Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Andreas Christensen and Danny Ings Rumours
Liverpool may have been left trailing well behind Chelsea in this season's Premier League, but that won't stop the Anfield club from trying to sign one of the Blues' brightest young stars.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is apparently keen on acquiring teenage defender Andreas Christensen. A report by Alan Nixon in The Sun claims Rodgers wants the 19-year-old Danish centre-back on loan.
But any deal could become a permanent one, provided Kop chief Rodgers pays £6 million for a precocious talent currently reticent to sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, according to Metro's George Bellshaw.
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Rodgers certainly needs more talent in defence. His current contingent of defensive options features a litany of ageing and generally just accident prone players.
Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson have long since seen their best days. Meanwhile, both Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho have been major disappointments as big-money transfer arrivals.
Rodgers has to use the summer transfer window to refresh every position at the back. He'll certainly be enamoured with Christensen's potential.
Despite arriving at Chelsea with a lofty reputation, Christensen has barely featured. He's made a sole appearance in each of the domestic cup competitions, but he hasn't earned playing time in the Premier League or Europe this season, per WhoScored.com.
That's dismal progression from a prospect who was once reportedly the "highest-paid player in the history of the FA Youth Cup," per the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton. He also dubbed Christensen "an exceptional young player, a maturing centre half with plenty of ability on the ball. No-one disputes his potential."
Rodgers has shown a willingness to put his faith in the potential of youth during his time at Liverpool. It's been most obvious in defence, where Alberto Moreno and Jon Flanagan have been given plenty of chances.
He'd be sure to give Christensen enough opportunities to prove he merits his reputation.
Danny Ings Deal 'Close,' James Milner Still on the Radar
While things are unsettled in defence, Rodgers has as many problems up front. The latter woes may be about to be solved, thanks to a possible deal for Burnley attacker Danny Ings.
Liverpool Echo reporter James Pearce has confirmed the Reds are near to bringing the English forward to Anfield next summer:
Ings certainly has the pace and movement Rodgers will covet for his quick and fluid forward line. The 22-year-old has found the net 10 times in league action for the relegated Clarets this season, per WhoScored.com.
He's more of a supporting forward, rather than an outright striker, but Rodgers is one manager not likely to mind that. He has played fleet-footed winger Raheem Sterling through the middle as a sort of half-striker at times this season.
As a creative, swift and roving goal-getter, Ings has the qualities Rodgers' brand of expansive passing football can help thrive next season. In this context, he represents a true bargain on a free transfer.
The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe believes only a "last-minute" hitch can prevent this deal from going through. He also notes how Ings could join Belgian striker Divock Origi, who is set to return from his loan spell with Lille, at Anfield next season.
Their arrivals would at least give Rodgers more options up top than he's had this season. The sale of Luis Suarez to FC Barcelona last summer, along with Daniel Sturridge's struggle to avoid injury, left Liverpool lacking quality and a credible threat in attack.
It hasn't helped that Rodgers' signings in Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have both flopped. Snapping up Ings is a smart first step toward revitalising a dormant forward line.
Another freebie who makes a lot of sense for the Reds is Manchester City contract rebel James Milner. Pearce's assertion Liverpool remain interested makes sense, considering the craft and industry Milner would add to the middle of the park. The 29-year-old is energetic, a tough tackler and has an eye for goal.
The Telegraph's Thom Gibbs told B/R's Ryan Bailey that Milner can help replace outgoing Steven Gerrard and could help at every level of the midfield:
With Gerrard bound for the MLS, Milner would be a great fit for a central midfield berth.
The very real prospect of no UEFA Champions League football next season means Rodgers will have to pursue cost-cutting ways to rebuild Liverpool's squad. Unproven Christensen would represent a gamble for an already shaky defence.
But if Rodgers could pull off a pair of free-transfer swoops for Ings and Milner, the Reds would earn two Premier League-ready players who would instantly upgrade Liverpool's attacking potential.
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