreiber/Associated Press

Despite Simon Mignolet's return to form in recent months, Liverpool will still look to strengthen their goalkeeping options this summer and are monitoring the progress of Sporting Lisbon's Patricio.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t Ben Jefferson of the Daily Express), Liverpool's chief academy scout was the latest to take a look at the Portugal international with a view to making a summer bid.

Patricio has been one component of Sporting's impressive rise through the Primeira Liga ranks in recent years and could be eyed to either compete against or replace Mignolet.

Italian journalist Palmeri goes one step further, however, after reporting on Tuesday that the Reds have already made contact regarding the 'keeper's availability:

The 27-year-old has kept clean sheets in 10 of his 28 league appearances this season, aiding the Lisbon giants in their attempt to challenge Benfica and Porto for domestic bragging rights.

Earlier this season, Patricio contributed a fine performance during a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League group stages, courting the praise of the Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke and the Daily Mail's Rob Draper:

Mignolet may be back to his best, but Rodgers has seen what the Belgian stopper is capable of when going through a rough patch and will want to be better protected in future should his No. 1 stumble again.

Sporting are said to be seeking a fee of £11 million for their goalkeeper, but Jefferson reports Patricio's desire for an exit could lead to a smaller sum being agreed upon.