Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Eduardo Salvio and Theo Walcott Rumours

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is reported to be "days away" from completing his first signing of the summer in the shape of Benfica's Eduardo Salvio, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star).

However, the deal may hit the rocks due to a significant injury.

Salvio is also said to be on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester United after an impressive season at the Estadio da Luz. He racked up nine goals from the title-winning side's right-wing, per WhoScored.com, where his tremendous acceleration and dribbling skills make him a constant threat.

Williams' report suggests "the deal will be complete in a matter of days," with Liverpool paying "much less" than the 24-year-old's £40 million buyout fee.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

However, football writer Duncan Castles doesn't believe the player will be on the move:

Rodgers may be looking to find a replacement for Raheem Sterling, whose refusal to sign a new contract saw him abused by Liverpool fans when warming up for the Reds' 6-1 defeat against Stoke City, reported by Adam Smith of the MailOnline.

While Salvio usually plays on the opposite flank to Sterling, he is versatile enough to swap as his manager pleases. Lazar Markovic, who made the journey from Benfica to Liverpool last summer, may be given an opportunity to shine opposite his former team-mate. While Rodgers should be keen to the get the deal done, paying anywhere near £40 million is excessive.

Salvio's quality can be seen below:

However, the Express (h/t Telegraph Sport) suggests Rodgers may opt to up Liverpool's pursuit of Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who reminded everyone of his quality with a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Telegraph Sport's article suggests Liverpool could offer Sterling for a Walcott-plus-cash deal, lowering the former's £60 million price-tag. However, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger made it clear Walcott is part of his plans prior to Sunday's win over the Baggies, per Arsenal's official Twitter feed:

Rodgers faces something of a do or die season at Liverpool. He's trophyless after three years on Merseyside, ending the 2014-15 campaign with a truly terrible performance at the Britannia Stadium. After finishing second last year, failing to make next year's Champions League can be considered a failure.

Losing Sterling will bolster the club's bank and potentially allow for significant reinvestment. World-class stars are needed—quality, not quantity—as the time to invest heavily in youth is over. Rodgers and Liverpool must find instant results, something which starts in the summer transfer market.