Liverpool Transfer News: Denis Cheryshev and Nathaniel Clyne Bids Rumoured

Liverpool are "prepared to offer" Real Madrid €15-20 million (approx. £11-£14.5 million) for winger Denis Cheryshev, according to Carlos Forjanes of AS.

Cheryshev enjoyed a quality season on loan at Villarreal, scoring four goals and providing nine assists in 26 La Liga appearances, per WhoScored.com. Forjanes suggests he is "not part" of new Madrid boss Rafa Benitez's plans for the 2015-16 season and that "his future is in England."

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers may well need to search for an exciting winger. Wantaway forward Raheem Sterling continues to be linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City, as ESPN FC reported (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star).

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

He was an ever-present fixture on Liverpool's left wing throughout the recently concluded campaign and could leave a considerable hole in the side's chances of securing a top-four place. Forjanes suggests it remains to be seen whether Madrid will install a buyback clause in the contract that takes Cheryshev to Anfield, as they have done with players such as Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Morata in the past.

Cheryshev previously admitted his parent club are likely to move him on but suggested he would like to remain at Villarreal, per Sport.

"As far as I know there hasn’t been any interest from Madrid," said Cheryshev. "My agent has received some calls from other clubs. I've said many times that the treatment I've received here has been excellent and I've never had that anywhere before so I wouldn't mind staying here at all."

The player's qualities can be seen below:

Rodgers could welcome the Russian to Anfield alongside versatile Manchester City midfielder James Milner, who can also operate from the wing.

Liverpool are "confident" of signing the Englishman, according to BBC Sport, in what would be a smart capture for the club. Rodgers loves versatile players who can contribute in multiple positions, making Milner ideal considering Sterling's potential exit and the departure of captain Steven Gerrard.

The Merseyside club are also said to be preparing an "improved offer" of £15 million for Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, having previously seen a £10 million bid turned down, according to Jack Wilson of the Daily Star.

Wilson notes ongoing interest from Manchester United and Chelsea in the England international, who enjoyed a fantastic season in Ronald Koeman's defence. Clyne's arrival would suggest Rodgers is looking to play a back four next year—permanently moving away from the triple centre-back combination he used during 2014/15—as the manager looks to add stability to the side's attacking threat.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed alternative targets for Rodgers:

Cheryshev and Clyne would be quality signings for the Reds. Both are hungry players who are eager to impress and have plenty of improvements to make.

Rodgers' summer signings need to make a more instant impact than last year's acquisitions. The manager has received the backing of the owners after a third straight season without silverware, per Wilson, but that is unlikely to continue if Liverpool don't improve during the upcoming campaign.