Liverpool Transfer News: Stevan Jovetic Bid Readied, Arturo Vidal Rumours Emerge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers "wants to sign" Stevan Jovetic from Manchester City, according to John Cross of the Mirror.

The Montenegrin international has suffered another bit-part season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring five goals in 17 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com. Cross suggests Rodgers may launch a £12 million bid for the 25-year-old, who has so much more to offer in the Premier League.

Jovetic's City future looked as good as over in January, when manager Manuel Pellegrini elected to buy Wilfried Bony from Swansea City. Jovetic hasn't appeared since providing an assist in the March 21 win over West Bromwich Albion, playing just nine times in all competitions since the turn of the year, recorded by WhoScored.

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Alongside Bony, he has Premier League top scorer Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko to contend with up top. He'd undoubtedly receive plenty of opportunities at Liverpool, who have struggled to rack up goals since purchasing Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert during the summer. Daniel Sturridge remains key to the Reds attack, but continues to suffer with consistent injury problems.

Jovetic possesses considerable technical skill and would be able to lead Rodgers' offensive line by himself. The former Fiorentina man's intelligence is underrated in England—when confident, he is a crafty hit man in front of goal.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard urged Rodgers to find a prolific striker, reported by David Maddock of the Mirror: "To get into the top four, you are going to need a striker who can score 25-30 goals a season. That is just the way it is. That is where we came short this season."

Liverpool in Ambitious Vidal Swoop? 

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Rodgers needs to make improvements across his entire squad, but Gerrard's departure means a new central midfielder should be a priority. Interestingly, Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Liam Corless of the Mirror) reports that Liverpool could make an attempt to sign Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal. Corless indicates Juve's pursuit of Roma's Radja Nainggolan may prove to be key in this scenario.

Vidal was heavily linked with Manchester United last summer, reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express.

The Chilean has overcome injury problems to find dominant form at the right time for the Old Lady, playing a major role in their progression to the Champions League final. His combative tackling style, excellent vision and ability to score crucial goals makes him one of Europe's best all-round central midfielders.

His qualities are highlighted below:

Vidal would be an excellent signing for any of Europe's elite. Rodgers faces a momentous task to convince a current Champions League finalist to step out of the competition next season, particularly as participating teams will likely make their interest known if he's available to purchase.

This may become a reoccurring problem for Rodgers, who missed out on the European competition at a vital time in his Liverpool tenure. He is three years in without a trophy, but he can at least focus on finishing higher than fifth next season.

Whether or not this attracts the quality of signings supporters want remains to be seen. Liverpool need to act boldly, pay big and look for match-winning quality with their summer acquisitions.