Liverpool Transfer News: Lucas Digne PSG Inquiry Made, New Mateo Kovacic Rumours

Liverpool have made an approach for Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne, according to Le Parisien (h/t Get French Football).

Ben Jefferson of the Express also cited Le Parisien's report and suggested the Reds have "made contact with Digne's representatives." However, the Merseyside club will face competition from Roma, who are said to be "leading the race."

Manchester United's pursuit of PSG right-back Gregory van der Wiel could also impact Digne's future whereabouts, according to Jefferson. If PSG sell the Dutchman, Digne's versatility could become key for Laurent Blanc's side, as UEFA's financial fair play rules will likely hamper the team once again this summer.

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Digne ticks all the boxes for Rodgers' style. At 21 years old, he is still learning how to launch effective attacking runs from deep without leaving the team exposed. 

The Frenchman is a smart passer but needs to work on his efficiency when attempting to beat a man after completing 0.6 successful dribbles throughout 15 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2014-15 campaign, per WhoScored.com.

He always shows an eagerness to get involved, though, and could benefit from additional playing time at the top level.

Digne could also be key for Rodgers if the manager is looking to work with a 3-4-2-1 formation next season.

The Northern Irishman flitted between three and four at the back during the recently finished campaign. Liverpool played their best football with three centre-backs receiving support from energetic wide players such as Alberto Moreno. Digne could slot right into this role.

Kovacic, Lacazette Moves Continue to Stutter

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Rodgers continues to be linked with a move for Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Marc Williams of the Daily Star suggested the Italian club are waiting for an £18 million bid but could accept less if Reds defender Martin Skrtel is thrown into the deal.

Skrtel was arguably Liverpool's most important defender throughout 2014-15. However, he recently told Slovakian publication Aktualne that his last contract offer was "unacceptable," as Williams reported.

The nature of his frustration is born from Skrtel reportedly having to play 80 percent of the club's matches to receive his full pay, per Elliott Bretland of MailOnline.

Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Will Giles of Metro) previously suggested Liverpool might offer striker Fabio Borini in a player-plus-cash deal for Kovacic, and Lucas Leiva could provide a third alternative if the San Siro club doesn't bite.

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Rodgers' plans appear to be struggling across the board. Football writer Matt Spiro passed along word of Lyon's hopes to keep reported Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes Lacazette—who sat atop the 2014-15 Ligue 1 scorer chart with 27 strikes—would be a "dream" signing for the Anfield outfit:

A developing squad wasn't enough to secure Champions League football for Liverpool during the season, so Rodgers' signings need to be well-calculated. Having already signed James Milner and Danny Ings, the Anfield boss is well on his way to shaping the side for the beginning of competitive football in August.

Digne and Kovacic would add to the selection of improving youngsters at the club, while Lacazette would provide goalscoring prowess. Right now, only the striker can be considered essential.