Liverpool Transfer News: Gonzalo Higuain Deal Urged, Fresh Jeremy Menez Rumours

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes the Reds should focus on signing Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain during the summer.

The Sky Sports pundit suggests Brendan Rodgers "must focus on getting experienced players in," with Higuain currently top of his personal list: "I’ve been banging the drum for Gonzalo Higuain to come in for some time—he’s a really good, experienced international striker, but I wouldn’t say no to the likes of Christian Benteke, who has proved himself in the Premier League."

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At the beginning of April, Goal.com writer Marco Giordano suggested Liverpool are "keeping tabs" on the Argentinian hitman.

Higuain has netted 23 goals in 45 appearances across Serie A and the Europa League this season, as reported by WhoScored.com. The former Real Madrid star is a natural finisher in the box and could provide Rodgers' side with a much-needed spearhead.

Liverpool possess ample wide talent in Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Lazar Markovic and Jordon Ibe. Central creativity is provided by the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana. However, there's often nobody stationed inside the box to finish off a simple opportunity.

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Higuain is excellent at utilising little bursts of movement to find space and, subsequently, the back of the net. The 27-year-old would be a worthwhile investment, and he would finally offer the kind of quality needed now Luis Suarez has departed.

Liverpool in Menez Battle?

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Sticking with Serie A, Sky Italia (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star) reports Monaco "could battle" Liverpool for the signing of AC Milan forward Jeremy Menez.

The Frenchman has racked up an impressive 16 goals in 33 performances for the faltering San Siro giants, per WhoScored, and he offers the kind of versatility Rodgers likes.

Last summer the club spent avidly on a variation of players. While Emre Can has outlined himself as a valuable member of the first team, the same can't be said of Markovic, Mario Balotelli or Rickie Lambert. Injury problems have blighted Lallana's debut campaign with the club and leaves Liverpool's transfer committee setup under observation.

Rodgers, or whoever makes the final decision, must unearth signings who will make a consistent difference. B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed a handful of the candidates:

Both Higuain and Menez would be exciting signings for the club. Rodgers has been under growing pressure in recent weeks—highlighted by the "Rodgers Out, Rafa In" banner which flew over Anfield during their 2-1 victory against Queens Park Rangers, per BBC Sport—so he needs to secure world-class players who can make an instant difference.

If he doesn't, many fans might begin to hope current Napoli boss Rafa Benitez returns to Merseyside, perhaps with Higuain in tow.