Liverpool Transfer News: Reds in Mateo Kovacic Talks, Christian Benteke Rumours

A major summer of rebuilding lies ahead at Anfield, and Mateo Kovacic is among those latest names said to be on the Reds' radar alongside Aston Villa hitman Christian Benteke.

The Telegraph cites reports in Italy that suggest talks are already underway between Inter and Liverpool regarding a potential move for Kovacic, with a £7.5 million bid said to have been rejected by the Nerazzurri.

Santoni Daniela/Associated Press

However, the report goes on to mention Brendan Rodgers' side are willing to increase their offer for the Croatia international, and Fenway Sports Group representatives are alleged to be thrashing out a £12.5 million deal.

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo suggests otherwise, though, proclaiming the reports associating the two parties have little credibility:

Kovacic was pushed through the ranks at boyhood club Dinamo Zagreb as a youngster and thus already has a huge amount of experience for a 21-year-old, including 19 international caps.

The attacking midfielder started in 25 of his 34 Serie A appearances last season, scoring five goals in the process thanks to his lurking presence on the edge of the area.

With Raheem Sterling's position at Anfield uncertain and Steven Gerrard jetting off to Los Angeles, midfield figures with a penchant for playmaking may be considered worthwhile for Rodgers this summer.

David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com has commented on the idea of Lucas Leiva being used in part exchange to execute the deal, but he doesn't see the Brazilian as being valuable enough to finance the move:

For one so young, Kovacic may well be considered an exciting prospect, having already made almost 100 appearances for Inter and having played top-tier football his entire professional career.

Should reports linking the Croat with a Merseyside transfer prove true, his acquisition could prove extremely valuable for the figures mooted.

Simon Mignolet Backs Benteke Bolstering

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Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has advised Liverpool to recruit international team-mate Benteke, admitting he'd be happy to see his compatriot join him on Merseyside.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN (via Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express), Mignolet stated he'd be talking to the striker regarding a switch to join him and Divock Origi at the club: "I'm going to talk with Benteke about the Liverpool rumours. It would be fine to have three Belgians at the club.”

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Benteke was powerless but to watch Arsenal claim the 2014-15 FA Cup on Saturday after being battered 4-0 by the Gunners, a display that didn't boost his reputation in the eyes of some.

This Is Anfield posted results of a poll asking whether fans would like to see the forward arrive at Liverpool this summer, to which the majority of the 9,000 participants answered "no:"

Signing a clinical scoring presence will be considered a priority at Anfield once again this summer. Daniel Sturridge struggled for full fitness this season, and last year's signings disappointed in a major way.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond recently discussed the idea of Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini all leaving Rodgers' squad this summer, along with Iago Aspas, who's heading to Sevilla:

Benteke may not have been able to find the target against Arsenal, but one performance can't completely discredit all the frontman has done for the Villans in recent years.

Squawka Dave paints a picture of just how prolific Benteke has been in 2015 in particular, on par with some of the Premier League's most respected finishers:

"

Benteke has scored 11 goals in the Premier League during 2015. Only Kane (16) and Aguero (11) have managed more. #AVFC

— Squawka Dave (@SquawkaDave) May 30, 2015"

When one considers the service at Anfield would almost certainly be superior to that on offer at Villa Park, one may reconsider how effective the 24-year-old could be for Rodgers.

However, financial constraints are likely to play their role, and no matter how much Mignolet may want to line up alongside his countryman, a deal may only be possible if the price is right.