Liverpool Transfer News: Top Targets Identified in Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool's chances of landing Marseille schemer Andre Ayew have increased after the Ghana international indicated his future could be in the Premier League.

Ayew is available on a free transfer this summer and will decide his next destination soon, according to the Mirror's Ben Curtis: "I'm taking my time and soon I will take a decision on my future. And yes, there is a possibility I will come to the Premier League and possibly to another country."

Curtis has identified Liverpool and fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as interested parties. He also lists the Reds' Merseyside rival Everton as being keen on the clever playmaker.

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The links to Liverpool have been ongoing for a while. Back in February, reports even suggested Ayew was favouring a possible switch to Anfield, per Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Squawka's Ibrahim Akkas).

Liverpool certainly aren't short of technically gifted players in advanced midfield areas. Schemers such as Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and winger Raheem Sterling ensure the Reds will never be lacking for creativity and flair.

Yet while Ayew's fit in the current squad may be difficult to fathom for some, manager Brendan Rodgers already has a place for the 25-year-old star. That's according to Daily Express writer Anthony Chapman, who has previously suggested Rodgers wants to start Ayew on the left in his 3-4-3 formation.

Even though Rodgers routinely flips his tactical structure, Ayew is versatile enough to fit in a variety of formations. His touch and class on the ball, along with crafty movement and an eye for goal, make Ayew one of the better bargains on this summer's market as a free transfer.

The Reds don't need another advanced creative player, but Ayew is too good to miss.

Theo Walcott Out of Liverpool's Reach

While Ayew may be an easy get, the Reds will find it tougher to bring Theo Walcott to Merseyside. The fleet-footed Arsenal attacker will remain in north London, according to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, per Mirror reporter John Cross: “When you go into negotiations with a player it is with a desire for him to stay. He looks keen to do it and I am keen to do it, so let’s see what comes out."

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Wenger even added that if Walcott's contract standoff drags through the summer window, the England international will still be kept around. The Frenchman noted how Walcott won't be eligible to leave for nothing until next December.

Cross detailed how Liverpool have "been alerted" by Walcott's issues regarding a new deal. Back in March, Paul Joyce of the Daily Express suggested Rodgers views the Arsenal man as a possible replacement for Sterling should the wide forward leave this summer.

David Woods of the Daily Star even suggested the Gunners may use Walcott as a makeweight to lure Sterling away from Anfield. While that seems far-fetched, it's easy to see why Rodgers would be interested in Walcott.

He has the pace the Kop boss has made the hallmark of Liverpool's attack. More important, he also boasts the scoring touch the Reds have missed this season.

Ex-Liverpool defender and current Sky Sports' pundit Jamie Carragher believes adding a top-notch forward has to be a priority for Rodgers in the summer market.

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Walcott has been a marginalised figure in recent months for the Gunners. Wenger has left him on the bench to save breaking up a winning team. It's equally true the 26-year-old has looked very rusty in front of goal with the few chances he's had. So perhaps a deal could be made.

Landing both Ayew and Walcott would represent a major coup for Rodgers, who will be under no small amount of pressure after his team's struggles this season.

Signing the former shouldn't be a problem, but Liverpool will have to work harder to turn Walcott's head.