Liverpool Transfer News: Simon Kjaer Talks Anfield, Charlie Austin Fuels Rumours

Lille centre-back Simon Kjaer has teased the idea of a move to Anfield this summer after admitting his family would love to settle on Merseyside, while Charlie Austin has also encouraged talk of a move to the Reds.

Kjaer has spent the season playing alongside on-loan Liverpool striker Divock Origi and this week admitted to French newspaper Le Figaro (h/t London Evening Standard's Richard Parry) he would enjoy a Liverpool switch:

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I have not spoken to my representatives. I want to wait until the end of the season. It's not a secret that my family are Liverpool fans, and a move to Liverpool would make my family happy. But they support me more than they support anything else, so they are happy where ever I go—as long as I am happy.

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Origi is set to arrive back at Liverpool for what will be his first season at Anfield this summer, and it's very plausible he would have spoken with Kjaer—national team-mate of former Red Daniel Agger—regarding the transfer.

Kjaer has been linked with a move to England in the past, but opted for Ligue 1 when leaving Wolfsburg two years ago, and looks likely to once again be on the move at the end of this season.

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According to Parry's report, the Denmark international could be sold off this summer as Lille look to "balance their books," and with Brendan Rodgers likely to remodel his Liverpool setup, defence could be an area in need of addressing.

That being said, there is some question as to whether Rodgers will be the one conducting the transfer business, with the Telegraph's Thom Gibbs recently discussing who might replace the manager should he be axed this summer:

Kjaer has made 31 league appearances for Lille this season, helping the club secure a top-half finish in Ligue 1, although their defensive record is better than that of Bordeaux and Monaco above them.

The Reds could have competition for the 26-year-old, too, as Football Italia suggested last month that Juventus and Milan are in the hunt for the former Roma loanee:

Rodgers was unfortunate to see Mamadou Sakho injured for so much of this campaign, and last summer's recruit Dejan Lovren didn't quite live up to expectations.

With that being said, some new recruits at the back could be called for, and Kjaer's alleged availability could make for good value, depending on just how eager Lille are to cash in on their star.

Charlie Austin's Liverpool Praise Encourages Summer Talk

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It seemed only too innocent at the time, but Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin has sent speculation spiralling after tweeting his praise of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League triumph on Monday.

Two days after the hero of that night, Steven Gerrard, played his last game at Anfield, Austin took to social media lauding the quality of that game a decade on:

Any player is of course free to admire the heart of that Liverpool side as they famously bounced back from three goals down to draw 3-3 before beating Milan on penalties.

However, we also live in an age where such comment will be intensely examined, and Austin's tweet just so happens to come leading up to a summer where the Reds could be looking to strengthen their strike force.

Rodgers has been frustrated by the shortcomings of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini this term, while Daniel Sturridge's recurring injury woes have also shortened Liverpool's options up front.

Iago Aspas is also set to leave Anfield after spending the season on loan at Sevilla, while the aforementioned Origi will play his first campaign at Anfield following a season's stint with Lille.

FourFourTwo's James Maw jests when suggesting Radamel Falcao could move to Loftus Road, but the fact remains that Austin looks likely to leave the relegated outfit following their drop to the Championship:

Austin's record of 17 goals in 34 league appearances this season equates to an admirable ratio of one goal every other game, and the player will be seen as more affordable after QPR's drop was confirmed.

Should there be a hidden message behind Austin's tweet, it could be that he's open to an Anfield arrival of his own, giving the Reds some hope in his pursuit should they wish to make their interest in his services known.