Liverpool Transfer News: Major Names Linked to Brendan Rodgers' Squad

Liverpool will reportedly use Rickie Lambert as a makeweight in their attempt to lure Aston Villa’s star striker Christian Benteke to Anfield this summer.

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who claims that Villa, who were interesting in signing the Reds striker in the January transfer window, could potentially be convinced to sell the Belgian powerhouse should Lambert go the other way.

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As noted by the piece, the Midlands outfit have “made it clear” they don’t want to sell their top scorer, but manager Tim Sherwood is realistic enough to know he faces a “major battle” to keep hold of the 24-year-old.

Here’s how Benteke compares with, according to Cross, another reported Liverpool target, Danny Ings, per WhoScored.com:

It’d be a major surprise to see Lambert still wearing the Reds No. 9 next season. The 33-year-old’s dream move to his boyhood club hasn’t really materialised as he’d have liked, and as he approaches the twilight of his career, the England international will be acutely aware of the need to play regular first-team football.

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With that in mind, if Liverpool can include him in any potential deal for an incoming player, that’d be a massive bonus. Especially for someone like Benteke, who has thrived in the second half of the season under Sherwood.

However, football writer Paul Grech doesn’t feel as though the Belgian would be the right fit at Anfield:

Indeed, on the face of things, Benteke and Lambert actually share a lot of similar qualities. Both men are brilliant with their back to goal, excellent in the air and can play the role of target man astutely. But there’s a lot more dynamism about Benteke, and as such, he’d certainly offer a different edge to their attacking forays.

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What’s been scarce from Liverpool’s offensive armoury this season has been variety and the Belgian would certainly add that. If a deal could be done, he could be a big hit at Anfield, providing a brilliant foil for Daniel Sturridge and the team’s array of polished midfield men.

Reds in Pole Position to Land Milner

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According to the Daily Star (h/t the Daily Telegraph) Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Anfield is poised to be James Milner, with Liverpool apparently ahead of Arsenal in the race to land the multifaceted midfield star.

The Manchester City man’s contract is up at the end of the campaign, and it’s still unclear where his future lies. But the aforementioned piece claims that the England international will opt for a Merseyside switch “hoping for more playing time” and because “he feels he can step into the shoes vacated by Gerrard.”

Kartik Krishnaiyer of World Soccer Talk thinks that Milner will be a big hit for any team should he leave City:

There’s no denying the England international has been one of the standout players at the Etihad Stadium this season. While his work rate and versatility are often heralded, Milner possess understated quality on the ball too, as is evident by the eight goals and seven assists he’s notched in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.

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But is he the type of signing that will sate the Anfield faithful’s ambition? A lot of Liverpool supporters would prefer to be a little bolder in their transfer endeavours and maybe pursue some of these dream targets outlined by Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe:

Milner is no Gerrard and he’s not the type of player who will expedite a title charge in 2015/16 for the Merseyside club. But on a free transfer, he’d be a cracking addition for any side, and although Liverpool supporters may be reeling following a tough season, they shouldn’t lose sight of the fact he’d be a quality capture.

With Gerrard gone, Milner will add a dash of needed experience and adaptability to what is a young Liverpool squad. But what is important is that the club bring in other quality options to complement the broad skill set of the Manchester City man should he eventually sign up.